Panicking because you haven't yet made plans for the weekend and you're short on cash? Don't worryâaside from all of the last-minute Mother's Day events happening, there are also plenty of other options for last-minute entertainment that won't cost more than $10. See them all below, ranging from PhinneyWood Art Walk: The BIG One to the West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, and from a lunchtime signing and DJ set with MGMT to the Pierogi Fest. For even more options, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
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FRIDAY
ART1. 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)
2. TGIF: Three Groups, Improv Friday
This Redmond stage offers three improv groups' frolics for the low price of $10.
(Redmond, $10)
3. Spring Edible and Ornamental Plant Sale
Pick up student-grown vegetable starts, flowering annuals, herbs, hanging baskets, and more. While you shop, enjoy appetizers and music.
(Meadowbrook, $10)
4. Beat Bobby Flay Viewing Party
Chef Shota Nakajima will face off against Food Network chef Bobby Flay in the episode of his show Beat Bobby Flay airing today. To celebrate, the whole Adana team will throw a party to watch, with cocktails and snacks.
(Capitol Hill, free admission)
5. RosĂŠ Tasting
Sample eight pink wines alongside local fromage from Mt. Townsend Creamery and take advantage of exclusive bottle discounts for the night.
(West Seattle, $5)
6. Actionesse, Dirty Dirty, Kulululu, Weep Wave
Bellingham garage-dance-ska-punk outfit Actionesse will headline with opening sets from Dirty Dirty, Kulululu, and Weep Wave.
(Ballard, $10)
7. Amy Engelhardt
Singer-songwriter and funny lady Amy Engelhardt will bring her solo show, Diary of a Western Ho, to the bookstore.
(Greenwood, donation)
8. Asterhouse, Cashing In Karma, Petey Normal, DedElectric
Kenmore-based indie rockers Asterhouse with share a bill with Cashing In Karma, Petey Normal, and DedElectric.
(Shoreilne, $8)
9. Ball of Wax 52
This Ball of Wax compilation release party will celebrate their 52nd release, featuring live performances by local musicians like Gabriel Mintz, Doug Hood and the Wholly Heathens, Eggshells, and Amanda Winterhalter.
(Ballard, $8)
10. Bootie Seattle: '80s vs. '90s Night
Seattle's only all-mashup dance party throws down for an all-out battle by paying tribute to two decades of rock, pop, hiphop, rap, and dance music. Prep thyself for all the '80s club bangers and '90s Top40 hits you could possibly handle.
(Capitol Hill, $10)
11. End of the World Prom with Wiscon, Skates, Clutch Douglas, Gibraltar
Emerald City darlings Wiscon, whose new-wave rave nature has been described by Mike Nipper as "itâs hard not to hear, see, well⌠to simply KNOW THEY EXIST IN OUR UNIVERSE without emoji hearts popping out of my eyes at the thought," will be playing their last show ever at this "End of the World Prom," alongside Skates, Clutch Douglas, and Gibraltar. Grab a copy of their latest (and last) EP, The Finish Line, while you ease into the evening with opening DJ sets from Base Tan and Heather Hydra.
(Eastlake, $10)
12. Ghostwriter, Blood Fire and Rainwater, Mason Reed
Texas-based lo-fi blues artist Ghostwriter will play songs from his new album, String Noise and Dust, with support sets from Blood Fire and Rainwater and Mason Reed.
(Greenwood, $7)
13. Goth Prom IX
Revel in the goth-industrial prom you never had by dancing to cuts from DJ Major Tom in your most brooding outfit.
(Capitol Hill, $5)
14. Mark of a Modern Man, Ergo I Exist, Namea
Newly formed local prog metal band Mark of a Modern Man will thrash about with support from Ergo I Exist and Namea.
(University District, $7)
15. Mobius Jones
Enjoy an evening of "sweet blues" and classic rock hits from Mobius Jones.
(University District, donation)
16. Night Ships, Nine:Forty:PM, Party Store
Three-piece rock group Night Ships will be joined by Nine:Forty:PM and Party Store for a night of local live music.
