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MUST STARGAZE

Perseid Meteor Shower
(8/11) On clear summer nights, an hour before dawn, The Perseids are renowned for being one of the easiest and most popular meteor showers to observe in the Northern Hemisphere. While the Perseids are active from July 14 to August 24, this year they reach their maximum activity August 11–13. And one of the best local viewing spots, away from the bright lights of the city, is Cama Beach State Park, where members of the Cama Beach Foundation will set up telescopes for better viewing (weather permitting!). As many as 50–100 meteors can be seen per hour. Times vary. Free. Camano Island, 1880 W Camano Drive; 360.387.3115; camabeachfoundation.org

MUST CHOW DOWN

Food Truck Taste Off
(8/8) Who doesn’t love food trucks? This taste off features 14 food vendors and six breweries, all local, for attendees to enjoy. Theo’s Gyros, Frelard Tamales, Langostino Sushi Burrito and more will offer delicious bites from their signature dishes. Make your rounds then vote for your favorite vendor with the winner receiving a prize. But don’t worry, you can get a prize too— raffles, games and live music will be offered throughout the evening. Get fed and happy at this friendly competition, with all proceeds supporting Solid Ground’s work to solve poverty. 5 p.m.–9 p.m. Prices vary. Magnuson Park Hangar 30, Sand Point, 6310 NE 74th St.; 206.694.6700; solid-ground.org

MUST IMMERSE IN NATURE

Guided Nature Walks
(Through 8/24) The Pacific Science Center and the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center present this summer hiking series at the 320-acre biodiverse Mercer Slough Nature Park. The series explores the natural world through a combination of drawing, writing and scientific recording. Journal about nature, learn about specific plants, and hear how the land was shaped and used by indigenous people. 10 a.m.–noon. Prices vary. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue, 1625 118th Ave. SE; 206.443.2925; pacificsciencecenter.org

MUST GET SMOKY

Jack’s Low & Slow Festival 
(8/10) Take it easy at this brisket and ribs filled event at Seattle’s original Texas BBQ joint. Jack’s five years of business calls for a party, so get ready for a day of shenanigans, including a good ol’ game of horseshoe toss, Chicken Sh!t Bingo and live music on an outdoor stage all day long. And did we mention the smoked— low and slow, of course— whole steer? Your ticket includes one beastly steer sandwich. Let’s keep this simple and say we’ll see you there. This is a 21 and older event. 12 p.m.–10 p.m. Prices vary. Jack’s BBQ, SoDo, 3294 Airport Way S; 206.467.4038; jacksbbq.com

MUST PLAY

Pianos in the Parks 
(Through 8/18) You’ll want to key in for this one. Pianos in the Parks, a public art event series invites music lovers and players to piano music sessions across 13 different neighborhood parks. This melodic shindig features musicians playing decorated or painted pianos that a fellow neighborhood artist has designed. Plus, you can take a seat and play a little tune yourself when you’re feeling brave. If you need an excuse to venture out of your neck of the woods, here’s your chance. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, enjoy sweet tunes at the height of summer and harmonize with the community. Times and locations vary. Free. Pianosintheparks.org

MUST SAY ALOHA

Hawaiian Nights
(8/9, 8/10, 8/16, 8/17) Canlis is hosting Hawaiian-themed pool parties through mid-August and everyone’s invited. Every Friday and Saturday evening, the restaurant’s lower parking lot turns into the ultimate summer soirée, serving sips and snacks for people 21 and older. This unfussy shindig is just what we all need—so bring your swimsuit and save room nachos. Times vary. Free. Food and drink are available for purchase. East Queen Anne, 2576 Aurora Ave.; 206.283.3313; canlis.com/hawaii

MUST RALLY

NFL Preseason Home Opener
(8/8) The Seahawks kick off the preseason with this game against the Denver Broncos, whose dynamic linebacker duo of Bradley Chubb and Von Miller is sure to cause disruptions to the Hawks’ offense. Here’s hoping the electric talents of new wide receiver D.K. Metcalf and safety Marquise Blair, both acquired through this year’s draft, (oh, and maybe a hand from Russell Wilson) make this the year for another playoff run. 7 p.m. Prices vary. CenturyLink Field, 800 Occidental Ave. S; 888.635.4295; seahawks.com

MUST SEE

Seattle Asian American Film Festival Summer Series
(Through 8/24) It’s not only a great family movie, Pixar’s Up is probably the ideal first-date movie, in that if your new squeeze doesn’t cry at the opening flashback montage, dump that sociopath. Jordan Nagai voices the eager-beaver scout who accompanies Ed Asner’s curmudgeon on a South American adventure (8/24). Also screening: Iron Monkey (8/10) and another animated adventure, Mirai (8/17). 7:30 p.m. (films start at sundown). Free. Hing Hay Park, Chinatown–International District, 423 Maynard Ave. S; seattleaaff.org