5 things to do this weekend: national parks, tattoos and more

Some very Seattle events are happening this weekend, August 19-21, 2016. Plus, links to more activities including festivals, fairs, boating sites, seasonal fun and more.

Shirley Qiu

Seattle Times staff

1. Explore our national parks!

August 25 marks the 100th birthday of the National Park Service. Given that this is the Pacific Northwest and all (arguably the Most Beautiful Corner of Earth), it’s only fitting that we celebrate by heading to the great outdoors.

Here’s what to do at our state’s national parks — for all ability levels. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen (this weekend especially). And check out these reader photos of national parks, which will remind you how truly beautiful Mother Nature is.

2. Catch the last Hempfest?

With financial woes fogging up the future of Seattle’s 25th annual Hempfest, happening today through Sunday, it’s unclear whether this “protestival” will be back next year. Meaning we may never see 2013’s “Operation Orange Fingers” again. So if you’re into that sort of thing … don’t miss it this weekend.

3. Head to a free concert — and maybe learn some things

A group of actors, musicians and comedians (hip-hop musician Talib Kweli, actor Evangeline Lilly and comedian Hari Kondabolu, to name a few) are stopping in town today to tell you about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a controversial international trade agreement that’s awaiting a congressional vote. Whether or not you agree with their anti-TPP platform is another question, to be determined by you. But hey, worse comes to worst, you get to kick off your weekend with a free show.

4. Get inked

Thinking about getting a tattoo? Seattle Center is hosting the Seattle Tattoo Expo this weekend, bringing together ink enthusiasts and tattoo artists from around the nation to share and showcase their art. Yes, you can get a tattoo right there on the spot. Yes, you still must be 18 or over.

5. Pair your beer with some Bach

That’s right, classical music and brews. It’s a winning combination for cellist Steuart Pincombe and his mezzo-soprano wife and manager, Michelle. They have carefully curated a set of three beers to go with three of J.S. Bach’s Suites for Unaccompanied Cello, which they will perform at Seattle’s Machine House Brewery Sunday night. If you’re looking for a different kind of beer tasting, this is the one for you.