Panicking because you don’t know what to do this 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 a Ballard SeafoodFest to the Stranger Things-themed Hawkins Snow Ball '84: The Season Three Edition, and from Fantagraphics' Hot Off the Press Book Fair to a chance to snag $5 burgers as part of The Stranger's Burger Week. For even more options, check out 36 festivals happening this weekend, or our complete Things To Do calendar and our list of cheap & easy things to do in Seattle all year long.
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- Amber Flame: ::intrigue:: 8
Hugo House poet-in-residence Amber Flame explores the relationship between music and poetry using "choral-heavy melodies set against loop-based harmonies" based on writings by Danez Smith, Natalie Diaz, and others; looped video shorts; and fabric window dressings.
(University District, free)
Opening Friday - Belltown Art Walk
On second Fridays, wander around Belltown and check out the local art scene amidst the waves of drinkers and clubbers. Tonight, check out watercolor paintings by Zoee Xiao and paintings and collages by Steffanie Lorig.
(Belltown, free) - Art Up PhinneyWood
Walk around charming Greenwood/Phinney (just north of the zoo) and take in art from dozens of venues, from galleries to restaurants to bookshops, including Couth Buzzard Books, Greenwood Space Travel Company, and the Phinney Center Gallery. Tonight's opening include a group show with Jill Feenstra, Ira Feenstra, Zeal Rattlecans, Jeff Harrison, and Tony Dibble and fantastical watercolors by Zenia Wei.
(Phinney/Greenwood, free) FILM
- Feminist Film Nite Featuring 'Wind River'
Beginning with a scarily enigmatic midnight chase, the plot follows a Wyoming wildlife officer (Jeremy Renner) tasked with hunting predatory animals through the frozen high lonesomes. (Viewers with a fondness for wolves should be prepared to avert their eyes early on.) After discovering the corpse of a young Native American woman in the mountains, he teams with an inexperienced FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) to track down the killer—and as their path leads them to the local reservation, he must deal with his own ties to the deceased. As his previous screenplays have indicated, screenwriter/director Taylor Sheridan has a real gift for the tired wiseassery of lawmen, and his streak continues here, with the byplay between jaded professionals giving spark even to routine procedural scenes. (Graham Greene, as the reservation’s deadpanning sheriff, not only steals every scene he’s in, but possibly those of whatever is playing next door in the multiplex, too.) If Sheridan proves to be a little more indulgent toward moments of tough guys waxing poetic than the directors of his previous work, at least the extra words earn their keep. ANDREW WRIGHT
(Columbia City, $5–$10 donation)
Radical Women Seattle will host a group discussion following this screening - Yesler Outdoor Summer Movie Nights
Revisit classics like The Sandlot (screening tonight) in Yesler Terrace Park at dusk.
(Yesler Terrace, free) MUSIC
- 322, Scorpio and the Hunter
Tacoma's 322 pull various outside genres into their experimental jazz compositions. They'll take the stage after an opening set from jazzy neo-soul group Scorpio and the Hunter.Â
(Capitol Hill, $8/$10) - Anjali & The Kid
Dance to Bollywood and global bass tracks from DJÂ Anjali & the Kid.
(South Lake Union, free) - ANTI-LIFE 1: Carnotaurus, City of Industry, Diyu, Turian
Treat your metal-loving self to four very different bands within the thrashing genre: Carnotaurus, City of Industry, Diyu, and Turian. They all hail from Seattle.Â
(Ballard, $10) - Baywitch, Katy Rae, Scout Gillett
Former Stranger contributor Sophia Stephens has noted Seattle anti-surf (anti-folk and surf-rock) band Baywitch's "winning combo of spunky strums and ethereal vocals." They'll be joined by New York-based indie singer-songwriter Katy Rae and Brooklyn folk artist Scout Gillett tonight.Â
(Pioneer Square, $7/$10) - Birch Pereira & Friends
Early swing, Americana, and rock-inspired musician Birch Pereira will play a show in the hopes of transporting you to an era of honky-tonks and roadhouses.
(Downtown, free) - Bootie Seattle: ’90s Mashup Night
DJs Freddy, King of Pants, and Jack Roger will resurrect hits across genres by your favorite '90s bands, from Nirvana to Spice Girls to Alanis Morrisette to Snoop Dogg.
