Panicking because you haven’t planned what you’re doing this weekend yet? We’ve got you covered, with cheap (under $10!) and easy entertainment options all weekend long, from various Harry Potter and the Cursed Child release parties to outdoor movies (including New Belgium Brewing’s Clips Beer & Film Tour), and from a light and art festival in Volunteer Park to the Seattle Dragon Boat Festival. See all of your options below, and, if you have a slightly larger budget, check out our complete Things To Do calendar.
FRIDAY
1. The Angry Beaver Grand Re-Opening
Seattle’s only (and thus, greatest) hockey bar celebrates its grand re-opening with live music from the Kennedy Brothers, drink specials, and plenty of poutine to warm even the coldest of mounties.
(Greenwood, free)
2. Arcane Comics Grand Reopening!
In celebration of their grand reopening, Arcane Comics welcomes all comic lovers to come out to their weekend-long event that will include new back issues for sale, a raffle, live art, and special guests. There will be a big party on Saturday night starting at 8pm with no end time in sight, and some of Saturday’s surprise guests include the creators of Punch to Kill and “comic book stud” Jeff Parker.
(Shoreline, free, through Sunday)
3. Artful Dodger Tattoo & Comics Anniversary Party
Celebrate six whole years of tattoo and comic brilliance from Artful Dodger with their big anniversary party at Fred Wildlife, with drink specials, DJed dance spots, an art raffle by their in-house tattoo artists, and slices from Sizzle Pie to go around.
(Capitol Hill, free)
4. Babraham Lincoln with Guests
Wayne’s World cover band Babraham Lincoln sucks & cuts through their greatest hits at the Blue Moon, with special guests Stay Tuned (who will play classic movie tunes) and Hostile Makeover USA (playing punk covers “most likely to rock your face off”).
(University District, $5)
5. BAM ARTSfair
This arts fair offers tons of shopping options—handmade goods from over 300 artists—plus exhibitions, a Sound and Movement stage, and food trucks, spread between Bellevue Arts Museum and Bellevue Square.
(Bellevue, free, through Sunday)
6. The Boys of ‘36
Catch a preview screening of American Experience’s The Boys of ‘36, a film inspired by Daniel James Brown’s The Boys in the Boat, and focusing on the story of the University of Washington rowing team winning gold at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany.
(Seattle Center, free)
7. Chiptunes Show and Pokemon Go Party
Enjoy the chiptunes showdown of 8-bit sample music from Blood Code, Electric Children, Fighter X, and Graz amidst a Pokemon Go party at Raygun with free cover, free ice cream, a Pokemon cosplay contest, and lures going all night.
(Capitol Hill, free)
8. Comeback
Previously known as the longest running Capitol Hill indie queer dance party, Comeback returns in our time of need with new music and old soul to bring the house down. Prep your loins for a night of hot queer action with famed DJs Colby B, Mister Sister, Daddi Dario, and your beautiful host Adè, with photo booth handling by sweet Rio.
(Capitol Hill, $8)
9. David D. Levine
Hugo Award-winning author David D. Levine will sign and read from Arabella of Mars, the first book in a new trilogy about an “alternate world before steampunk,” in which Mars is a British colony.
(University District, free)
10. The Doubleclicks
Enjoy an all-ages show at Wayward Coffeehouse with The Doubleclicks, a Portland group touring the country on a ticket of dinosaur-loving, banana-suit-wearing, sister duo geek-comedy music.
(Roosevelt, $10)
11. Grand Opening of The Green Door
Celebrate the opening of The Green Door’s new location on Rainier Ave with big discounts and munchies! And check out their CannaBus, which will be on site for the day.
(International District, free)
12. HEY LADY
This is the inaugural group show for HEY LADY, a feminist collaborative art quarterly run by Regina Schilling, each issue of which focuses on one woman from the past. For issue #5, they’re highlighting musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and presenting an exhibit featuring original artwork from over 100 participants. (All of the art is for sale!) The opening reception promises cold beer, bubbly, snacks, and the chance to chat with some of the art-makers.
