If you're not heading to Bumbershoot or an out-of-town festival for Labor Day weekend, there are still options for last-minute entertainment in Seattle that won't cost more than $10. Below, we've rounded up 56 of them, including plenty of concerts (like the Americana Festival), drag shows (like Fish in the Percolator: A Twin Peaks Drag Show), art exhibits (like Bumbershoot's Flatstock, which is free on Monday), PAX-related events that don't require a badge (like the Seattle Indies Expo), and other events through Monday. See them all below, and find even more options on our complete Things To Do calendar.
Get all this and more on the free Stranger Things To Do mobile app—available now on the App Store and Google Play.
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FRIDAY
GEEK & GAMING1. Indie PAX Party by Game Jolt & DreamHack
Drink specialty cocktails, dance to "DJ-blended retro tunes," and play indie games at Indie PAX Party, featuring nine games on display from gamedevs.
(Capitol Hill, free)
2. Taco Bell Arcade
Eat Taco Bell's new Steak Quesarito $5 Box without paying the $5 and try out the new Xbox One X console.
(South Lake Union, free)
3. Aline Vida
Aline Vida's music has been described as a combination of Amy Winehouse and Ingrid Michaelson. She'll be performing both covers and original songs with her band.
(Downtown, free)
4. Fortress of the Bear, Fosphene, The Science of Deduction, Guests
Seattle rock bands Fortress of the Bear and Fosphene will be joined by multi-synth, guitar, and vocal quartet The Science of Deduction.
(University District, $7)
5. Pagan County Rebels, Juda's Wake, Nactus
Hard rock bands Pagan County Rebels, Juda's Wake, and Nactus will perform.
(Shoreline, $7)
6. Peel Studios 3rd Annual Party
Three Fingers, a four-piece Seattle power pop/punk band, will be joined by Boggs & Graves and Conduit Wordsmith.
(Greenwood, $5)
7. Shiftercar, SunSets West, Dos Manos
Melodic astro-grunge project Shiftercar follow in the traditions of shoegaze and alternative rock, and they'll be joined in their explorations by SunSets West and Dos Manos.
(Ballard, $8)
8. Sir Coyler & His Asthmatic Band, Machine Animal, Communist Eyes
Enjoy experimental and alt rock four times over with Sir Coyler & His Asthmatic Band, Machine Animal and Communist Eyes.
(University District, $7)
9. Spiderface, The Hard Rocks, Loud Motor
Spiderface will return to the stage with The Hard Rocks and Loud Motor for a night of loud and heavy rock and punk.
(Georgetown, $5)
10. Fish in the Percolator: A Twin Peaks Drag Show
Presented and hosted by Jenna St. Croix, Fish in the Percolator will play on Twin Peaks themes, characters, and novelties for a night of North Bend drag. The Lynch-loving queens of the evening will include Princezz Monochokeme as co-host, Butylene O'Kipple, Old Witch, Mr. Dr. Professor MD, Irene Dubois, Mona Real, and Stacey Starstruck.
(Downtown, $8/$10)
11. Nate Dern
Funny or Die senior writer Nate Dern will discuss his new book, Not Quite a Genius, a collection of essays and stories about everything from Charles Manson to a spin class taught by Walt Whitman. Dern will also be sticking around after the talk to sign copies of the book.
(University District, free)
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
ART12. Bodies + Beings III
Artists from across the US and the Pacific NorthwestThey say: "Bodies and Beings III is an invitational figurative sculpture exhibition featuring many of the best sculpture artist from across the United States and the Pacific Northwest."
This exhibit closes Saturday.
(Downtown, free)
13. Einar & Jamex de la Torre
Sibling duo Einar and Jamex de la Torre are Mexican artists who "juxtapose popular and religious icons and combine elements from the arts' and the arts & crafts' worlds," and in this show they'll exhibit their (often eerie and ominous) works in glass as well as lenticulars: prints that warp and shift depending on the viewing angle.
This exhibit closes Saturday.
(Pioneer Square, free)
14. Extraordinary Playscapes
Explore whimsy, creativity, and imagination at this exhibit that celebrates unique play spaces—"from towering treetop paths to hand-knit crochet playgrounds." They'll provide regional examples while also looking around the world for notable examples. Some of their pieces will be interactive and ready to climb all over, and others will rely on drawings, sketches, and videos.
This exhibit closes Saturday.
(Downtown, free)
15. Martin Lewis
View the work of Australian-born artist Martin Lewis, who worked largely with intaglio-style prints to chronicle urban and suburban New York life in the twentieth century.