(Downtown, $10) - Brass Band Northwest Epiphany Parish Concert
Enjoy a leisurely evening in the sunshine with a free live performance by Brass Band Northwest.
(Downtown, free) - Chava, Two Minute Hate
Get your Friday-night hard rock from Chava and Two Minute Hate.
(Capitol Hill, $5) - The Dead Channels w/The Bitter and Golden Day Lodge
Spokane psychobilly band the Dead Channels, local alt-punk the Bitter, and surf-punks Golden Day Lodge will play at Full Tilt.
(Capitol Hill, free) - The Deadcoats, Chump, Merchant Mariner, The Requisite, Theories of Flight
Texas-bred psych-punks the Dead Coats will come to town with local support from Chump, Merchant Mariner, The Requisite, and Theories of Flight.Â
(Tukwila, $5) - DJ G.Prez
DJ G.Prez will spin old-school hip-hop, funk, and R&B.Â
(Beacon Hill, $10) - Holla! 90s-00s Hip Hop Throwback Party!
DJs Paco and Chetbong will take you back to the early 2000s with a night of hip-hop by legends like Missy Elliott, A Tribute Called Quest, 2Pac, Usher, and others.
(Ballard, free) - Hounds Tooth - PhinneyWood Art Walk - "Love Gangsters" Eric Fridrich & Leif Totusek
See if local jazz mainstays Leif Totusek and Eric Fridich live up to their self-proclaimed title (the "Love Gangsters").
(Greenwood, free) - Justin vs. Justin - A Dance Party Celebrating JT & Bieber
Do you dance harder to "Never Say Never" or "SexyBack"? If you're unsure, this Justin Timberlake vs. Justin Bieber dance party is the best place to find out.Â
(Capitol Hill, $5) - Kareem Kandi Band
Local tenor saxophone legend Kareem Kandi brings a blend of jazz, blues, classical, and funk to the stage.
(Downtown, free) - Kiro Skiro EP Release Show
Get your fix of moody synthwave from Kiro Skiro and Meat Hair (featuring members of Deep Sea Diver).
(Fremont, $8/$10) - Left Side Of The Radio
Get your indie-Americana and alt-rock from Ian Crawford, ULTVLT, Days To Waste, and Kobe Carter at this Left Side Of the Radio showcase.
(Eastlake, $8/$10) - Live Acoustic Happy Hour - Roger Jaeger
Singer-songwriter Roger Jaeger will play live music during this extended happy hour.Â
(South Lake Union, free) - Musehead (Muse + Radiohead Tribute) with Lithium (Nirvana Tribute)
Sing along to your favorites by Seattle's grunge progenitors Nirvana, emo pop-punks Muse, and English electro-rockers Radiohead at this tribute night.Â
(Downtown, $10) - Pop Secret: The Knocks
Funk- and disco-inclined DJ duo the Knocks will supply you with party tracks.
(Capitol Hill, $10) - Retro: Pajama Jammy Jam
Playful Noises DJs will spin original mixes of old-school jams.
(Capitol Hill, $5) - Revel, Laura Hickli, Porpoise Parade
God, I’m a fuckin’ sucker for dream pop. And Seattle band Revel are peak dream pop. Though less distorted and hazy than you might expect, with a bit more jangle, their music is bright and whirling. Latest single “You Didn’t Stay” is sugary sweet with Arika Santana’s voice threading through the fuzzy guitar and synthy bars. Canadian singer-songwriter Laura Hickli will be bringing “baroque art pop” to the bill, and Seattle indie-pop guitarist Mitch Etter will be performing as Porpoise Parade. JASMYNE KEIMIG
(University District, $5) - Scorndog Tour Kickoff
Tacoma punks Scorndog will kick off their tour in Seattle at an all-ages show with Heavenly Bother, Sleepover Club, and Artem/s.Â
(Seattle Center, $8-$10) - World Music Series: BKO Quintet
The BKO Quintet play what they call "Trad Actual Malian Sound," combining Bamoko-inspired electronica with rural Malian music. Pack a picnic and see them for free.