(Capitol Hill, free)
13. Iji, Ok Vancouver OK, Hoop
Support astral plane hoppers Iji with their latest effort Bubble at this album release party with Ok Vancouver Ok and Hoop.
(Eastlake, $5-$10)
14. Jack Straw Group Reading
A selection of this year’s Jack Straw Writers (a group of 12, chosen by curator Karen Finneyfrock) will read from their recent work, including Casandra Lopez, Shin Yu Pai, Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum, and Carolyne Wright.
(Capitol Hill, free)
15. Los Caballos Locos, Paul Lynde Fan Club
Los Caballos Locos, a Neil Young and Crazy Horse tribute band, ride again at Slim’s with the Paul Lynde Fan Club.
(Georgetown, $5)
16. Music Under the Stars
The concept of Music Under the Stars is simple but compelling: A professional or student ensemble sets up in a park and plays to whoever shows up at 7:15pm, often folk with picnic blankets in tow and maybe a surreptitious bottle of wine or two. Then, at eight, Benaroya Hall pipes in whatever performance is happening that night to the assembled throng — it’s basically two shows for the price of none! During the final week of MUTS, there will be shows in Columbia City (July 29) and First Hill (July 29-30).
(Columbia City and First Hill, free, through Saturday)
17. New Belgium Brewing’s Clips Beer & Film Tour
Enjoy an evening of short films alongside a selection of New Belgium beers. Don’t hold back on the brews—all the proceeds of beer sales will go towards local nonprofits.
(Wallingford, free entry)
18. Outdoor Music and Films
In conjunction with their Mood Indigo: Textiles from Around the World exhibit, the Asian Art Museum will present a series of outdoor movies featuring indigo clothing, all of which will be preceded by live blues music at 8:15 pm. This week, enjoy True Grit (the 2010 Coen brothers film), and music from The Jelly Rollers.
(Capitol Hill, free)
19. QueerFest!
QueerFest! is a weekend of shows at the Pocket Theater by queer performers. Friday will bring in The Gay Uncle and Close Friends, and on Saturday, A Necessary Sadness and Pizza Crush and Friends will perform.
(Greenwood, $10/$14, through Saturday)
20. Reflect
Experience the live visual projections of Reflect to the spins of Luke Mandala, Recess, and resident DJs Dash&Wyatt and Frome&Walter, bringing you to a higher plane.
(Downtown, $5/$10)
21. The Screaming Multitudes, Sweeping Exits, Dim Desires, CAMP
Get loud with local shredders the Screaming Multitudes, Dim Desires, and CAMP, with Sweeping Exits out of Portland.
(Downtown, $7)
22. Tour de Terrace
Celebrate Mountlake Terrace at this three-day festival that will include a $5 pancake breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, a parade, a car show, a 5K run, live music, carnival rides, fireworks, and a street fair featuring arts and crafts booths, food booths, and a beer garden.
(Mountlake Terrace, free, through Sunday)
23. Seagaze Festival
Seattle has held several psych-rock-oriented festivals in the last few years, but Seagaze offers a slight twist. Organized by Blackpool Astronomy guitarist Jeff McCollough, Seagaze is an ambitious four-night spread that focuses on the intersection of psychedelia, shoegaze, and post-punk. Every night of Seagaze offers ample opportunities to dilate your ears and expand your mind. DAVE SEGAL
(Eastlake, $10 per night, through Sunday)
24. Seattle Latin, Brazilian, and Caribbean Festival
Enjoy the many varied genres under the Latin and South American music umbrella with artists from many backgrounds taking over the Royal Room for a whole weekend, for the first annual Seattle Latin, Brazilian, and Caribbean Festival. Featured artists include the Obe Quarless Band, Tumbao, Bahia-In-Motion, and many more.
