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 International Independent Video Store Day to the local music showcase NadaFest, and from the closing of Party Hat: The Art Show to the Diwali: Lights of India festival. For even more options, 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.
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FRIDAY
ART1. U-District Art Walk
This art walk happens the third Friday of every month and features art in cool funky business of the U-District such as Chaco Canyon, Cafe Solstice, Gargoyles Statuary, Moksha, and Trabant Coffee & Chai. This month, check out the Glow Show Art Reception and the All Hallows Haunt.
(University District, free)
2. October Movie Series
Spend your Fridays leading up to Halloween watching Shelley Duvall, Sandra Bullock, Bette Midler, and others in classic spooky flicks. Tonight, see Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho.
(Pioneer Square, $8)
3. Spooky Ice Cream Social
Taste "spooky" ice cream flavors, indulge in Halloween-themed sundaes, and eat pumpkin pie while getting a tarot reading from Atta Dawahare and sitting for local artist Camille Simone as she paints a scary portrait for you to hang over your fireplace. They also promise board games and a costume contest.
(Greenwood, free admission)
4. Funky Family Fall Festival
Kids 12 and under can enjoy Halloween tricks and treats with an evening carnival games, crafts, haunted mini golf, and more. "Funky family costumes" are encouraged.
(Ravenna, free)
5. Halloween Carnival
Loyal Heights community members can take part in spooky and festive activities like crafts, cookie decorating, and a cake walk to win candy and other treats. Don't forget to bring your own bag (and to wear a cool costume). Proceeds benefit the Loyal Heights Community Center's scholarship fund.
(Ballard, free)
6. Hamlin Halloween Haunt
Sing songs around a campfire, hear ghost stories, ride a hay wagon, and make s'mores.
(Shoreline, free)
7. All Star Opera, La Fonda, Real Don Music
Multi-piece hiphop ensemble and artist collective All Star Opera has grown through the years from a two-MCs-and-a-DJ trio to a six-member live band that cranks out high-energy bohemian grooves. KIM SELLING
(Ballard, $10)
8. Annie Hart with Flying Fish Cove
Most notable as one-third of Au Revoir Simone, Annie Hart has struck out on her own to create less-synthy but just as heartfelt and meticulously crafted pop music under her given name. She'll be joined by Flying Fish Cove.
(Downtown, $10)
9. Darqness, Jasmine Infiniti
Join Seattle's Darqness Arts Collective for a night of music with Oakland's Jasmine Infiniti, featuring DJ sets by Toya B, Reverend Dollars, and Dos Leches, and performances by the House of Luna.
(Downtown, pay what you can before 11 pm/$10 after 11 pm)
10. Do Peterson Band
Watch Do Peterson Band in the debut performance of their new soul, folk, and rock album Ideation.
(Belltown, $10)
11. Flicker & Fade
Seattle indie-rockers Waking Things and Edgewood blues-rock duo St. John's Prophets will take the stage.
(Belltown, $10)
12. The Heroine, Zero Down, The Stuntmen, Speargun
San Antonio rock quintet the Heroine apply their blue collar work ethic to their touring schedule, steadily gigging across the country all year long. They'll be joined by Zero Down, The Stuntmen, and Speargun.
(Eastlake, $8/$10)
13. Horse Head Bookends: Gel-Sol Album Release Live & VR
Celebrate the release of SYNPROV CORP/Monster Planet resident Gel-Sol's new album, Horse Head Bookends, by seeing them perform with their cohorts and Tim Held. Don't forget to head upstairs after the show to experience the album in virtual reality.
(Beacon Hill, $5)
14. Molasses
Seattle funk band Molasses describe themselves as "a horny, funk, dance, soul, rock band that held its own during the days of Seattle Grunge." Now they're back, and they'll be joined by R&B/soul outfit Thaddillac and Organgasm.
(University District, $7)
15. Porn Bloopers, Joan and the Rivers, Laser Beam, Sour Notes
Porn Bloopers, Joan and the Rivers, Laser Beam, and Sour Notes will gather all their slop-rock brat punk talents together for a rowdy show in the University District.
