19 Things to Do in Seattle This Week · September 17–20, 2026

Arts & Culture

Jaipur Literature Festival Seattle

The 3rd edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival comes to Seattle Public Library and Town Hall Seattle for four days of literary programming and author talks.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 – Sunday, September 20, 2026 7:00 PM · Seattle Public Library and Town Hall Seattle

Luke Severeid at Laughs Comedy Club

Comedian Luke Severeid headlines two nights of stand-up comedy at Laughs Comedy Club in Seattle.

Friday, September 18, 2026 – Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Laughs Comedy Club, 5220 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle

Erin Cholakian at Emerald City Comedy Club

Comedian Erin Cholakian performs at the intimate, cabaret-style Emerald City Comedy Club on Capitol Hill.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Emerald City Comedy Club, 210 Broadway E, Seattle

Day-to-Day: A Life in Sticky Notes

A special program at the Henry Art Gallery connected to the 'Day-to-Day: Rhythm, Routine, Resistance' exhibition.

Thursday, September 24, 2026 · Henry Art Gallery, Seattle

Music & Nightlife

Truth to (Staying) Power

Live music event at South Seattle's premier jazz and roots venue, The Royal Room.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 · The Royal Room, 5000 Rainier Ave S, Seattle

JT Tomlinson at Laughs Comedy Club

Comedian JT Tomlinson takes the stage for a night of stand-up at Laughs Comedy Club in Seattle.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 · Laughs Comedy Club, 5220 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle

Unsane at El Corazon

Legendary noise-rock band Unsane performs with CNTS, Coffin Break, and Lilith at El Corazon.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · El Corazon, Seattle

Vaughn Cannon Quartet at The Royal Room

Jazz guitarist Vaughn Cannon leads his quartet for a live performance at The Royal Room.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 · The Royal Room, Seattle

Chaos & Crawlers at Emerald City Comedy Club

A wild and unpredictable comedy night at Emerald City Comedy Club featuring Chaos & Crawlers.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 · Emerald City Comedy Club, 210 Broadway E, Seattle

Date Night

Leslie Liao at Emerald City Comedy Club

Stand-up comedian Leslie Liao headlines a multi-night run at Emerald City Comedy Club with a $10 flash sale on 9:30 PM shows.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 – Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Emerald City Comedy Club, 210 Broadway E, Seattle

The Joe Casalini Trio

An intimate jazz trio performance at The Royal Room, South Seattle's beloved live music restaurant and lounge.

Friday, September 18, 2026 · The Royal Room, 5000 Rainier Ave S, Seattle

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

A candlelit orchestral reimagining of classic rock songs performs at the Paramount Theatre.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 · Paramount Theatre, Seattle

Family-Friendly

School of Rock Issaquah Performs Modern Funk & Soul

Young musicians from School of Rock Issaquah take the Royal Room stage for a live showcase of modern funk and soul.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · The Royal Room, 5000 Rainier Ave S, Seattle

The Bonsai Xperience at West Seattle Nursery

An interactive bonsai experience at West Seattle Nursery — a hands-on introduction to the art of bonsai.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · West Seattle Nursery, West Seattle

Festivals & Special Events

Art + Culture Week Seattle 2026

The third annual Art + Culture Week brings gallery openings, performances, and community events across Seattle's arts scene, September 19–27.

Friday, September 19, 2026 – Saturday, September 27, 2026 · Various venues, Seattle

Free Events

Northwest Salsa and Bachata Social Dance

A free salsa and bachata social dance night on Pier 66 with beginner lessons, a Jack and Jill competition, and DJs — dancing starts at 6 PM.

Friday, September 18, 2026 6:00 PM · Pier 66, Seattle Waterfront

Seattle Sacred Harp Shape Note Singers at Foster/White Gallery

The Seattle Sacred Harp Shape Note Singers perform at Foster/White Gallery during Art + Culture Week — all are welcome, no experience required.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 1:00 PM · Foster/White Gallery, 220 3rd Ave S, Seattle

Outdoors & Active

Lake Union Pancake Paddle

A fun community paddle on Lake Union followed by a pancake breakfast — open to all skill levels.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 9:00 AM · Lake Union, Seattle

Woody Plants for Urban Spaces at West Seattle Nursery

A workshop at West Seattle Nursery exploring the best woody plants for small urban gardens and city spaces.

Sunday, September 20, 2026 · West Seattle Nursery, West Seattle