Scrambling to figure out what to do this weekend? Don't panicâyou have lots of options that won't cost more than $10. We've compiled them all here, from artsy picks (including the Re:definitionâs exhibit launch party, the Make Space Zine issue release party, and Shrinky Dink making) to community celebrations (including the University District Streetfair and the grand opening of the new Third Place Books in Seward Park) to food events (including a free Seattle Beer Week barbecue at Fremont Brewing and, of course, the Seattle Ice Cream Festival). If your budget is slightly larger than $10 or you're looking for something to do further into the future, make sure to check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
FRIDAY
1. Beer & Board Games
Play board games from Blue Highway's extensive collection and get three four-ounce tastes of different beers from Odin Brewing. The first 24 people will receive a pint glass, and there will be raffle drawings throughout the evening. (Queen Anne, $5)
2. Constant Lovers, Crypts, Bad Motivators
Seattle dirty rock blowhards Constant Lovers smash the Central Saloon to pieces in May, with Crypts and Bad Motivators. (Pioneer Square, $5/$10)
3. The Freams, Barnyard Stompers, Call Me Bronco
Barnyard Stompers bring the rollicking country rock to Slim's, with The Freams and Call Me Bronco. (Georgetown, $7)
4. Golden Gardens Flow Art Gathering
All "flow toys" welcome at this free flow arts gathering; consider donating to support this event, the local fire department, and the Seattle Boys and Girls Club. (Ballard, free)
5. Jack Straw May Reading Series
Jack Straw presents their annual May reading series featuring poetry, prose, fiction, and creative nonfiction, curated by Karen Finneyfrock. These weekâs featured performers include Ramon Isao, EJ Koh, Carolyne Wright, and Shontina Vernon. (University District, $5)
6. King Dude, Drab Majesty, Foie Gras
Local doom rock dad King Dude plays an early show at Kremwerk, with Drab Majesty, Foie Gras, and False Prophet DJs Sharlese and Kate. (Downtown, $8)
7. Make Space Zine Issue #3 Release Party
The genius lady brains behind the womxn-centric Make Space Zine have done it again, with Issue #3 hot off the presses and prominently featured at their upcoming release party on May 20. Artists in this issue (and present for performance and casual conversation at this party) include Kim Selling, DoNormaal, Sharece Anissa Phillips, and Una Blue. (Capitol Hill, free)
8. Morning Glory Revival
Morning Glory Revival brings the psych, funk, and rock n' roll to the Blue Moon Tavern. (University District, $5)
9. Re:definitionâs 2nd Exhibit Launch Party
Enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment at a launch party for The Paramount Theatre's second exhibit in the new arts space at the lobby bar. This show, curated by Jonathan Moore and Tariqa Waters and featuring work by Jazz Brown and Christopher Shaw, again focuses on the contributions of black artists to our community. Re:definition is only open to Paramount ticket holders during performances, and once a month for a free tour, so make sure to head down and check it out during this rare public event, complete with drinks, hors d'oeuvres by Tarik Abdullah, and music from DJ Topspin. (Downtown, free)
10. reSET
Curated by Mark Haim, Babette Pendleton, and Ali Mohamed el-Gasseir, reSET is a sort of arts-share dance series put on by the Washington Ensemble Theatre. Choreographers perform new pieces using the set for whatever play the company happens to be producing at that time. Lily Verlaine and Markeith Wiley will reimagine the stage for The Things Are Against Us to suit their artistic needs. RICH SMITH (Capitol Hill, $10)
11. Seattle StorySLAM