(Tukwila, $7)
17. Radio Active: Activate Your Passion!
Soca, reggae, and dancehall fans can conjoin their Caribbean music passions into one night of dancing, thanks to DJ X-Man and Y2K Sound.
(Pioneer Square, $10)
18. Speak Easy, Runes of Neptune, The Salmonberries
Rasta-funk group Speak Easy (SEZ) will join genre-blending forces with Runes of Neptune and the Salmonberries for a night out in West Seattle.
(West Seattle, $8)
19. Taurus Get Down
Local jazz vocalist Josephine Howell will headline a special show in honor of Taurus season.
(Rainier Valley, free)
20. Tekla Waterfield
Seattle-based singer-songwriter Tekla Waterfield will play her indie folk tunes for free in the Fireside Room.
(First Hill, free)
21. Visceral Candy, Kingdome, Hourglasses, Screens
"Dark electronic love machine" band Visceral Candy will headline out in Ballard with support from openers Kingdome, Hourglasses, and Screens.
(Ballard, $10)
22. Underground: A Staged Reading & Talkback
See a staged reading of playwright Lisa B. Thompson's Underground, directed by Tim Bond, wherein a pair of old college friends, now middle-aged, reunite and engage in a "battle of intellects over the best road to black liberation."
(Central District, free)
23. Jack Straw Writers Program
Hear new work by this season's group of 12 writersâpoets, memoirists, fiction writers, and moreâand pick up a copy of the booklet anthology, free with a $5 admission donation.
(University District, $5 suggestion donation)
24. Mel Goodman: Whistleblower at the CIA
In his book Whistleblower at the CIA, former CIA intelligence analyst Mel Goodman writes about the US intelligence community and how many of its efforts, laced with corruption and intimidation, have led to disastrous foreign interventions.
(University District, free)
25. Racial Capitalism and Counterinsurgency
Chandan Reddy, Jordan Camp, Christina Heatherton, and Moon-Ho Jung will talk about the web of connections between "racial capitalism," imperialism, and counterinsurgency.
(Downtown, free)
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
ART26. Matthew Thomas Shoemaker: Brain Goreng
In Seattle's close-knit sound art community, the name Matt Shoemaker is synonymous with a deep and intense relationship with the ecstatic art of listening. Known for constructing intricate physical reverb/feedback systems out of springs, Shoemaker's music has been released on many international labels including Trente Oiseaux, Helen Scarsdale Agency, and Elevator Bath. In private, he also devoted himself to visionary, vividly detailed painting. Shoemaker's life was tragically cut short last year, and those who knew him are still reeling. This exhibition, organized with assistance from Dave Knott, Robert Millis, and the Shoemaker family, celebrates the life and work of a bona fide genius. EMILY POTHAST
(University District, free)
Youth and family workshop on Saturday
27. PhinneyWood Art Walk: The BIG One
For this special edition of Art Up PhinneyWood, enjoy an extra-extensive night of music, food, art, and drinks. Be sure to check out the Recycled Arts Festival and the Puppy Partner Party.
(Phinney, free)
Closing Saturday
28. Ryan Henry Ward
You know him as Henry, and he's the muralist who has covered the walls of your city in goofy walruses and ostriches and fish and wizards.
(Ballard, free)
Closing Saturday
29. Northwest Paddling Festival
Find canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, paddling equipment, accessories, and gear for purchase, take a tour down Issaquah Creek, learn about new water sports in seminars, and more.
(Issaquah, free)
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
ART30. Rubber Chicken Museum Grand Opening
In keeping with its mission to bring more odd-pop culture silliness into people's lives, the toy/knicknack/general gobbledygook store will open a free Rubber Chicken Museum, with "the history of the rubber chicken, a signed Svengoolie, the world's largest rubber chicken" and other attractions.
(Wallingford, free)
Opening Friday
SATURDAY
ART31. Ballard Art Walk
For more than 20 years, the Ballard Art Walk has encouraged community members to discover work of local makers in the area while enjoying food, music, and more. Venues include the Ballyhoo Curiosity Shop, Secret Garden Books, and other pleasant spots. In May, don't miss the Cactus Cat Release Party and the opening of MiYoung Margolis's The Jane Collection.
