Seattle Restaurant Week, Climate Pledge Arena open house, jazz festival, more weekend events

Seattle will be celebrating several milestones this weekend.

As Coldplay conertgoers and Kraken fans christen Seattle's brand-new Climate Pledge Arena, Pike Place Market will be celebrating its 50th anniversary of being saved from demolition.

Thinking about getting a jump start on your holiday shopping? The Tacoma Holiday Food & Gift Festival returns this weekend with a variety of crafts and specialty foods. And speaking of food. Seattle Restaurant Week also returns with over 200 participating venues.

Keep reading for the scoop on where to find this weekend's festivals, events and food and drink celebrations around Seattle. 

Celebrations: Two Seattle icons celebrate milestones

Countless visitors come to explore Pike Place Market every year, but did you know the market was put on the chopping block in the early 1960s due to the city’s urban renewal? The Friends of the Market organization created the “Keep the Market” campaign in an effort to keep it from being destroyed. In 1971, the community voted to save the market.

On Saturday, Pike Place Market is celebrating the 50th anniversary of being saved from demolition with a variety of activities, commemorative gifts, craft demonstrations and more. Be on the lookout for two unique interactive murals created by Kate Endle and Mallory Milke and music buskers performing on the iconic Farm Truck. Participate in a treasure hunt to collect commemorative enamel pins and a chance to win Delta Airlines tickets. The Friends of the Market will also be offering free tours on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Another Seattle icon will be celebrating a milestone this weekend. Originally built for the 1963 World’s Fair, the newly-renovated Climate Pledge Arena at the Seattle Center will be hosting its grand opening Friday night with a Coldplay performance. A few tickets are still available but act quickly.

Climate Pledge also plays host to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night when the Seattle Kraken play their first home game. The proximity of the two teams created an instant rivalry, which, combined with the historic nature of the game, sent ticket prices soaring. A few tickets remain on the official Kraken website, starting at $317.

Didn't get concert or hockey tickets? On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the arena is holding an open house for fans to see Seattle's newest home for hockey, basketball, concerts and more. Preview the concourses and bowl, check out the full Harvest Market with over 20 purveyors of food and beverages and enjoy live music. Admission is free, but you’ll need to pick up tickets here before you go.

Good eats: Seattle Restaurant Week

It’s no secret the Emerald City is home to some of the nation’s best restaurants — three of them just made The New York Times’ list of most exciting — and the bi-annual Seattle Restaurant Week celebrates just that. Starting on Sunday and running through Nov. 6, more than 200 venues within 45 Seattle neighborhoods will be offering special offerings in hopes you’ll try something new. The restaurants will be offering special $20 lunches as well as $35 and $50 dinners. If you're uncomfortable with on-site dining, many restaurants are offering takeout and delivery options and cocktail kits. 

Music: Earshot Jazz Festival and a battle of the bands

The Earshot Jazz Festival continues through Nov. 7 with performances that are said to convey the social and creative complexities of our times. “Live jazz, with real people, in the same room, is one of the best things in the world — now, more than ever,” say the festival’s organizers.

This weekend’s concert lineup:

Immanuel Wilkins Quartet: Friday at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute

The Tiptons Sax Quartet: Friday & Saturday at the Chapel Performance Space at Good Shepherd Center

Giveton Gelin Quintet: Saturday at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute

Reggie Goings and Friends: Sunday at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute

Samara Joy and Sullivan Fortner: Sunday at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute

For those who really love marching bands, make plans to attend the 33rd Annual Puget Sound Festival of the Bands on Saturday. Thousands of high school students, representing at least 15 schools from all over the state, will be performing on Washington State Marching Day at Everett Memorial Stadium beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Chills: “Poe Unexpected” and Bollywood Thriller

Two Halloween events that's aren't haunted houses or festivals, deserve mention. First, Unexpected Productions is preparing for “Poe Unexpected” Sunday at 8 p.m. at its residence near the Gum Wall at Pike Place Market. The show hypothetically presents lost tales of the author found in his attic embracing macabre and hilarity in the process. This is a one-night showing, so go see it now or nevermore.

Second, the seasonal Bollywood Thriller costume dance party is celebrating its 10th year. Held at the High Drive Lounge on Saturday, this event will be hosted by DJ Prashant and DJ Lakshay along with a few other special performers. After the party, join the “smart mob” as they take to the streets to perform the dance from Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" video. You can learn the moves here ahead of time.

Dance: 30 years of modern dance

The Chamber Dance Company from the University of Washington is celebrating 30 years of modern dance this weekend with a concert that investigates the empathy, intimacy and confusion that comprise human relationships. The program includes choreography by Camille A. Brown, Joe Goode, Zvi Gotheiner, Shapiro & Smith and Doug Varone. The performance will be held at Meany Hall on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Shopping: Ho-ho-ho holiday gifts 

It’s hard to believe, but the 39th Annual Tacoma Holiday Food & Gift Festival, also known as “The Largest Holiday Show in the West,” is setting up shop at the Tacoma Dome. Held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, this event will feature a huge list of vendors selling crafts items, specialty foods, lighting, gifts and more. Three cooking demonstrations will be presented each day and yes, the big guy in the red suit has carved out some time to make an appearance as well.

Tickets: Upcoming events to plan for now

Nancy Wilson: Oct. 30 at Benaroya Hall

Christmas Ship Festival: Nov. 26 to Dec, 23 in Seattle

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Nov. 27 at Climate Pledge Arena

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria: Jan. 18 to Feb. 13

War 50th Anniversary Tour: Jan. 29 at the Pantages Theater