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 Scarecrow’s International Independent Video Store Day to a Halloween Pet Parade, and from Kubota Gardens’ Fall Color Tours to Trucktoberfest. For even more options, check out our complete EverOut Things To Do calendar and our list of cheap & easy things to do in Seattle all year long.
Jump to: Friday | Saturday | Sunday
- City Council Candidate Forum: The Urban Indian Experience and What a Green New Deal Means for Seattle
This City Council forum will address the effects of the climate crisis on local Native communities and what environmental policy reform in Washington State would (or should) look like.
(Seattle Center, free) - Diwali presented by the Bellevue Collection
Light will prevail over fall darkness both literally and figuratively at this Diwali celebration with live performances, henna, and crafts.
(Bellevue, free) - North Seattle Diwali Festival
Learn the history behind Diwali traditions during a family-friendly storytime, then stick around for themed games, crafts, music, and food.
(Lake City, free)FILM
- Palace Halloween Party with Collide-o-scope
Created and hosted by Michael Anderson and Shane Wahlund, Collide-O-Scope is the cavalcade of curated video delights that takes over Re-bar twice a month. Join the video weirdos for a Halloween special and enjoy free popcorn and treats.
(Georgetown, free) - Spooky Films: House on Haunted Hill (1959)
William Castle’s 1959 film follows the spooky encounters of five strangers who are each offered $10,000 to spend the night in a haunted house. Watch it for free as part of SPL’s Spooky Films series.
(University District, free)HALLOWEEN
- Hamlin Halloween Haunt
Get mildly spooked by ghostly songs and stories around a campfire while you roast marshmallows. Or you can hop on a hayride, play games, and get your face painted.
(Shoreline, free)MUSIC
- 13 Finches, Guardian Alien, Memphis Radio Kings
Seattle rockers 13 Finches will take the stage with special guest Ben Smith on drums. They’ll be joined by ’90s-formed local trio Memphis Radio Kings and Guardian Alien.
(Shoreline, $8) - Dharma Pop Album Release with Brian Kimmel
Self-proclaimed “cross-genre curator of truths” Brian Kimmel will play an intimate show in honor of the release of his new album on label Dharma Pop.
(Greenwood, free) - Greenriver Thrillers, Grim Earth, Sorcia, LáGoon
Noise-rock trio Greenriver Thrillers will get very loud with support from Olympia’s Grim Earth, Seattle stoner-metal outfit Sorcia, and Portland’s LáGoon.
(University District, $7) - Heartbeat Silent Disco – Mystery Train Masquerade
Get yourself a cool-looking masquerade number and wear it aboard this dance car-turned dance party venue.
(Sodo, $10) - Maddy Smith, The Late Style, Lino T. Fernandez
Bellingham singer-songwriter Maddy Smith utilizes country, jazz, and soft rock traditions to form her contemporary folk sound. She’ll be joined by the Late Style and Lino T. Fernandez.
(Ballard, $10) - The Moberlys, Tough Times, Ball Bag
I’m always excited knowing that Seattle’s best power-pop group ever, the Moberlys, are still gigging around! Not that frontman Jim Basnight ever seems to rest. But then who better to keep the flames of strident songwriting, big boss-ringing guitar chords, and sweet harmonies alight? He’s been at it for more than 40 years, so I’d trust him. Warming up for the Moberlys on this night are Tough Times, who play cool, catchy 1970s-inspired punk (which also wouldn’t be out of place on The Thing That Ate Floyd comp), and Ball Bag, locals who shred “classic, mid-tempo, Northwest-style dirgey punk.” MIKE NIPPER
(Tukwila, $8) - Pinto Wagonfire, Guests
Seattle’s Pinto Wagonfire will head up this show with their riff-centric prog rock.
