It’s almost the weekend—do you know what you’re doing yet? If not, there are still lots of cheap and easy options for you, including multiple festivals (like Volunteer Park Pride and Festival Sundiata: Black Arts Fest), a Madonna vs. Lady Gaga DJ night, a National Marina Day celebration in Ballard, and various art walks (in PhinneyWood, Belltown, and Ballard). See all of your $10-and-under options below, or, if you have a slightly larger budget, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
Jump to: Friday | Saturday | Sunday
FRIDAY
Free
1. Art Up PhinneyWood
Walk around charming Greenwood/Phinney (just north of the zoo) and take in art from dozens of venues, from galleries to restaurants to bookshops, including Couth Buzzard Books, Naked City Brewery, and Urban Light Studios. (PhinneyWood, free)
2. Belltown Art Walk
On second Fridays, wander around Belltown and check out their hyperlocal art scene amidst the waves of drinkers and clubbers. Convene at the Belltown Community Center to pick up a map (and maybe some snacks/goodies), then head out to explore nearby galleries while taking advantage of all the artists’ exhibitions (and provided refreshments). (Belltown, free)
3. A Drink For Vera
Support your favorite all-ages music and arts space by drinking a ton. The Vera Project asks for your best liver with their annual booze-infused fundraiser that contributes to their venue upkeep and programming. Join them at Linda’s Tavern on the 9th at 5pm, St. John’s Bar & Eatery on the 10th at 5pm, and Hilliard’s brewery on the 11th at 2pm. Linda’s and St. John’s are 21+ but Hilliard’s is all-ages, and all events include live DJ sets and raffles, with live music at the brewery. (Various locations, free entry, through Saturday)
4. Glazer’s PhotoFest
Get a sneak preview of Glazer’s new space (in their old location, with a shiny new building) at PhotoFest, which boasts a weekend-long bill of photography events including talks, workshops, interactive demonstrations, photo walks, and sales. (South Lake Union, free, through Sunday)
5. Jules Boykoff
Jules Boykoff reads from his book Power Games: A Political History of the Olympics, a well-timed commentary on the historical, cultural, and political impact of the Olympic Games. (Capitol Hill, free)
6. Malcolm Procter: The Love CAVE
A two-day installation of paintings, drawings, sculpture, and film by Malcolm Procter. (Capitol Hill, free)
7. Night Shift
Night Shift is a recurring nomadic dance party with rotating special guest DJs as well as rotating locations. Tonight’s event happens at Kremwerk, with featured DJs Kyo Ken, Yung Futon, Canh Solo, Lourawk, Soul One, and Epaulets inside, DJs T.Wan and J-Nasty out on the patio, and a third room filled with just pizza for your post-dance cram. (Downtown, free before 10 pm/$10 after)
8. Portraits by Isabela Garcia Reception
Enjoy a new series of portraits (some of which were taken within the bowels of the old Lusty Lady) from local photographer Isabela Garcia. The reception includes refreshments, a chance to chat with (and possibly befriend) the artist, live music by somesurprises, and DJ sets from DJs Lesley and Domenica. (Greenwood, free)
9. Reel Queer Youth: Short Film Screenings
A screening of short films created during the Reel Queer Youth video production program for queer youth and allies. (Downtown, free)
10. Seattle Fiction Federation #7
Seattle Fiction Federation’s first reading at the Hugo House’s new space features Jessica Mooney (APRIL/Seattle Review of Books contest winner), Julie Trimingham (Way Elsewhere), Erika Brumett (Scrap Metal Sky), and SFF#6 winner Crystaline Brown. (First Hill, free)
11. Sorticulture Garden Arts Festival
A weekend of garden art, rare plants, display gardens, food, wine, music, and kids’ activities—all with free admission (and a free shuttle). (Everett, free, through Sunday)
12. Strange Coupling 2016