(Capitol Hill, free) READINGS & TALKS
- Lisa Taddeo: Three Women
Journalist Taddeo's detailed portraits of the sexual lives of three American women—a frustrated Indiana homemaker, a North Dakotan teen betrayed by her married English teacher, and an East Coast hotwife—are based on eight years of research across the country. O, The Oprah Magazine and Dave Eggers are impressed by its depth and range, so maybe you will be, too.
(Capitol Hill, free) - “Professional Pervert” Koe Creation Author Reading: This Heart Holds Many
Author and educator Koe Creation will read from their book on polyamory, This Heart Holds Many, followed by a Q&A. Attendees will get complimentary sips of bubbly and 10% off shopping at Babeland.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Robert Beatty: Serafina and the Seven Stars
Robert Beatty will read from the fourth installment of his Serafina mystery series about a girl who secretly lives in the basement of the grand (haunted) Biltmore Estate. In this one, the guardian of the estate asks her to move upstairs to look after fancy guests who are visiting for an annual hunt. In this new part of the house, she discovers all sorts of ghouls.Â
(Ravenna, free) - Seattle on the Line: Examining the History and Contemporary Impact of Redlining
Learn how the mid-20th-century practice of redlining led to racial and ethnic segregation in Seattle's neighborhoods at this panel discussion moderated by Seattle arts leader Leilani Lewis. Attendees can enjoy free access to the Northwest African American Museum exhibits Warren Pope: Blood Lines Time Lines Red Lines and Edwin T. Pratt: A Living Legacy.
(Atlantic, free) RESISTANCE & SOLIDARITY
- Lights for Liberty
Protest the humanitarian crisis at the border at this Lights for Liberty vigil at Bryant Elementary, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple.Â
(Various locations, free) SHOPPING
- Night Market at the Beet Box!
Take free dance lessons, eat free food provided by Huong Duong Sunflower and Rachel's Ginger Beer, and shop from art vendors.Â
(Beacon Hill, free)FRIDAY-SATURDAY
FESTIVALS
- Derby Days
What began in 1940 as a bike derby and parade to raise money for holiday decorations and athletic equipment is now a celebration of Redmond's diverse community. Enjoy parades, races, game booths, carnival rides, live music, arts, and more.
(Redmond, free) - Wedgwood Art Festival
This small but appealing local fair offers paintings, crafts, sculptures, and music every year.
(Wedgwood, free) FOOD & DRINK
- 44th Annual Pig Roast
Starting with a community potluck on Friday (which will have some food donated by Chinatown-International District restaurants, but you're invited to bring your own dishes to share) and ending with a pig roast on Saturday, this weekend of family-style feasting is sure to keep you sated.
(Chinatown-International District, free) - The Stranger's Burger Week 2019
Since 2013, The Stranger’s sister publication, the Portland Mercury, has hosted Burger Week, among the most popular seven days of the year for culinary-minded denizens of the City of Roses. Gourmands line up at beloved local establishments to try one-of-a-kind burgers created exclusively for the week—and better yet, they’re only $5 a pop. Now, for the first time ever, Seattle is getting in on the fun with The Stranger’s inaugural edition of Burger Week, featuring restaurants in neighborhoods all over the city: Ballard Brothers Seafood & Burgers/Taco Mama’s, Ben Paris, Broadfork Cafe, Coastline Burgers, Duke’s Seafood & Chowder, FareStart Restaurant and Maslow’s, JaK’s Alehouse, Loretta’s Northwesterner, Lunchbox Lab, Maritime Pacific Brewing Co. & Jolly Roger Taproom, Next Level Burger, Orfeo, Ozzie’s, the Park Pub, Star Brass Works Lounge, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Two Doors Down, and Zippy’s Giant Burgers. Gluten-free and vegan eaters will not be left out of the (delicious) festivities—there will be burger options for both. So go forth and chow down (and don’t forget to tip)! JULIANNE BELL
(Various locations, $5+) PERFORMANCE
- Bearing Witness
Queer black storytellers will "secure [their] rightful seat at the collective HIV/AIDS narrative table," correcting an injust imbalance in the public conception of the epidemic.
(Capitol Hill, free) VISUAL ART
- bauhaus.photo
As part of the Goethe Institut's celebration Wunderbar Together—The Year of German-American Friendship, the bookstore/gallery hangs 100 selections from the Bauhaus-Archiv Berlin, which houses about 70,000 photos from the famed interwar German architecture and design school. This looks to be a fascinating glimpse into a turbulent yet artistically dazzling era in the past, with work by the well-known Lucia Moholy, László Moholy-Nagy, and T. Lux Feininger, plus less famous artists like Kattina Both, Irene Bayer, and Max Peiffer Watenphul.
