Panicking because you haven't yet made plans for the weekend and you're short on cash? Don't worry—below, find all of your options for last-minute entertainment that won't cost more than $10, ranging from the Downtown Seattle Starlighting to MOHAI's Greet the Season in Lake Union Park, and from the release of Wryly McCutchen's My Ugly & Other Love Snarls to a BlackLivesMatterFriday march and rally. For even more options, including pop-up markets and movies to see, check out 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.
Friday | Saturday | SundayFRIDAY
HOLIDAYS1. My Macy's Holiday Parade
Every holiday season since 1957, the Macy's Parade has been filling downtown Seattle streets with cheer on the morning after Thanksgiving (starting at 9 a.m.). Santa Claus is coming to town (again) and he'll be joined by 25 inflatable floats; marching bands; a dancing Christmas tree; Seattle Seahawks’ Blitz; the Seattle Sounders FC band; the Mariner Moose riding the Moose Mobile; and many others dressed in their most festive holiday attire.
(Downtown, free)
2. Downtown Seattle Starlighting
Every year, the downtown Macy's hangs a very large and twinkly star from its building. Attend the 61st annual lighting to see it glisten in the sky, followed by a fireworks display (if the weather permits).
(Downtown, free)
3. Artsgiving
Feel thankful for local artists at this annual open mic, wherein musicians, theatre artists, painters, dancers, and designers give three-minute performances.
(Belltown, free)
4. CJQ
Chris James, Osama Afifi, Wayne Ledbetter, and Wade Reeves make up the jazz quartet CJQ. The group adds their own "funky, upbeat flare" to a wide range of songs ranging from Brubeck to the Beatles.
(Bellevue, free)
5. CODA: 017
At this recurring dance night, hear trap, hiphop, and other genres in the bass-inspired realm. This installment features Justin Hartinger B2B Beeba, Famous, Papi, and Btbeats.
(Capitol Hill, $10)
6. Enamity, Diatonica, and Wesley Brenner
Hear progressive alt rock from Vancouver's Enamity, Brazilian pop from Diatonica, and psychedelic folk rock from Seattle's Wesley Brenner (of Gypsy Wolf).
(Columbia City, free)
7. Lisa Prank, Rex Manning Day, Fine, The Carols
Experimental pop punk angel Lisa Prank brings dreamy rom-com meets Jimmy Eat World vibes into a low-key and lo-fi reality. She'll be joined by the excellently named Rex Manning Day, Fine, and The Carols. KIM SELLING
(Eastlake, $5/$8)
8. Maldives, Rory James and Boots to the Moon
Join Seattle-based "American Groove" singer/songwriter Rory James, Boots to the Moon, and Maldives.
(Downtown, free)
9. Memphis Radio Kings, Matt Hopper & The Roman Candles, The Crying Shame
Riding the wave of a 10-year, five-album run, the Memphis Radio Kings arrive at the Conor Byrne for a night of bluesy rock and roll, and support from additional guests.
(Ballard, $8)
10. Midnight Lights, Televangelist, Between Seasons, Newbrighton
"Softcore Weird Punks" Midnight Lights will play a pop-punk-heavy show with Televangelist, Between Seasons, and Newbrighton.
(University District, $7)
11. One Step From Everywhere, Pretty Drunk, Carrion Crows
Seattle blues rock band One Step from Everywhere will be joined by Eugene's Pretty Drunk and Carrion Crows and Tacoma's Carrion Crows.
(University District, $7)
12. Shabazz Palaces, Gillan Gaar
In a cavalcade of cosmic Seattle talent, iconic hiphop group Shabazz Palaces will join up with writer Gillian Gaar for a book signing and DJ party. Shabazz will helm the decks in celebration of the release of their graphic novel-album Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines, with Gaar signing copies of Hendrix: The Illustrated Story.
(Georgetown, free)
13. Sinister Six, Cheap Cassettes, Double or Muffin
As of this past summer, it’s looking like early-1990s, snotty Seattle punks the Sinister Six have returned for a bit of a stay! They’ve played a bar here, a backyard there, and tonight they’re gonna be lighting up Slim’s. Of note also, tonight’s show is Sinister Six’s guitar giant James Burdyshaw’s birthday party! Um, if you think you want to bring him a gift, I’ve heard he likes “Black Berry Brandy” and “Little Black Pills.” Local punks Cheap Cassettes, with their cool Heartbreakers-style jams, and (ahem) Double or Muffin (!), are also on this bill. MIKE NIPPER
(Georgetown, $7)
14. SixTwoSeven, Grunge Tree, Little Hero
To prepare you for their set, Gig Harbor alt rock band offer this description: "Imagine the Foo Fighters and Muse stuffed in an underground studio during the nuclear holocaust with nothing but Weezer and Radiohead albums to session." They'll be joined by Grunge Tree and Little Hero.
