What do a performance by Stranger Genius John Osebold, a screening of short Turkish films, and a pinball tournament have in common? They’re all things you can do for free this weekend! Read on for the full list of free entertainment Seattle has in store for you this weekend, or check out our complete Things To Do calendar for even more events.
FRIDAY
Mary Gaitskill
Mary Gaitskill’s work has appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, Esquire, The Best American Short Stories, and The O. Henry Prize Stories. Tonight, she’ll read from her new book at the University Book Store.
Jovino Santos Neto
The Brazilian jazz expert will play a free show in the always classy Vito’s.
Hella Dope
Soul, hiphop, and funk, spun from 10 to close at Hattie’s Hat.
SATURDAY
Donald Gilbert-Santamaria: Who is Don Quixote?
In conjunction with the Henry’s Librería Donceles exhibit, UW Associate Professor Donald Gilbert-Santamaria will read the beginning of Cervantes’ classic Don Quixote, and follow with a discussion of Cervantes’ work and intellectual approach.
Heather McHugh and Yussef El Guindi: The Embarrassment of Genius
Our own Christopher Frizzelle interviews Stranger Genius Heather McHugh and Genius nominee Yussef El Guindi about the meaning of the word “genius” in their lives.
Brangien Davis Scratch Night
Brangien Davis (editor, writer, scholar-in-residence, and generally awesome person) is going to gut Town Hall and pull out an antique organ. Almost literally.
Hmong New Year
Celebrate the Hmong New Year, and the 40th year the Hmong people have been in the US, with food, games, performances, activities, and music.
Tarantellas
Italian folk-jazz troupe the Tarantellas take the stage at Vito’s.
Night Crush
A new party for queers and their allies, Night Crush is a safe space for “qpoc, trans people, people of varying abilities, and all bodies.”
SUNDAY
Open Space Edition 1
Chill out and cuddle up at the Fremont Abbey while you listen to a live piano performance by Abbey Gundersen. Bring cushions, pillows, blankets, footie pajamas, and hot cocoa. They’ll light the candles and set the mood.
Vermillion Makers Market
Enjoy live music and a full bar while you scope out beautiful paintings and jewelry from local artists and designers.
Seattle Turkish Film Festival Short Films Competition
The Seattle Turkish Film Festival (happening all weekend) will screen short films at SIFF Film Center for free.
John Osebold: City Light
Stranger Genius winner and Seattle-based writer, musician, and performer John Osebold has created over 20 original music and theater shows. During this show at the Frye, he’ll perform some highlights from his repertoire and some new work.
Mark Z. Danielewski
The author of House of Leaves will read from and sign his new book, The Familiar, Volume 2: Into the Forest, about nine characters whose lives begin to intersect.
Shorty’s Annual Pinball Tournament
Spectators get in for free at this annual pinball tournament hosted by Skillshot; those who are itching to compete can enter for $18. Shorty’s advertises prizes galore at this head-to-head double elimination event. “Everybody is a winner!”
Ladies Musical Club
The LMC will be performing “French operatic favorites” this afternoon.
Ruby Bishop
Seattle’s 94-year-old jazz legend Ruby Bishop plays at Vito’s tonight.