(Columbia City, free, through Saturday)
25. VHS Über Alles Presents: Kamillions
With the end of VHS in sight, come to this special screening of Kamillions (which is only available on VHS). Watch as a mad scientist opens a portal and accidentally releases a couple of shapeshifting creatures into a dinner party that his wife is throwing. Will they make it to dessert?
(University District, $2)
26. WLISPS Tape Release
Songbath mastermind WLISPS is releasing their latest effort Tasks, with bill support from ambient electronic duo Zach and Rebekah Zinn, and hybrid experimental noise group PRISONFOOD/Friend Enforcer.
(Central District, $5-$10)
SATURDAY
27. 9th Annual Hoodstock
Hoodstock—founded by the late, great, all-black-female punk band NighTraiN—is simply the best small music festival/big ol’ house party around. Think of it as a family-reunion-style barbecue filled with grown folks, young folks, good vibes, diverse music, and cheap food and drinks. The whole thing will be, to borrow the name of one of Hoodstock’s producers, POC as Fuck. ANGELA GARBES
(Central District, $10 suggested)
28. A 6950 Dance Party with DoNormaal, Raven Matthews, Michete, DJ Reverend Dollars
Join the 6950 crew for an all-ages dance party at the Vera Project, with live sets from DoNormaal, Raven Matthews, Michete, and DJ Reverend Dollars.
(Seattle Center, $5)
29. Art in the Garden
The Ballard P-Patch is bringing back its Art in the Garden for the 15th year in a row. Take a trip to the onsite beer garden, participate in the silent auction or enjoy live music by Nomi, Megan Larson, Ben Henry, Folichon Cajuri Band, and Trash Panda. Grab a bite at the Spicy Papaya and Full tilt food trucks or buy a baked good at the bake sale. Proceeds go to maintaining and conserving the garden.
(Ballard, free)
30. Aubrie Sellers
Post-country chanteuse Aubrie Sellers brings her dark pop-infused velvet friction to the Tractor, with Western Centuries.
(Ballard, $10)
31. Chittenden Locks Summer Concert Series
Grab a blanket, a Nalgene full of wine, and your child or someone else’s child and head to the Locks for their annual free public summer concert series. This weekend, hear the Letter Carriers & FOE Band on Saturday and the Coal Creek Jazz Band on Sunday.
(Ballard, free)
32. Condo Horro, Sleeping with the Earth, SQUIM, Prisonfood
Peter Keller debuts his new solo noise project, Condo Horro, with musical commentary on gentrification and the recent changes in Seattle. Joining him will be doom electronica group Sleeping with the Earth from Portland, esoteric noise outfit SQUIM, also from Portland, and local purveyors of unease and discomfort, Prisonfood.
(Capitol Hill, free)
33. ECA’s 10th Anniversary Birthday Bash
Celebrate ten years of Edmonds Center for the Arts at this all-ages festival with film screenings, talks, performances, workshops, an unveiling of the Luminous Forest light exhibition, and more.
(Edmonds, free)
34. Ethnic Fest 2016
Celebrate our community’s diversity on the Ethnic Fest’s 30th Anniversary with fun activities for the whole family, such as hula lessons, a Chinese origami session, Korean lantern making, and more. Play a game of giant Jenga, giant Checkers, or head to the Lego tent to test your building skills. Live performances by various dance troupes will be happening throughout the weekend as well as live music. When you get hungry after all of that activity, head to the various food trucks serving up foods from all around the world.
(Tacoma, free, through Sunday)
35. Eunice Nahon: Mozart For A Cure
Chamber violinist Eunice Nahon, of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, bands together with some musically inclined special guests to present an evening of classic works by Mozart, Bach, Piazzolla, and others. This event benefits the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and features curated selections including Bach’s Chaconne from Partita No. 2, Mozart’s Divertimento in F major, Piazzolla’s Spring, Saint-Saens’ Introduction, and Rondo’s Capriccioso.
(First Hill, $10)
36. Good Men and Thorough, combinatory, Either/Or, Peter and the Tribe
Good Men and Thorough bring the local rock ‘n’ roll flavor, with bill support from Combinator, Either/Or, and Peter and the Tribe.
