WildLanterns, whiskey tasting, new hockey exhibit, more things to do in Seattle this weekend

This weekend brings the start of a popular Seattle holiday event along with a new exhibit for hockey fans, a tasting opportunity for whiskey lovers and plenty of live music. 

Keep reading for a roundup of things to see and do around the Emerald city this weekend. 

Lights: WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo

Kick off your holiday season a little early at Woodland Park Zoo's WildLanterns exhibit. This year's presentation is not only bigger than last year's, but offers a unique alternative to traditional Christmas lights.

After walking through the mouth of a giant color-changing shark, view larger-than-life snails, butterflies and honeybees and continue your journey through Creatures of the Past to witness dinosaurs and mammoths. Then, travel through the Mysterious Forest to find brightly colored tigers, jaguars and a proud peacock, and through the traditional Chinese lanterns section to witness an impressive 200-foot long dragon, an army of terracotta warriors and more. The entire experience is highlighted by tranquil music which only adds to the adventure.

When the sun goes down, the lights go on until 8:30 p.m. Masks required indoors and outdoors; vaccine verification or proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to your scheduled visit for ages 12 and older. 

Attractions: Hockey is faster than ever at Pac-Sci

Now that Seattle finally released the Kraken, hockey fans of all ages can get a better understanding of the science, history and culture of hockey with the opening of Pacific Science Center’s newest exhibit, Hockey: Faster Than Ever. Created in part by the National Hockey Leagues Players’ Association, fans can test their hockey knowledge with over 20 hands-on experiences on a replica rink, try their hands at shooting, learn the physics of collision and fast ice, test their goalie skills, build their own legend and more.

The exhibit will be open through Feb. 27. However, if you’re not in a hurry to get in on the action, Alaska Airlines is giving away free tickets to the exhibit on Nov. 21. Tickets are limited, so register for them now before they run out. 

Theatre: Taproot reopens with "Babette’s Feast"

Another Seattle theatre is opening its doors this weekend with the classic tale by Isak Dinesen. Greenwood’s Taproot Theatre is presenting "Babette’s Feast" with performances from now through Dec. 30. While not officially a holiday tale, it is sure to warm your heart. Directed by Scott Nolte and starring Pamela Nolte (two original founders of Taproot), the play centers on one simple act of generosity where Babette selflessly prepares a lavish meal that “awakens grace to transform brittle hearts,” says the theatre. Playing Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and a Saturday at 2 p.m. 

Festival: Festival Latinx celebrates hope

This year’s theme for Tacoma’s Festival Latinx is “Esperanza,” which means hope. This celebration of the South Sound’s Latino communities includes a mix of music, dance, arts, crafts and more. Highlights include live music performances by Mariachi Guadalajara, salsa band Eleré, Panama’s Alfredo Chavez, and Trío Guadalevín and Dora Oliveira’s all-women Brazilian drum line. A mercadito — little market — will also be set up offering a variety of goods from different vendors. The free event will be happening Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Tacoma Armory.

Comedy: "The Daily Show" comedian comes to McCaw Hall

A first-generation American, comedian Hasan Minhaj has made notable appearances on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah," the White House Correspondent’s Dinner in 2017 and more recently The Netflix comedy show, "Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj" which won a Peabody and Emmy Award. Now touring his show, "The King’s Jester" Minhaj will be presenting two performances at McCaw Hall on Saturday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Drink: Whiskies of the World

Known by some as “the quintessential whiskey tasting event,” Whiskies of the World is one of the largest tasting events in the U.S. The travel show is making a stop in Seattle with more than 200 different varieties of the golden-colored elixir — along with their makers and ambassadors — at the Rainier Club on Saturday beginning at 7:15 p.m.

Sample distilled spirits from around the world and close to home with a selection of Pacific Northwest distilleries. This all-inclusive tasting experience aims to foster a broader and deeper appreciation of whisky alongside samples, hors d'oeuvres and educational masterclasses from some of the top personalities in the industry, including Carolyn Sellar, Founder of Adventures in Whiskey in Seattle.

Music: Uncle Bonsai, Loudon Wainwright and Dry Cleaning

The local trio known as Uncle Bonsai made one of their first performances at Bumbershoot 40 years ago. Since that time, this group has written hundreds of songs, produced 10 releases, written one book and made multiple North American tours. While time does fly, this group is still going strong and will be celebrating this milestone Friday and Saturday at The Triple Door. Starting at 7:30 p.m., the group will present many of their classic songs along with, believe it or not, new ones to add to the mix.

It is said Loudon Wainwright III became famous when his song, “Dead Skunk” became a Top 20 hit in 1972. Since then, many of his songs have been recorded by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, Kate & Anna McGarrigle and even his son Rufus Wainwright. He himself has recorded 27 albums including his 2010 Grammy Award-winning “High, Wide & Handsome.” He also appears at The Triple Door on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

The band known as Dry Cleaning will be playing this weekend in support of their debut album, “New Long Leg” which is getting some good reviews from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and NPR Music. Pitchfork also gave the album a Best New Music review saying their debut album is “full of surreal images, bizarre obsessions, and sense memories,” but you be the judge. They will be playing at The Neptune Theatre with J.R.C.G. on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: Upcoming events to plan for now

Christmas Ship Festival: Nov. 26-Dec. 23 in Seattle

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

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria: Jan. 18-Feb. 13 at Marymoor Park in Redmond

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