(Downtown, free)
Closing Saturday - Betsy Walton: Psychic Landscapes
Portland illustrator/artist Walton brings together such inspirations as "microscopic natural phenomena, motherhood, the weather, mindfulness practice, and fine art printmaking techniques" for a reflection on ephemeral "states of being."
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Saturday - Ed Wicklander: Mostly Cats
Wicklander is a master of his materials. But he has left his mark most indelibly on his students, artists like Dan Webb. For me, his works are uneven in their interestingness. When I look at his balloons made of steel, I feel like I've seen them before. I glaze over. His kittens? There's nothing else like them. They're hilarious and heartwarming, an almost impossible combination in contemporary art. They know about kitsch and they zoom happily by it traveling on the same road, another near-impossibility. So smart and so dumb at the very same time.  JEN GRAVES
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Saturday - John Buck: Woodcut Prints and Kinetic Sculpture
John Buck’s sculptures move. Composed of wood, they spin, rock, twirl, paddle, and come to life. Buck draws on current events, popular culture, humor, and classical iconography to create his sculptures—headless svelte bodies juxtaposed on elaborate moving wheels. They are marvelous not only because of their movement but also due to their intricacy, complexity, and attention to detail. In his show at Greg Kucera, Buck will not only be showing these kinetic sculptures but also his large, colorful, and slightly surreal woodblock prints. JASMYNE KEIMIG
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing Saturday - Juliana Kang Robinson: HanSan
Kang-Robinson, awardee of Pratt Fine Arts'Â 2018-2019 Artbridge Fellowship, creates silk fabric-colored domes based on a photograph of the DMZ fence between North and South Korea.
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing SaturdayFRIDAY-SUNDAY
FESTIVALS
- Ballard SeafoodFest
Originally started as a celebration of the neighborhood’s fishing industry in 1974, this festival has expanded over the years to include a salmon dinner, a crab shack, a beer garden replete with local craft brews like Stoup Brewing and Reuben's Brews, food and artisan craft vendors, and music. This year's music lineup includes Welsh alternative rock band the Joy Formidable, Portland-based singer/songwriter Kyle Craft, and Everett folk rockers the Moondoggies, among many others. Gluttons for punishment can enroll in the lutefisk eating contest, an annual competition to see who can scarf the most of the salty, gelatinous fish.
(Ballard, free) - Kent Cornucopia Days
South King County's "largest family festival" boasts a street fair, athletic events, a grand parade, and live entertainment.
(Kent, free) - Queen Anne Days
Queen Anne Helpline presents this family-oriented community celebration with a wine, beer, and cider garden, fun run, art walk, live music, car show, doggie parade, food trucks, carnival games, crafts, the Queen Anne Running of the Bulls, and more.
(Queen Anne, free) - Redmond Arts Festival
Shop for jewelry, food, garments, and more as you listen to nine live bands and sip mimosas, beer, or wine in the garden.
(Redmond, free) - West Seattle Summer Fest
For the 37th year, spend some time shopping, dancing to live music from great local bands, doing yoga in the park, dining, drinking in beer gardens, and enjoying other summery activities at this annual family-friendly festival. This year's headliners include Jenn Champion, Polyrhythmics, Blackie, Common Market, Night Beats, Jeremy Enigk, Spirit Award, and Stas THEE Boss. The newest addition this year is a whole block of giant games like Connect Four, Jenga, Ker Plunk, Dominoes, and more.
(West Seattle, free) PERFORMANCE
- GreenStage: Backyard Bard and Shakespeare in the Park
This is the time of year for outdoor Shakespeare: In addition to Wooden O productions, you can also check out plein-air performances by GreenStage: full-length stagings of the history play Henry IV: Part 2 (directed by Chris Shea with gender-flexible casting) and the comedy Taming of the Shrew (directed with a feminist twist by Jennifer Crooks)—plus "Backyard Bard"'s one-hour, four-player versions of Measure for Measure and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
(Various locations, free) VISUAL ART
- Brooklyn Witteman and Colleen RJC Bratton: Creature Comforts
Check out drawings by Seattle-based artists Brooklyn Witteman and sculpture by Colleen RJC Bratton, who both draw inspiration from popular culture mythologies and pop art.