(University District, $7)
16. The Thrill, Steeltoe Metronome, Sam Cobra, Thom Celica
Join "folk punk" band Steeltoe Metronome, The Thrill, Sam Cobra, and three-piece rockers Thom Celica for an evening of Northwest rock.
(Eastlake, $8)
17. Young-Chhaylee and Kritters
Local singer-songwriter Young-Chhaylee blends pop, soul, and R&B styles in his singing. He'll be joined by Kritters.
(Columbia City, free)
18. Jere Van Dyk: The Labyrinth of Political Kidnapping
Washington-born journalist Jere Van Dyk, who in 2014 travelled to Afghanistan to seek "the facts withheld by employers, family, and government investigators" regarding his own 2008 kidnapping, will recount his investigation and discuss his research.
(South Lake Union, $5)
19. Libraryoke with Baby Ketten
Belt out your favorite tunes inspired by books and/or libraries (or songs that are simply bookish in nature), and dress up as your favorite literary character or author to win prizes.
(West Seattle, free)
20. Pat Thomas
Pat Thomas will discuss his book Did It! From Yippie to Yuppie: Jerry Rubin, an American Revolutionary, which offers an oral and visual history of the Yippies co-founder, anti-Vietnam War activist, and Chicago 8 defendant Jerry Rubin.
(Capitol Hill, free)
21. Night Lab: Scary Stories
Down some liquid courage in the form of "scary cocktails" before showing your spooky story skills at this open mic. Also enjoy the reissue of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark with a reading from the host of the evening, Seattle drag queen AngelBaby Kill! Kill! Kill!
(Capitol Hill, free)
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
ART22. Shawn Huckins Closing Weekend
Shawn Huckins is known for his humorous Pop Art and meme-inspired mixed media works that mash together images of early American figures and politicians with contemporary internet speak. On Huckins' website, he writes: "Imagine what Lewis & Clark could have done with the internet while exploring the American west."
(Pioneer Square, free)
23. NadaFest
Catch a variety of local acts ranging from alt-rockers to electro-poppers to experimental hiphop artists at this three-day festival.
(Ballard, $10)
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
COMMUNITY24. Duwamish Native Arts & Crafts Market
Support and promote local Native American artists representing a broad range of tribal traditions. Chat with artists, buy their work, and eat food.
(West Seattle, free)
25. 10 Acrobats in an Amazing Leap of Faith
Yussef El-Guindi's 10 Acrobats in an Amazing Leap of Faith tells the story of an Egyptian American Muslim family trying to honor their roots while also living their own lives in America. Over the course of one day in Ramadan, bonds are tested as the family prepares for an old family friend to visit from Egypt for a wedding. Sales have ended for Friday's show.
(University District, $10)
SATURDAY
ART26. A Dialogue: Ryan Molencamp and Jed Dunkerley
The two artists presenting work in Vancouver! Vancouver! This Is it!, both of whom depict Pacific Northwest landscapes and geographies, will hold a dialogue.
(Downtown, free)
27. Jack Straw Artist Showcase
See performances by resident artists in Jack Straw's Artist Support Program, including Antonio Davidson-Gomez, Amber Flame, and Dennis Rea.
(University District, free)
28. One Year
Join Mokedo in celebrating one year of community, light art, music, education, and community by seeing light art installations and other visual art from Mokedo and other local light artists, bidding in a silent auction, and dancing to local DJs.
(Beacon Hill, free)
29. Storefronts UN[contained] Artist Reception
See work from CoCA's October resident artists and Shunpike's Storefronts UN[contained]—a new residence artist program that celebrates cultural diversity by supporting 12 artists from a variety of disciplines who explore themes of racial equity and social justice. Featured artists include Anastacia-Renee Tolbert, Juliana Kang, and Eliaichi, among others.
(Pioneer Square, free)
30. Hygge: The Exhibit
Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word that encapsulates values of hospitality, warmth, community, and general coziness. Visit the Museum of Danish America’s traveling Hygge exhibition to see different aspects of the concept, from food to furniture (and candles, of course).
