We’re all for rooting on local creatives, talented athletes, and those simply trying to make the world a bit of a softer place. Here are some worthwhile causes and inspiring people to put on your radar:

ENJOYING THE ARTS

SIFF is entering its homestretch, and we’ve loved films that struck a local chord like “Enormous: The Gorge Story” and investigative Patagonia documentary “Artifishal,” shot in-part in Washington State. Check out other captivating movies playing through the fest’s finale on June 9.

We finally got the chance to see “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Seattle Rep, and we were blown away by the actors’ ability to bring to life onstage Cheryl Strayed’s gorgeous words (as the “Dear, Sugar” columnist). Catch the soul-stirring production through June 29.

If you’re one who likes to support hard-working creatives, Seattle’s inimitable GENERAL MAGIC and artistic director Jessica Jobaris are in their final push of a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for “Orphans, Thieves, and Other UnLived Lives”—a dance-theatre performance researching epigenetics​/inherited trauma and desire. The production is said to take “an honest look at where we come from and who we might really be, creating a meaningful, heart opening, hilarious and sometimes, a very problematic conversation of ‘trauma transmission.'”

And to cheer on another regional superstar, tune your TV to NBC on Tuesday, June 4 (at 8:00 pm PST), to watch Benicio Bryant of Maple Valley, Washington, star on “America’s Got Talent.”

When it comes to the outdoor summer music scene, Marymoor has announced its schedule—with highlights like Father John Misty and Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit co-headlining on June 11, and Slightly Stoopid playing with Matisyahu, Tribal Seeds and HIRIE on July 14. We’re especially pumped about Lord Huron and Shakey Graves (and special guest Julia Jacklin) gracing the stage on August 11, and an August 29 takeover by The National.

Great shows also come to unexpected spaces like the Woodland Park Zoo and the Tulalip Resort Casino Amphitheatre, a surprisingly intimate place to watch artists like Martina McBride July 25 and Travis Tritt and The Charlie Daniels Band August 15.

This year the Pike Brewery beer garden returns for its second season, and now it comes with a Summer Live Music Series, too. Through Labor Day weekend, enjoy beer, snacks and live music in the heart of Pike Place Market every Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.

And speaking of the Market, grab friends to shop 20-plus artist tables while savoring live music, food and a beer garden during the brand-new PR: Producers Market, which takes place the the last Thursday of the month (through September).

SUPPORTING GOOD CAUSES

On June 20, Seattle’s No Kid Hungry Dinner unites the region’s top chefs and philanthropists to help end childhood hunger. Chef Derek Simcik and newly-opened Conversation at Thomas Seattle host the benefit dinner presented by Citi—an exclusive multi-course affair that will feature nationally renowned guest chefs Zoi Antonitsas (Seattle), Jonathan Brooks (Beholder, Indianapolis), Shota Nakajima (Adana, Seattle), Patrick Ryan (Porta Fonda, Kansas City) and Kate Sigel (Conversation, Seattle). The feast will be preceded by a cocktail reception and  live auction, during which guests can bid on luxury culinary and travel items. All proceeds support No Kid Hungry’s efforts to rid of childhood hunger across the country, as well as here in Washington state.

On another uplifting note, on Saturday, June 15, Seattle-based non-profit The Amandla Project celebrates its official launch to assist college students with disabilities who’d like to intern in South Africa. The benefit event—held on the 75th floor of the Columbia Tower Club—features tasty hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a lineup of top-notch comedians like legendary South African Entertainers Jason Goliath, Siv Ngesi and other special guests. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.

Cheer on top athletes, including many from the region, at the AVP Seattle Open—a pro beach volleyball tournament that heats things up at Lake Sammamish June 21 through 23. The longest running professional beach volleyball tour in the world, the AVP Pro Tour makes its return to Lake Sammamish State Park for the fifth year in a row. The family-friendly competition showcases the top beach volleyball athletes competing for the title and prize money, including: 2018 champions Jake Gibb (Bountiful, UT) and Taylor Crabb (Honolulu, Hawaii) for the men; 2018 champions Emily Day (Torrance, CA) and Betsi Flint (Phoenix, AZ) for the women: and Washington natives Marty Lorenz (Spokane, WA), Chris Littleman (Bellevue, WA) and Deahna Kraft (Seattle, WA).

And just like that—we’re feeling mighty good about our summertime plans.