(Ballard, $8)
15. Swayze! '80s Dance Party
Dance to the hot '80s tunes that might have made Swayze's blood warm at this Trashy Trash/Snap! '90s Dance Party event.
(Eastlake, $10)
16. BlackLivesMatterFriday 4.0: Racism. It Stops With Me
Once again, the Black Freedom Front asks you to forgo Black Friday in favor of Black Lives Matter and show solidarity in the face of white supremacy and structural racism. They say: "We need to show that racism stops with me (You) and that racism will be defeated forever and that racism is not acceptable in this country or world."
(Downtown, free)
17. State Parks: Free Days
Choose to #OptOutside on Black Friday, when the Washington State Parks will waive their usual $10 entrance fee. You can enjoy the wonder of the Columbia Gorge, Olympic Rainforest, or Deception Pass for free.
(Across Seattle, free)
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
ART18. Cynthia Hibbard: Groundswell
Cynthia Hibbard's multimedia works will examine "the intimate, evocative, and cryptic messaging in common ground imagery."
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Saturday
19. Hyperpredator
See paintings, photographs, and performance by artists Divine Mania and Venus Raven that explore "the forces of Nature; hungry, relentless, Nature without Pity."
(Seattle Center, free)
Closing Saturday
20. Mike O'Day: A Murder of Crows
Mike O'Day's whimsical animal paintings and sculptures will make wild eyes at you all November.
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Saturday
21. Paul D. McKee and Suzanne Tidwell: Horizon
Paul D. McKee and Suzanne Tidwell collaborated on this exhibit that explores their personal futures and pasts: "representations of craft and construction, family and home and education and career elicit a dialog reflective of their current sense of place and accomplishment."
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Saturday
22. Steve Gawronski and Jeff Olson
Jeff Olson paints brightly colored acrylics that focus on articulated brushstrokes; Steve Gawronski's past works include concrete, wood, and metal sculpture as well as painting.
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Saturday
23. Storefronts UN[contained]
Storefronts UN[contained] is a residency for recognized artists of color hooked into important social issues. For November, see work by Zane Suarez, Imana Gunawan, and Imani Sims.
(Queen Anne, free)
Artist reception on Saturday
24. Tony Angell: Wings
Tony Angell presents birds in a variety of sculptural forms, in media from bronze to limestone.
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Saturday
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
ART25. Joseph Uccello: Manifesting the Invisible: Typography, Ink on Paper, and Photography
Joseph Uccello—a book designer, artist, and penner/publisher of weird (sometimes wordless) literature—is a figure straight out of an updated M.R. James ghost story. Obsessed with arcana, he's embarked on projects such as publishing ancient texts with original art and typography inspired by the medieval occult. The spirit of "alchemists, mages, sages," and other adepts of the mystical realms is revived in letterpress prints containing the Codex Homunculi (magical formulas for creating human beings), the De Chrysopoeia (for transforming matter into gold), and, for a much more modern take on black magic, the Lovecraft-inspired Pilgrimage to Azathoth. Uccello's images range from Chinese ink brushstrokes to sacred geometric patterns to quasi-satanic icons to abstract photographs.
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Sunday
26. Gingerbread Village
This gingerbread village is no joke: Every year, Seattle architecture firms, master builders, and Sheraton Seattle culinary teams come together to build a meticulously planned candy wonderland. The theme of this year's village is "25 Years of Cheer: A Celebration of Seattle." See elements of the city's past and its imagined future in candy form, from skyscrapers to underground tunnels.
(Downtown, free)
27. Holiday Express Train
Stop by the Volunteer Park Conservatory's Seasonal House to see a model train swooshing around Santa's chair in a wintery village display.
(Capitol Hill, free)
28. Redmond Winter Wonderland
Myriad holiday activities await you on the Eastside at Redmond Town Center's holiday extravaganza. Support Hopelink by hopping on the Hyatt House carousel, ride the holiday train, twirl around in a synthetic skating rink, visit Santa in his workshop, and more.