(North Seattle, $10)
31. An Afternoon In Hogsmeade
The Harry Potter world does a pretty solid job of nailing each of the seasons, but October is a particularly special time at Hogwarts. Dress up as your favorite magical being from the series and take a trip to Hogsmeade, where you can visit Hagrid's Haven, attend the Yule Ball, play a mini game of Quidditch, go on a Horcrux scavenger hunt, find out which house you belong to, get thrown in Azkaban (for 15 minutes), buy bath bombs by Apothecary Noir, eat desserts from Sierra's Baked Goods, and more. Keep your eyes peeled for dementors floating about.
(Tacoma, free)
32. Big Pumpkin Bash
Enjoy carnival games, a cake walk, face painting, and much more at this family-friendly Halloween celebration. They'll also be collecting donations for local food banks, so bring cans to give away.
(North Seattle, free)
33. Bird Focus: Corvids
Find out everything you've ever wanted to know about ravens, crows, jays, and magpies on a walk-and-talk with naturalist Ed Dominguez.
(Rainier Valley, free/$5)
34. Community Conversation: SPL’s Strategic Direction
Join executive director and chief librarian Marcellus Turner in a community conversation about the future of The Seattle Public Library—specifically its 2017-2019 Strategic Direction, which will inform its public levy-funded work plan.
(Rainier Valley, free)
35. Diwali: Lights of India
This event showcases Indian arts and culture in celebration of India's autumn festival of lights. See performances from local and international artists, learn classical dances like Odissi, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak, get a henna tattoo, sip tea in the chai corner, eat vegetarian Indian food, and much more.
(Seattle Center, free)
36. Duwamish Alive!
Join the Duwamish Alive! coalition's members in helping restore riverine habitat by planting, mulching, and weeding. Hear speeches by a Duwamish tribe representative, Seattle City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, Rein Attaman of the Washington Environmental Council, and other special guests.
(Duwamish, free)
37. Earthquake Home Retrofit Class
"The Big One" is ever-looming, and with the recent onslaught of natural disasters, it never hurts to be extra prepared. Help reduce damage caused by an earthquake by learning how to retrofit your home from experts.
(Phinney, free)
38. Fall Festival
You can feel festive and old timey by working an apple press, making your own scarecrow (with clothes and a pillow case from home), and playing fall games at this family festival.
(Ballard, free)
39. Fall Festival in Occidental Square
Gather all of your chosen and blood relatives for a cozy fall celebration, where you can sip free hot cider while hanging out with animals at a petting zoo, picking out a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch (for purchase), bouncing on an inflatable obstacle course, and getting your face painted.
(Pioneer Square, free)
40. Fall Makers Mall
Browse work from dozens of local painters, jewelry and clothing designers, woodworkers, and other artists at this fall market. Also enjoy live music and raffles offering gift certificates and handcrafted goods.
(South Lake Union, free)
41. Friends of SPL Cookbook Sale
Peruse hundreds of new and used cookbooks on a variety of cuisines and topics at this sale, in partnership with Ethan Stowell Restaurants.
(Capitol Hill, free)
42. Seattle Opera Costume Sale
Witness the great wares of the stage at this costume sale hosted by Seattle Opera. They'll be selling years worth of production materials, including show costumes, accessories, and props.
(South Lake Union, free)
43. Undocumented Resistance Fundraising Party
Enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction at cocktail hour before learning about undocumented-led movements, hearing live music and seeing work from local artists, and dancing with La Realeza Collective in this fundraising party for local immigrant families.
(Columbia City, $10)
44. International Independent Video Store Day
Support your local video store on International Video Store Day with a half-off sale of all Criterion Collection titles and used items. There will also be prizes, giveaways, a silent auction, live music from Monster Planet, food from Cocina Buena, and beer from Fremont Brewing.
(University District, free)
45. French Oak Wine Barrel Beer Release
Taste two new Tin Dog releases—the Saison on Grapes and the Melange Une—that blend three barrel-aged beers with peach and lemon notes. You can also pick up a bottle or two to take home.
