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 a free Earshot Jazz Festival kickoff show to the opening of Quenton Baker: Ballast, and from the Seattle Japanese Garden's Maple Festival to a free family-friendly fall festival in Pioneer Square. For even more options, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
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FRIDAY
ART1. Redlined: Artist Opening Reception
This art show curated by Seattle Women's March organizer Lhorna Murray features work that explores race, class, gender, and activism. Artists include Hanako OâLeary, Alison Post, Ezra Dickinson, Ixtli White Hawk, Lynne Hull, Ulises Mariscal, Carol Rashawnna Williams, Jessica Marie Mercy, and others.Â
(Ravenna, free)
2. The Resistance Saga
See a free screening of the film 500 Years: Life in Resistance, the latest in a trilogy about indigenous people in Guatemala, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. The organizers write that the film is about "the epic story that led Guatemala to a tipping point in their history, from the genocide trial of General RĂos Montt to the citizen uprising that toppled President Otto Perez Molina."
(Beacon Hill, free)
3. Wine Food: New Adventures in Eating and Drinking
Portland-based natural wine bar and winery owner Dana Frank and author and stylist Andrea Slonecker partnered up to share 75 recipes that pair well with affordable wines. The authors will talk about their book and sign copies.
(Fremont, free)
4. Ayo Dot & the Uppercuts, Grace Love & the Dirty Church, Carlene Crawford & the City Lights
High-energy hiphop fusion group Ayo Dot & the Uppercuts take the vocal power of Ayo and weave it into riff-shredding and bass-heavy throw-downs among the Uppercuts. They'll be joined by soul queen Grace Love & the Dirty Church and Seattle trio Carlene Crawford & the City Lights.
(Fremont, $8/$10)
5. Carl Verheyen Band
Carl Verheyen is one of the top 10 or top 100 guitar players in the world, depending on whom you ask (Guitar Magazine or Classic Rock Magazine). He'll play live with his band.
(Downtown)
6. The Intersection between Hip Hop Culture & Education
In this presentation and performance, Jahiâthe lead MC of Public Enemy 2.0âwill explore hiphop through an academic lens.
(Atlantic, free)
7. Junebugs, Smashie Smashie, Greg Hughes
Down-tempo indie rockers Junebugs bill themselves as "the musical equivalent to Pacific Northwest weather." Dance gloomily to their set after those of local space punks Smashie Smashie and solo strummer Bobby's Oar (aka Greg Hughes).
(University District, $7)
8. Jupiter Sprites, Meanderthals, Glass Beaches
Lush shoegaze-pop group Jupiter Sprites will journey up from Olympia for a night out in West Seattle with Bothell math rockers Meanderthals and Seattle indie-folk band Glass Beaches.
(West Seattle, $8)
9. Mega Mix II, Part XV: Rocktober Edition
Celebrate Rocktober with a night of funk, soul, disco, and hiphop super cuts from three different decades, courtesy of party DJs like Joey Webb, Jason Lee, and Jon Lemmon.
(Downtown, free)
10. Michael Dean Damron, Chad Price
Portland Americana bad boy Michael Dean Damron will co-headline a bill with Colorado singer-songwriter Chad Price, with additional support from Renton songwriter Travis Ness.
(Eastlake, $7/$10)
11. Revel
DJs Fred Eddison and Cousin Chris will set the mood for "cuddle season" by spinning toasty tracks to dance to.
(Capitol Hill, free)
12. The Sinister Six, The Knast, The Josephine Chopper
Let your limbs go wild at this garage, punk, and power pop show with the Sinister Six, the Knast, and the Josephine Chopper.
(Shoreline, $10)
13. Soft Serve
Come for the free ice cream, stay for the underrated R&B. Yes, there actually is housemade soft serve at this new weekly dance nightâentirely sans charge. Every Friday, resident DJ Chocolate Pentagram scoops up deep cuts, with guest DJs such as Reigning Cloud, Zarina Zumrad, and Lyric Weiss sprinkled in. Escape the Seattle freezer of vanilla Top 40 nights across Capitol Hill and get sugared up to future beats instead. Disco-house and honey macadamia, funk remixes and rocky road: Why hasnât anyone combined these delicacies sooner? AJ DENT
(Capitol Hill, free)
14. Grotesque Burlesque
Old Witch and other drag anomalies will act out "A Violation in Human Form." The organizers write: "As the terror gives birth to horror, the melodrama to disgust, and arousal turns to obscenity, the distortions and limits of the human body will be made all too real." Be warned. (There will also be tarot reading by Demonia Creeper and a "spooky craft.")