(Redmond, free admission)
29. Reindeer Festival
The nursery will be disguised as a winter wonderland this season for families to enjoy. Do some holiday shopping, pick up a Christmas tree, visit the model train village, hang out with Santa's reindeer, and more.
(Crown Hill, free admission)
30. Seattle Festival of Trees
Admire the gorgeously decorated trees that will be on display in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel lobby. While you're there, check out the Teddy Bear Suite.
(Downtown, free)
31. Snowflake Lane
Get photos with Santa, then experience beautiful lights, "toy soldier drummers," animatronic characters, and pretty music in artificial snow.
(Bellevue, free admission)
32. WildLights
See the zoo in a new light—500,000 energy-efficient LEDs, in fact! See luminous animal-themed designs, have an indoor snowball fight, meet Santa and his very real reindeer and some nocturnal animals, listen to carolers, and enjoy the holiday beer garden.
(Phinney, $9.95)
33. Winterfest
Take a break from the stressful elements of the holiday season and head to Seattle Center for five weeks of festive fun. Go ice skating, visit the winter train village, see professional ice sculptures, watch performances, and more.
(Seattle Center, free admission)
34. Zoolights
See hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, carnivorous plants and their insect prey, a 30-foot-wide underwater landscape, a majestic polar bear family, and a giant Pacific octopus in light form. You can also: Ride a camel (!), enjoy tasty treats, spin around on the carousel, visit select animal exhibits, and shop for holiday gifts in the shop.
(Tacoma, $8.50)
SATURDAY
ART35. Magnolia Art Walk
Merchants in Magnolia Village will provide venues for local emerging artists to display their work. Stroll around to chat with artists (who will be hanging out at their stations) to discuss their work and purchase some holiday gifts.
(Magnolia, free admission)
36. Deck the Halls with Rachel Walls
Join stand-up comic and writer Rachel Walls and her accompanying pianist, Elena Martinez, on a musical holiday journey. They'll deliver everything from new takes on classic holiday songs to "downright sacrilege."
(Redmond, $10)
37. Ballard HolidayFest
Enjoy live music, free photos with Santa, popcorn, treats, and hot chocolate at this family-friendly day of holiday cheer. You'll also find out the winners of the Tomte Trail adventure.
(Ballard, free admission)
38. Chinatown I.D. Holiday Festival
Spend the day partaking in a little holiday cheer by shopping for gifts and eating delicious food from local vendors and artisans representing different Seattle neighborhoods. Offerings include the Ethnic Seattle pop-up market, the holiday happy hour food walk, Hing Hay Coworks' Holiday AAPI Arts & Crafts Fair, Nagomi Tea House's Holiday Vintage, Craft, and Gift Market, and Shop-O-Rama at the Wing Luke Museum.
(Chinatown-International District, free)
39. Edmonds Tree Lighting Ceremony
Enjoy free cookies and cider, caroling, and photos with Santa as you watch the lighting of the Edmonds holiday tree.
(Edmonds, free)
40. Greet the Season in Lake Union Park
Join MOHAI in kicking off the holiday season with a day of music, dance workshops, and crafting. Build festive toy boats, take scenic pictures with Santa on the docks, and join MOHAI's Collection Manager Betsy Bruemmer and special guest Robert Sondheim for a tour of the museum's Hammons House.
(South Lake Union, $3-$5 suggested donation)
41. Holiday GloCone & Monkey Lighting
Sing holiday carols, enjoy festive treats, and see the holiday monkeys that light up the Phinney air raid tower every year.
(Phinney, free)
42. Kirkland Winterfest
Grab a warm drink and listen to the holiday sounds of Lake Washington Jazz Band and other live performers. There will also be a tree lighting, a visit from Santa, giveaways, food, face painting, and crafting.
(Kirkland, free admission)
43. Magic in the Market
Celebrate the lighting of the tree at Pike Place at five, or just drop in to buy some really good seasonal snacks and drinks to the sound of choirs. Pick out a tree of your own and take free photos with Santa.
(Pike Place, free)
44. Black Saturday
Enjoy a night of locally sourced hiphop and R&B from talented PNW artists like Black on Purpose, The Incredible Zig, DJ Seabefore, Phil Hines, Erica Merritt, Marissa Garrett, and special guest Patrick Galactic.