(West Seattle, free)
46. Mad John Pumpkin Fest
Fill your day and your body with pumpkin treats, starting with pumpkin pancakes and bellinis in the morning, followed by pumpkin beer and cider throughout the afternoon. If you're still craving more, head to BottleNeck to taste their Calabaza Margarita or their Gored Punch (served straight from the pumpkin). They advise that you "don your favorite hoodie and grab your best friend."
(Central District, free)
47. R Day
Join KEXP for a celebration of a tried-and-true Northwest standby, Rainier beer, with live music from My Goodness, Bread & Butter, and Naked Giants, hosted by KEXP DJ John Richards. They also promise a 50-foot inflatable obstacle course, the Jubilee Team Challenge, and plenty of Rainier to drink.
(Sodo, free)
48. Seattle's Bravest Charity Pancake Feed
Celebrate the 106th anniversary of the Historic Old Ballard Fire House #18 by stuffing your face with pancakes in the company of fire fighters. All proceeds benefit Seattle's Bravest Charity.
(Ballard, free)
49. Frankie & The Witch Fingers
Los Angeles psych-pop lovers Frankie & the Witch Fingers will wipe their LCD-riddled rock on the walls of Chop Suey, with as yet unannounced local support.
(Capitol Hill, $10)
50. Gustafer Yellowgold
Join children's musician Gustafer Yellowgold as he performs for Town Hall's Saturday Family Concerts series.
(Columbia City, free/$5)
51. Seattle Classic Guitar Society: Scott Kritzer
In this free and all-ages ongoing series at the Frye, San Francisco Conservatory of Music graduate and highly sought-after music instructor Scott Kritzer will play a live set inspired by Segovia classics. Kritzer has been referred to by Colin Cooper of Classical Guitar Magazine as "a guitarist in the best modern American mold."
(First Hill, free)
52. Will Moore, Abbot Kinney, Guests
Northwest-native Will Moore (The Chasers) will perform with San Francisco alt-rock trio Abbot Kinney.
(Ballard, $8)
53. Aline Vida
Join alternative soul artist Aline Vida and her band for an intimate evening of both covers and original songs.
(Downtown, free)
54. Rock Bottom
See local long-form improv comedy group Rock Bottom, comprised of "a diverse group of comedians from India, China, Germany, Pakistan, the UK, and across the US."
(Capitol Hill, $7)
55. The War of the Worlds
We're guessing you weren't there for Orson Welles's broadcast of H.G. Wells's scary novel War of the Worlds, because it happened in 1938. Supposedly, it started a panic, although some historians have cast doubt on that particular legend. Nonetheless, keep your young ones close as Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound (REPS) recreate the reading of this alien invasion radio drama.
(Phinney, free)
56. American Horror Story Drag Show
Local acts will perform as their favorite American Horror Story character in a spooky evening hosted by Irene DuBois. Performers include Americano, Fraya Love, Jade Dynasty, SHE, and other special guests.
(Downtown, $8)
57. Cocktails With Lynn Comella
Drink cocktails with Lynn Comella as she discusses her book Vibrator Nation: How Feminist Sex-Toy Stores Changed the Business of Pleasure, which features interviews with retailers, including the founders of Babeland, and explores the evolution of the sex toy market.
(Capitol Hill, free)
58. Finnegans Wake by James Joyce, Part I, Chapter 2
Seattle composer, musician, and substitute teacher Neal Kosaly-Meyer will continue his amazing feat of reciting Finnegan's Wake from memory, chapter by chapter—as if reading the modernist monster wasn't hard enough. Intimidated? Never fear: according to Kosaly-Meyer, Chapter 2 "is among the shortest chapters (about an hour to perform), the characters and narrative are relatively clear (at least compared to the rest of the Wake), and it includes a climactic song, composed by Joyce. "
(Capitol Hill, $5-$15)
59. Lawrence Pitre Reception and Artist Talk
Join local artist Lawrence Pitre for a reception and talk celebrating the vivid paintings in his exhibit We Are One.
(Central District, $7)
60. MARA: Make America Read Again with Saab Lofton
Sci fi writer and poet Saab Lofton will read from Defend the Archive! and perform slam poetry that "made him the enemy of every white supremacist in Nevada during the Dubya Years." Meet the author and pick up some copies of his work.