(Downtown, $8)
15. Beth Jusino: Walking to the End of the World
Beth Jusino will share her account of following El Camino, a path through France and Spain that's been sacred to Christians for centuries.
(University District, free)
16. Denise Levertov Award
This year's recipient of Image magazine's award for "work exemplif[ying] serious and sustained engagement with faith" will be poet, translator, and human rights activist Carolyn Forché (Blue Hour), who's already won fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Lannan Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Celebrate at this award presentation, poetry reading, Q&A, and dessert reception.
(Capitol Hill, free)
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
ART17. Calvin Wagner: Exotic Fruits
Self-taught painter Wagner shows intense, semi-surreal, dark images inspired by the "underlying web of absurdity that encompasses daily life." He'll be heading to Barcelona this fall, so catch him while you can.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Closing Saturday
18. Cicelia Ross-Gotta: Milkweed : Monarch :: Mother : Child
This artist will make a gigantic "suspended loom," 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)
Closing Saturday
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
ART19. 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)
Closing Sunday
20. Katrina Haffner: New Work
Arts journalist and artist Haffner shows work reflecting on the cycles of life and death in nature, often employing black backgrounds and photorealistic creatures.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Closing Sunday
21. Maja PetriÄ: We Are All Made of Light
Who knew that there were so many awards for light art? Maja PetriÄ knows, because she's either won or been nominated for a number of them. A Ph.D. in DXARTS (digital art and experimental media) from University of Washington, she's contributing to the Borealis Festival of Light with an exhibition called We Are All Made Of Light, in collaboration with computer scientist Mihai Jalobeanu. Artificial intelligence generates "audiovisual trails" of every visitor, combining them with the traces of previous gallery-goers.
(South Lake Union, free)
22. Quenton Baker: Ballast
In 1841, American-born slaves on the brig Creole, led by a man named Madison Washington, commandeered the ship bringing them toward a continued life of misery and cruelty. They landed on British territory, where they found their freedom. Award-winning local poet Quenton Baker takes off on this story to examine black history from a personal standpoint, as he did in his collection This Glittering Republic. The survival struggle of long-ago people and the lingering effects of slavery on the psyche of those born free inspired Bakerâs âerasure poems,â which he created by blacking out words in the Senate report on the Creole. Baker uses this selective elimination process to take control of the historical narrative, directing the viewerâs consciousness to unintended meanings. The title of this exhibition, which will also be issued as a book, refers to the ballast counterweighting the Creole's human cargo. Along with the exhibition of these visually striking poems, there will be a special reading with Amanda Johnston, Dante Micheaux, and L. Lamar Wilson on November 1.
(First Hill, free)
Opening Friday
23. Star Gazing: A Paul Hernandez Retrospective
Enjoy a panorama of the work of Paul Hernandez, a witness to the birth of grunge in Seattle. See unknown images of Chris Cornell, Jeff Ament, Layne Staley, and other stars of grittiness.
(Georgetown, free)
Closing Sunday
24. This Is Our Home, Where We Belong
DinĂ©/Twana curator and contributor Denise Emerson has chosen four fellow Coast Salish women artists to elaborate expressions of "environmental justice, identity, and place": Caroline Edwards (Swinomish), Karen Engel (Shoalwater Bay), Kimberly Miller (Skokomish), and Abbey Pierson (Cowlitz). It's a great opportunity to remind yourself of indigenous peoples' connection to their homeland and resistance to ethnic cleansing. This is part of the yÉhawÌ art project partnership with the Seattle Public Library.
(Downtown, free)
Opening reception Saturday
25. Wild World of Wrestling
Artists pay tribute to the extravagant realm of pro wrestling. See work by John Black, Ryan Berkley, Jesse Danger Dyer, Enntrails, Rhodora Jacob, Nick Gucker, Henry, Heather Lambert, Khalil Justice Linane, George Long, Angelita Martinez, Jason Middelton, Cody Shipman, Dusty Winter, and Eli Wolff.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Closing Sunday
26. Maple Festival
Maple trees abound in the tranquil Seattle Japanese Garden, so if your favorite thing about fall is the changing leaves, don't miss your chance to walk the grounds. Plus, you can make nature-inspired crafts, go on a maple tree scavenger hunt, watch cultural performances, and attend tea ceremonies.