This exhibit closes Saturday.
(Downtown, free)
16. Patrick Kelly
See dark, oily, and suggestive drawings made from layers of black graphite by artist Patrick Kelly.
This exhibit closes Saturday.
(Georgetown, free)
17. Reduction Woodcut Masters (Contemporary Department)
See a number of examples of reduction woodcuts—essentially, layered relief prints that often have rich, deep colors and complicated patterns.
This exhibit closes Saturday.
(Downtown, free)
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
ART18. Amie Siegel: Interiors
Working in film and other media, New York artist Amie Siegel creates meticulous, self-aware studies of objects and architectural spaces that investigate the mechanisms behind the accumulation of social and aesthetic value. Her recent work Fetish (2016), filmed at the Freud Museum in London, depicts the annual cleaning of Freud's collection of archaeological artifacts, offering parallels with the process of the excavation of the psyche through analysis. Fetishization is a recurring theme in Siegel's work, from the subject matter to the treatment and presentation of her chosen media, often using physical formats like film to add layers of meaning. EMILY POTHAST
This exhibit closes Sunday.
(First Hill, free)
19. Seven Bodies: New Members' Show
Seven new members of SOIL Gallery (Ko Kirk Yamahira, Jono Vaughan, Markel Uriu, Philippe Hyojung Kim, Leon Finley, Emily Counts, and Colleen RJC Bratton) will explore notions of the body in relation to themes of community and connection.
This exhibit closes Sunday.
(Pioneer Square, free)
SATURDAY
ART20. Inner Selfies Caleb Thompson, Snax the Bunny, Von Wildenhaus
It's a multimedia night with Von Wildenhaus playing music and Snax the Bunny joking around as you gaze at the cartoon selfies of Caleb Thompson.
(Ballard, $5 suggested donation)
21. unstable objects Opening
This group show about instability will examine "sculptural forms that undertake peculiar affiliations between structure and ambiguity, transforming (dis)figured objects into questionable bodies of inquiry," highlighting work by artists including Amina Ross, Steffani Jemison, Diedrick Brackens, Martinez E-B, and Lisa Jarrett.
(Georgetown, free)
22. First Caturday
Put your kitty on a harness and take the precious creature out to play at this cat-centric gathering. Obviously, don't bring cats that are prone to terror of other cats or murder of everything in sight.
(Capitol Hill, free)
23. Celebrity Meet and Greet with Wesley Eure
Meet actor, singer, game show host, and apparently now ghost hunter Wesley Eure (Land of the Lost, Days of Our LIves, C.H.O.M.P.S, Jenifer).
(Pioneer Square, $10)
24. First Anniversary Celebration and Bottle Release
Celebrate Figurehead Brewing's very first anniversary with a very special beer release—according to Figurehead, it's a big English barleywine, it's called First Leg, and it's been six months in the making. Get there early, since there will only be around 600 bottles of the stuff. Another bonus of showing up on time: free finger food from Kaspars Catering. If you get there later, not to worry. Das Brat Wagen will be onsite all day serving up sausages and pretzels.
(Magnolia, free entry)
25. Grilled Cheese Grand Prix Pop-Up
Luxuriate in cheesy sandwiches from restaurants, food trucks, and pop-ups and help decide who deserves the title of "best grilled cheese." Options include a bacon and swiss sandwich on a maple glazed donut, a Chicago-style pizza sandwich, a brisket and brie sandwich, and one with chipotle cheddar, bacon, sundried tomato, and avocado.
(South Lake Union, free entry)
26. Hellbent End of Summer Backyard Burger Bonanza
Join Lake City's Hellbent Brewing for an end-of-summer bash, complete with yard games, burgers, and beer. There will be wading pools, cornhole, a mini golf challenge sponsored by Flatstick Pub, beer pong, and bocce ball. Food trucks are set to include The People's Burger, Bread and Circuses, and Ballyhoo, a new hot sauce company.
(North Seattle, free)
27. Chiptunez Street: PAX!
If you're a lover of that nerdiest possible music genre, chiptunes, head downtown (to 7th and Pike) for free performances featuring Graz, Nikola Wallon, J'owl, skybox, bryface, and A_Rival. It's on the way to PAX!
(Downtown, free)
28. NW Nerd Podcast After Party & Cosplay Contest
Hosted by the NW Nerd podcast, this PAX after-party will feature a cosplay contest with prize packages sponsored by Pacific Fabrics, Comics Dungeon, and Pink Gorilla Games. There will also be comic-themed props, and judges will include J Von Stratton (with the Seattle Mermaids and J. Von Stratton Designs), Royalberry Cosplay (with the Cosplay Repair Station), and Billythebrick Cosplay.