(Ballard, $8)
37. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Celebration
Barnes and Noble is hosting a giant party to celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Festivities start the night before the release with a Countdown to Midnight bash at all Barnes and Noble locations including, but not limited to, Bellevue, Westwood Village, Downtown, and Northgate. There will be a Muggle Wall where you can share your favorite Harry Potter memories and a costume contest. Still craving more Harry Potter? Head back to your local Barnes and Noble on Sunday for more fun with a day full of Harry Potter-themed activities.
(Various locations, free, through Sunday)
38. Hogwarts Reunion
Reunite with other Harry Potter lovers looking to welcome the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with a bang. Elliott Bay will have a Sorting ceremony, House Cup Trivia, a costume contest (dress robes encouraged), live performances by Shakesbeerience (including a reading of the first ten minutes of the script, after the book is officially released at midnight), and, when the clock strikes 12, the chance to take home your very own copy of the book (better luck if you preorder). Hogsmeade-inspired food and drink from Little Oddfellows will also be available throughout the night.
(Capitol Hill, free)
39. Kiss Off
Kiss Off, a queer women’s club night, hosts this evening celebrating multi-faceted identities once a month. You’re encouraged to dress your most queerio and embrace the strange at Kremwerk, where there will be rotating performances and DJ sets from Reverend Dollars, Mixx America, and Kid Amiga. Good news: if you go to KINGS first, that ticket gets you into Kiss Off for free.
(Downtown, $5/$7)
40. Kulululu, U Bellin Hemmie, Hardly Boys, Cake Alchemy!
Seattle-based U Bellin Hemmie, Cake Alchemy!, and Hardly Boys help welcome Portland band, Kulululu to Hollow Earth. This will be a night of music that showcases young punk pop of the Pacific Northwest. With U Bellin Hemmie currently on tour, Hardly Boys fresh off their first tour (supporting their new EP, Tit Punch) and a visit from Kulululu, all four of these bands are going places.
(Central District, $5)
41. La Realeza Latinx Night
La Realeza brings the Latinx vibes to the Timbre Room, with sets from DJs Marco and Mr. Flakes, who’ll be breaking out the dancehall, reggaeton, and cumbia sounds for an evening of serenity and dance.
(Downtown, $6)
42. Lucky Liquor’s One Year Anniversary Party
Lucky Liquor celebrates one year alive, and one year closer to death, with a night of boogie punks dripping south Seattle and Oakland sleaze, with Sup All Night, Communist Eyes, Bad Tats, Tough Times, Butanna, and Terman Shanks.
(Tukwila, $8)
43. Lusio: A Night to Awaken
A free, family-friendly, inviting evening of light, art, and sound, featuring multiple light installations, an ambient music showcase, and generally relaxing, immersive experiences.
(Capitol Hill, free)
44. Matt Bingham
Flagstaff-based singer-songwriter Matt Bingham shares his classic rock-influenced style with the Bourbon Bar at Columbia City Theater.
(Columbia City, free)
45. Mid-Summer Arts Eve
Celebrate art at Shoreline City Hall with this multidisciplinary evening, featuring the unveiling of new outdoor exhibits (with artists in attendance), currently showing exhibits Cross Polinations and ten to eighteen, projected images of Rodger Squirrell’s Larvae project at Boeing Creek and Shoreview Park, and a poetry reading by Shin Yu Pai (2014 Stranger Genius nominee in literature).
(Shoreline, free)
46. Movies at the Mural
Bring your lawn chairs and watch a special quote-along version of The Princess Bride on Seattle Center’s 40-foot-screen on the Mural Amphitheater lawn.
(Downtown, free)
47. Nubian Jam
Everyone is invited to enjoy some Nubian Jams with live music, performances, delicious food and a pack of vendors. There will be a special appearance by the Hawk Wheels, a self-described “Seattle Seahawks Car Clan.”
