Panicking because you haven't yet made plans for the weekend and you're short on cash? Don't worryâbelow, find all of your options for last-minute entertainment that won't cost more than $10, ranging from PARK(ing) Day to the Smithsonian's free Museum Day, and from Fall for Zines! to the Hugo House Grand Reopening Celebration. For even more options, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
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FRIDAY
COMMUNITY1. Memorial for Tahlequah's Baby and J50/Scarlet
Bring letters, pictures, drawings, and other offerings to add to a memorial in honor of the resident Puget Sound orcas who have died due to the Lower Snake River dams. The memorial will be placed in front of the Federal Building as a call to remove the dams. You're encouraged to wear black and white in solidarity with our aquatic friends.
(Pioneer Square, free)
2. PARK(ing) Day
Parking spaces throughout the city will turn into actual parks with interactive activities for one blessed day as Seattle frees itself from the tyranny of the car. Some lucky and hard-working participants will win awards for "Most creative use of space," "Most connected to community," and "Most interactive programming" at the PARK(ing) Day Awards Ceremony.
(Various locations, free)
3. Author Talk: America's Test Kitchen The New Essentials Cookbook
Join Jack Bishop of America's Test Kitchen as he promotes America's Test Kitchen's new cookbook, The New Essentials Cookbook, which will teach seasoned and amateur cooks alike how to elevate their cooking with helpful tips and staple recipes. He'll demonstrate a recipe from the book and share tips and techniques, and guests can try a taste and buy a signed copy.
(Fremont, free)
4. No Recipe: Cooking as a Spiritual Practice
Zen teacher Edward Espe Brown will share stories from his new book No Recipe, Cooking as Spiritual Practice, in which he explores the joys of "learning to trust yourself in the kitchen, tasting the true spirit of the grain," and "making the perfect biscuit."
(Wallingford, $10)
5. Baywitch, Paundy, The Hula Bees
Stranger contributor Sophia Stephens has noted Seattle surf-rock band Baywitch's "winning combo of spunky strums and ethereal vocals." They'll be joined by Poulsbo rockers Paundy and local Velvet Underground super fans the Hula Bees.
(Columbia City, $10)
6. Famous Fridays: Lil Wayne & Friends
Famous Fridays lay out a night of tribute to a different artist each month. For the month of September, it'll be a DJ block of Lil Wayne's biggest hits and best side cuts, with features from his peers.
(Capitol Hill, free)
7. The Hasslers, Stephanie Mae, Kate Dinsmore
Small-town, big-heart band the Hasslers are a six-piece folk rock outfit out of Missoula, with a strong lean towards harmony-driven Americana. They'll be joined by singer-songwriters Stephanie Mae and Kate Dinsmore.
(Fremont, $8/$10)
8. Jesse Roper
Victoria, B.C. country-blues artist Jesse Roper will perform with local support from Americana group La Magistral.
(Capitol Hill, $10)
9. The Lightweight Champs, Violet Night, Guests
Tacoma power-pop trio the Lightweight Champs will play a peppy show downtown with support from Vancouver folk rockers Violet Night.
(Downtown, $8/$10)
10. Shrimps, SAVAK, Hurry Up
Support local non-profit Noise for the Needy by attending this indie rock show with performances by Shrimps, SAVAK, and Hurry Up.
(Ballard, $10)
11. Soft Serve
A weekend that commences with dancing and ice cream is a good one. Every Friday, resident DJs Chocolate Pentagram and Reigning Cloud will spin R&B cuts while you dance the night away, breaking only for a swirl of delicious soft serve.
(Capitol Hill, free)
12. W Music: The Billy Joe Show
A recurring monthly performance (wrapping up tonight) featuring Billy Joe Huels and Robin Cady of The Dusty 45s, along with Rod Cook, as "The Billy Joe Show."
(Downtown, free)
13. Grady Hendrix: We Sold Our Souls
Witty and sick novelist/short story writer Hendrix (he wrote the scary faux-IKEA catalog novel Horrorstor) will read from We Sold Our Souls, a transposition of "the timeless myth of the Faustian bargain" to the heavy metal scene.
(Ravenna, free)
14. Neal Bascomb: The Escape Artists
The latest narrative history from this bestselling Seattle author follows a band of captured Allied airmen who escaped from a German prison camp in World War I.
(Capitol Hill, free)
15. Ngozi Ukazu: Check, Please!: #Hockey
Ngozi Ukazu will read from the first book in her webcomic series Check, Please!, which uses hockey and bro culture to explore toxic masculinity.