(Capitol Hill, free)
29. Adverse Effects, Shorty Loves Me, Porky $coop
Nine-piece hiphop group ADDverse Effects don't shy away from guitar, bass, and keys in their performances. They'll be joined by surf-rock/funk/R&B band Shorty Loves Me and Seattle hiphop artist Porky $coop.
(Belltown, $5)
30. Aloha Screwdriver, The 'Verb, The Fentons
Aloha Screwdriver describe themselves as "a high-octane mix of surf and twang." They'll be joined by five-piece Seattle surf-rock outfit The 'Verb and Seattle alt-country group The Fentons.
(Shoreline, $10)
31. Drew Martin, Vicious Petals, Charlie & The Rays
Immerse yourself in a night of banjo-driven singer-songwriter soul from Drew Martin with Vicious Petals and Charlie & The Rays.
(Ballard, $8)
32. Good Riddance, Loud Motor, Thrown Out Bones
Enjoy some throwback punk hits with Green Day tribute group Good Riddance, with support from local rippers Loud Motor and Thrown Out Bones.
(Greenwood, $5)
33. Humble Urchin, Mark Brainard, Joseph Dane, David Johnson
Seattle's Humble Urchin (aka Michael Hutchins) will be joined by a few fellow singer-songwriters, including '60s folk-inspired Mark Brainard, Joseph Dane, Everett alt-folk artist David Johnson, and others.
(West Seattle, $8)
34. Metts, Ryan, & Collins, Dust Mice, Nail Houses
Portland-based trio Metts, Ryan, & Collins will be joined by Seattle psychedelic post-punks Dust Mice and Nail Houses.
(Pioneer Square, $5/$8)
35. Mud On My Bra, The Mews, Little Edie
Garage rock duo Mud On My Bra journeys up from Tukwila for a headlining set with show support from The Mews and Little Edie.
(Ballard, $10)
36. No Crown, Oliver Elf Army, Value Ape
Indie alt rock group No Crown markets itself as "Honest Rock," pulling from inspirations like Neil Young and Nirvana equally. They're joined by Oliver Elf Army and Value Ape.
(Georgetown, $5)
37. ArtHaus 4.0: Uh Oh! Danger!
ArtHaus is back and better than ever in its fourth season. Last season's losers, the House of Urchin, will preside over the festivities, with a drag competition between Light Haus and Amanda Black & Cannoli, hosted by Uh Oh and special guest Mona Real, special performances by Strawberry Shartcake, Jenna St. Croix, and Bubba, and DJs holding it down between sets.
(Downtown, $7/$9)
38. Cucci Bites Back!
Cucci Binaca runs drag off the tracks alongside Butylene O'Kipple, Amoania, and Cookie Couture, with music by DJ Gag Reflex and DJ Barebacchus and art by Alex Thomas.
(Capitol Hill, free)
39. Stripped Underwear Party with DJ Dana Dub
You know the deal: Chuck your clothes and prance around to sexy tunes by DJ Dana Dub along with "hott" gogos.
(Capitol Hill, $6/$8 after 10:30 pm)
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
MUSIC40. Americana Festival
Spend your Labor Day weekend watching folk, country, and bluegrass artists from near and far perform at the annual Americana Festival. Artists include Danny Newcomb & the Sugarmakers, Tekla Waterfield & the Sweet Nothings, Annie Ford Band, Drew Martin, and more.
(Downtown, free)
SATURDAY & MONDAY
MUSIC41. 2017 Chittenden Locks Summer Concert Series
May through September, enjoy live music performances from symphonic bands, show choirs, jazz trios, and more in the gardens by the Ballard Locks. This weekend, STRUM ("Seattle's Totally Relaxed Ukulele Musicians") will perform on Saturday, and the Michael Clune & Sleep till Noon Band will perform on Monday.
(Ballard, free)
SUNDAY
COMEDY42. Okstupid
Watch host Patrick Higgins and friends take control of strangers' OkCupid profiles (and maybe create some of their own) at this comedic exploration of contemporary dating. They also promise instructional dating videos, audience games, and giveaways.
(Greenwood, $7.50-$10)
43. Twin Peaks Season Three Finale Viewing Party
Reenter the twisted world of Twin Peaks as its patiently-awaited third season finale airs this Sunday. Little Maria's will provide a full bar, pizza, coffee, and four HD televisions for your viewing experience.