(Magnolia, free)
Closing SundaySATURDAY
COMEDY
- Best of NW Peaks: Comedy Showcase
Catch a night of comedy from folks who have received much applause at previous NW Peaks shows: Charles Hall Jr., Birungi Birungi, Mathew Valedspino, and Alexander Goldwell.
(Hillman City, $10) - Improv for Everyone
Bandit Theater will generously offer a free two-hour workshop to introduce you to the art of spontaneous comedy; no experience required.Â
(Seattle Center, free) - The Reader
A tarot reading for a brave audience member will inspire an improv set in this "half-tarot, half-comedy" show.
(Belltown, $10) COMMUNITY
- Catio Tour
Take a self-guided tour or Seattle's catios (enclosed cat patios) designed to protect cats from the dangers of the outdoors (and to protect certain wildlife from the danger of cats) while allowing them to feel a little bit of freedom.
(Across Seattle, $10) - Rudy's Zine "The Buzz" Launch Party
Rudy's Barbershop is launching a new zine, The Buzz, featuring advice from local experts on "how to give your plant a haircut." Celebrate their launch by flipping through a copy, getting a haircut to benefit Skate Like a Girl, and enjoying complimentary sips and bites.
(Capitol Hill, free) FESTIVALS
- Polish Festival Seattle
Experience the myriad traditions of Poland through food, music, arts activities, and more.
(Seattle Center, free) - Wallingford Parade
The Wallingford Family Parade will celebrate 70 years this year. In honor of the grand reopening of Lincoln High School, this year you're invited to show your school spirit.
(Wallingford, free) FOOD & DRINK
- Food Truck Round-Up 30
Stuff your face with offerings from over 25 local food trucks and booths.
(South Lake Union, free) MUSIC
- 400.40, Dismal Thinkings, Bluena
Ballard R&B/hip-hop trio 400.40 will headline this all-ages show with support from local indie-rockers Dismal Thinkings and Bluena.
(Seattle Center, $5-$8) - 8th Annual Beat Masters Beat Battle
Sixteen Northwest hip-hop producers will play go head-to-head in a tournament-style competition to see who has the best beats. The winner will receive the title of Beat Masters Champion and $1,000 in prizes.
(Downtown, free) - The Dawn Robbers, High Romantics, Oil Can, The Brooders
Seattle's the Dawn Robbers will keep you dancing with their blend of soul, R&B, funk, and pop. They'll be joined by other local groups High Romantics, Oil Can, and the Brooders.Â
(University District, $10) - Necking, Emma Lee Toyoda
“Fuck me / Tell all your friends you’ve got me / Can’t make me come, so I made you leave / Way hotter in your memory.” Vancouver-based Necking’s “Big Mouth” clocks in at 2:45 and packs a fucking punch. The post-punk quartet is gritty, loud, and unafraid to get confrontational. They’re riding off the high of latest album Cut Your Teeth, which dropped in early July and is a riotous mess of tracks. Seattle hometown hero Emma Lee Toyoda and their vulnerable (but fun) brand of punk will open. JASMYNE KEIMIG
(Eastlake, $8/$10) - Florence Wiley, Garden Chat, Ghost Power, Acid Smoker
Seattle-based group Florence Wiley will show off their soulful lounge rock, and they'll be joined by Garden Chat, Ghost Power, and Acid Smoker.
(Tukwila, $8) - Haute Sauce Two-Year Anniversary
DJs Ainslee, Famous, Catch24, and D Triple J will spin at this two-year anniversary edition of "Seattle's home for hip-hop and dance music."
(Capitol Hill, $10) - The Hawkins Snow Ball '84: The Season Three Edition
Immerse yourself in the set of your favorite TV show (it'll be fresh in your mind since the new season has newly dropped on Netflix) with this '80s-themed prom decked out with a photo booth, balloons, classic dance tracks, a disco ball, and more. Dress up in your best retro prom outfit (or best Stranger Things costume) and come dance all night, or at least until the Mind-Flayer comes for us all.
