Shakes down. Pack some nosh, throw a blanket down on the grass and introduce kids to Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors — for free — in a family-friendly outdoor setting. Greenstage’s “Shakespeare in the Park” series kicks off its 21st season with a farce that involves one town, two pairs of identical twins and a whole lotta confusion. The play runs July 10–Aug. 15 at parks in Fall City (July 10, 7 p.m.), Seattle (many dates and locations), Redmond (July 24, 7 p.m.), Burien (Aug. 1, 7 p.m.) and Lynnwood (Aug. 6, 7 p.m.). Visit Greenstage for the schedule.
Fourth fun. Yes, there will be crowds. But you can beat ‘em by arriving early with blankets, chairs, shade (sun umbrellas, tents…) and a cooler full of food, and hanging out all day long. The Chase Family 4th, held at Gas Works Park, is an all-day bash that’ll keep the kids’ minds off the fireworks until dark. Hang out in the Chase Playfield, where you’ll find arts and crafts, inflatables, and circus demos and training by instructors from Teatro ZinZanni Institute of Circus Arts, or register at noon for a 2 p.m. Street Scramble through the park and the nearby Wallingford neighborhood. Kids from the School of Rock: Northwest All-Stars will perform the national anthem, and the fireworks go off at about 10 p.m. Parking will be tight; visit Chase Family 4th for transit options. Free. July 4, noon–11 p.m. 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle.
In stock. Youth Theatre Northwest kicks off its summer-stock season with a trip to the 100 Acre Wood. The bear with a very little brain would like nothing better than to chill out with his pot of honey, but Piglet needs help, and Pooh gets stuck in the door, and — oh dear. Winnie-the-Pooh runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., July 10-19, with weekday matinees July 14-17. 8805 S.E. 40th St., Mercer Island. 206-232-4145.
—Kris Collingridge