(Ballard, free)
32. Georgetown Art Attack
Once a month, the art that resides in the tiny airport hamlet of Georgetown ATTACKS all passersby. In more literal terms, it's the day of art openings and street wonderment.
(Georgetown, free)
33. MiYoung Margolis: The Jane Collection
The comic shop will show this artist's depiction of a woman named Jane in pencil and paint.
(Ballard, free)
Opening Saturday
34. Project Retail: Mode Fashion Show
SPU Apparel Merchandising and Apparel Design students will reveal their latest ready-to-wear creations, raising money for Bike Works.
(Magnolia, $10)
35. American Housing and Economics
As part of DNDAâs Letâs Talk Race series, this workshop will examine the history of America's economic structure based in imperialism, exploitation, and extraction.
(West Seattle, free)
36. Edmonds Spring Fest
Spend the day outside shopping from over 100 craft and food vendors.
(Eastside, free)
37. March on Amazon
In light of Amazon's recent halt on the construction of a new office tower in Seattle pending the City Council's vote on a head tax on big businesses, the Affordable Housing Alliance, councilmember Kshama Sawant, and others are demanding that Jeff Bezos, the wealthiest person in the world, pay up in support of affordable housing and homeless services in Seattle. Starting with a rally in Capitol Hill, join Sawant and the AHA in marching to Amazon's campuses in South Lake Union.
(Capitol Hill, free)
38. Native Plant Potting Party
Plant your very own Red Columbine, Douglas Aster or Coast Strawberry in a six-inch pulp pot.
(Rainier Valley, $10)
39. Plant & Book Sale
Get your spring garden started by picking up some new plants, and browse a selection of donated books, too.
(Kent, free)
40. Reptile Expo
Thinking of bringing a new scaly pet into your life? Learn about all sorts of reptilian creatures by meeting them and by chatting with experts.
(Monroe, $10)
41. Sound Transit West Seattle to Ballard Link Extensions Ballard-Interbay
Gain insight into the latest Ballard light rail updates, and share your thoughts.
(Ballard, free)
42. Spring Plant Sale
Find a variety of houseplants, orchids, cacti, carnivorous plants, tropical plants, and more for your spring plant needs.
(Capitol Hill, free)
43. U-District Cleanup
The U-District needs your help in looking its best. Volunteer your time and get rewarded with breakfast, pizza, and "trash contest" prizes.
(University District, free)
44. West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day
"One person's trash is another person's treasure" may be a cliche, but it rings truer than ever at West Seattle's annual community garage sale event. Pick up a map of participating houses and wander around the neighborhood until something catches your eye.
(West Seattle, free)
45. Backyard Wildlife Festival
See presentations from local experts, visit education booths, peruse arts and crafts, and shop for native plants at this wildlife extravaganza.
(Tukwila, free)
46. Spirit of Africa
Founded and produced by a local Senegalese griot musician, the Spirit of Africa festival showcases the talents of African musicians, dancers, and artists in the region and from around the country.
(Seattle Center, free)
47. Annual Seattle Pierogi Fest
To know pierogi, the absurdly comforting and starchy Polish dumplings, is to love them. This wildly popular yearly event from the Polish Cultural Center offers an opportunity to shovel the petite pockets of dough into your face by the plateful, with fillings like potato and cheese, meat, sauerkraut and mushrooms, blueberries, and more, at a modest sum ($10 nets you 10 dumplings). Plus, check out workshops, performances, costumes, pottery, cutout art, beer gardens, homemade desserts, and other entertainment. JULIANNE BELL
(Capitol Hill, free)
48. UW Night Market: Taiwan Yes!
Taiwan is known for its colorful night markets, where scores of vendors and shops gather to hawk food and other wares. At this UW event, more than 20 Taiwanese and other Asian food vendors will assemble in one convenient place. Highlights include the rave-worthy hand-pulled biang biang noodles and dumplings from Qin Xi'an Noodle, âpuffle conesâ (wacky inflated waffle cones filled with ice cream and fruit) from Puffle Up, pork belly- and vegetable-stuffed steamed buns from It's Bao Time, taiyaki (fish-shaped waffles) from BeanFish, and more. JULIANNE BELL
(University District, free admission)
49. Bakelite 78
Hear a mix of swing, Dixieland, blues, country, and cabaret from Bakelite 78.