Strange Coupling is a juried exhibition featuring 12 collaborations between UW student artists and local working artists, encouraging creative teamwork and direct engagement with the Seattle arts scene. The Stranger‘s own Jen Graves was part of the jury team that made the marriages, and she’s as curious as you are about what the art-babies went on to make. (Pioneer Square, free)
13. Vermillion’s 8 Year Anniversary Party
Celebrate eight whole years of the national treasure that is Vermillion with a party of champagne, cupcakes, and The JAM DJ crew spinning high energy tunes all night long. (Capitol Hill, free)
$5-$10
14. Ari Rabin-Havt
Ari Rabin-Havt, host of several shows on Sirius XM radio including The Agenda, will speak about our “post-truth” world of politics, and his book, Lies, Incorporated. (First Hill, $5)
15. The Boards, The City Hall, Jane Deaux, James Carpio
Groove to the early ’50s feel of The Boards’ catchy pop rock at this all-ages show at Hollow Earth, with The City Hall, Jane Deaux, and James Carpio. (Central District, $5-$8 suggested)
16. Bootie Seattle: Madonna vs Lady Gaga
Seattle’s only all-mashup dance party, featuring DJs Schmolli and Adrian A, will spend Pride Month paying tribute to the first ladies of pop, Madonna and Lady Gaga. (Capitol Hill, $5/$10)
17. Bryan McPherson
If you’re into one man melodically, triumphantly, and sequentially belting out about his trials and tribulations, then hit up Bryan McPherson at the Funhouse to see him break his guitar and his heart all over the stage just for you. He’ll be joined by Steven Cole Smith & the Time Traveling Band, Destroy Nate Allen, and Bird Teeth. (Eastlake, $6/$8)
18. Luke Fitzpatrick: Violin & Electronics
I wish I knew more about Luke Fitzpatrick! Heck, I wish I knew Luke Fitzpatrick. He’s got a violin. He’s got a looper. He’s got all kinds of stuff in his arsenal. He studies at the UW. He’s played Steve Reich (check him out on YouTube doing Reich’s “Violin Phase”). He’s participated in a live performance of Lou Reed’s “Metal Machine Music” down in California, and no, I have no idea how anyone who does that might preserve sanity or, simply, hearing. Here it’ll be just him, his violin, and his electric ordnance. ANDREW HAMLIN (Wallingford, $5-$15 donation)
19. Pollens with Ellis and Northern Thorns
Previously local group Pollens has shed some members and their PNW vibes for a Big Apple sound: no guitars, all group singing, and a hybrid beat of post-punk, trance pop, and African influences. (Capitol Hill, $8)
20. Vashon Sheepdog Classic
Join a crowd of thousands at the Vashon Sheepdog Classic, where you’ll have a chance to watch Border collies herd sheep through courses, as their handlers compete for cash and prizes. The Sheepdog Classic also promises diverse offerings like a “Fiber Arts Village,” sheep shearing and lamb butchery demonstrations, and an educational exhibit titled “The Story of Wool.” (Vashon, $10, through Sunday)
SATURDAY
Free
21. Ballard Art Walk
On the second Saturday of every month, take an evening stroll around Ballard to enjoy free artwork in local galleries, studios, restaurants, and shops. (Ballard, free)
22. Chittenden Locks Summer Concert Series
Grab a blanket, a Nalgene full of wine, and your child or someone else’s child and head to the Locks for their annual free public summer concert series. May through September, enjoy live music performances from symphonic bands, show choirs, jazz trios, and more in the gardens by the Locks. This Saturday, the Mood Swings will perform big band, jazz, and blues music, and on Sunday, Barneleikarringen will provide Scandinavian dance music for children. (Ballard, free, through Sunday)
23. The Clown Show
Curated by Celeste Kean and Larry Reid in association with Georgetown Carnival, The Clown Show offers magic, a clown bar, burlesque, a drag show, and art (both displayed and “interactive”) all rolled into one day of artsy weirdness, featuring local stars including Ron English, Marian Peck, Owen Smith, Kelly O, Extremo, and Doug Parry. Make sure to check out Angela Garbes’ list of where to eat and drink while you’re there.(Georgetown, free)