(Lake Forest Park, free)
16. Nicole Sarrocco and Vinnie Sarrocco
Siblings and poets Nicole and Vinnie Sarrocco will share their upcoming collections for their very first joint reading. They promise hilarity and heartbreak.
(Downtown, free)
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
ART17. Dealer's Choice: Annual Group Exhibition
Check out a diverse collection of new and recently acquired works by Katherine Ace, Victoria Adams, Susan Bennerstrom, Jaq Chartier, Lisa Gilley, William Ivey, David Kroll, Alden Mason, Jared Rue, and Gerard Tsutakawa.
(Downtown, free)
Closing Saturday
18. Janna Watson: Moody as Light
In the early 20th century, nonobjective painting was seen as something revolutionary. Today, it feels almost quaint and anachronistic, as though every painting for its own sake that the universe could possibly need has already been made. The large-scale mixed-media works of Toronto-based painter Janna Watson stand in defiance of this trend. Large brushstrokes and small bursts of color wiggle and dance on soft gradients like visual music. A recent article from Artsy named Watson's paintings among the most collectible offerings at Seattle Art Fairâbut even if you're not in the market to buy art, these are very nice to look at. EMILY POTHAST
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Saturday
19. Kate Neckel: Stories
Let your eye rove over the energetic abstraction of Kate Neckel, a longtime resident of New York who's recently relocated to Seattle.
(South Lake Union, free)
Opening Friday
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
ART20. Bellwether Arts Week
As part of the SuttonBeresCuller-run arts festival Bellwether 2018, witness art events in Bellevue Downtown Park and Bellevue Arts Museum, including experimental painter Margie Livingston's 55 Laps canvas run, durational performance in A Great Unbridgeable Distance, Music and Performances in the Park, a reading with local poets, and more.
(Bellevue, free)
21. All Member Review
Muse over art by Jacqui Beck, Joanne Bohannon, William Booze, Abby Ganong, and many other members of the Columbia City Gallery.
(Columbia City, free)
Closing Sunday.
22. Recology
Come celebrate Recology CleanScapes' 2018 Artist in Residence program, showcasing new work from Philippe Hyojung Kim, Typology of Absence, and Maria Phillips, Second Nature.
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Sunday
23. ROAR: Your Voice. Your Story. Our Truth.
Dwana Holloway of studio e, photographer Naomi Ishisaka, and Elisheba Johnson of the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture's Public Art Project have juried this open-call art exhibition.
(Columbia City, free)
Closing Sunday
24. Seattle/King County Clinic
This giant four-day, volunteer-run free health clinic offers dental, vision, and medical care to underserved community members.
(Seattle Center, free)
25. Sammamish Valley Fall Harvest Celebration
Welcome fall with a celebration of all the great things the season has to offer, including farm demonstrations, food tastings, and autumnal art from local businesses.
(Sammamish Valley, free)
SATURDAY
ART26. Museum Day
Get cultured for free at one of the museums participating in Smithsonian's Museum Day. All you need to do is download the ticket from the Smithsonian's website, grab a companion, and show your pass at the Seattle Art Museum, the MOHAI, the Wing Luke, the Henry, the Burke, Bellevue Arts Museum, or other institutions out of town. Choose carefully, though, because you only get one.
(Downtown, free)
27. Eastside Audubon's Native Plant Sale
Get your garden ready for fall and support Eastside Audubon at this plant sale fundraiser. There will also be booths from Bats Northwest, Rent Mason Bees, and Washington Native Plant Society, and 21 Acres will host a falconry group.
(Woodinville, free)
28. Fall Native Planting and Education Festival
Gather all the little seeds and bulbs for your fall garden at this native plant sale.
(Woodinville, free)
29. First Hill Tree Walk
Join expert Arthur Jacobson for a guided walking tour of First Hill's tree canopy.
(First Hill, free)
30. How to Get Clean Solar Energy
Learn about adding solar energy to your home at this free workshop.
(Kenmore, free)
31. State Park Free Days
For National Public Lands Day, get outside and take advantage of free admission to Washington State Parks.
(Various locations, free)
32. Stop Kavanaugh
Protest the threat Supreme Court candidate and accused sexual assailant Brett Kavanaugh poses to the environment and reproductive rights, among other things that need protecting.
(Downtown, free)
33. Harvest Festival
Celebrate fall with seasonal food samples, live music, and fun activities to keep your kids entertained.
(Redmond, free)
34. Luminata
The Fremont Arts Council will once again celebrate the autumnal equinox with a luminous parade filled with lanterns, glowing umbrellas, and incandescent costumes.
