Perfect Summer Events

Der Rosenkavalier
Aug. 5–26

Richard Strauss was the bad boy of the European avant-garde when in 1911 he came up with something really shocking: a silvered, perfumed, bittersweet romantic comedy set in 18th-century Vienna, full of sumptuous waltzes and a three-soprano finale to die for. Seattle Opera, McCaw Hall, 206-389-7676, www.seattleopera.org. GAVIN BORCHERT

South Lake Union Block Party
Aug. 11–12

Calling this a "block party" is a little disingenuous. A quasi-publicity stunt designed to legitimize the city's least organically created neighborhood is more like it. But that doesn't mean tons of fun can't be had for everyone via a hodgepodge of first-rate chow, elixir, and hot, hard rock and roll. South Lake Union Discovery Center, Westlake Avenue and Denny Way, 206-342-5900, www.discoverslu.com/blockparty. MIKE SEELY

Endfest 15
Aug. 12

Always a hot ticket, the lineup will be announced Thursday, June 1. White River Amphitheatre, 40601 Auburn Enumclaw Rd., 360-825-6200, www.theend.com. KELLIE HWANG

Hempfest
Aug. 19–20

Celebrate all things cannabis, with music, food, arts, and political action. This popular annual "freedom festival" is in its 15th year. Myrtle Edwards Park, Pier 70, 206-781-5734, www.hempfest.org. LYNN JACOBSON

Longacres Mile
Aug. 20

Contrary to popular opinion, horse racing isn't restricted to a handful of elite 3-year-olds on the first weekend in May. The sport's tried-and-true stars are actually older than that, and some of that cream will race in the Grade 3 Longacres Mile, the crown jewel of Emerald Downs' always stimulating meet. Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Dr., Auburn, 206-342-5900, www.emeralddowns.com. MIKE SEELY