24. Festival Sundiata Presents Black Arts Fest
The 36th annual celebration of African-American heritage features live music from local and international acts, an exhibition of black visual artists, dance performances, vendors, African dance and traditional drumming workshops, and more. (Seattle Center, free)
25. Georgetown Carnival
Watch circus performers, acrobats, musicians, and artists of all kinds come together at this multidisciplinary festival that also promises games, food, and strange carnival fun. (Georgetown, free)
26. Jacob Miller and The Bridge City Crooners, The Crow Quill Night Owls
Celebrate the Doe Bay Fest 9 lineup announcement with live performances from Jacob Miller & the Bridge City Crooners, and The Crow Quill Night Owls, and specials on New Belgium Beer. (Ballard, free)
27. Jamie Brickhouse
Two-time Moth StorySLAM winner Jamie Brickhouse, who has been published in The New York Times and Salon, will read from his memoir Dangerous When Wet: A Memoir of Booze, Sex, and My Mother, his 2015 book that was listed as required reading in Mary Karr’s The Art of the Memoir. (Capitol Hill, free)
28. LGBTQ Animated Film Screening
This multi-genre event produced by SPL’s Sharing Our Voices program will share the oral histories of Seattle’s LGBTQ community, through short films, performances, and a panel discussion featuring Riz Rollins, The Lady B, Mark Mitchell, La Saveona Hunt, and Lamar Van Dyke. (Capitol Hill, free)
29. Melanie Noel
This artist talk/lecture series organized by Hami Bohadori and Matt Bell promises a take on the intersection of commercial and academic art through a variety of forms of communication, from performances and presentations to lectures and “beneficial experiences.” This time, hear from Melanie Noel (The Monarchs) who “sometimes leads experiential workshops meant to invoke synesthesia and an altered sense of scale.” (Queen Anne, free)
30. National Marina Day
The National Marina Day celebration at Shilshole promises free water-based (or beach-based) activities including boat rides and kids’ sailing lessons, live music, and a beer and wine garden. (Ballard, free)
31. One 2 Four Launch Party with Sean Majors, Treovr, Oddlin, Hunter, and Jek
Revel in the launch of new Seattle-based event production and promotion company, One 2 Four, with live dance music performances from Sean Majors, Treovr, Oddlin, Hunter, and Jek. (Seattle Center, free)
32. Rudy’s West Seattle & Realfine Coffee Parking Lot Party!
A good, old-fashioned parking lot party, with art by Rhodora Jacob, comedy, music, drinks, food from Nibbles Seattle Food Truck, and haircuts. (West Seattle, free)
33. Saturday Family Event
Kids age 6-11 and their guardians are invited to delve into architecture with The Seattle Architecture Foundation at their Center for Architecture & Design, featuring hands-on projects and presentations with assistance provided by experts. (Bring a granola bar if you want–they are quite clear about the fact that they will not serve snacks.) For this final event, look at bridge structures and design a bridge of the future. (Downtown, free)
34. Six Years Out From Bye Bye Land
A show of work by Joshua Monuteaux, stage 4 lung cancer survivor who believed he would die six years ago, and an artist who works in a variety of media—one of which happens to be copies of The Stranger. Monuteaux writes: “These past six years of cancer treatment have changed how I define myself. More importantly, I’ve learned that redefinitions are available to everyone, not just those going through traumatic circumstances. Come see what my own personal redefinition has spawned. Come see my collection of completed art pieces up close and in person.” (Fremont, free)
35. Volunteer Park Pride Festival
