7 Actually Fun Things to Do in Seattle This Weekend
Free concerts, festivals, and more.
It’s another summer weekend in the city, and the socializing opportunities are almost as hot as the weather itself (see what we did there?). We’re headed for the lake, the beach, the live concert, and maybe even the Renaissance Faire… point is, we’re going to cool off, anyway we know how. Care to join? Get the details on all of the actually fun things to do this weekend, below.
Shop the Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair
Friday - Sunday
Your home
It’s the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Bellevue Arts Museum, and this weekend, they’re celebrating with a virtual version of their annual Arts Fair. Log in anytime before August 4 to check out work from a whopping 132 artists, plus artist interviews and kid-friendly activities.
Cost: $ - $$
Start your weekend early with this afternoon concert at Denny Park
Friday, 12 pm
South Lake Union
Nothing like a free show to kick off the weekend on a good note, am I right? Head to Denny Park in South Lake Union this Friday for just that, courtesy of local singer/songwriter Shaina Shepherd and hosted by the Downtown Seattle Association.
Cost: Free
Attend the encore of this Race & Climate Change Festival
Friday - Sunday
Your home
So good, they had to bring it back for an encore. If you missed round one of the Race & Climate Change Festival back in June, catch round two this weekend, or anytime before the end of July. Entirely virtual, this fest is part sci-fi, part dystopian, and guests are invited to “explore a future world order that has emerged after a major global climate disaster.” Think The Day After Tomorrow vibes, albeit a lot more realistic considering our current state of affairs re: Global Warming.
Cost: $30
Catch three bands at the newly reopened Neptune Theatre
Saturday, 8 pm
U District
Now that live music is back, it was only a matter of time before we headed to Neptune. This weekend, catch not one but three bands in action, for a Saturday night show that will only set you back 18 bucks. Kassa Overall, Breaks and Swells, and Payge Turner are all on the lineup, and doors open at 8 pm.
Cost: $18
Visit this art exhibit featuring contemporary Indigenous art
Friday - Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm
Tacoma, Washington
Washington State History Museum is back with its annual celebration of Indigenous art, “IN THE SPIRIT,” which includes a group exhibition of 37 works by 22 different artists. “IN THE SPIRIT” runs through August 29; we’d also recommend marking your calendars for August 7, which is festival day, AKA a day of activities, artist vendors, and free museum admission.
Cost: $14
Get dressed up for this Renaissance Faire
Saturday - Sunday, 12 - 5 pm
Camlann Medieval Village
If your medieval costume has been gathering dust or you simply miss playing dress up in any form, we’ve got just the party for you. In Camlann Medieval Village, you’ll be right at home this weekend for the Renaissance Faire, which takes visitors back to England circa 1376, complete with all the trappings, like archery, knightly “combat”, music, crafts, and puppetry. FYI, they didn’t have cell phones in 1376, so it’s cash-only at the door.
Cost: $10
Join Fleetwood Snack for a Saturday show at Barboza
Saturday, 7 pm
First Hill
Another night in Seattle, another show. This Saturday, stop by the recently reopened Barboza for an evening of tunes courtesy of Fleetwood Snack. Cheap(ish) beer, loud music, and light to medium moshing awaits.
Cost: $12.50