(Green Lake, free)
35. Seattle Children's Festival
I want to go somewhere where, instead of getting head-turns and raised eyebrows, no one even blinks when my daughter issues her piercing pterodactyl shriekâwhere it simply blends into the background of thousands of other tiny voices all raised to the sky in a chorus of noise. Seattle Childrenâs Fest seems like the place. Plus, thereâs plenty to keep her entertained, including five stages worth of performances (dance from around the world included), interactive music-driven workshops, arts and crafts, and âtactile learning activities.â Iâm sold. LEILANI POLK
(Seattle Center, $10 suggested donation)
36. Sustainable Ballard Festival
The Sustainable Ballard Festival will continue its tradition of championing a more environmentally friendly world by offering arts activities, an urban farm with goats and chickens, live music on a solar-powered stage, a tea garden, and much more.
(Ballard, free)
37. UHeights Summer Music Festival
Every Saturday afternoon, check out live music from bands of every genre, world dance troupes, and children's shows at this festival that's spread throughout the summer. The whole series is free to the public, with food available from the U-District Farmers Market. Today, look forward to blues music from Annette Taborn & Beth Wulff.
(University District, free)
38. Captions & Subtitles for Beginners w/ Matt Longmire
Seattle filmmaker Matt Longmire will lead a workshop for indie filmmakers that stresses the importance of being inclusive toward deaf and hard-of-hearing communities by adding subtitles and closed captions. One attending filmmaker will win free captioning for their short film, courtesy of Longmire.
(Capitol Hill, free)
39. Podcasts, Story Bricks and Embodied Narratives - Next Generation Community Storytelling
Discover oral histories and portraits by local community members from the Shelf Life Project, a 3-D virtual reality video set in the former Central District Promenade Red Apple.
(Capitol Hill, free)
40. Bone Poets Orchestra: Sacred Rain Open House Concert
Get down to some psychedelic chamber rock with the Bone Poets Orchestra.
(Ballard, free)
41. Deal, Midnight Radio Revival, Jim Basnight, Aubryn
Midnight Radio Revival will play riff-heavy songs from the 1960s and early 1970s, including hits by the Beatles, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers, David Bowie, and more of your favorites. They'll be joined by Grateful Dead tribute band Deal, Nashville cabaret folk group Aubryn, and power poppers Jim Basnight Band.
(Greenwood, $7/$10)
42. Electric NoNo, Stereo Embers, Skeletons with Flesh on Them
Stranger contributor Emily Nokes called Seattle two-piece Electric NoNo's music "the perfect soundtrack to an all-night party where you a) get drunk and pick a fight with your best friends, b) continue drinking, but apologize profusely, c) end the night hugging and/or screaming 'I LOVE YOU' to everyone you know, then d) wake up wearing nothing but your old Weezer shirt." They'll be joined by local alt rockers Stereo Embers and Skeletons with Flesh on Them.
(Ballard, $10)
43. Eric Biddines, KEV, Square Bizz
Floridian rapper Eric Biddines will bring his Palm Beach-y funk- and R&B-tinged hiphop to town. He'll be joined by Houston rapper Square Bizz and KEV.
(Capitol Hill, $10)
44. Mable's Marbles, Jerk!, Phantom Racer, Boss Tanaka
Local punks Mable's Marbles will headline a show with tracks from their latest EP, with support sets by fellow Seattle punks Phantom Racer and Boss Tanaka, and Vegas punks Jerk!
(University District, $7)
45. No Chill: '90s-'00s Hiphop and R&B Throwback Party
It seems the '90s and early aughts indeed have no chill. Give in to the decades' sartorial and musical prevalence with a night of hiphop and R&B throwbacks from DJs Paco and Chetbong.
(Beacon Hill, $10)
46. Contrast Collective
This Vancouver, B.C., nonprofit has launched a print magazine dedicated to artists of color. They'll be presenting their inaugural publication, The Identity Issue, featuring work by women and non-binary people, as well as their follow-up, Histories, with contributions from all genders. See Domunique Booker, Krystal Paraboo, and Contrast Collective founder Molly Randhawa on this night.
(Capitol Hill, free)
47. Deb Caletti: A Heart in a Body in the World
National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti's new novel is about a woman who runs cross-country from Seattle to D.C. in an attempt to outpace a tragedy haunting her.
(Lake Forest Park, free)
48. Frank Abe, Shawn Wong, Stephen Sumida, and Tom Ikeda
Asian American intellectuals, including biographer Frank Abe, will gather to commemorate John Okada, the author of the classic No-No Boy. This was Okada's only novel; it was spurned upon publication in 1957 for its anti-war message and treatment of Japanese internment in the 1940s. Editor Abe and contributors Shawn Wong and Stephen Sumida will be joined by moderator Tom Ikeda of Densho at the launch of John Okada: The Life & Rediscovered Work of the Author of No-No Boy.
