The summer is always packed with a ton of music festivals—Sasquatch!, the Capitol Hill Block Party, Bumbershoot, Warped Tour, et cetera. But not all worthy events require you to spend hours in the blistering sun to see your favorite acts.

For the fourth year, Carousel Festival celebrates the diversity of Seattle's DIY music community with a weekend of all-ages shows (Fri–Sun Aug 28–30), featuring over 30 bands playing at venues including Healthy Times Fun Club, Gallery 1412, Cairo gallery, and others.

There's some great talent on the roster this year, with a little bit of something to please everyone. On Saturday night, heavy and hard trio Helms Alee play at the Greenhouse, along with Patrol, Partman Parthorse, and Weekend (aka Ryann Donnelly of Schoolyard Heroes and Mark Gajadhar of Past Lives and Champagne Champagne). Sunday afternoon, starting at 1:00 p.m., the uniquely voiced Whitney Ballen plays the Cairo gallery with 1985, Dennis Driscoll, and more. If you're unfamiliar with Ballen, imagine a slightly less Muppety Joanna Newsom minus the harp. She's incredible.

A three-day pass is just $17, and it gives you unlimited access to every event. You can also get a one-day pass for $8 or pay $5 at the door for any show. And in true DIY style, all proceeds will benefit two very good causes—Urban Rest Stop and Hollow Earth Radio. Advance tickets are available at Left Bank Books, Singles Going Steady, Wall of Sound, and 20/20 Cycle. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/carouselfestival.

Thurs Aug 27: Jay Reatard at Sonic Boom Records (Ballard), 7 pm, free.

Fri Aug 28: Harvey Danger's last all-ages show ever at the Vera Project, 7:30 pm, $13 ($12 w/club card).

Fri Aug 28: To the Sea, Kids and Animals, Invisible Giants at Ground Zero, 7 pm, $6 ($5 w/canned-food donation).

Sat Aug 29: The Maldives at Sonic Boom Records (Ballard), 4 pm, free.