This year’s Pride Fest boasts a strong, diverse musical lineup, thanks to former Chop Suey talent buyer Jodi Ecklund’s curation. Among the sonic treats: the newest project by badass ex-Seven Year Bitch vocalist Selene Vigil (Selene Vigil et Amicis), whose slashing punk bravado keeps her old band’s torch blazing; all-femme AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles’ metallic KOs; Boyfriends’ gently delirious and twisted Wedding Present-esque pop; and Aeon Fux’s eccentric and electronic “doom-soul” songcraft. Local LGBTQIA folks get all of this, plus a vintage and local crafts bazaar overseen by Indian Summer proprietor Adria Garcia, artist booths, food trucks, and more. DAVE SEGAL (Capitol Hill, free)
$5-$10
36. Ball of Wax Vol. 44 Release Show
Celebrate the release of the 44th volume of the Ball of Wax Audio Quarterly, an “astoundingly diverse collection of tracks made exclusively with the human voice,” at this show that will feature performances (some of which are a cappella) from contributors including Mountains and Tunnels, Heather Duby, and Colin Isler. (Fremont, $10)
37. Chris Acker & The Growing Boys, Honcho Poncho, Gin Melon
Enjoy the summer night vibes of Chris Acker and the Growing Boys (all the way from New Orleans), with Honcho Poncho and Gin Melon at this mini rock fest night in the lush splendor of the U-District. (University District, $5)
38. Dapper Down’s Pre-After Party
Celebrate Pride early with this after-party for the Volunteer Park Pride Festival, thus making this the pre-after-party for the actual Pride Parade. Enjoy a drag performance from Dapper Down, with beats by DJs Fred Eddison and Mixx America, and a discounted ticket (only $5) if you stop by Dapper Down’s booth during the festival. (Downtown, $7)
39. Lee Bains III and The Glory Fires
Bains, an Alabama native and former member of Tuscaloosa rockers the Dexateens, sings of the meth labs and magnolias native to where he comes from, pride and revulsion comingling like the stars and bars on Old Glory. JASON BRACELIN (Capitol Hill, $8)
40. Owl Prowl
Take an evening walk into the forest in search of local owls with experts from the Seward Park Audubon Center—learn about owls, as well as “their habitats, behaviors and language including a dissection of owl pellets to find the bones and skull from their prey.” (Columbia City, $10)
41. Pioneer Square Beer Garden: Copa America viewing party vs. Paraguay
Watch Team USA play Paraguay in Copa America 2016, with lots of local (21+) soccer fans and plenty to drink. They’ll put a 20×12 foot JumboTron in a Pioneer Square parking lot, so you can enjoy the rowdy game atmosphere from a convenient Seattle vantage point. Admission is $10, but your ticket includes vouchers for $11.50 in drinks! The event starts at 2 pm, but definitely make sure to get there before the 4 pm kickoff. (Pioneer Square, $10)
42. Test Apes, Snakebites, Garlic Man & Chikn, The Second Hand Suits
A night of new and old garage rock, with a brief touch of country, from Test Apes, Snakebites, Garlic Man & Chikn, and the Second Hand Suits. (Capitol Hill, $7)
43. UW Botanic Gardens: Park in the Dark
Appreciate the beauty of the arboretum at night while also learning about nocturnal animals on this evening hike. (It’s designed for families with kids age 6-12, but everyone’s invited.) (Madison Park, $8)
44. Your MAGesty, RLC, L Dot Hammond
Local lady MC and battle rapper Your MAGesty headlines a night of Seattle hop, including RLC and L Dot Hammond. (West Seattle, $7)
SUNDAY
Free
45. An Afternoon of Stone and Sun
Northwest Stone Sculptors Association hosts a pop-up and picnic where you’ll have a chance to look at (and purchase) more than 50 stone sculptures, talk to vendors and artists, and chow down at the barbecue. (Capitol Hill, free)
46. Black Moon Market
A Pagan Marketplace featuring crystals, divination tools, jewelry, pottery, art, wearables, books, candles, body products, services, and more. (Eastlake, free)
47. Casa Forte: Duende
A new series from En Canto vocalist Adriana Giordano, Casa Forte showcases new works from Latin musicians and world music artisans. This entry in the series focuses on Duende, a recently formed high-energy trio that utilizes jazz as a vehicle for international rhythms and complicated melodies. (Columbia City, free)