(Everett, free)
48. The Prince and Michael Experience with DJ Dave Paul
The ultimate tribute dance party for the angels among us, Prince and Michael Jackson. Music by DJ Dave Paul, all the way from San Francisco.
(Fremont, $8)
49. Psycho Sis
Nark’s new passion project Psycho Sis begins as the DJ night equivalent of an art installation, with a vinyl-only set exploring the origins of sound, psych-rock, acid folk, internationally collected local music, ambient, shoegaze, and pieces from synth pioneers.
(Capitol Hill, free)
50. Rakta, Dreamdecay, Nudity, O.T.H.E.R.
Up-and-coming Brazilian post-punks Rakta have a sound reminiscent of 1980s post-punk mainstays Mercenárias playing more minimalist and quietly seething songs in the style of Berlin weirdos Malaria! Rakta’s latest record, the sprawling and fiercely musical III, was recently released on local punk label Iron Lung. Dreamdecay are another Iron Lung–affiliated Seattle band I’ve praised several times for their wildly inventive, intricately performed noise rock. Their shoegaze-infused heaviness consistently impresses with its unhinged yet calculated intensity. Nudity, an Olympia-based punk supergroup of sorts, including producer Dave Harvey (Sex/Vid, BTPNLSL) and Rachel Carns (Kicking Giant, the Need) are not an easy act to classify. Merging early heavy metal’s theatrical ferocity with manic Devo-esque quirkiness, Nudity create riffs that shred but contain an undeniable playfulness, and it all translates to a helluva live show. BRITTNIE FULLER
(Eastlake, $8)
51. A Reading of Indigenous Writers: Elissa Washuta, Tommy Pico, Demian DinéYazhi’
Elissa Washuta has been writing inside the northwest tower of the Fremont Bridge all summer. That’s because she won the writer/poet in residency appointment from the Office of Arts & Culture, which means she gets an office and a sweet $10,000 purse. What has she been writing up there? According to an interview she did with UW Today: the Lake Washington Ship Canal, “displaced Indigenous peoples,” and “unseen elements of the land.” The last two books she wrote (My Body Is a Book of Rules and Starvation Mode) were innovative pieces of creative nonfiction wherein she uses quotidian genres—a doctor’s note, say—to frame literary meditations on her personal experience. Her sentences are musical and she’s a good reader of her work. RICH SMITH
(First Hill, free)
52. Save the Dilla Dance Party
Raise money for local food truck “The Killa Dilla” with a free breakfast dance party on the Monkey Loft rooftop, with a full brunch bar, full regular bar, and sets by Sean Majors, Pressha, HYDEF, and Meistro.
(Downtown, free)
53. Seafair Torchlight Night
To kick off one of the biggest days of Seafair, the Seafair Torchlight FanFest starts at noon on Saturday, and will feature exhibit booths on the Fisher Pavilion lawn, live musical and drill-team entertainment, and a beer garden. Then, starting at 7:30 pm, the Seafair Torchlight Parade, featuring more than 100 groups (from clowns and pirates to drill teams and equestrian units, plus giant helium balloons), will begin at Seattle Center and continue down 4th Avenue, while 150,000 people watch in person, and others watch the live broadcast on KIRO 7. Reserved seating for the parade is also available, starting at $35.
(Seattle Center, free)
54. Seattle Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon boating is a thrilling Chinese tradition that excites racers and spectators alike with commanding forty-foot long boats gliding through the water. Take part in the festivities by either buying entrance as a racer with your boat or for free as a supporter on the shores of South Lake Union. There will be live performances throughout the day, vendors, and activities for attendees of all ages.
(South Lake Union, free)
55. Seattle Outdoor Cinema
This year, the Seattle Outdoor Cinema (formerly Fremont Outdoor Movies) is upgrading to a larger venue (the South Lake Union Discovery Center). Tonight’s 21+ screening (there will be a beer garden!) will be 2015 hit Mad Max: Fury Road.