(Downtown, free)
49. Hugo House Grand Reopening Celebration
Rejoice! Hugo House will at last unveil its new home, much more spacious and cranny-filled than the former monastery where it's been hunkered for the past few years. Eminent (but friendly!) locals like Anastacia-Renee, Quenton Baker, and Nicole Hardy along with Hugo House writers-in-residence Kristen Millares Young and Amber Flame will read aloud, and the Bushwick Book Club will perform book-inspired music. Stay on for a party with KEXP's DJ Gabriel Teodros.
(Capitol Hill, free)
50. Reading from They Said: A Multi-Genre Anthology of Contemporary Collaborative Writing
Contributors to the multi-genre anthology They Saidâ including Kelli Russell Agodon, Elizabeth J. Colen, Carol Guess, Rae Liberto, Kelly Magee, Brenda Miller, and Michael Schmeltzerâwill read their work.
(Wallingford, free)
51. Full Moon Sail
Take some time to enjoy the luminescence of the full moon while floating on Lake Washington. Before the free (first-come-first-served) boat rides commence, bring your favorite dessert to share in a potluck. Evening sailboat and kayak rentals will also be available.
(Sand Point, free)
52. Urban Ag Bike Tour
Bike Works invites you to pedal a leisurely five milesâone mile for every year they've been in existenceâto local school and community gardens, P-Patches, and fruit orchards while exploring the intersections of social justice and food security. After the tour, enjoy bites from the Central Co-op.
(Columbia City, free)
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
ART53. Cicelia Ross-Gotta: Milkweed : Monarch :: Mother : Child
This artist will make a gigantic "suspended loom" in the gallery, then ask in the public to see and participate in the last finishing touches on the installation. Ross-Gotta, whose work has been exhibited at the Henry Art Gallery, the Olympic Sculpture Park, and Gramma Poetry, emphasizes "vulnerability as a part of the human condition."
(Ballard, free)
Opening Saturday
54. 2018 Cascade Gem and Mineral Show
Calling all geode collectors and enthusiasts: The Cascade Mineralogical Society will return for its fifth annual showcase, where you can enter raffles to win cool rocks and minerals and peruse vendors' crystalline wares.
(Pioneer Square, free)
SUNDAY
ART55. Alloy & Pffft: Sara Osebold and Ellen Ziegler
Virtually every visual artist is a scavenger of some form or another, hoarding scrap materials and other objects that ordinary people see as garbage. Through the alchemical transformation of art making, these materials can take on new life. The nature of this new life is examined in Alloy & Pffft, a two-person show from multimedia artist and longtime SOIL member Ellen Ziegler and printmaker/sculptor Sara Osebold. As the name suggests, Robertson Garage is a pop-up venue located in the garage of artist Barbara Robertson. On Sunday, September 23, from 2 to 5 p.m., both artists will be on site for an open studio to discuss art and friendship. EMILY POTHAST
(University District, free)
Opening Sunday
56. Fall for Zines!
The ever-ambitious Kate Berwanger (who runs Swerve Zine Library and Assembly Literary Open Mic) will host this festival of comics and zines, complete with vendors, a DJ, a raffle, and more. Go if you love indie illustration and creation.
(Capitol Hill, free admission)
57. Mokedo Closing Garage Sale
Sadly, Seattle rents have killed the light art club Mokedo's permanent home, at least for now. Their loss can be your gain as you browse "Couches, chairs, folding tables, art supplies, fake plants, ladders, folding chairs, dj mats, speaker stands, cables, decor, event supplies, fans, shelves, garbage cans, lighting supplies," and more.
(Beacon Hill, free)
58. Nii Modo Garage Sale
Shop for art, stickers, zines, craft materials, circuit-enhanced cards, clothes, and tamales! Vendors include Stranger contributor C.M. Ruiz, Jack Wong, Darling Handmade Creations, Bone China Designs, Inferno Creations, Caps'N'Scraps, and the Odditorium Obscura.
(Wallingford, free)
59. Art Marble 21 Block Party
Join Art Marble 21 as they host a block party on Westlake Ave. There will be screenings of the Mariners, Seahawks, and Sounders games, as well as a beer garden, food and drink specials, and live performances by Nite Wave and DJ Raf.
(Downtown, free)
60. 2018 Bi Visibility Day Social
The bi+ community and allies are invited to socialize at this annual gathering that aims to combat biphobia and bi erasure.