48. Cast Off: Sunday Public Sail
Take this opportunity to get out on the water. Sign-ups begin in person at 10 a.m. every Sunday, and remain open all day, with boats departing between 11 am and 3 pm. Most boat rides are 45 minutes to 1 hour long. (South Lake Union, free)
49. Columbia City Beatwalk
Head to the Columbia City Theater for the Columbia City Beatwalk this weekend. The 2016 theme is “Funk,” so they’re kicking off the line-up with sets from Mctuff, Swindler, Tsunami Piñata, Horse and Tiger, India Mitchel, Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons. KEXP DJ Johnny Horn willl be spinning in the alley along with a busker collective on the street. Like every year, the Beatwalk is free and all-ages. (Columbia City, free)
50. Luna Park Street Market
Come to the Luna Park Street Market for food, drinks (cash bar), live art and music, and more, benefiting Seattle Pridefest.org and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – Abbey of St Joan. (West Seattle, free)
51. Negin Farsad: How to Make White People Laugh
Stand-up comedian, writer, and filmmaker Negin Farsad speaks about her new book of essays that takes on racism, sexism, media bias, and more. (University District, free)
52. Open Space Edition 6
A brief evening interlude of laying on the floor to contemplative music by candlelight, thanks to the dulcet tones of The Opiate Mass. BYOCushionsPillows&Blankets, doors are at 8pm, and be sure to silence your phones, shut your mouths, and take off those loud shoes you’re always wearing. (Fremont, free)
53. Our Circle of Breath
Alan Chong Lau has been hosting interdisciplinary arts events forever… At his events, the ideas and gestures contained in music, visual art, and literature bounce off of each other and create an intellectually stimulating and generally easygoing environment, one that challenges your expectations of readings, art shows, and concerts. This time he’s got Don Mee Choi reading from her powerful new book of poetry, Hardly War, which is a collage of her father’s war photography, her own prose poems and poem-poems, postcards, untranslated Korean, theory from writers like Deleuze and Barthes, musical scores, and opera. With any luck, as she reads she’ll project photos her father took during the wars in Korea and Vietnam. UW prof Stuart Dempster will work in some improvised trombone/didgeridoo, and John Levy will read poems accompanied by projected drawings from Donald Cole. RICH SMITH (Capitol Hill, free)
54. Sunday Patio Party Series
Experience the new Timbre Room (adjacent to Kremwerk) at their new summer-exclusive Sunday afternoon dance party series with $1 beer specials, and sets by some of Seattle’s favorites. Today’s opening party will feature De La Creme. (Downtown, free)
$5-$10
55. Breezy Manner
Breezy Manner, a night of “psychedelic rock and electric funk from the far-flung corners of the world,” promises a live performance from Scriptures, featured DJ Garrett Moore of Midday Veil and Brain Fruit, and resident DJ Veins. (Capitol Hill, $5)
56. Kevin Kelly: The Inevitable
Writer Kevin Kelly (founding Executive Editor at Wired and author of Inevitable: Understanding The 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future) will speak about the “inevitable” developments of the next 30 years, and the ominous things our future almost certainly holds. (First Hill, $5)
57. Opera on Tap: Game Night
Professional opera singers performing in one of Seattle’s most interesting tiki karaoke bars with a full set of improv games on deck: sounds like a recipe for entertainment. (Seattle Center, $5 suggested)
58. Po’ Brothers, Keaton Collective, Chris King and the Butterballs
Good ole smokey garage rock from Po’ Brothers, Keaton Collective, and Chris King and the Gutterballs. $1 beers until the keg is gone, so get your beer belly out and ready. (Capitol Hill, $6)
There will also be a vigil tonight in Cal Anderson Park for the victims of the Orlando shooting.
