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MUST EAT

Ballard SeafoodFest
(7/12-7/14) Head over to Ballard for this 45th annual celebration of seafood and entertainment. This historic neighborhood is quite the hospitable host, offering an array of musical acts, presented by KEXP, including Pickwick and The Moondoggies. With craft beer, cocktail gardens, vendors and food trucks galore—what more could you need? Stroll the grounds with an IPA in one hand and salmon barbecue in the other, you won’t regret it. Times vary. Free. Ballard, 5345 Ballard Ave. NW; seafoodfest.org

MUST GET OUTSIDE

Timber! Outdoor Music Festival
(7/11-7/13) This seventh annual outdoor fest includes plenty of musical acts and campsite varieties that will surely satisfy an entire group. Enjoy musical acts from Sleeping Lessons, Oh Sees, Spesh and The Not-Its! over a three-day period and, if you need a break from the tunes, there’s plenty of outdoor events such as nature painting, kayaking and trail runs to keep you busy. See you there. Times and prices vary. Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground, Carnation, 31020 NE 40th St.; 206.477.6149; summer.timbermusicfest.com

MUST SIP

Seattle International Beer Festival
(7/12-7/14) Seattle is no stranger to craft beer and festivals, so why not combine the two? Get your fix of hops, ales, sours and pilsners during this three-day event with more than 200 world-class beers. If there’s a specific brew you’re thirsty for, it’ll probably be there. So, BYOB as in bring your own blanket to sprawl on the lawn and sip your brewski. Bottoms up! This is a 21 and over event. Times and prices vary. Fisher Lawn and Pavilion, Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.; 206.486.2089; seattlebeerfest.com

MUST BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY

West Seattle Summer Fest
(7/12-7/14) Bring the whole family to this 37th annual event offering beer gardens, live music, food trucks and booths, spots to shop and—probably the final nudge you need—a play area for the kids. Check out bands such as the Polyrythmics and Razor Clam while the kiddos enjoy arcade games and inflatables, keeping the whole family happy. Also, the playtime is charitable, with a percentage of the rides proceeds donated to two nonprofits: Westside Baby and Global Visionaries. Times and prices vary. West Seattle, 4210 SW Oregon St.; wsjunction.org/summerfest

MUST LOVE THEATER

Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival 
(7/13-7/14) This two-day live theater event is sure to deliver, holding 18 performances from ten local companies on three stages. Get your fix of hot dogs and bratwursts while you relax on the green lawns of Volunteer Park, watching plays including Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew and The Totally True and Almost Accurate Adventures of Pinocchio. Make the weekend a family affair—there will be multiple performances for the kids, too. Times vary. Free. Volunteer Park, Capitol Hill, 1247 15th Ave. E; 206.748.1551; greenstage.org/sotf

MUST LIKE CHERRY PIE

Twin Peaks Festival
(7/12-7/14) Cast members from the original Twin Peaks television series mingle with fans at this summer gathering, which includes a celebrity banquet, tours of filming locations, screenings of David Lynch short films and even karaoke. Did you get all that, Diane? Times, prices and locations vary. twinpeaksfest.com