If you want to have fun this weekend but a) Don’t have plans for Christmas Eve, b) Blew all your money on Christmas presents, or c) Are saving up for New Year’s Eve, we’ve got you covered. Here are 27 free and cheap things to do this weekend, like Nectar’s ugly sweater-themed Total Request Live night, a free screening of Die Hard , and a $10 concert from one of Dave Segal’s favorite bands. For even more things to do, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
CHRISTMAS EVE
1. Misfits Christmas Eve
Seasonal spirits, holiday films, new wines, and a cozy fire are all promised at this Christmas Eve soirée. (No cover)
2. 12th Annual Blue Moon Christmas Pageant
Drinking, merriment, comedy acts, and a band called the Yule Loggers. ($5)
3. Christmas Eve at Tini Bigs
This prix fixe dinner offers baked honey ham, scalloped potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and braised kale for $24, with a $6 addition of pumpkin bread pudding with caramel sauce and whipped cream.
4. Christmas at the 5 Point Cafe
Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with The 5 Point Café. They’ll be open 24 hours on both days (you don’t have to cook!) and will be serving main courses for $22 (prime rib and fixings) and $16 (honey-glazed ham and fixings). Plus, cheap spiked hot chocolate and holiday punch!
5. Snowflake Lane
Dancers, drummers, and music are promised at this holiday event on Bellevue Way. There will even be falling snow—you don’t have to depend on the weather to see some glittering flakes! (Free)
SATURDAY
6. White Fish Gift Exchange
Gluten-free beer fans, now you not only have your own brewery, but also your own gluten-free holiday gift exchange. The organizers say it’s “kind of like a White Elephant gift exchange, but Ghostfish style. Bring a wrapped gift you received but don’t love and drop it in our gift bag. Then pick someone else’s and potentially get something cooler or something super amazing from GBC!” (Free)
7. Winterfest Ice Sculpting at Seattle Center
Internationally acclaimed, award-winning ice sculptors will be creating their masterpieces right before your very eyes! (Free)
8. Balladores de Bronce
This is some interesting copy: “Introducing the most positive aspects of the Mexican culture to the broader community, the Bailadores break down cultural barriers and build bridges as they teach and perform Mexican folkloric dances throughout the Pacific Northwest. The high energy and enthusiasm of the dancers transcends the stage, while their beautiful costumes convey the richness of their culture.” Check them out at Winterfest. (Free)
9. EarDr.Umz, The MetroGnome, DJ smerk, and Ray Skjelberd’s Yeti Chasers
How do y’all feel about some post-Xmas funky beats? You’ve come to the right place. (Free)
10. Smilin’ Scandinavians
The Smilin’ Scandinavians are “well known for their mix of Midwestern polka, Scaninavian folk, traditional country western, Dixieland and swing,” apparently. (Free)
11. The Pornadoes
Surf-billies the Pornadoes play a free set in the Triple Door lounge. (Free)
12. Total Request Live Night: Ugly Sweaters Edition
Nectar joins in on the ugly sweater phenomenon with a very ’90s, very holiday edition of their storied “Total Request Live” night. Ugly sweaters are, obviously, encouraged. ($7)
13. Avatar Darko and UGLYFRANK
Two of the Puget Sound area’s most vicious mic martial artists—Avatar Darko (Seattle) and Ugly Frank (Tacoma)—will share headlining duties for this show, and take turns ripping it up at night’s end. ($10)
14. She is We
Dance-y indie pop from She Is We, plus up-and-coming pop-punk band Amsterdam, who “consistently steal the show with their infectious hooks and energetic stage presence.” ($10/$12)
15. Diminished Men
“For nine years now, Diminished Men have been one of Seattle’s best bands.” -Dave Segal ($10)
16. Twisted Flicks: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
Improvisers re-dub cheesy “B” movies (in this case, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians), according to audience suggestions. ($14-$18)
17. Tony Daniel and Marilyn Gibbs
Nurse your post-yuletide hangover with comedians Tony Daniel (you may have seen him at Giggles) and Marilyn Gibbs. ($15)
SUNDAY
18. Die Hard
King’s Hardware screens free movies every Sunday on their heated patio, around sundown. This time, it’s Die Hard. (Free)
19. Rene Hart, Skerik, Thomas Marriott, and Dawn Clement
Composer and bassist Rene Hart hits the Royal Room, with superlative local musicians in tow, including singer Dawn Clement, big band maestro Thomas Marriott, experimental freak-sax man Skerik, and beloved drummer D’vonne Lewis. (Donation)
20. Hardly Boys
The four-piece is only in town for a hot minute while they’re back from their freshman year at college, so this is a special opportunity to soak in their charming enthusiasm and maybe, if you’re lucky, their cover of Tacocat’s “Hey Girl.” ($7)
21. Morning Glory Revival and The Cosmic Shuffle
Psych-rock takes over the Sunset. ($8)
22. The Poetry of Song & Wine: An Intimate Evening with Andre Feriante
It’s flights of wine and beautiful guitar music… what else could you possibly need? ($10)
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
23. Celebration Lane
Bellevue’s glittering public tribute to the New Year, happening in the streets every evening at 7 pm. (Free)
24. Winterfest Ice Rink
Seattle Center’s Winterfest features an awesome and cheap ice rink, so go grab some skates and skate to your heart’s content. Rentals are cash only, so bring some paper! ($7)
25. Butt Kapinski: And a Very Satanic New Year!
Butt Kapinski, created by comedy artist Deanna Fleysher, is the award-winning tale of an “interactive “clown noir” private eye who ropes the entire audience into the mystery.” ($10/$12)
26. A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol
You may think you know the story of A Christmas Carol, but you have no idea. ($12/$15)
27. The Princess Bride Quote Along
This movie has everything, and now you don’t have to hide your love for it. Do your best Inigo Montoya, and go seriously vengeful with it. ($15)