A live amateur storytelling competition much like The Moth, hosted by Lindy West, in which audience members who put their names in a hat are randomly chosen to tell stories on a theme. Tonight, it's "escape," so expect five-minute stories about getting away, whether it's from work, class, life, or "that ironclad gym contract." (Capitol Hill, $10)
12. Shrinky Dink Making
Revert to childhood as you experience the magic of Shrinky Dinks. Entry cost covers a full sheet of Shrink Film, coloring supplies, and snack/refreshments (but BYOB). They'll have a toaster oven handy, so you can walk out with some artistic masterpieces or a brand new box of very classy jewelry. (Ballard, $10)
13. U.S. Girls, Abronia, FIVER
DIY ingenue U.S. Girls bring the lush clatter of their MacBook digital sorcery to Vera, with bill support from Abronia and FIVER. (Seattle Center, $8/$10)
14. VHS Uber Alles Presents: Hawkeye
Watch Hawkeye, a film featuring "high kicks, acid washed jeans, sunglasses at night, and sax in the soundtrack," only available on VHS and just $2 to watch at Grand Illusion's screening. (University District, $2)
SATURDAY
15. Acapulco Lips
They hollow out the Shangri-Las and pour in some spiky surf chords, some Jesus and Mary Chain fuzz, a drummer going Keith Moonâcrazy on the fills, and a vocalist (Maria-Elena Juarez) who sounds like sheâs singing into a pay phone receiver dangling from its metal cord across the boardwalk from the beach while the sun goes down and the sinister stars wink in. Sometimes she makes sense and sometimes she doesnât. But with all that going for them, who needs puny sense? ANDREW HAMLIN (Eastlake, $6/$8)
16. African American Film Series
Throughout May and June, several Seattle Public Library branches will host screenings to celebrate black actors, directors, and films; all events are free and open to the public. Today, you can catch a screening of Straight Outta Compton at the Central Library or Akeelah and the Bee at the Queen Anne branch. (Various locations, free)
17. BioBlitz: Pollinator Celebration
At this "pollinator celebration," learn about the challenges faced by urban pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths and birds through science presentations from the Forest Service and Xerces Society, hands-on pollinator activities and crafts, garden tours, informational booths, and games at the Danny Woo Community Garden. This event is part of free Family Fun Day at the Wing Luke Museum. (International District, free)
18. The Crosses, Toe Tag, Clocks, Bad Future
Original Die Kreuzen vocalist Dan Kubinski perform the self-titled first Die Kreuzen LP in full with The Crosses, and bill support from Toe Tag, Clocks, and Bad Future. (Capitol Hill, $7/$8)
19. Dan Tedesco, Good Men and Thorough, Signal Flags
A night of singer-songwriter-style folk rock from Dan Tedesco, Good Men and Thorough, and Signal Flags. (West Seattle, $7)
20. Deeper with Ertönen and Pavone
Ugh, pants are the worst. So I insist that you tear off your clothing immediately upon arriving at Deeper, an underwear dance party at the Eagle. "Serious underground sex dungeon vibes" promises promoter DJ Pavone, thanks to the dark techno of German DJ Ertönen. Bring your crisp dollar bills for fuzzy-faced go-gos Josh and Robbie, who'll attempt to contain their sexual magnetism in the cage all night. May you never wear pants again. MATT BAUME (Capitol Hill, $5)
21. Family Fun Day
Enjoy the Wing Luke Museum for free on Family Fun Day, with special kids' events from art workshops to a film screening. (International District, free)
22. Grand Opening: Third Place Books Seward Park
Authors will be dropping by the new location of Third Place Books in Seward Park (which boasts 15-20,000 titles, an event space, children's department, espresso bar, full restaurant, and full bar) to celebrate its grand opening. Scheduled appearances include Maria Semple and Tom Douglas, who will chat with customers and sign their latest works, but no formal readings are planned. (Seward Park, free entry, through Sunday)
