Kraken Iceplex grand opening, live music, car show, more happening in Seattle this weekend

This weekend offers a wealth of events and activities for the adventurous: Be it behind the wheel, climbing over obstacles, sliding on ice or just trying out a new restaurant.

Read on for what to see and do in Emerald City September 10-12.

Good Eats: The new menu from Pioneer Square Drinks & Eats

After serving a reduced menu to Pioneer Square Drinks & Eats for 18 months due to COVID-19 restrictions, Jonathan Flemings is offering a new menu and culinary team led by Chef Anthony Tran. This little bistro has been open since autumn 2018 and offers seating on the terrace to enjoy the last nice weather of this season.

Pioneer Square Drinks & Eats Chicken and Waffles

Courtesy of Pioneer Square Drinks & Eats

Drinks & Eats is already known for its fried chicken and waffles, but now the menu shares spaces with taste temptations like:

– Braised short ribs slowly braised with flavors and served over mashed potatoes, a five-spice demi-ice cream and roasted vegetables.

– Summer scallops served with marbled potatoes, pickled cherry tomatoes, zucchini vinaigrette and pea vines.

– Smoked crab roll with charred corn, lemon aioli and fresh herbs on Hawaiian rolls and a summer salad.

On game days, don’t miss the famous Fried Chicken Party Box, which includes fried chicken tenders, wings, fries and a variety of different sauces such as Carolina-style BBQ, house sriracha, honey mustard, blue cheese and the old trusty ranch.

Seattle Kraken players will attend a training session during a media event to mark the opening of the Kraken’s NHL hockey training and community facility in Seattle on Thursday, September 9, 2021.Ted S. Warren / AP

Activities: Free the ice skaters

This weekend we’re one step closer to becoming a hockey city with the opening of Kraken’s Community Iceplex, the Seattle Kraken’s official training track. The venue’s opening ceremony includes public skate and stick n puck sessions, a free figure skating exhibition, free “try hockey” sessions for children, a free off-ice family fun zone – with ball hockey, family games and photo ops – and the opening of the Kraken team stores. You can find the full schedule here.

Concert goers make a heart shape with their hands

Flashpop / Getty Images

Music: from the promenade to the fair

After a year of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the folks behind Queen Anne Days want you to know they are “back in the saddle” with a festival held Friday and Saturday at Big Howe Field. Highlights include performances by various tribute bands playing the music of Phil Collins, Genesis, Styx, Elvis, and The Beatles.

Lots of folks outside of Everett are unaware that the town’s Fisherman’s Village Music Festival runs until Saturday night. KEXP presents this year’s festival with Built To Spill, Lady A, The Microphones, LA Witch, Black Belt Eagle Scout, Assertion, Jason Webley, Nite Wave and 45 other acts. While you need a wristband for all shows on the main stage, the Fisherman’s Village Night Market, which runs from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, is free. Here you will find live music, karaoke, over 40 different providers, 12 food trucks and a beer garden.

The Brats, Brews & Bands over 21 event hosted by Thurston County’s Gateway Rotary Club will open its store on Saturday in Huntamer Park in Lacey with over a dozen bands, a wide variety of beers on tap, loads of brats, and local food, trucks, and even trucks a new vineyard. For $ 30, get five tasting tokens, a tasting mug, and entry to all performances.

The Washington State Fair continues this weekend, with tickets still available for Michael Ray on Friday and 38 Special on Saturday. Both concerts offer music, dance and a full bar experience.

Festivals: wine, art and lighthouses

Mercer Island is where its Art Uncorked event takes place at the Greta Hackett Outdoor Sculpture Gallery Friday night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You’ll also find dinner pairings from HP’s Smokehouse and Off the Rez Food Trucks, live music from the Eastside Quintet, and a variety of works by artists available for purchase.

The town of Mukilteo celebrates its annual lighthouse festival all weekend, starting with a pirate landing on Friday evening and ending with Run-A-Muck 5 / 10K on Sunday. In between there is a large parade, lighthouse tours, market stalls, a salmon casserole, “Avenue of Food”, a beer garden with live music, children’s activities and fireworks.

Cars: For lookie lot for would-be drivers

The most unique name event this weekend goes to DirtFish, which has a big car show on Sunday from 11am to 4pm in Snoqualmie. But it’s not just about cars, it’s also about experiences. New this year is the Avant’s Off-Road Experience, which offers a 4×4 course for everyone from beginners to advanced. If your car is not suitable for off-road use, they also offer ridesharing. If you dare, try a thrilling ride in a DirtFish rally car with a professional driver or take an Atomic Helicopter Tour. While the festival is free, the added fun is a little more expensive.

Over 250 cars and motorcycles will be on display on the streets of Edmonds on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From young Hot Wheels enthusiasts to respected car collectors, there is something for everyone at the Edmonds Car & Motorcycle Show.

Seattle North Spartan Trifecta Weekend

Courtesy Seattle North Spartan Trifecta Weekend

Events: An obstacle course like no other

This weekend, Snohomish County is welcoming the Seattle North Spartan Trifecta Weekend, which includes the 5K Spartan Sprint, 10K Super, and 13M Beast races. Each of these races will test your endurance and potentially change your life. The sprint offers 20 different obstacles along the way. The finishers will receive a medal, a t-shirt, a free professional photo, a cold can of FITAID and bragging rights. Too simple? Take on the Super with 25 obstacles or the Beast with 30 obstacles. Each of them ensures a good night’s sleep.

Tickets: Upcoming events to plan now

• Jefferson Starship: September 17, 2021 at the Historic Everett Theater

• Comedian JP Sears: September 18, 2021 at the Historic Everett Theater

• Singer Kelly Lee Owens: September 18, 2021 in Nuemos

• Herbie Hancock: September 21, 2021 at the Paramount Theater

• Shen Yun: September 30 through October 3, 2021 at McCaw Hall

• Great Pumpkin Beer Festival: October 1-2, 2021 at the Seattle Center

• My Morning Jacket / Durand Jones & The Indications: October 1, 2021 at the Paramount Theater

• Ice Hockey: Faster Than Ever Exhibition: October 18, 2021 to February 27, 2022 at the Pacific Science Center

• Coldplay: October 22nd at the Climate Pledge Arena. More information here.

• Was 50th Anniversary Tour: January 29, 2022 at the Pantages Theater