(Pioneer Square, free)
50. Band Crush feat. Shenandoah Davis + Tomten
This edition of City Arts's curated concert/video series will feature a live collaborative performance from Shenandoah Davis and Tomten.
(Pioneer Square, $10)
51. Bart Budwig's Amperband, Caitlin Jemma, Tayler Lynn
Idaho-born finger-picker Bart Budwig will play everything from "fresh bardic ditties" to "angsty boot-trodden ballads" from his 10-song album recorded at a cabin on Oregon's Minam River. He'll be joined by his band, country-soul singer-songwriter Caitlin Jemma, and Tayler Lynn.
(Ballard, $8)
52. Ben Von Wildenhaus, Whiting Tennis, Meat Hair
Ben Von Wildenhaus will bring his electric guitar, "textless vocals," and found audio samplings to Shoreline, with support from Whiting Tennis and Meat Hair.
(Shoreline, $8)
53. Constant Lovers, Wild Powwers, Kleine
It used to be that people employed the term "wall of sound" to describe the studio production work of now-convicted murderer/hairpiece cautionary tale Phil Spector. But bands of today provide an all-consuming product well beyond anything Spector did with the Ronettes or anyone else. Seattle four-piece Constant Lovers are one of those bands: Everything about their sound is mammoth, imposing, andâincidentallyâa total blast.
GRANT BRISSEY
(Beacon Hill, $10)
54. Deanne Meek in Concert
In partnership with the Frye's Towards Impressionism, widely acclaimed mezzo-soprano Deanne Meek will perform pieces contemporary to the time period of the exhibit, accompanied by piano.
(First Hill, free)
55. Denny Blaine
Seattle-based pop duo Denny Blaine describe themselves as sounding "like the Everly Brothers, but with a streetwise edge."
(First Hill, free)
56. The Georgetown Orbits, Skablins, DJ Brynn Danger
Local group the Georgetown Orbits eschew any third-wave or Two Tone reference points, instead paying tribute to traditional Jamaican ska and roots-rock reggae. They'll be joined by Skablins and DJ Brynn Danger for their records release party.
(Columbia City, $8/$10)
57. Heart Shaped Boxes, Pink Triangles, Good Riddance
All-lady Nirvana cover group Heart Shaped Boxes will rock and roll through this '90s tribute night with Pink Triangles (Weezer) and Good Riddance (Green Day) by their side.
(University District, $7)
58. The Hipsters
Dance to "modern and relevant dance rock" from the Hipsters.
(Kirkland, free)
59. Idiots Rule, The Lovecats
Enjoy a night of covers thanks to Idiots Rule, a Jane's Addiction tribute group, and the Lovecats, playing an homage to the Cure.
(West Seattle, $10)
60. Jim O'Halloran, Osama Afifi, Larry Mahlis Trio
Enjoy Ethiopian food while hearing live jazz from Jim O'Halloran, Osama Afifi, and the Larry Mahlis Trio.
(Rainier Valley, free)
61. Luna Ultima: Unofficial Seven Lions Afterparty
Immerse yourself in an evening of trance and melodic bass music from Marq, Cocho, Wrong channel, Sunriser, and Excalibur.
(Pioneer Square, $10)
62. Lunch with MGMT
Get your MGMT vinyl, CDs, and t-shirts signed by the band members themselves, who are in town for two shows at Showbox Sodo. After socializing, they'll stick around to play a few songs in the upstairs vinyl loft.
(West Seattle, free)
63. Marion Walker Record & Video Release Party
Seattle psych rockers Marion Walker will perform songs and show videos from their new 11-song LP, 111EGAL SUNSH1NE.
(Georgetown, free)
64. Mendelssohn's Elijah
The Northwest Chorale will perform Mendelssohn's Elijah, a piece allegedly inspired by the work of Bach and Handel.