(Phinney, free)
61. Mary's Dust Book Launch
Join poet Melinda Mueller and cellist Lori Goldston for the launch of Mueller's latest collection, Mary's Dust. Goldston will perform a suite of new music commissioned for the book and they will show a film by Christian Anderson featuring Seattle poets discussing "the unique perspectives women writers bring to writing about history and creating their own narratives."
(Capitol Hill, free)
62. Rachel Yang and Jess Thompson
Celebrated local chef Rachel Yang and food writer Jess Thompson will sign their book My Rice Bowl: Korean Cooking Outside the Lines and offer food samples and a talk.
(Chinatown-International District, free)
63. Roger Mello
Brazilian author and illustrator (and winner of the 2014 Hans Christian Andersen Award) Roger Mello will read from his latest children's book, You Can't Be Too Careful.
(Ravenna, free)
64. Ronald K.L. Collins and David M. Skover
Two Seattle law professors—UW School of Law's Ronald Collins and Seattle University School of Law's David Skover—will present their co-written book, The Judge: 26 Machiavellian Lessons, which "looks at the intersection of the judiciary and the political—getting more attention now and in recent decades—and brings the work of Niccolò Machiavelli to the fore in so doing."
(Capitol Hill, free)
65. Thalia Field: Experimental Animals Book Launch
Professor and author Thalia Field will launch her new historical novel, Experimental Animals: A Reality Fiction, a thoroughly-researched exploration of the life of 19th-century naturalist and vivisectionist Claude Bernard and his marriage to the animal-loving Fanny Martin. Beryl Clark and Gabrielle Bates will read from the work as well as sharing selections from their own writings.
(First Hill, free)
66. Wheels of a Dream: Ragtime and Visions of Hope
Ragtime director Peter Rothstein, SIFF artistic director Beth Barrett, Spectrum Dance Theater artistic director Donald Byrd, Solo Magic founder Jade Solomon Curtis, and playwright Roger Tang will discuss Ragtime and other works that "challenge and inspire audiences to be more hopeful and envision a pluralistic future."
(Downtown, free)
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
ART67. Kold Barroso's Imaginarium / Visions of Sounds
Join Seattle-based Spanish artist Koldo Barroso as he celebrates his 50th birthday with a collection of more than 60 original works of surrealist and magical realist art, including books, paintings, illustrations, and "electronic landscapes."
(West Seattle, free)
68. Remodeled Homes Tour
Take a tour of Northwest homes that have undergone transformative remodels, and take notes on what inspires you to apply to your own living space.
(West Seattle, free)
69. Wild Mushroom Show
See over 200 varieties of wild mushrooms and learn which are edible, which are poisonous, and which are simply "valueless as food."
(Bellevue, $10)
70. Represent! A Multicultural Playwrights Festival
See four new plays by playwrights of color, including Juliette Carrillo's Plumas Negras; short selections by local playwrights Maria Batayola, Shontina Vernon, Celeste Mari Williams, and others; Madhuri Shekar's House of Joy, and Mara E. Palma's Echoes of Empire.
(University District, $9/$10)
SUNDAY
ART71. Party Hat: The Art Show Closing Event
Enjoy a pouch of frosé, eat snacks, and watch an exclusive slideshow of a decade of "porn conventions, juggalo gatherings, and drunks of the week" by photographer Kelly O. Also see visual art from Mark Mitchell, John Criscitello, Brandon Vosika, Neon Saltwater, Albie, Kelly Bjork, and many others.
(Pioneer Square, free)
72. Mayoral Candidate Forum
Hear from mayoral candidates Cary Moon and Jenny Durkan as they answer questions from community members, moderated by David Hyde from KUOW.
(Phinney, free)
73. Howl-o-ween Dog Day & Food Drive
Try to contain yourself at this costume contest for dogs, where you can buy treats for yourself and your pup from the Barkery and donate pet food to the Seattle Humane Society.
(Sodo, free)
74. Scarecrow Video Weirdo Horror Triple Feature
The name says it all: See three bizarre and gloriously low-budget "secret" trash movies full of twists, vengeance, and Satanic cults.