(Montlake, $8)
SATURDAY
ART27. 'I Remember / The Hollow Features Of What Remains' Closing Party
Zamora has constructed a maze out of "dozens of suspended fluorescent tubes organized in a labyrinth-like pattern" and clicking on and off, a visualization of the shifting of "memory, time, and perception." Make sure you check it out before it's taken down.Â
(Capitol Hill, free)
28. Alma Goddard: Born Sacred
Two-Spirit elder and activist and inaugural recipient of the (Counter)Cultural Workers Fellowship Alma Goddard shows art reflecting on self-worth and the sacred as part of the cultural center's acknowledgement of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join her for a celebration of the art.Â
(West Seattle, free)
29. Runic Galdr: Singing Magic Into Form | Workshop with Ylva Mara
Ylva Mara, the witch who runs Cunning Crow Apothecary, will run a ritual of "Slavic polyphonic singing and chanting." The second session is reserved for queer, trans, and non-binary participants. These workshops are part of the exhibition Group Therapy.
(First Hill, free)
30. See Art/Make Art: Reverse Glass Paintings
Lene Sangster will conduct a class for anyone aged seven to adult in painting on plexiglass.
(West Seattle, free)
31. Beet Box Harvest Festival
Celebrate the arrival of fall by making your own scarecrow, tasting kombucha, buying fall plants, and enjoying music and seasonal food.
(Beacon Hill, free)
32. Dogtoberfest
Dress your dog in a sweet costume and head to this Oktoberfest party to enjoy lots of local brews and prizes.
(Beacon Hill, $10)
33. Fall Festival 2018
Recall the face painters, balloon twisters, pumpkins, and carnival snacks that abounded in the fall festival Tom Hanks takes his kid relatives to in You've Got Mail. That's what you can expect at this family-friendly affair, which also promises a petting zoo, hula hoop dancers, and free apple cider.
(Pioneer Square, free)
34. For FAHM: Filipino American History Month Celebration
In honor of Filipino History Month, join Kapatid Kollective for an afternoon of art, vendors, BBQ, and live music hosted by Aleksa Manila.
(West Seattle, free)
35. People's Budget 2018
Want to see more of the city's money going toward affordable housing? Join councilmember Kshama Sawant for a forum, rally, and planning meeting.
(Downtown, free)
36. Queen Anne Tree Walk
Take a stroll around Queen Anne and admire the neighborhood's trees during this guided tour.
(Queen Anne, free)
37. The Resistance Saga Workshop
Human rights leader and journalist Dr. Irma Alicia VelĂĄsquez Nimatuj will lead a workshop featuring a screening of When the Mountains Tremble (the first movie in the Resistance Saga trilogy about indigenous people in Guatemala) and a talk about "the groundbreaking movement to honor the dignity of Guatemalaâs Indigenous communities." The workshop will wrap up with a presentation from Paco de OnĂs and Pamela Yates of the human rights media organization Skylight about the making of the trilogy.
(Downtown, free)
38. Botnik Live!
Join the geeky geniuses of Botnik Studios (and their friends) for a night of readings, sketch comedy, songs, and interactive experiments.
(Capitol Hill, $7)
39. Alec Shaw, James Anaya, Zahara
Relative newcomer and singer-songwriter Alec Shaw concocts blissful, summery vibes through his indie rock tracks full of youthful gusts of energy. He'll play live with support sets from Seattle soul/R&B artist James Anaya and soulful dream-pop artist Zahara.
(Capitol Hill, $8/$10)
40. The Almost Faithful, The Sinbound, Garden Chat
Seattle-based alt-rock/post-punk trio Almost Faithful "strive to write haunting melodies that float over unconventional song structures." They'll be joined by Seattle garage rockers the Sinbound and Garden Chat.
(West Seattle, $8)
41. Avi Buffalo, Haunted Summer, Acoustic Minds
Avi Buffalo released two records on the Sub Pop label, and now he's back with another batch of chill songs, along with opening sets by psych poppers Haunted Summer and Portland soul group Acoustic Minds.
(Fremont, $8/$10)
42. Dan Medina (Gravity), Half A Shadow, Madeline Tasquin, Nate Mays
KrakĂłw-based rock trio Gravity will bring their Polish roots to Seattle with support from local grunge rockers Half a Shadow, Canadian funk/soul artist Madeline Tasquin, and Columbus indie-folk singer-songwriter Nate Mays.