23. Is it rude if I ask how you pay the rent?
Instead of feeling ashamed about the frequent questions from the general public about how they afford to keep the gallery open, The Alice is embracing the curiosity and holding a public talk about funding artist-run spaces. Since today is the closing day of their Legal Tender exhibition, stick around after for a closing reception. (Georgetown, free)
24. José Luis Espinoza
Local author José Luis Espinoza will read from and discuss his book Historias de Luz in Spanish. (Downtown, free)
25. Karen Joy Fowler: We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
This spring, we are all going to read Karen Joy Fowler's We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, okay? Okay. It's part of Seattle Reads, an annual program to get the whole city reading the same book. (So many meet-cutes!) Karen Joy Fowler's (The Jane Austen Book Club) reading at the Central Library will also feature an adapted performance by Book-It Repertory Theatre as well as a community discussion. (Downtown, free)
26. Mambo Cadillac Salsa Dance Party
My World Dance Studio celebrates their eighth year in business with a salsa dance party (and free salsa lesson beforehand), led by the smooth vocals of Carlos Cascante and Mambo Cadillac. Tickets at the door, and treats provided. (Central District, $5/$10)
27. Patte Loper Artist Talk
In Seeking Higher Ground, Patte Loper takes on the ever-pressing issue of rising sea levels, while also engaging with Lebbeus Woods, known for his architectural drawings that can't be translated to buildings. In contrast, Loper creates structures that can't be sketched. Hear Loper's process and commentary on the exhibit during this artist talk. (Belltown, free)
28. Pulse Emitter
Portlandâs Pulse Emitter (Daryl Groetsch) has risen to the summit of Americaâs modular-synthesizer holy mountain with several releases that tap into the cosmic vein of the deepest new-age masters... but who cares when the sounds are this rapturous and eccentrically beautiful? DAVE SEGAL (Wallingford, $5-$15)
29. Research: Bambonou
Research goes to France for its headliner this month. Parisian producer/DJ Bambounou (JĂ©remy Guindo-Zegiestowski) records for the vaunted 50Weapons label, and his odd takes on house and techno go wonderfully against the grain of the smooth orthodoxy of those genresâ multitudes. Rhythmically and texturally, Bambounouâs productions sound off the goddamn grid, rugged, organically crunchy, and as psychedelic as a jungle. His tracks bristle with rarely heard, exotic timbres, and itâs very welcome. DAVE SEGAL (Downtown, $10)
30. Sessions of She: May Showcase
Missy Lacy and Taryn Dorsey will host this afternoon showcase of creative women, featuring art by Faye Fontaine, comedy by Natalie Holt, and music by Fysah. (Belltown, $5)
31. Snap! 90âs Dance Party
The longest running 90's dance party on the West Coast comes back to Lo-Fi with a funky vengeance. (Eastlake, $10)
32. Spring Concert
The Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra finishes out their 2016 season with a performance of Beethoven's violin concerto, Glinka's five-act opera Ruslan and Ludmila, and two suites of Manuel De Falla's ballet, The Three-Cornered Hat. (First Hill, $5/$11)
33. Sumac
Luminaries of the heavy, Sumac tend to keep their sun-less songs long and deliberately paced for a reason: to give you as much time as possible to absorb the weight of their osmium-dense catalog. Not sure if itâs a courtesy or a punishment, considering how rigorous a listen these dudes conjure... It comes with a little bit of everything other than mercy. JASON BRACELIN (Eastlake, $7)
34. Tainted Tales: Mother, May I?
The Haus of Keebler is bringing back their successful Tainted Tales series with a whole night dedicated to sweet Mommy Dearest (and the subtle aging prowess of Abbey Roads). Expect birthing puns, liberal fog machine usage, mom-osas, hosting magnificence by Shelita Potroast and Abbey Roads, and performances by local drag talents.
