Save the World and Help the Kids: Weekend Music for Good Causes

If you’re anything like us, autumn and the responsibilities that accompany the season have hit you like a ton of bricks. With the carefree days of summer now painfully behind us, we’re constantly looking for the best ways to elevate our mental states.

This weekend, we’re happy to recommend two events that may just enhance your mental and physical health while helping to connect you with your neighbors one last time before the rain-induced hibernation officially begins. These combine three of the city's strengths: local music, community and the great outdoors.

On Saturday night, head on over to Pyramid Alehouse for the 12th Annual SnowCap Party. While tasting some of the best brews the 206 area code has to offer, you’ll get to enjoy two sets by some of the city's favorite musical sons. Barsuk’s preeminent folk songsmith Rocky Votolato will kick off the musical portion of the event. After the audience has had its fill of heartfelt songs about whiskey and has tired of the emotions that usually accompany drinking whiskey, Minus the Bear will take the stage to pepper the night air with syncopated guitars and sentimental lyrics. Best of all, proceeds from your ticket will benefit Surfrider Foundation’s Snowrider foundation. (Saturday 10/11. Doors at 7pm. Music at 9pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 day at the door. Tickets available at the Seattle Alehouse or online at Brown Paper Tickets.)

The next morning, make your way to Seward Park for Run Vera Run!, the Vera Project’s first annual 5k run/walk designed to help support youth access to music and the arts in Seattle. And if helping the kids wasn’t enough of an incentive, you’ll be treated to live music by one of Seattle’s greatest purveyors of country-tinged rock, The Maldives. Along with other rewards for the kind deeds you’ll be doing for your body and the community, participants will receive a complimentary massage. Walkers, dogs and children are all welcome. Be sure to check out their page for details on registration and more. (Sunday 10/11. 8:30 am-3 pm, Seward Park, 5895 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle.)