(University District, $7) - The Purrs, Oceanwires, Loose Wing
Seattle psych-rock outfit the Purrs have been playing together for over a decade, with blistering, whiskey-soaked performances, and a roaring blues-rock sound. They’ll be joined by Seattle four-piece Oceanwires and Loose Wing, who describe their sound as “a swirling blend of psychedelic Americana and old-school college rock.”
(Belltown, $10) - Racing to the Top – An Evening of Music with Seattle’s Rising Talent
Discover the music of rising local pop-rock artists Mariah Belgrod, Trevor Krehel, and Ruthie Craft.
(University District, $6) - Renaissance BITCH Release Party!
Donte Johnson “Da Qween” will drop their newest project Renaissance Bitch with support from hometown heroes DJ IllogicaLogic, DoNormaal, Guayaba, and the Boo.
(Capitol Hill, $8) - Sean K. Preston & The Loaded Pistols, Wildcat Rose, Shivering Denizens
Touring Baltimore band Sean K. Preston & the Loaded Pistols will make a stop in Seattle for a night of punky-bluesy Americana, joined by locals Wildcat Rose and Shivering Denizens.
(Georgetown, $5-$10) - They Rise, We Die, Incanus, Mind Beams, Summoned By Giants
Get in the mood for a sludgy fall weekend with local metal bands They Rise, We Die, Incanus, Mind Beams, and Summoned By Giants.
(Eastlake, $8) - Tremuant Presents Jacob Groening [Berlin]
Jacob Groening will make use of his Berlin-bred DJ chops for a night out with Seattle’s Dark River.
(Downtown, $8/$10) - Xoth, Greyhawk, Kommand, Nosretep
Thrash along to local metal bands Xoth, Greyhawk, Kommand, and Nosretep.
(Capitol Hill, $8/$10)READINGS & TALKS
- David Williams: Stories in Stone
David Williams’s Stories in Stone: Travels Through Urban Geology takes readers on a tour of city streets around the world to discover underlying geology. Among the marvels he writes about: a “3.5-billion-year-old rock that looks like swirled pink-and-black taffy, a gas station made of petrified wood, and a Florida fort that has withstood three hundred years of attacks and hurricanes.”
(University District, free) - Eliza Reid: Reykjavik to Seattle
Eliza Reid, Iceland’s First Lady and the founder of the Iceland Writers Retreat, will grace Seattle for a talk on her homeland’s rich storytelling tradition. After that, local writer and Seattle University Professor Juan Reyes will lead a Q&A.
(Downtown, free) - Nico Slate: Gandhi’s Search for the Perfect Diet
If you’ve tried and failed to go vegan, take comfort in the fact that you’re in good company with nonviolent anti-colonial activist Mahatma Gandhi. Nico Slate explores what the man ate and how it shaped his life.
(Ravenna, free) - Paul Tumey: Screwball
Illustrated with over 600 rare cartoons and photos, Paul C. Tumey’s new book Screwball! will resonate with anyone who loves the funny section of the newspaper. Join the Eisner Award nominee in Seattle with former Stranger writer Paul Constant.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Richard Alumbaugh: Elmer’s Tribal War
Richard Alumbaugh takes a close look at the lethal shootout between Elmer McGinnis and Colville Tribal Police that took place in August of 1986 and prompted a lengthy murder case (of which the author’s late wife was the presiding judge). Hear the author read.
(Lake Forest Park, free) - A Spooktacular Evening of Books
Spend a dark and stormy evening hearing chilling tales by local authors J. Anderson Coats (The Green Children of Woolpit) and Deborah Cuyle (Haunted Everett Washington).
(Edmonds, free) - Su Hwang and Oliver de la Paz
A recipient of the Jerome Hill Fellowship in Literature, Korean American poet Su Hwang will read from her latest collection alongside Filipino American poet Oliver de la Paz.
(Wallingford, free)FRIDAY-SATURDAY
FESTIVALS
- Nadafest
Catch a variety of local acts ranging from alt-rockers to electro-poppers to experimental hip-hoppers at this two-day festival brought to y’all by NadaMucho.com, a free music and culture publication that has been supporting local musicians since 1997.