(Edmonds, free)
65. Modular on the Spot
Take advantage of the sunny weather by enjoying live outdoor electronic sets from Products, Horse with One Leg, Dane Sparkler, Raica, John L. Rice, Infideltek, and Dark Side of the Tune.
(Rainier Valley, free)
66. Mountain Holler, Young-Chhaylee, Heather Thomas
Enjoy a free evening of soulful acoustic tunes with Florida's Mountain Holler (Mark Etherington), Everett's Young-Chhaylee, and Seattle's Heather Thomas.
(Columbia City, free)
67. My Life in Black and White, Four Lights, Kids on Fire, Chance to Steal
Dance to punk/folk fusion from five-piece My Life in Black And White, plus sets from Four Lights, Kids on Fire, and Chance to Steal.
(University District, $7)
68. Sinister Six, Knights of Trash, Machine Animal
As of this past summer, itâs looking like early-1990s, snotty Seattle punks the Sinister Six have returned for a bit of a stay! Theyâve played a bar here, a backyard there, and tonight theyâre gonna be lighting up Tukwila. MIKE NIPPER
(Tukwila, $7)
69. Stayin' Alive
It's time for another groovy disco/house dance party, this time with DJs Sean Majors, Parker Mills, and Houski.
(Sodo, free)
70. Stoned Evergreen Travelers, Hard Money Saints, Dead Man
Pacific Northwest natives Stoned Evergreen Travelers use their unique brand of hellbilly metal with coagulated touches of outlaw country, honky tonk, stoner rock, and thrash to unleash a sound they describe as "Hank Williams meets early Metallica with a touch of Eyehategod and bit of a Gogol Bordello flavor to it." They'll be joined by Hard Money Saints and Dead Man.
(Georgetown, $7)
71. Ellen Forney
Ellen Forney, the Seattle cartoonist responsible for many Stranger covers, will sign copies of her new book, Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice from My Bipolar Life. Joining her will be local business owner Alison Conroy, who will share her personal story about living with mental illness.
(Capitol Hill, $10 suggested donation)
72. Estelitaâs Library Grand Opening
The books in Beacon Hill's new library and bookstore will focus on social justice, ethnic studies, and liberation movements. Learn more about it over beer, wine, and food at their opening party.
(Beacon Hill, free)
73. Fremont and the Klondike Gold Rush: 1897 to 1898
Learn about Fremont's connection to the Klondike Gold Rush through photographs, historical artifacts, and a screening of Finding the A.K. Goddard, a documentary about one of two steamboats brought to the Klondike by Fremont residents A.J. and Claire Goddard. After all that, stick around to join NW Seaport Arthur Foss project manager Richard Miller for a conversation about the oldest wooden tugboat in the world.
(Fremont, free)
74. Iain S. Thomas
South African-based poet Iain S. Thomas will read from and sign copies of his blog-turned-book I Wrote This for You, which he wrote under the pseudonym pleasefindthis.
(University District, free)
75. K. R. Richardson and Rhiannon Held
In Rhiannon Held's new book, we meet Kat Richardson, a Seattle resident who lives on a sailboat with her husband, her grumpy cat, and her two ferrets.
(University District, free)
76. Keith Linder: The Bothell Hell House
Keith Linder will share his book about experiences in a local haunted house.
(Bothell, free)
77. Love's Not Color Blind Book Signing & Discussion Group
Love's Not Color Blind explores the tendency of polyamorous communities to come across as inaccessible to people of color. Join the author, Kevin A. Patterson, for a book signing and Q&A about "how race can impact polyamory on both individual and community levels."
(Capitol Hill, free)
78. Red May: Marx-a-thon 2
The second in a series of scholarly talks on Das Kapital and its relevance to contemporary societies. Start with "The Working Day" by Annie McLanahan at Hedreen Gallery; "Value" by Christopher Nealon at Northwest Film Forum; and "Marx's 'On the Jewish Question'" by Chandan Reddy at Gay City.
