Happy day after Thanksgiving! There are plenty of things to do and see in Greenwood and Phinney Ridge this weekend. Here are a few highlights; check our Events calendar any time for more.
Woodland Park Zoo’s second annual WildLights begins Friday. WildLights runs 5:30-8:30 p.m. nightly through Jan 4 (closed Dec. 24-25). (Daytime zoo admission is not included in WildLights tickets; WildLights is not included in regular zoo admission.) Parking in the zoo’s North, Inner North and Northwest lots is free (unlike last year).
Photo credit: J. Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo
The all-new WildLights features wild animals and wild places recreated in thousands of sparkling LED lights inspired by exotic destinations from across the globe, including “Northern Lights,” “The Water Hole” and “Jungle Lights.” New additions to the event include “Glow-rillas,” “Komodo Crossing,” “Eagle’s Nest,” and more!
Experience illuminated indoor and outdoor displays, a ride on the zoo’s decorated Historic Carousel (additional fee), and a visit from a couple of reindeer! Festive snacks will be available for purchase during event nights. While the zoo’s animals will be tucked in for the night, the Day Exhibit, a showcase of reptiles and amphibians, and a portion of the Adaptations Building, featuring animals such as sloths, Indian flying foxes and meerkats, will be open for guests. Fridays through Sundays, enjoy an evening animal encounter at the Raptor Barn along with the zoo’s many birds of prey.
Tickets are available online or at zoo gates during regular zoo hours. Night-of-event tickets will be for sale at the zoo’s West Entrance, unless sold out. Cost is Adults (13+) $9.50; Children (3-12) $6.50; Toddlers (2 and under) Free. Adult zoo members receive an admission discount Sunday-Wednesday: $7.50.
Pickled Okra performs at Ridge Romp at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the PNA in the Brick Building.
If Pickled Okra’s special brand of Americana music could be described, you might call it “old-school, porch-settin’, sing into a can-style bluegrass.” Ask one of the band members and they’ll tell you it’s “ham and cheese grass.” Tickets are $5; babes-in-arms free.
Seattle Folklore Society presents Heidi Muller and Bob Webb in concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Phinney Neighborhood Center in the Brick Building, 6532 Phinney Ave. N. Cost is $15, $13 SFS/PNA members and seniors; kids half price. Reserve seats online or call 206-528-8523.
Breakaway with DJ Gumbeaux from 10 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday at The Angry Beaver,8412 Greenwood Ave. N.
Singer-Songwriter Showcase from 8-10 p.m. Sunday at Tim’s Tavern, 602 N. 105th St.
Don’t forget tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, where you’re encouraged to shop local and support your neighborhood businesses. Lots of neighborhood businesses are having special events and sales to mark the day, including Couth Buzzard Books, 8310 Greenwood Ave. N., which is hosting a bunch of local authors, including David Volk (aka, The Cheap Bastard, who will share his wisdom on free and cheap events around town), novelist Peter Mountford, poet Elizabeth Austen, novelist Wendy Joseph and true crime writer Rebecca Morris; and Santoro’s Books, 7405 Greenwood Ave. N., which is having several local authors be booksellers for the day, giving readers advice on books and signing their own.
If you’re heading downtown Friday evening, don’t forget the Westlake Tree Lighting Ceremony and Macy’s Star Lighting and Fireworks start at 5 p.m. About 40,000 people are expected, so traffic and sidewalks will be crowded.
Saturday morning the streets around the Seattle Center will be closed for the Seattle Marathon 5K Race and the Seattle Kids Marathon, and on Sunday 15,000 people are expected for the Seattle Marathon.
