Scoop: The April Must List

1. Get Your Nerd On
Emerald City Comicon and Sakura-Con
Comics fans may want to move into the Convention Center this month, when graphic geeks will swarm the place two weekends in a row. First up (4/4–4/5) is the seventh annual Emerald City Comicon, featuring comic book writers, illustrators, gamers and a whole lot of people in elaborate costumes. Next (4/10–4/12) comes the 12th annual Sakura-Con, an anime (Japanese animation) and manga (Japanese comics) festival featuring live music, games and, of course, a costume competition. Times and prices vary. Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seventh Ave. and Pike St., 206.694.5000; emeraldcitycomicon.com and sakuracon.org

 

2.  Laugh at Someone Else’s Expense
Carrie Fisher at the Seattle Rep
Whether you know her as Debbie Reynolds’ daughter, the author of the painfully hilarious autobiographical novel (and film) Postcards from the Edge or the intriguingly coiffed Princess Leia, you know Carrie Fisher is a fascinating personality. Her hard-truth-telling, personally revealing one-woman show—based on her memoir Wishful Drinking (2008)—will by all accounts induce both belly laughs and winces. 4/2–5/3. Times and prices vary. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St.; 206.443.2222



3. Start Over
Mariners’ Opening Day on April 14
The banner across the top of the official Mariners Web site proclaims, “A New Day. A New Way.” Well for the love of baseball, let’s hope so. Having lost a spectacular 101 games last season, the good news is they couldn’t do any worse (don’t prove us wrong, M’s!). But after a last-minute dis to the Atlanta Braves, fan fave Ken Griffey Jr. is rejoining the ranks, and at age 39 he might just be the old-man miracle we need.  3:40 p.m. Prices vary. Safeco Field, 1250 First Ave. S; seattle.mariners.mlb.com

4. Go for Brunch
Olivar’s New Offering
Capitol Hill’s cozy Olivar has fast become a local fave for its Old World charm and delicious dinners. Last month the bistro introduced a prix fixe weekend brunch, including croque monsieurs, Spanish and French omelets and ensaïmadas—a delicate pastry specialty from the Balearic Islands. A fine way to indulge in Easter or Passover brunching. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. $15. Olivar, 806 E Roy St.; 206.322.0409

5. Love a Parade
Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Street Parade on April 4
Nothing says spring like a parade float covered in thousands of freshly cut, bright yellow daffodils. Unless of course that float is joined by 40 others—plus marching bands and a daffodil queen—and wends its way through four towns! The 76th annual Daffodil Festival parade hits Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting in one bloomin’ day. Talk about flower power. Free. For start times and parade routes in each city, see daffodilfestival.net