(Capitol Hill, free)
79. Varieties of Capitalist Realism
Annie McClanahan, Johanna Isaacson, and Christopher Nealon will expound upon "Capitalist Realism," a term invented by Mark Fisher to describe an artistic/representational style that promotes or facilitates acceptance of capitalism. The speakers will cover, respectively, "Tip Work, Gig Work, Sex Work, and Contemporary TV" and "It Follows: Contemporary Horror and the Feminization of Labor." Poet Nealon will moderate.
(Capitol Hill, free)
80. Who Owned Solomon? A Case Study of 19th Century African American Research
Dr. Janice Lovelace will demonstrate techniques to identify past slave owners through land, probate, and court records.
(Downtown, free)
81. The Bikery Bash
The Chinatown bike shop's annual fundraiser will feature a raffle, homemade food, drinks, a live set from DJ Bike Curious, a track stand competition, an appearance from the legendary "Bikery Alley Kitty," and more.
(Chinatown-International District, free)
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
FESTIVALS82. Bonsai Fest!
The Puget Sound Bonsai Association's annual spring show will feature bonsai-making demonstrations by experts Tony Fajarillo and Frank Heid, a "best in show" competition, an exhibition of bonsai-inspired art, Living Art of Bonsai: Elements of Design, and free tours.
(South of Seattle, $5 suggested donation)
SUNDAY
COMEDY83. Hell Yeah! Daddy's Issues
About the price structure, the organizers write, "If you bring your mom, youâll both get in for free. If you bring your dad, you'll get in for free, but he'll pay double."
(Belltown, free/$5)
84. Musical: Stephen Sondheim Improvised
Using audience suggestions, the cast will improvise a brand-new musical based on the work of Stephen Sondheim, the genius responsible for Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Company, Sunday in the Park with George, and more. It's an almost insanely ambitious concept to try to match Sondheim off-the-cuff, so check out UP performers using every ounce of their wits and skills.
(Downtown, $10)
85. Interzone // The All-Vinyl Edition
DJ Coldheart will unearth rare and out-of-print vinyl so you can get your fill of industrial, post-punk, coldwave, and synth from the "golden era of goth."
(Capitol Hill, $3)
86. Lucas, DJAO, Ca$h Bandicoot, DJ NHK Guy
Local DJ Lucas, who's worked with Ryan Hemsworth, has taken the liberty of remixing hiphop Top40 hits. Dance also to live sets from DJAO, Ca$h Bandicoot, and DJ NHK Guy.
(Capitol Hill, $8)
87. Saints By Day, PINKY'S OUT, Narrow Tarot
"Indie/Rebel Rabble" group Saints By Day will show off their eclectic songwriting with a set flanked by PINKY'S OUT and Narrow Tarot.
(Ballard, $8)
88. Striplicker, Die Robot, Manifestiv, Pill Brigade
Dance to the synthy bass beats of Striplicker, Die Robot, Manifestiv, and Pill Brigade.
(Fremont, $6/$10)
89. Arshia Sattar: Ramayana
Arshia Sattar is one of the foremost translators of Indian text in the world and is known for her editions of Kathasaritsagara and Valmiki's Ramayana. She'll present her book for children, Ramayana: An Illustrated Retelling, which recounts the story of Prince Rama's attempt to rescue the beautiful Sita from her demon kidnapper.
(Capitol Hill, free)
90. Capital and the Carceral State: Political Economy of Policing & Prisons
Jordan Camp, Christina Heatherton, Dan Berger, Dean Spade, and Angelica Chazaro will discuss the political economy of the prison industry and systems and how to resist it.
(University District, free)
91. Fierce Reads: Mary Pearson, Taran Matharu, Maureen Goo, Tricia Levenseller
Sit in on a panel discussion with fantasy authors Mary E. Pearson (Dance of Thieves), Taran Matharu (The Outcast), Maurene Goo (The Way You Make Me Feel), and Tricia Levenseller (Daughter of the Siren King).
(University District, free)
92. Logistics and Counter-Logistics: Mapping the Flow of Capital
Empire Logistics is a project by Michael Wilson that seeks to track the global movement of capital across infrastructures and "tries to identify the points where they can be impeded." Filmmaker Wilson will be here to explain the effort to break supply chains.
(Capitol Hill, free)