(Capitol Hill, $5) - Last Rockers: Bats Fly, Audiorotic, Missing Witness, Webdriver Torso, Dracula Party
Look forward to a lengthy evening of electro-punk from Bats Fly, Audiorotic, Missing Witness, Webdriver Torso, and Dracula Party.
(Downtown, $7) - Lucee, Sour Girl, May Fields Grave, goawaysun
Bluesy indie-pop trio Lucee will be joined by folk-rock singer Sour Girl, May Fields Grave, electro-pop group goawaysun, and Your Imaginary Friend's'.
(University District, $5-10 suggested donation) - Modular Sun, Capsule, Sunflower Sutra, Anagram
Texan garage-rock quartet Modular Sun will headline with support from Capsule, Sunflower Sutra, and Anagram.
(Eastlake, $8/$10) - Move On Up
Hear funk and jazz songs from and inspired by the civil rights movement by local musicians, hosted by lauded Seattle bassist Evan Flory-Barnes.Â
(Downtown, free) - Pam's Jam
Make the most of your jumpy summertime energy by dancing to soca, calypso, reggae, and Afrobeats until the wee hours. You can stay fueled with rum punch and "hot delicious doubles."
(Wallingford, $10) - Sabertooth
Hard-rock trio Sabertooth will groove and rock in West Seattle.Â
(West Seattle, $8) - Sad Girlz Club, Lightweight, Coyote Bred, Heck Yes
Sacramento punks Sad Girlz Club will be joined by Lightweight, Coyote Bred, and Heck Yes.Â
(University District, $7) - Whitney Mongé
Local alternative soul artist— former Seattle busker—Whitney Mongé will fill your eardrums with a voice that Stranger contributor Andrew Hamlin has called "understated but emphatic."
(Queen Anne, free) - Yaazda (Polish Fest After Party)
After Polish Fest Seattle, keep your weekend rolling in the same wheelhouse with Yaazda, who bill themselves as the Northwest's "premier Polish music experience." They'll play Polish hits, traditional Slavic songs, and Balkan, Ukrainian and Klezmer rhythms "with a sassy dash of Ska—POL-SKA!"
(Belltown, free) PERFORMANCE
- Kara Sutra's Rainbow Connection and Shepherd's Pie Cook Off
"Reigning Queen of the Seas" Kara Sutra will kick off Gay Day at Wild Waves (happening on Sunday) with a shepherd's pie cook-off (why the heck not?) and drag show.
(Georgetown, $10 suggested donation) QUEER
- LGBTQ+ North Seattle Housing Fair
This inaugural fair dedicated to housing issues is your chance to talk about your hopes for your neighborhood and hear about efforts being taken to increase accessible housing, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.Â
(Ravenna, free) READINGS & TALKS
- Alva Noë: Infinite Baseball
You may not have realized what deeply philosophical questions are hidden in baseball, but Alva Noë has found them: "how observers of baseball are less interested in what happens, than in who is responsible for what happens"; how scorecards are more than mere accounting for wins and losses, but the story of a game; and more.
(First Hill, $5) - Gallery Talk with Carrie Yamaoka & Joy Episalla
In conjunction with the opening of Carrie Yamaoka's recto/verso, hear the artist in conversation with fellow artist and collaborator Joy Episalla and Henry Associate Curator Nina Bozicnik.
(University District, $10 admission) - Rajani LaRocha and Chris Baron: 'Midsummer's Mayhem' and 'All of Me'
Middle grade authors Rajani LaRocha and Chris Baron will talk about their newest books with National Book Award nominee Joy McCullough. LaRocha's Midsummer's Mayhem is a contemporary retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Baron's All of Me is a novel in verse about body image acceptance.
(Lake Forest Park, free) - Your Voice Matters!
Writers at all stages of their works in progress can read in front of a supportive audience at this open mic. Cami Ostman of the Narrative Project will host.
(Ravenna, free) SEX
- Spank Me, Baby! Hot Communication 101 Mini-Lesson
Sip a glass of complimentary bubbly while you learn some new ways to incorporate dirty talk into your sex life at this mini-lesson. You'll also get 10% off shopping at Babeland and a chance to win a sexy book.Â
(Capitol Hill, free) SPORTS & RECREATION
- 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.
