Seattle, WA

I love this time of year. The weather is getting colder and the holiday season is ramping up. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it and the holiday bazaars are showing up all over. Speaking of holiday bazaars, the city of Kent will be hosting their 22nd Annual Holiday Craft Market. Featuring a wide variety of unique handcrafted items displayed throughout the spacious facility, this event features 70 vendor booths, the Figgy Pudding Cafe and Bake Sale, live entertainment, hourly door prize drawings, free parking, and free admission.

Kent’s 22nd Annual Holiday Craft Market
When: November 07 - November 08, 2008
Where: 600 East Smith St in Kent, Washington
$$$: Free

The City of Auburn will be honoring Veterans this weekend. Now in its 42nd year, Auburn’s Veterans Day Parade has become one of the largest Veteran’s parades west of the Mississippi. This year’s event is expected to draw well over 30,000 people. The parade is supported by each branch of the military and thousands of veterans, active military personnel and veteran service organizations across the state. This year’s parade will honor the Fleet Reserve Association. The parade boasts over 5,000 participants and over 200 units including military vehicles and equipment, military and veteran units, over 25 marching bands, historic cars, community groups and more. Saturday’s events start bright and early with an American Legion sponsored breakfast, followed by a Remembrance Ceremony and lighting of the Flame.

Auburn’s 43rd Annual Veterans Day Parade and Observance
When: November 08, 2008
Where: Main Street in Downtown Auburn
$$$: FREE event FREE parking, Breakfast = $6.00 person, Lunch = $13.00 person

This weekend also heralds another holiday favorite, the arrival of the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The “Wizards of Winter” bring their holiday arena-rock spectacle (an orchestral string section, a full rock band, multiple vocalists, a narrator, extensive pyrotechnics, and a stunning laser and light show) to KeyArena. Tickets can be purchased online.

Trans Siberian Orchestra
When: November 08, 2008, 3pm & 8pm
Where: KeyArena Plaza, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA
$$$: $39-$59

Seattle Center plays host to the Hmong New Year Celebration. Celebrate the Hmong New Year, which symbolizes the end of the harvest, a time when Hmong relax, prepare special foods, and begin courtships. Dance, music, cultural shows, foods, children’s activities, and historical exhibits demonstrate the cultural legacy of the Hmong people.

Hmong New Year Celebration
When: Saturday, November 08, 2008
Where: Center House, Seattle Center
$$$: Free

The star of the holiday season, none other than Santa himself, will make his first grand appearance at South Center Mall. Santa will be accompanied by his reindeer and there will also be a children’s concert.

Santa at Southcenter
When: Saturday, November 08, 2008
Where: Southcenter Mall, 633 Southcenter, Seattle
$$$: Free

Need a good laugh? Well, you’re in luck then because this weekend is the first week of the Seattle International Comedy Competition. Two groups of 16 comics compete for cash in this month-long contest. The Seattle International StandUp Comedy Competition is a touring comedy festival-slash-elimination contest, now in its 29th year. Hundreds of comedians audition each year to compete; only thirty-two are chosen to compete. Comics from Chicago, Boston, New York and Canada will be participating, as well as performers from the Northwest’s hot comedy scene. Last year’s winner, “Marcus,” went on to be runner-up on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” this summer. The stakes are higher than ever in the 29th annual Seattle International Standup Comedy Competition. Not only will this year’s winner get $5,000 in cash, but also a recording contract with Uproar Entertainment, the national comedy label that represents comedians Dana Gould, Brian Regan and John Pinette, as well as the entire National Lampoon catalog.

29th Annual Seattle International Comedy Competition
When: November 5-3, 2008
Where: Comedy Underground, 109 S. Washington St., Seattle
$$$: $25.00

If the current economy is putting your dreams of a trip to Europe on hold for a while, head to the scenic Olympic Peninsula and taste your way through France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and even a bit of Early America during the Olympic Peninsula Wineries’ annual Passport Weekend. Passports are limited to just 400 visitors. Passports will be available at the door of the wineries on a first come basis.

Passport Weekend International Wine Tour
When: November 8 & 9, 2008
Where: The Olympic Peninsula Wineries (About 2 hours northwest of Seattle)
$$$: Tasting fees for visitors without Passports will be $5.00 per person per winery.

Here is something I just heard about today! Did you know that you can do a walking tour of Pike Place Market? Eat your way through Seattle’s most celebrated culinary landmark! Let us take you behind the scenes to experience some of our favorite market spots. Taste locally made foods and beverages that will awaken your palate, meet and interact with the exceptional people that give the market life, and hear their humble, and often humorous stories. Pick up a few buying tips, cooking ideas, a list of can’t-miss restaurants, and some handy market history. This is a 2-2.5 hour tour that comes with a personal audio device. I so want to do this! Wear comfortable shoes and clothing

Pike Place Market Cultural Tour
When: Daily departures between 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, rain or shine
Where: Tour meets at Seattle Coffee Works (111 Pike St.) at 9:45am. Advance ticket purchase is required.
$$$: $41

Well kids, those are my picks for the weekend. If I’ve missed anything please do let me know! Have a great weekend!