(University District, $9)
75. SHRIEK: Ginger Snaps + Happy Hour
SHRIEK, the bimonthly class that focuses on women and minorities in horror, will screen Ginger Snaps. In this 2000 cult favorite, two morbid sisters find their death obsession becoming a little too real when one of them is bitten by a werewolf. Discuss issues in the film afterwards, particularly the questions: "We'll have a lot to talk about with this one, such as: why are almost all female monsters presented as sexy? Why do women and girls become sexy when they become monsters?"
(Greenwood, $10)
76. Comadre Panadería Pop-Up
The delicious genius behind Comadre Panadería will host a pop-up in partnership with Amandine Bakeshop and Dorothea Coffee spread over two weekends. Proceeds from the pan dulce sales will go directly to the at-risk populations of Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Puerto Rico in the wake of recent events.
(Capitol Hill, free)
77. Joule's Anniversary Party
Help Joule celebrate their fifth anniversary at their Stone Way location and their 10th anniversary of existence with food from their bun bar, drinks, and live music from the John Dillon band. There will also be a cake decorating contest where participants will compete for a signed copy of Rachel Yang and Jess Thomson's cookbook My Rice Bowl.
(Wallingford, free)
78. Third Anniversary & Beer Release
Celebrate both Flying Lion's third year of existence and the release of their annual Imperial Rye Stout. They'll be pouring promptly at noon, so stop by early to get the goods.
(Columbia City, free)
79. Murphy’s Pumpkin Carving
Craft a Jack-o-lantern and drink some specialty fall cocktails (like a Jameson and orange with ginger beer) at this boozy carving party.
(Wallingford, free)
80. Betty's Trivia
Show your smarts every Sunday through November for an eclectic mix of trivia questions from Betty Wetter. She'll award first place, second place, and "best name" prizes.
(Queen Anne, free)
81. Daft Brunch: Seattle
Mix all your weekend plans into one, with brunch offerings amidst a a set of club music. Daft Brunch will supply the food, as well as special guest DJs playing French touch, disco house, and plenty of Daft Punk to go around.
(Capitol Hill, $10)
82. Jazz in the City: Deems Tsutakawa
Seattle jazz pianist Deems Tsutakawa, whose dad is the painter George Tsutakawa, has played in nightclubs all over the world, getting his start in small clubs in Seattle's Central and International districts. See him perform for free.
(First Hill, free)
83. Unfollow Presents: Bad Beaches, Faunaphor, Amos Miller
Join Seattle indie-electro-rock trio Bad Beaches, with support from Faunaphor and Amos Miller.
(Belltown, $8)
84. Verlaine with Guests
Alt ambient rock band Verlaine will spread the vibes thick with additional surprise guests.
(Fremont, $6/$8)
85. Seattle Thrillers at the Locks
Feel the energy of Michael Jackson at Thrill the World, where the Seattle Thrillers will perform at the exact same time as other Thriller groups around the world.
(Ballard, free)
86. Danna Staaf
In Danna Staaf's new book, Squid Empire, she delves into the ancient watery world of cephalopods—the ancestors of modern squid and, apparently, "the Earth's first truly substantial animals." Hear all about them from the author at this talk.
(Lake Forest Park, free)
87. Gil Schafer and Bunny Williams
Join architect Gil Schafer III and interior design Bunny Williams for a lecture and signing of their book The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now (plus complimentary wine and h'ors d'oeuvres).
(Downtown, free)
88. Lauren Camp with Martha Silano and Erin Malone
Poet and performer Lauren Camp (This Business of Wisdom and The Dailiness) will read from her 2016 Dorset Prize-winning collection One Hundred Hungers. She will be accompanied by Seattle-area poets Martha Silano and Erin Malone.
(Capitol Hill, free)
89. Theodore Gray: Reactions
Celebrate the pure beauty of science (oxidation, photosynthesis, fermentation, and more) with author, science writer, and Wolfram Research co-founder Theo Gray, as he shares his new book Reactions: An Illustrated Exploration of Elements, Molecules, and Change in the Universe.
(Rainier Valley, $5)