(West Seattle, $10)HALLOWEEN
- Nightfall Orphanage
Think you can handle the ghosts that lurk in this haunted orphanage crawling with sinister children? If so, you will be rewarded with candy.
(West Seattle, free)VISUAL ART
- Julie Himel and Sarah Winkler
While Winkler, who has a background in art and earth science, paints the wilderness of the American West with a geologist’s eye, Himel focuses on humanity’s “worlds lived and imagined,” the collision between people and landscape.
(Pioneer Square, free)
Closing SaturdayFRIDAY & SUNDAY
MUSIC
- Duende Libre + Frank & Chava
Local power trio Duende Libre will expand on their innovative, accessible jazz for a night out.
(Downtown, First Hill, free)FRIDAY-SUNDAY
FESTIVALS
- Taste of Iceland
Seattle and Reykjavik aren’t just close pals, they’re sister cities. In fact, Seattle is home to more Icelandic people than anywhere else in the United States. To celebrate the culture of the magical Nordic land, Seattle invites Icelandic chefs, musicians, writers, artists, and filmmakers to town every year for the 10-day Taste of Iceland festival. This weekend, check out the Reykjavik Calling concert with darkwave/synth-punk bands Kælan Mikla and Sólstafir (Sat) and the short film series Shortfish (Sun).VISUAL ART
- Chantal Gibson, Brenetta Ward, Storme Webber, Moses Sun: Installations
The new Black-focused art and community center presents another group show with work by Vancouver-based educator/artist/poet Chantal Gibson, art quilter Brenetta Ward, Two-Spirit First Nations interdisciplinary artist Storme Webber, and meditative abstract artist Moses Sun.
(Central District, free)
Opening Friday - Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I a Woman
Hiawatha D. pays artistic tribute to brilliant Black women of history.
(Atlantic, $7)
Opening Friday - John Keatley: Uniform II
Photographer John Keatley—who has done portraits of Anthony Hopkins, Annie Leibovitz, and Macklemore—explores individuality and perception in his Identity series.
(Capitol Hill, free)
Closing Sunday - Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience
This region—Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma in particular—are giant international hubs of glass artists and glass art. Refract is a glass festival that showcases and celebrates the use and art of glass in the Pacific Northwest as well as those that work with it and admire it. In the festival’s first year, there will be live demonstrations, tours, films, exhibitions, talks, and open studios. Don’t miss the Benjamin Moore, Inc. studio tour, the Western Neon School of Art exhibition, a live demo by Raven Skyriver, and the Refract Closing Party. JASMYNE KEIMIG
Check out the complete schedule to see artist demonstrations, exhibitions, and other events under $10 for this weekend.
(Various locations)SATURDAY
COMEDY
- Friends of Dorothy
Queer improvisers from around Seattle, including the wonderful Shannon Bass of Fat Cats, will show off their theatrical chops.
(Georgetown, free) - Stand-up Comedy
Enjoy a night of live jokes with Bo Johnson, Dan Hurwitz, and Rachel Laurendeau Lucy Tollefson.
(Capitol Hill, free)COMMUNITY
- Chuck It! National Fetch Day
Humans and dogs can win free swag at this National Fetch Day celebration. What is Fetch Day, you may ask? The progenitors of the new holiday say, “Does your dog fetch? Run? Chase? Play?! Do you like to hang out with friends? Meet new friends? All of the above? Then National Fetch Day is for you!”
(Lake City, free) - Mushroom Wandering
Stroll through Seward Park with naturalist Flip O’Reilly, who will point out specimens and divulge fungi wisdom.
(Rainier Valley, $5) - National Period Day Rally
On National Period Day, local youth activists will host a rally to demand legislators address the taxation of menstruation products to ensure everyone has equal access to menstrual hygiene.
(Capitol Hill, free)FESTIVALS
- Fall Festival
Enjoy crafts, entertainment, and treats for the whole family at this fall festival in Issaquah.