(Downtown, free admission)
44. Seattle Indies Expo 2017
Catch games from Seattle Indies Expo's developers in a low-stress setting as PAX rages elsewhere. They'll have some free drinks as well as some snacks. This event does not require a PAX badge.
(Downtown, free)
45. C Average with Guests
Olympia/Kill Rock Stars metal warlocks C Average are the ultimate PNW hesh dad-metal band, complete with over-the-top guitar histrionics, guillotine-dropping riffs, and pseudo-Ren Faire lyrics. While their 1998 debut was blessed with the sludge-metal bass of Joe Preston (also of the Melvins), Preston soon left the band to focus on Thrones, and remaining founding members Jon Merithew and Brad Balsley carried on first as a trio and then as a duo, releasing songs chock-full of Dungeons & Dragons-inspired medieval themes, Rush-like extravagant guitar pyrotechnics, and Sabbath-informed unfuckwithable heaviness. Currently, the band includes bassist John Boyce and is also featuring guest female vocalist Olivia Love, altogether reminiscent of similarly shredding Oly heavy metal-act Christian Mistress. BRITTNIE FULLER
(Eastlake, $8/$10)
46. NY STATE OF MIND
Pretend it's 20 degrees hotter than it really is with this hiphop dance night dedicated to all things New York City (including the summer humidity).
(Capitol Hill, $5)
47. Pop Up Art, Music & Food Show
Stuff your face with Cult Cakes' goods and buy art by Renee Legaux and jewelry by Cosmic Twin as Taylor Bowyn and Justin Hansen regale you with live music.
(Capitol Hill, $10)
48. Talcum Labor Day Party!
Dance on the roof with the rare-soul-obsessed DJs of Talcum at an exceptional all-night show.
(Downtown, $10)
49. Watch Rome Burn, Of The Heavy Sun, Nothing Sounds Good, Lust Punch
Rock duo Watch Rome Burn (aka brothers Jestyn and Drew Cummings) will be joined by Seattle psych-rock duo Of The Heavy Sun, Tacoma's Nothing Sounds Good, and Lust Punch.
(Fremont, $6/$8)
50. Scrum & Tackle
Skip your Sunday evening constitutional and gather your sports fetish gear for Scrum and Tackle, Seattle Quake Rugby's sports-themed dance party. Beats will be provided by HouseQuake resident DJ, Mr. Linden, who will be spinning with alum Joey Webb, and jello shots will be provided by rugby boys in jock straps.
(Capitol Hill, free entry)
51. Timberline Sundays: Tea Dance
DJ Dana Dub will be headlining at Tea Dance, accompanied by a cast of go-go dancers and other entertainers including DJ Skiddle. All proceeds from this dance party will go toward PrideFest, "to help keep Pride free."
(Capitol Hill, $5/$10)
MONDAY
ART52. Flatstock
In the early 2000s, a group of artists who design and screen-print concert posters for bands decided to organize an exhibition of their work in San Francisco. It was so successful that they formed a nonprofit called the American Poster Institute to put on shows at future music-related events. Today, the API's long-running Flatstock exhibition is synonymous with the celebration of the show poster as an art form. EMILY POTHAST
(Seattle Center, free on Monday only)
53. Dollar Store Mondays
Grab a special for just a buck from 4 pm until closing time and make your Labor Day a little less murky.
(Capitol Hill, free)
54. DoNormaal, So Pitted, RVN, Pearl
DoNormaal allegedly raps about My Little Pony. I can’t pick that out (yet), but extra credit to any rapper rapping about My Little Pony! Her second album, Third Daughter, offers a heavy helping of Christian praise to Jesus and the Lord, plus side trip into self-esteem, identity struggles, breasts losing their battle with gravity (i.e., they fall off, all the way to the floor), going to one’s happy place, organ drones, slowed-down, DJ Screw–style speech, stuff that sounds like it comes from old, bug-eyed monster horror movies, seagull shrieks, and booty bass. Among other things. Order can facilitate chaos. She notes that people want to kill her, but remains unafraid—an adaptive mindset given (especially) such times. ANDREW HAMLIN
(Capitol Hill, free)
55. Lawn Chairs with Young Go Hards
"Clean channel punx" Lawn Chairs will roll up from Oakland with local rippers Young Go Hards in tow for a night of emo-tinged indie punk.
(Capitol Hill, $7/$10)
56. Thunder! Synthwave Night
Dance your heart out at the very first Thunder! Synthwave night, featuring live performances by Ethereal Delusions, Wolftron, Kiloso, and Shades-Triangle, as well as DJ sets from Ninja Commando and Pimp Blade.
(Ballard, $8)
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