(Greenwood, $7)
43. The Finger Guns, The Screaming Multitudes, Steeltoe Metronome, The Shaken Growlers
The Finger Guns excel at playing short and sweet punk rock imbued with a Northwest sensibility, with bill support from Seattle nautical punks Screaming Multitudes, folk rockers Steeltoe Metronome, and rock group Shaken Growlers.
(University District, $7)
44. Haute Sauce: Lourawk, Sessions, Krescendo, Swervewon
Release your energy from the week at this hiphop dance party with DJs Lourawk, Sessions, Krescendo, and Swervewon.
(Capitol Hill, $10)
45. HouseQuake with Trinitron, EMRLDZ, Mr. Linden
Seattle Quake Rugby presents HouseQuake, a rowdy night of house music with selections by former MudHen member Trinitron, EMRLDZ, and Mr. Linden, and dancing all night long with your favorite gay rugby boys.
(Downtown, $5/$10)
46. No Duh! '90s-ish Dance Party
Dance to your favorite hits from the '90s (mostly).
(Pioneer Square)
47. Owl n' Thistle 25 Years
The Irish pub will celebrate a quarter-century of business with live country music from Colby Brittain, Charles Key, the Owl n' Thistle Band, and the Dusty 45s. Snack on free hors d'oeuvres while you dance.Â
(Downtown, free)
48. R Day
Join the denizens of Georgetown for a celebration of a tried-and-true Northwest standby, Rainier Beer, with live music from Northwest rock groups the Helio Sequence, the Moondoggies, and Smokey Brights. The brewery has promised an all-night party in the heart of the neighborhood, with plenty of Rainier to drink for everyone (over 21 years of age, of course).
(Georgetown, free)
49. ArtHaus 5.0: Nightmare Before Prom
This great weirdo drag competition will get the Halloween treatment, Carrie style (that means prom and pig's blood), as Gothic Barbie Drag Haus and Tragic Treehaus duke it out for a spot in the cast.
(Downtown, $7/$10)
50. Belletrist Seattle Release Party!
Bellevue College's literary arts journal Bellatrist will host a reading with some of its latest contributing writers, including Jason Bargueno, Amy Schrader, Gina LaLonde, Erika Michael, Linda Malnack, Arlene Naganawa, Karen Holman, and Dehlia Ackley.
(Capitol Hill, free)
51. Bradley Stevens; The Ship, the Saint, and the Sailor
In his book The Ship, the Saint, and the Sailor, Bradley Stevens reveals "what really happened" in one of the oldest-known shipwrecks in Alaska, the Kad'yak, which allegedly met its fate because the captain broke a promise with a saint.
(University District, free)
52. Deborah Woodard (translator): Obtuse Diary
Deborah Woodard will celebrate the launch of her newest translation of Italian poet Amelia Rosselli's Obtuse Diary, a collection of "rational" prose poem experiments written between 1954 and 1968.
(Wallingford, free)
53. Memoir: The Stories We Know by Heart
Reagan Jackson, a journalist at the South Seattle Emerald and the Globalist as well as a poet and children's book writer, will conduct a workshop on memoir.
(Rainier Valley, free)
54. Natalie Diaz: Self-Portraits
Most people know Natalie Diaz for the hilarious and poignant poetry found in her first collection, When My Brother Was an Aztec (Copper Canyon Press). But at Hugo House, she'll reveal a series of self-portraits paired with new poems as part of a discussion about contemporary Native identity. Her presentation falls on the 150th anniversary of the birth of Edward S. Curtis, the Seattle-based photographer credited with creating the images white America associates with Native Americans, which makes this whole thing hum with historical significance. RICH SMITH
(Capitol Hill, free)
55. Seattle Writes: Jumpstart Your Novel
Prepare for National Novel Writing Month with a workshop by Susan Meyers to get ideas for planning and starting your novel.
(Columbia City, free)
56. Sy Montgomery: How to Be a Good Creature
Naturalist, adventurer, and friend of the animals Sy Montgomery will read from her newest writing about the incredible creatures of our planet, "from tarantulas to tigers," and the significance they have for her own life.
(Capitol Hill, free)
57. The Slow Art: Book Launch
In celebration of his new book of poems inspired by commercial fisheries in Washington and Alaska, Michael McGriff will helm a night of water-focused readings with fellow poets Sierra Nelson, Maya Jewell Zeller, and Sierra Golden.
(Central District, free)
58. Best Buds Party
Enjoy free munchies, a piñata (at 4:20 p.m., natch), and a pet photo booth and costume contest (so bring your dog). Plus, enjoy 20 percent off all products.