(Issaquah, free) - Harvest Fest!
Kids and families can go pumpkin bowling (we assume that means knocking down pins with pumpkins, or perhaps even knocking down pumpkins with pumpkins), make crafts, and show off their Halloween costumes.
(Shoreline, free) - Issaquah Goes Apples
Local Issaquah farmers will set up shop at the Historic Shell Station with a bounty of farm fresh produce. Fill your bags with fruits and veggies, then leave them with a concierge (fancy!) while you enjoy fall activities like pumpkin-picking and cider-pressing at various downtown spots.
(Issaquah, free) - Metaphysical & Wellness Fair
You have several chances to join dozens of intuitive readers and non-traditional healers for a day of astrology, crystals, body work, and more.
(Redmond, free)FILM
- International Independent Video Store Day
Hang out with the great folks who keep Scarecrow Video Store, one of the most comprehensive video libraries in the US and a cultural treasure, alive and running. Stop by for games, big sales, food, giveaways, music, and more.
(University District, free)FOOD & DRINK
- 2019 Cascadia Cheese Festival
At this fromage-filled festival, Northwest cheesemakers like Beecher’s Cascadia Farmstead, and Mt. Townsend Creamery will showcase their wealth of handmade goods in the form of free samples.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Trucktoberfest 2019
Twenty-five Seattle food trucks and over 30 breweries will convene curbside for a day of Bavarian-inspired feasting at the fourth annual Trucktoberfest, which also includes live music and lawn games.
(South Lake Union, $10)GEEK
- Name That Tune Hosted By Betty Wetter
Face off against your fellow music nerds to win prizes in this game-show style competition hosted by beloved local queen Betty Wetter.
(Ballard, free)HALLOWEEN
- BOO Barn!
Walk through a spooky barn in the dark to spot glowing goats (!), a haunted hog (!), and other strange-but-friendly creatures of the night.
(Georgetown, $5) - Halloween Capoeira Party
Kids and families can don their Halloween costumes for a day of Capoeira demos and performances, pumpkin tic-tac-toe and other games, sugar skull decorating, and special treats.
(Capitol Hill, $5) - KawaiiWeen 2019
Halloween will get a dose of extreme cuteness—with a special focus on witches—at this Kawaii cosplay party, fashion show, and crafting event. There will be lots and lots of candy.
(Bellevue, $10)MUSIC
- Arihanna – A Dance Party for Ari & Riri with Seattle’s Best Drag Queens!
As if a dance party dedicated to Ariana Grande and Rihanna weren’t enough, this Saturday-night treat will also feature performances by local drag queens Londyn Bradshaw, Kylie Mooncakes, LuChi, and Issa Man.
(Capitol Hill, $5) - Crack Sabbath, Guests
The self-proclaimed “gods of Seattle’s underground grunge jazz scene,” Crack Sabbath features the work of industrial and free jazz impresarios Skerik and Ron Weinstein, with help from Keith Lowe and Mike Stone.
(Fremont, $10) - The Crüd Güns, Holz, Oa
Get your fix of death metal and grind-punk from local bands the Crüd Güns, Holz, and Oa.
(Tukwila, $5) - Haute Sauce: Swervewon, Famous, JCue, Zilla
Swervewon, Famous, JCue, and Zilla will be your DJs at this edition of “Seattle’s home for hip-hop and dance music.”
(Capitol Hill, $10) - Jonathan Toubin’s Soul Clap & Dance Off
Watch a few episodes of Soul Train to prepare yourself for this dance-off with DJ Jonathan Toubin.
(Belltown, $10) - The Lonesome Billies, Via COMBUSTA, Norman Baker & the Backroads
As a rule of thumb, a band using the word “lonesome” in its name is going to make some sort of country or blues, and the rule holds true here. The Seattle outfit will play their forlorn jams with support from Via COMBUSTA and Norman Baker & the Backroads.