(Downtown, $5/$10)
56. Summer at SAM
This day-long arts celebration, set against a gorgeous natural backdrop, offers activities including outdoor yoga and zumba, an interactive open studio session focused on indigo (and inspired by Mood Indigo: Textiles from Around the World), and a public tour of the Olympic Sculpture Park.
(Belltown, free)
57. Summer Clothing Swap
People of all genders, ages, and sizes are invited to refresh their wardrobes and swap summer clothing at this event in Hillman City.
(Hillman City, free)
58. Tinfoil and Tape, the Bright Smoke, The Moon Is Flat, Gully
Experimental dream rockers Tinfoil and Tape headline at the Blue Moon, with The Bright Smoke (out of Brooklyn), The Moon Is Flat, and Gully.
(University District, $5)
59. West Seattle Outdoor Movies
The 13th annual season of the West Seattle Outdoor Movie theater will have family-friendly movies at dusk, with pre-movie music and trivia, raffles, and concessions for sale. Tonight, watch School of Rock, with music from band Those Guys.
(West Seattle, free)
60. Wrinkles, Moguls, Familiars, the Women and Children
Montana synth-rock melody-chasers Wrinkles release their new album to Central Saloon fanfare, with bill support from also singularly named Moguls, Familiars, and The Women and Children.
(Pioneer Square, $5/$8)
SUNDAY
61. Artist Home Summer Bonfire Series
Enjoy another year of free concerts on the beach with the Artist Home Summer Bonfire Series. Bring your own snacks, drinks, and cash for the artists.
(Ballard, free)
62. An Evening with Mal DeFleur and Princess Charming
The lovely and elusive Mal DeFleur graces Chop Suey’s stage for one night with Princess Charming for a soulful cabaret performance.
(Capitol Hill, $8)
63. First Seattle Gay Families Picnic
Join in on the first official Seattle Gay Families Picnic, for kids and parents alike. BYOFood, blankets, and park-specific items.
(Capitol Hill, free)
64. Harry Potter Book Release and Birthday Party
Recreate the adrenaline-filled Harry Potter book releases of your childhood (or your child’s childhood) at University Book Store, with a day celebrating both Harry Potter’s 36th birthday and the release of the new West End play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. They’ll have cookies, crafts, and games available all day—plus, at noon, a performance of the new play by theater troupe Hello, Earth, which will be followed by birthday cake.
(University District, free)
65. He Named Me Malala
Catch a free screening of He Named Me Malala: a documentary about worldwide inspiration and Taliban target Malala Yousafzai, who has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, children’s rights, and education.
(Ballard, free)
66. Metal Brunch
Listen to DJ Ryan Schutte (of MetalShop) and special guest DJ Nathan Carson of Witch Mountain and Nanotear Booking spin metal while you enjoy all-you-can-eat breakfast for $10. There will also be appropriately named drinks (Mimosadadeth or Metallicarita, anyone?) and as many biscuits as it takes to cure your hangover.
(Georgetown, $10)
67. Mulleady’s Annual Block Party
Support your community by attending this block party at Mulleady’s that features a whole afternoon of live music, dancing, food, games, beer, and a raffle, with proceeds from the event going to Mary’s Place.
(Magnolia, free)
68. Pista sa Nayon
At this one-day festival, look forward to food, live entertainment, information booths, arts and crafts activities, and children’s games, all “celebrating the very best of being Filipino.”
(Seward Park, free)
69. Pocket Theater Turns 2!
Celebrate two years of The Pocket Theater with free games and shows all afternoon.
(Greenwood, free)
70. Sjohnna McCray
Walt Whitman Award-winning poet Sjohnna McCray will read from his debut collection, Rapture.
(Capitol Hill, free)
71. Zulu Park Jam
Bringing together DJing, breakdancing, emceeing, and graffiti art, the Park Jam serves as a hiphop community cornerstone. Enjoy live sets from Golden Alchemy, DoNormaal, DJs Seabefore and Riff-Raff, and live painting by Leo Shallot, JEAH, and They Drift.
(Capitol Hill, free)