(Sand Point, free) VISUAL ART
- Artist Financial Sustainability Workshop
Trans and gender-nonconforming artists can get a crash course in grant writing, application strategies, writing artist statements and bios, and more.Â
(Capitol Hill, free) - Community Art Building & Ancestor Celebration Picnic
The charismatic Native storyteller and artist Timothy White Eagle drew upon the headdresses worn in Apache dances to symbolize the Mountain Spirits, the Gaan, and their embodiment in the individual's body for his exhibition There Comes a Time When You Have to Give Them Back, part of the AMPlify Memories AIDS Memorial Project. White Eagle used charcoal paint to draw stylized faces of "loved ones lost to AIDS"; the faces in soluble media were meant to slowly dissolve while their crowns remained. Unfortunately, because some people can't stand beauty, love, and reverence, the paintings were destroyed by vandals long before the artwork could complete its cycle. The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture is responding with a community ritual. During a potluck picnic, attendees will tie thousands of ribbons onto the fence (bring your own materials). White Eagle writes on his Instagram: "It is perfect they were stolen, cut short just as the lives they represent were cut short. Looking forward to joining with community to craft a new work." JOULE ZELMAN
(Capitol Hill, free) - Family Arts and Craft Fair
Take your kids to the Duwamish Tribe's festival of art-making and enjoy refreshments and activities.
(West Seattle, free) - Georgetown Art Attack
Once a month, the art scene of the tiny airport hamlet of Georgetown ATTACKS all passersby. In more literal terms, it's the day of art openings and street wonderment. If the westerly locations are too far, there's a free Art Ride! Check out your options for this month here.
(Georgetown, free) - Hot Off the Press Book Fair
Seattle's world-renowned Fantagraphics Books, known for their boundary-pushing cartoons and graphic novels, will host their annual Hot Off the Press book fair, featuring appearances by guest artists like Berlin-based Ulli Lust, Americans Zak Sally and Joshua Ray Stephens, Coin-op Books from Brooklyn, and many other small publishers and artists. The artwork will stay up during the Hot Off the Press Exhibition.
(Georgetown, free) - Seattle Reads Presents Graphic Memoir Workshop
Henry Art Gallery teaching artist Mita Mahato, who makes wonderful cut-paper, collage, and comix art, will teach you the basics of the graphic memoir.
(South Park, free)SATURDAY-SUNDAY
FESTIVALS
- Mill Creek Festival
This community festival has all of the activities you would expect, such as live music, local artisan goods, food vendors, and arts and crafts, plus bouncy houses and rock walls for the kids, and an entire area for animal activities, because family fun shouldn't exclude non-human family members.
(Mill Creek, free) FOOD & DRINK
- 13 Coast Day Party
Party in "Seattle's largest sandbox" (aka a 1,000 square-foot sandbox decked out with palm trees and beach umbrellas) with a Coast Day Hazy Lager in hand. There will be live DJs, a limbo contest, kiddie pools, and more summery fun.
(Sodo, free) MUSIC
- 2019 Chittenden Locks Summer Concert Series
Enjoy live music performances from the Letter Carriers Band (Sat) and the West Seattle Big Band (Sun) in the gardens by the Ballard Locks.
(Ballard, free) PERFORMANCE
- Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival 2019
Theater is alive in Seattle, but, as in most places, it generally isn't cheap. GreenStage, Theater Schmeater, and Wooden O Productions set out to change that in 2001 with the first Outdoor Theater Festival. Watch Shakespeare plays and more contemporary pieces from the festival's founders and other theater companies—a total of nine, also including Shakespeare Northwest, Last Leaf Productions, the 14/48 Projects, Dacha Theatre, Freehold Theater, and Young Shakespeare Workshop, plus aerial performances by Versatile Arts—over what will hopefully be a sunny weekend.
(Capitol Hill, free) VISUAL ART
- Carrie Yamaoka: recto/verso
New York–based artist Carrie Yamaoka’s work is molten, glass-like, distorted as if you’re looking into a fun-house mirror. She skips the traditional canvas and wood panels, opting instead to compose a lot of her work using resin or reflective Mylar. The result is a slipperiness of both form and style: The material is the thing. In recto/verso, the exhibition covers Yamaoka’s work from the early 1990s to the present, including some of her early text-based explorations and chemically altered photos. JASMYNE KEIMIG
(University District, $10)
Opening Saturday - Que Viva Frida: Frida Kahlo Inspired Art Exhibition
Twenty artists pay tribute to the great Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo with portraits and more.