(Ballard, $10) - Medicine Bows, riife, Guests
Seattle noisy punks Medicine Bows will be joined by introspective experimental project riife.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Original Music Inspired by Stephen King’s On Writing
The lit-loving musicians of Bushwick Book Club will perform original songs inspired by Stephen King’s On Writing.
(Capitol Hill, $10) - Scaremony — Halloween Edition Ceremony
At this Halloween dance party, revel in the best of the ’80s (and beyond) on the dance floor thanks to DJ Evan Blackstone. Show that you mean it by sporting your biggest hair and your most glittery outfit.
(Downtown, $6) - SNAP! 90s Dance Party – 10 Year Anniversary
The DJs of Trashy Trash will transport you back to Y2K at this special 10th anniversary edition of SNAP! ’90s Dance Party.
(Eastlake, $10) - Sundodger, Surf the Pines, Kiro Skiro
Sundodger are influenced by ’70s, ’90s, and ’00s rock. Dance to that, and save some energy for additional sets from local indie rockers Surf the Pines and Kiro Skiro.
(Ballard, $10) - Tom West
Whimsical folk artist Tom West will make a Seattle stop on his Emiko 2019 Fall Tour.
(Belltown, $10) - Vanna Oh, The Rare Forms, New York City Cops (Strokes Tribute)
Spokane rock-and-roller Van Oh will headline with support from Seattle’s the Rare Forms and Strokes tribute band New York City Chops.
(Pioneer Square, $8)PARTIES
- Bowlero South Seattle Grand Opening Party
This brand-new Tukwila bowling alley will celebrate their birth with free bowling, arcade games, food specials, and $3 Lagunitas IPAs.
(Tukwila, free)READINGS & TALKS
- Alice K. Boatwright: Collateral Damage
In this new edition of Alice K. Boatwright’s historical fiction series Collateral Damage, the author imagines stories of those who fought, resisted, and bore witness to the Vietnam War.
(Lake Forest Park, free) - Ian Urbina: The Outlaw Ocean
Hear stories of the wild, unpoliced ocean from a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author who’s witnessed this secret frontier of crime, corruption, and abuse.
(First Hill, $5) - Jackie Shannon Hollis: This Particular Happiness
Oregon author Jackie Shannon Hollis will read from her new book This Particular Happiness, in which she explores her decision to not have children.
(Edmonds, free) - Laurence Lanahan: The Lines Between Us
A producer for the public radio station WYPR, Laurence Lanahan examines residential segregation and other forms of racial inequality in Baltimore in his new book.
(Capitol Hill, free) - M. Randall O’Wain: Meander Belt
M. Randall O’Wain shares what it was like growing up a working-class boy in Memphis, Tennessee in his memoir Meander Belt.
(Ravenna, free) - The Prairie School & the Pacific Northwest
Architectural historian Richard Kronick will enlighten you on the Prairie School style—most common in the 19th- and early 20th-century American Midwest—and its biggest contributors.
(Queen Anne, free) - Robin Layton: The Lake
Love Lake Washington? So does Pulitzer Prize nominee/Nikon ambassador Robin Layton, whose new art book, limited to 2,000 copies, captures the body of water over four seasons. Get a signed copy and a drink and hear the author speak.
(Mount Baker, free) - Sharon Mentyka: Think Smart, Be Fearless
Young readers can get inspired by the story of Bill Gates by hearing Sharon Mentyka read from her new book aimed at kiddos.
(University District, free)SHOPPING
- Punk Rock Flea Market!
“Seattle’s favorite underground shopping experience” will feature over 70 vendors, food trucks, live DJs, and bottom-shelf booze.
(Beacon Hill, $1)SPORTS & RECREATION
- Special Olympics Washington Day of Inclusion
Special Olympics Washington’s first annual Day of Inclusion will feature sports activities, food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment, and more celebrating people of all abilities. The highlight of the day is the Unified Sports Challenge, where groups of four will team up with Special Olympics athletes and “local celebrities” for family-friendly competitions.