(Columbia City, $10)
45. Complete, Power Skeleton, Miscomings
Texas-based rock trio Complete will be joined by Northwest "psychedelic black metal disco horror" outfit Power Skeleton, Seattle noise rockers Miscomings, and experimental blues band Ardent Vein.
(Capitol Hill, $8)
46. Complex
Move your limbs with abandon in two rooms of "forward-thinking dance music" from ASC (Auxiliary, Horo, and Silent Season), LVT, IVVY, Cyanwave, Konifer, Iris, Gene Lee, and Rob Noble.
(Downtown, $9-$15)
47. Correo Aereo
Latin/World duo Correo Aereo (Abel Rocha and Madeleine Sosin) perform traditional music from Venezuela, Argentina, and Mexico—as well as their own original music—on multiple instruments.
(Columbia City, free)
48. Dog Mountain, Clone Wolf, Guests
"Bellingham's best friends" Dog Mountain play guitar-centric bedroom pop and will be joined by Clone Wolf and additional guests.
(University District, $7)
49. Dream Police, Von Shtupp
Dream Police, a Cheap Trick tribute band, will play the songs from the '70s and '80s catalog, with backup by Von Shtupp.
(Georgetown, $7)
50. Gary Benson Christmas Show
Local singer/songwriter Gary Benson will give warm and cozy holiday performance.
(West Seattle, free admission)
51. The Kingdom Boogie Band, Guests
Seattle country/funk outfit Kingdom Boogie Band will be joined by Quinn Deveaux and Jason Dodson.
(Ballard, $8)
52. Metal Night at Darrell's
Join Monsters Among Gods, Born Without Blood, the War Within, and Karma's Playbook for a night of heavy metal.
(Shoreline, $8)
53. Ranger and the Re-Arrangers
Old-timey jazz dudes Ranger and the Re-Arrangers will perform a free set that will include swing standards, traditional g*psy melodies, tracks from the catalog of Django Reinhardt, and Ranger's original work.
(Columbia City, free)
54. My Ugly & Other Love Snarls: Book Release with Wryly McCutchen
In My Ugly & Other Love Snarls, Wryly McCutchen delves into sex, bicycles, love, and "a body’s intimate war fraught with splinters of gender." Hear a reading from the author, as well as Genesis Ellis, Magpie Leibowitz, and Iris Lux, to celebrate the book's release.
(Downtown, free)
55. Valeria Viniarskaia
This concert blends poetry and music based on the work of Seattle poet Valeria Viniarskaia.
(Downtown, free)
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
COMMUNITY56. Garden d’Lights
Garden d’Lights features over half a million sparkling lights formed into the whimsical shapes of plants, flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls set amid the natural beauty of the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
(Bellevue, $5)
57. Piper's Creek Annual Salmon Watching
Sip hot drinks and watch salmon return to the park. Volunteer Salmon Stewards will be on hand to answer all your fishy questions.
(North Seattle, free)
SUNDAY
FOOD & DRINK58. The Land of Five Waters Talk with Debbie Sanwal
Debbie Sanwal was inspired to learn the art of traditional Punjabi cuisine after watching the craft and care her mother-in-law brought to the kitchen. Her memoir cookbook, The Land of Five Waters, details her year living in Punjab with her fiancé prior to her wedding and divulges family recipes. At this event, she'll share wisdom on the spices and ingredients that define Punjabi cooking and demonstrate how to make a simple chutney.
(Chinatown-International District, free)
59. Betty's Trivia
Show your smarts every Sunday for an eclectic mix of trivia questions from Betty Wetter. She'll award first place, second place, and "best name" prizes.
(Queen Anne, free)
60. Thanksgiving Wind Down: Caribbean Music and Dance with The Seattle Women's Pan Project and Clave Gringa
Take a breather from your Thanksgiving antics by hearing live Caribbean music from the Seattle Women’s Steel Pan Project and Clave Gringa.
(Columbia City, $12)
61. Bernd Brunner: Birdmania: A Remarkable Passion for Birds
In his new book, Birdmania, Bernd Brunner showcases famous bird enthusiasts you may not know about (including George Archibald, who performed mating dances for an endangered whooping crane to encourage her to lay eggs), in addition to well-known birders like Aristotle, Charles Darwin, and Helen Macdonald.
(University District, free)
Get all this and more on the free Stranger Things To Do mobile app—available now on the App Store and Google Play.