(White Center, free)
Opening SaturdaySUNDAY
COMEDY - Vonnegut Unexpected: Kurt Vonnegut Improvised
Every Sunday starting tonight, the improvisers of Unexpected Productions will take some instinctual liberties (paired with audience suggestions) with Slaughterhouse-Five, Breakfast of Champions, and other works by the late writer Kurt Vonnegut.
(Downtown, $10) FESTIVALS
- Columbia City Beatwalk
Head south for the Columbia City Beatwalk, a music festival for locals by locals spread out at various neighborhood venues. This weekend brings a day of hip-hop, R&B, and funk at spots like Columbia City Gallery and Backyard.
(Columbia City, free) FOOD & DRINK
- Ice Cream Sundae Vol 30
Grab a uniquely flavored scoop from Central District Ice Cream and peruse art by featured artist Liz Weickum and wares from vendors Van Vu, Maria Guillen, Shelby Cramer, and Jeffrey L. Cheatham while taking in tunes from DJ WD4D.
(Central District, free) MUSIC
- Black Ends, Tanglers, Of The Heavy Sun
Join local dream-pop outfit Black Ends, Vancouver surf-rockers Tanglers, and local psychedelic rockers Of The Heavy Sun for an all-ages shindig.
(Seattle Center, $6/$8) - Columbia City Beatwalk: GoodyBagg
As a part of the Columbia City Beatwalk, local jazz and funk fusion group GoodyBagg will play a live set.
(Columbia City, free) - Dick's Live Summer Series, LIV†, JUSTIN HALE
Enjoy a night of local hip-hop with LIV†and Justin Hale.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Jim O'Halloran Trio with Farko Dosumov and Royce C. Shorter, Jr.
Local jazz mainstays Jim O'Halloran Trio with Farko Dosumov and Royce C. Shorter, Jr. will play live in the garden.
(Georgetown, free) - PLOMO, In The Drink, John Wayne Gretzky
Chicago punk-rockers PLOMO will pay a visit to Seattle with opening support from local "dance-folk-psychedelia" group In The Drink and John Wayne Gretzky.
(Fremont, $5/$8) - Stoffel, Always Naked, Matthew Singleton Bentley
Seattle rock four-piece Stoffel will headline after sets from Always Naked and Matthew Singleton Bentley.Â
(Belltown, $10) READINGS & TALKS
- Amy M. Le: Snow in Vietnam
Hear Amy M. Le read from Snow in Vietnam, her novel about a woman who becomes desperate to escape her birth country to save her dying child, which was a finalist for the 2018Â Pacific Northwest Writers Association literary award.
(Rainier Valley, free) - Queer Press Fest
Scrappy and individualistic, yet community-focused: It's no wonder that the zine format is beloved by queer artists. The underground gallery Push/Pull, in association this year with Emerald Comics Distro, will once again host LGBTQ+ zine and print creators at a daylong pop-up market and celebration. Special guests will include idiosyncratic local artists like Kassandra Davis (with the autobiographical Mockery and Vodka), Ignatz Award–nominated Craig Hurd-McKenney, trans artist Hayden Stern, and writer and comix maker Anne Bean, plus Indianan "queer and grief comics" artist Ileana Haberman-Ducey. Their zines will delight your queer eyes, and there will be free stickers, books, and other merch. Feel free to bring the kids—there will be plenty of clearly designated family-friendly zines and books. JOULE ZELMAN
(Ballard, free) - Susan Rudnick: Edna's Gift
Susan Rudnick, one of two daughters of Holocaust survivors, will read from her memoir dedicated to her sister, Edna.
(Capitol Hill, free) VISUAL ART
- Cross Pollinate 2019
Georgetown gardeners will host plein air painters and multimedia installations during the Georgetown Garden Walk. Also look out for live music from Jim O'halloran Trio, Appalachian Yard Art, Michael O’Driscoll, and Ethan Lind.
(Georgetown, free) - Georgetown Garden Walk
Stroll the streets of the historic Georgetown neighborhood to admire its gardens and art, explore its shops and restaurants, and hear live music on this self-guided tour.
(Georgetown, free)