(Sodo, free)
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
COMMUNITY59. Issaquah Salmon Days
When the local salmon return to their home waters in early October, Issaquah celebrates with arts, crafts, food, a parade, outdoor games, a salmon BBQ, and live entertainment.
(Issaquah, free)
SUNDAY
ART60. Erin Shafkind, Myra Kahaya
Erin Shafkind will show drawings alongside Myra Kaha's abstract architectural models in this collaborative exhibition.
(Roosevelt, free)
Opening Sunday
61. Antiques Rodeo Pop-Up
Shop for vintage and collectible finds from the Antiques Rodeo pop-up.
(Fremont, free)
62. Chris Cornell: An Everlasting Tribute to Seattle's Son
The late Seattle singer-songwriter Chris Cornell, Soundgarden's charismatic front man, will be immortalized in the form of a life-sized bronze statue, thanks to his wife, Vicky Cornell. Witness the unveiling.
(Seattle Center, free)
63. October Macabre Market
Find jewelry and clothes for your Halloween costume or your everyday life from vendors like Ground by the Sound, Bawdy Love, Blessed Beads Jewelry, and others.
(Capitol Hill, $1)
64. ReMIXXer: Lil Brown Girls Club Open House
Join What's Poppin' Ladiezâwho host events that celebrate womxn hiphop and pop artistsâfor an open house with the Lil Brown Girls Club.
(Georgetown, free)
65. VOTE or CRY - Voter Registration Dance Party!
After you register to vote (which you can do onsite), dance the night away with your fellow community members and enjoy free pizza, CLIF Bars, and drinks.
(Capitol Hill, free)
66. CroatiaFest
See performances from dance ensembles and musicians, marvel at intricate costumes, check out art exhibits, and learn about Croatia's history.
(Seattle Center, free)
67. Downright Vocal: GIRL BAND, Mix Tape, Cascade
Hear your favorite contemporary pop songs sans instrumentation at this a cappella performance with GIRL BAND, Mix Tape, and Cascade.
(Capitol Hill, free)
68. Earshot Jazz Festival: Logan Richardson & blues PEOPLE, Marquis Hill Blacktet
Join up with other jazz lovers for this double-header in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Earshot Jazz Festival with performances by acclaimed saxophonist Logan Richardson with his blues PEOPLE band and the return of immensely skilled Chicago trumpeter Marquis Hill and his Blacktet.
(Seattle Center, free)
69. Sam Weber, Westbound Coyote String Band
The Sam Weber trio will sing original songs about "love, life and family" with support from twangy duo the Westbound Coyote String Band and singer-songwriter Lisette Lowe.
(Greenwood, $5)
70. Upstate, Devin Sinha
Acoustic septet Upstate makes use of a bass, a mandolin, a cajĂłn, a flute, a saxophone, and lots of vocal harmonies to play old and contemporary American songs. They'll be joined by solo indie-folk artist Devin Sinha.
(Ballard, $10)
71. The Von Tramps, Space Monkey Mafia, Violet Island, Always Naked
Minnesota rock trio the Von Tramps promise a night of jams influenced by the Ramones, the Replacements, and No Doubt. Ska punks Space Monkey Mafia, post-punks Violet Island, and Seattle bluesy punks Always Naked will play opening sets.
(Eastlake, $6/$8)
72. Anastasia Higginbotham: Not My Idea
This author will read from her children's book about resisting white racism and understanding white supremacy, published by Dottir Press.
(Capitol Hill, free)
73. COAST|NoCOAST Reading
Literary arts journal COAST | NoCOAST features writers, poets, and artists from southwest Ohio and the Puget Sound. Hear from some of its contributorsâincluding Naomi Beeman, cris cheek, Erica Martz, Sierra Nelson, and othersâat this night of readings and performances.
(Wallingford, free)
74. How to Be an Effective Ally on the Page and in the Real World, Too
Seattle Civic Poet Anastacia-Reneé will help you fight racism in writing and speech.
(Capitol Hill, free)
75. Peter Stone: The Perfect Candidate
In Peter Stone's debut novel we meet Cameron Carter, a recent high school grad who, after taking an internship with a powerful congressman in Washington D.C., learns that the inner workings of the U.S. government are not what he'd imagined. The author will be joined in conversation by the Chief Privacy Officer of Washington State, Alex Alben.
(Ravenna, free)