35. Taste Test and Sensory Evaluation
Optimism Brewing is offering free blind taste tests and sensory evaluations for Seattle Beer Week. You'll also learn about how beers are evaluated and what goes into sensory analysis in the laboratory. First come, first served. (Capitol Hill, free)
36. University District Streetfair
Celebrate the 47th anniversary of the University District Streetfairâthe longest running event of its kind in the USâwith arts and crafts, music, and food on and around The Ave. There will be hundreds of artisan vendors and exhibitors, live music all day long, a YMCA Kids' Area, a beer garden, food trucks including The Grilled Cheese Experience and Lumpia World, and, of course, elephant ears and shishkaberries. (University District, free entry, through Sunday)
37. West Seattle Bee Festival
Learn about bees and sustainable gardening at this family-friendly festival promising live music, a bee-themed parade for kids and pets (and "adults disguised as giant bees or tall flowers"), tours of the West Seattle Bee Garden, honey tastings, vendors, food from Patty Pan Grill and Wicked Pies food trucks, and more. (West Seattle, free)
SUNDAY
38. Battle of the Beer Bands
Closing out this year's Seattle Beer Week, Battle of the Beer Bands throws The Industrials, Queasy Horse, Hammerschlagen, and The JV together in a celebration of boozy free-for-alls. (Ballard, $8)
39. Ladies Night
Head to Push/Pull to meet fellow ladies, and work on crafts, art, comics, plus whatever other projects you may have up your sleeve. Bring refreshments to share! (Ballard, free)
40. Latte Art Throwdown
Free pizza and beer for all are promised at this latte art showdownâprove your superior milk pouring skills for a $5 buy-in. (Ballard, free)
41. Mushroom Maynia
This family-friendly mushroom event promises educational displays, identifiers available to identify mushrooms, a cultivation display, crafts, and children's activities. (University District, $3)
42. My Liver Hurts BBQ
At the end of Seattle Beer Week, Fremont Brewing's Urban Beer Garden will have a free barbecueâplus beer, of course! (Fremont, free)
43. Nostrum, Samara, Witch Bottle
A night of sludge metal all the way from Canada thanks to Nostrum, with Samara, and Witch Bottle. (Capitol Hill, $8/$10)
44. OtB Art School Listening Party #4
If you're really into public group audio zen, head to On the Boards this Sunday to see OtB Communications Director Erin Jorgensen and OtB Ambassador James Holt drop the needle on some seriously vibey records. All music selections are an unreleased surprise as everyone watches the sun go down across town and listens to each meditative track. Free and open to the public, this event plans to let loud "some rhythmically lulling melodies." (Queen Anne, free)
45. The Pizza Pulpit: Sporty Lee and Guests
This edition of The Pizza Pulpit (always free, all ages, and at the Back Bar of the Croc) features the psych rock of Sporty Lee, and guests. (Belltown, free)
46. Seattle Beer Week Fun Run
Run 5 miles (mostly downhill, they're careful to point out) between Rhein Haus and Stoup Brewing, with a pit stop at Mollusk in the middle. At the end, you'll get $1 off pints and "commemorative event apparel and prizes." (Capitol Hill, $10)
47. Seattle Ice Cream Festival
If youâre looking for some of the most creative minds in Seattleâs dining scene, try looking at our pastry chefs and ice-cream makers. Matt Bumpas, owner of Sweet Bumpas, is currently making flavors such as rhubarb pineapple and chipotle peanut brittle. The folks at Parfait, where everything is made entirely from scratch and with all organic ingredients, are scooping up coffee with house-made cookies as well as a raspberry rose ice cream. Right now, chef Renee Bolstadâs rotating menu of vibrantly flavoredâand texturedâparfaits at Trove incudes âHolla Halo,â made with ube frozen custard, tapioca fruit salad, and toasted coconut. You can sample all of these flavorsâand much more, including the stunningly rich and simple Jersey cream ice cream from Kurt Farm Shopâat the first annual Seattle Ice Cream Festival at Chophouse Row. ANGELA GARBES (Capitol Hill, free entry)
48. Sleep Talk with Another Run and Guests
Babyfaced bedroom rockers Sleep Talk take over the Rendezvous with Another Run and guests in May. (Belltown, $6)