(Seattle Center, free)VISUAL ART
- Empowerment Through Photography: 25 Years of Youth in Focus
Admire stills of films made by selected Youth in Focus students at this pop-up exhibit.
(University District, free)SATURDAY-SUNDAY
COMMUNITY
- Kubota Fall Color Tours
See the Kubota Garden in all of its autumn glory as the leaves of the euonymus, Japanese maple, and gingko trees change colors.
(Rainier Valley, free)FESTIVALS
- Fall Foliage Festival
Check out bonsai and fall-hued rhododendrons, buy plants to take home, and visit a photo station.
(Federal Way, free) - Turkfest
If you saw Kedi and you’re fascinated by a place that justly treats cats like royalty, or you just want to learn more about Turkish culture as a whole, this festival promises to enlighten you with live performances, visual arts, food, a Turkish tea house, and a marketplace.
(Seattle Center, free)SUNDAY
COMMUNITY
- The Anderson School Pumpkin Patch Party
Take the whole family to this fall shindig promising pumpkin carving, live music, ciders on tap, apple cider doughnut holes, BBQ, and a costume contest.
(Bothell, free) - Diwali Celebration!
Enjoy sweets, make crafts, and get a henna tattoo at this family-centered Diwali event hosted by the India Association of Western Washington.
(Bellevue, free)FOOD & DRINK
- Flying Lion Brewing 5th Anniversary Party!
The Columbia City brewery will celebrate five years of life with live music from “tequila funk” group Reposado, exclusive beers (including an Imperial rye stout), free giveaways, and more in an outdoor tent.
(Columbia City, free)HALLOWEEN
- Halloween Pet Parade
As if pets weren’t cute enough on their own, this event gives you the chance to dress them up in Halloween costumes and parade them around for the ultimate cuteness overload. Then, you can thank them for putting up with you with vendor booths, prizes, and more.
(Capitol Hill, free) - Howl-O-Weenie Pop-Up
The Seattle Barkery food truck will host a pop-up for canines and their human companions complete with a pet-friendly costume parade, dog adoption opportunities, and treats for dogs and children alike.
(Fremont, free)MUSIC
- Sam Parkin, Full Step, Beasley
Local artist Sam Parkin and his band will put a high-energy spin on psychedelic folk after sets from Full Step and Beasley.
(Ballard, $10) - Spooky Ice Cream Hour
DJ Oliver D Place will spin dark EDM beats in between sets from Olympia experimental noise band Ambigere, local industrial outfit Pill Brigade, and darkwave duo 2Libras at this eerie ice cream social.
(Capitol Hill, free) - VASAS, iji, Surething
All the way from Sacramento, indie-pop quartet Vasas will grace the Emerald City with support from iji and Surething.
(Belltown, $10) - Wild Swings, Mañanero, Konny ‘n Adam
Join heavy-swinging blues-punk quartet the Wild Swings (formerly known as Gallow Strings) after sets from patchwork group Mañanero (self-described as “equal parts lovely and horrid”) and Konny ‘n Adam.
(Tukwila, $8)READINGS & TALKS
- Deborah Nedelman: What We Take for Truth
Deborah Nedelman takes us to the height of the schism between Pacific Northwest logging and a newly emerging forest conservation movement in her book What We Take for Truth.
(Lake Forest Park, free) - Loreen Lee: The Lava Never Sleeps
Loreen Lilyn Lee shares what it was like growing up in a traditional Chinese family in Honolulu during the 1950s and ’60s in her memoir The Lava Never Sleeps: A Honolulu Memoir. Hear her read.
(Lake City, free)SHOPPING
- Mourning Market
Need to make your living space a little more ghoulish? Find everything you need from local vendors, and wear your gothiest outfit while you shop.
(Eastlake, $1)
FRIDAY
COMMUNITY