(Capitol Hill, free)
61. Mooncake Festival
Issaquah's Chinese Heritage Club's Mid-Autumn Festival celebration will include Chinese Rabbit Lantern crafting for kids, lantern riddles, dance performances, a Chinese cooking demonstration, and plenty of snacks and mooncakes.
(Issaquah, $3)
62. 16MM Movie Matinee!
Watch classic movies on a 16mm projector at this event hosted by Brian Edwards. The films are kept secret until screening time, but they hint: "Come and thrill to an episode of a classic Flash Gordon serial, followed by 1960s underwater sci-fi adventure featuring one Japan's biggest martial arts stars."
(Greenwood, free)
63. Art House Theater Day
Our arthouse cinemas are precious; this day of the year is an occasion to pay attention to the role they play in our cultural lives. Head to Grand Illusion for a new restoration of John Landis's Schlock, a very strange low-budget horror parody.
(University District, $9)
64. Sweet Tooth Pop-Up
Sate your bottomless need for sweets at this South Lake Union pop-up, which will showcase cookies, ice cream, macarons, doughnuts, pastries, and other sucrose-laden treats from a variety of artisan vendors. The confection selection will include the pastel-hued meringue creations of Alexandraâs Macarons, artisan fizzy drinks in flavors like strawberry rhubarb and Concord grape from Soda Jerk Soda, and mesmerizing made-to-order Thai-style fried ice cream from SĂSU Rolled Ice Cream, just to name a few. JULIANNE BELL
(Fremont, free)
65. 38th Annual Seattle Peace Concerts
Since 1981, Seattle Peace Concerts have spread their tender message of community gathering through free, all-ages live music sets across the verdant grounds of Seattle. For the final show, hear from School of Rock bands from around the state.
(Wallingford, free)
66. Baby Gramps, Sunflower Sutra, Eve & Day
Lifelong ragtime legend and king of bizarro backcountry humor Baby Gramps will shed year after year of folky blues experience on stage with his National Steel guitar, and a little help from Seattle psych rockers Sunflower Sutra and folksy duo Eve & Day.
(Fremont, $6/$8)
67. Gringo Star, Autogramm, Golden Idols
Longtime indie garage-pop-rockers Gringo Star will headline out in Ballard, with opening support from Vancouver '80-harkening power poppers Autogramm and peppy indie rockers Golden Idols.
(Ballard, $10)
68. Mortal Ashes, Effluvia, Guests
Techie death metal band Mortal Ashes, who hail from Idaho, will tear things up with doomy Tacomans (Tacomens?) Effluvia.
(University District, $7)
69. Something United, New Brighton, Tiger Blonde
Local alt rockers Something United will play a headlining show out in Ballard in celebration of their upcoming West Coast tour, with support sets by local math rockers New Brighton and indie-pop group Tiger Blonde.
(Ballard, $8)
70. Griot Party
A collaboration of many municipal and civic organizations, this edition of the Griot Party, based on West African storytelling tradition, will invite folks to focus on "how water, art, and stories can deepen their relationship to the CD."
(Central District, free)
71. John Jennings and Damian Duffy: Kindred
Artist John Jennings and writer Damian Duffy will present the paperback edition of their Eisner Award-winning graphic novel adaptation of Octavia E. Butlerâs Kindred.
(Capitol Hill, free)
72. Liebowitz Moschovakis Galvin Rotholtz Smith: A Reading
Excellent local poets will read: Emily Liebowitz and Sarah Galvin from Mount Analogue, The Stranger's Rich Smith, Montreux Rotholtz, and Anna Moschovakis. Collectively, they've been published in the Guardian, io, New Ohio Review, Vice Magazine, Ugly Duckling Presse, Black Warrior Review, jubilat, and, of course, The Stranger.
(Pioneer Square, free)
73. Norman Fischer, Catherine Bresner, Joshua Edwards
Hear poetry from Zen Buddhist priest Norman Fischer (Untitled Series: Life As It Is), Catherine Bresner (whose The Merriam Webster Series and Everyday Eros chapbooks were published by Mount Analogue), and Joshua Edwards (Imperial Nostalgias and Photographs Taken at One-Hour Intervals During a Walk from Galveston Island to the West Texas Town of Marfa).
(Wallingford, free)
74. Paul Golin: No God and Still Jewish? How Does that Work?
The Secular Jewish Circle of Puget Sound will host a talk on what they say is the majority of Jewish people in Americaâthose who don't affirm the existence of God "with certainty."
(Location provided with RSVP, free)
