Why spend money on entertainment this weekend when you could go to Georgetown Art Attack, get Theo chocolate at Pike Place, or catch a comedy show featuring Emmett Montgomery and Elicia Sanchez–for free? See details on all of those and more on this list, and find even more events on our Things To Do calendar.
FRIDAY
1. Holiday Party at Northwest Film Forum
This all-ages bash at Northwest Film Forum promises a cavalcade of alluring activities, from “Cineoke” (karaoke, but with movie musicals) to a DJ spinning rare movie soundtracks on vinyl to John Criscitello as Santa. If all of that isn’t enough for you, come just to learn the art of “back-alley dreidel.”
2. Mom-o-Logues
Fighting a battle of identity and representation is hard. Emotionally, religiously, and politically duking it out with your parents is harder. This multi-genre performance, (song, dance, spoken word, burlesque, comedy and digital media) put on in partnership with Sanctuary Arts Center, explores the experiences of LGBTQ people with their parents–from the loving and adaptable to the thoroughly fucked up.
3. Ada Calhoun
Ada Calhoun reads from her book St. Marks Is Dead: The Many Lives of America’s Hippest Street, a thorough exploration of a New York neighborhood with small square footage but huge impact.
4. Close Friends
Emmett Montgomery, Elicia Sanchez, and Danielle K. L. Gregoire will perform some comedy, with open mic slots peppered throughout the show.
5. Casey MacGill
Ukulele-centric swing man Casey MacGill takes to the lounge at Vito’s.
6. GeekGirlCon presents Game Night
Socialize, drink good coffee and play tabletop games. Bring your own or play from Wayward’s stash.
7. A Benefit for Derek from Murmurs
As Black Lodge says: “Tis the fucking season, let’s get our boy back on his feet. Let’s keep the best DIY venue in Seattle alive. GIVE GIVE GIVE PARTY PARTY PARTY HO HO FUCKING HO.” It’s a pair of very noble causes. (This could be free, or it could cost you money. We’re not entirely sure, because it’s Black Lodge. But you should probably donate something, because it’s a benefit.)
8. Framing Pictures: A Floating Conversation About Film Led by Veteran Critics
Scarecrow Video has selected a group of experienced critics to lead this free “floating conversation.”
SATURDAY
9. SantaCon
Many, many drunk Santas, all traveling the city between bars. Some people might call this a pub crawl, but, according to SantaCon, “This is much more than a pub crawl, and every time you call it that, a sugar plum fairy dies!”
10. Holiday Pop Up Bazaar
Shop, eat, drink, be merry, and help support the stellar Seattle Youth Garden Works at this holiday bazaar in Vif’s parking lot.
11. Georgetown Art Attack
Once a month, the art that resides in the tiny airport hamlet of Georgetown ATTACKS all passersby.
12. Christmas Ship Festival
Beautiful and gaudy and kitschy and great all at once, the Christmas ships and their carolers will pay a visit to ports around town during the holiday season for your enjoyment. Today, it’s Pier 55.
13. Free Theo Chocolate Demo
Yum, free chocolate. Steve Popplewell leads this seasonal demo highlighting recipes from Theo Chocolate’s new cookbook.
14. Bottom Forty Interior XVII
Extraterrestrially talented DJs Riz Rollins & Gene Lee will be your guides for the evening.
15. Gallery Talk: Jo-Anne Birnie Danzker and Erika Dalya Massaquoi
Massaquoi, the exhibition curator of Genius / 21 Century / Seattle along with Jo-Anne Birnie Danzker, is an educator, entrepreneur, and visual master in many fields. The two curators will give an informal talk today in the galleries.
16. Margin Shift Presents: Sueyeun Juliette Lee, Joshua Ware, EJ Koh
This event hosted by Margin Shift promises not only three stellar poets reading their work, but also wine and post-reading karaoke. Come for the literature and stay for the chill vibes.
17. Speakeasy Series: Citizen
This speakeasy event hosted by Drew Santoro and Laura Aschoff will wrap up the Next Fest NW 2015 event, and will ask artists what it means to be socially engaged in 2015.
18. 4th Annual Pioneer Square Howlidays
The four-legged members of our family can sometimes get left out during the holiday season. However, this event more than makes up for it, featuring a canine-oriented photobooth, agility course, and costume contest.
SUNDAY
19. Community Caroling, Cocoa, and Coat Drive
Bundle up (and bring your extra coats, blankets, and warm items) to this community holiday event at West Seattle Junction. Celebrate and relax with caroling and cocoa—which will taste even sweeter after you’ve helped keep people warm and safe by donating cozy garments.
20. KiezKidz
“Instrumentalists from 8 to 80” will perform a rousing set of classic Jewish tunes as part of Winterfest.
21. Maximilian Dimoff
Maximilian Dimoff, principal bass of the Cleveland Orchestra, performs works by Hindemith, Anderson, Alt, and others.
22. Brews and Tunes Night
Live music at Columbia City Theater from “some of the best kept musical secrets in the region.” Your first tap beer is just $1.
23. Winter Feast: Food Truck & Holiday Gift Bonanza
The Fremont Sunday Market is stepping up its holiday game with The Mobile Food Rodeo, brining tons of amazing food trucks to this shopping, gift & craft bonanza. They’ll also have patio heaters to keep you warm if the weather is (predictably) gloomy!
Bonus $5 Event: Nancy Pearl, Steve Scher, Katy Sewall: That Stack of Books Podcast Live
If you have bookish friends (and don’t know what to buy them for the holidays) you must make it to this event. Seattle’s most beloved librarian Nancy Pearl, former Town Hall Scholar in residence Steve Scher, and the new Town Hall Program Director Katy Sewall will tape their live literary podcast, and recommend books that make perfect gifts.
