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The Big List of Free Things to do in Seattle

Sometimes, the best things in life are free. Enjoy these wallet-friendly activities

By Shuchi Mehta August 11, 2015

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Nothing in life worth having comes cheaply, right? Well, except for a whole page worth of gratis things to do in Seattle for the rest of this month and many, many more. Explore a new museum, watch a drive-in movie or enjoy a taste of soothing Japanese tea—all while leaving your wallet on your nightstand. 

Free Museum Days

Frye Art Museum – every day
Bellevue Arts Museum – first Friday of the month
Imagine Children’s Museum – third Friday of the month 5:30-9 p.m.; half price every Thursday 3-5 p.m.
Museum of Flight – first Thursday of every month 5-9 p.m.
Seattle Art Museum – first Thursday of every month; first Friday if you’re 62 or over
Seattle Asian Art Museum – first Thursday and Saturday (for families) and second Thursday 5-9 p.m. every month
Wing Luke Asian Museum – first Thursday of every month 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Northwest African American Museum – first Thursday of every month
Nordic Heritage Museum – first Thursday of every month

Music & Dance:

Out to Lunch Concert Series – Featuring bands such as Fly Moon Royalty and Vaudeville Etiquette. Tuesdays-Fridays through September 4 from noon-1:30 p.m. in select locations around downtown. See the schedule for more deets. 
Dancing ‘Til Dusk Series – Featuring local live music and dance lessons. Located in downtown Seattle parks. See the schedule here for times and locations.
Freeway Park’s Blues and Cool Jazz Festival – Featuring the band Industrial Revelation. Sunday, August 16, 2-4 p.m. at Freeway Park, Sixth Street and Seneca. 
Concert at the Columns: Random Acts of Music – Mini concerts from local musicians. Fridays through September 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Plymouth Pillars Park, Boren Ave. and Pike St. 
Belltown Beats – Evening performances by local musicians such as Nolan Garrett and The Royal Oui. Fridays through August 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Bell Street Park, Third and Bell Street. 

Arts & Crafts:

Art in the Park – Unique handicrafts and jewelry making by local artists using mediums such as wood, photography, metal and 2D. Thursdays through October 1 (first Thursdays coincide with free admission to MoHAI) at Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave. N. 
I Taught Myself: A Selective Survey of Work by Self-Taught Artists – Artists are everyday people like you and me, just with an interesting story and piece of art. Through August 29 at Greg Kucera Art Gallery, Third Ave. S, Pioneer Square.
Art Walk in Pioneer Square – Meander through historic Pioneer Square as leading art galleries open their doors to showcase new exhibits and artists. First Thursday of every month from 6-8 p.m., Occidental Ave. S & S. Washington, Pioneer Square. 
Georgetown Art Attack – Visual, performing and applied artists celebrate the creative diversity of Georgetown. Second Saturday of every month from 6-9 p.m., Airport Way S corridor between Lucile S & Bailey S, Georgetown.

Free Outdoor Movie Screenings:

Three Dollar Bill Cinema – Every Friday in Cal Anderson Park (11th Ave & Denny Way) this month. Concessions and DJ start at 6:30 p.m., preshow activities at 8:30 p.m., film starts at 8:45 p.m.. Upcoming screenings include:
Adventures in Babysitting – August 14 
Edward Scissorhands – August 21
The Neverending Story – August 28
West Seattle Outdoor Movies – Every Saturday at West Seattle Junction (4210 SW Oregon St.) this month. Movies start at dusk. Upcoming screenings include: 
Guardians of the Galaxy – August 15
Rocky Horror Picture Show – August 22
Bellevue Summer Outdoor Movies – Every Tuesday at Hidden Valley Sports Park (1905 112th Ave. NE) this month. Movies begin around 9 p.m. (dusk). Each movie is themed with a different charity benefit where you can bring suggested donation items. Upcoming screenings include: 
Annie – August 11
Hundred Foot Journey – August 18
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb – August 25
America’s Car Museum Drive-In Movie Series – Watch car-themed movies in your car. Select Saturdays this month and next at America’s Car Museum in Tacoma (2702 East D. St). Movies begin around 9 p.m.. Upcoming screenings include: 
Grease – August 29
Movies at the Marina – Fridays the rest of this month. Movies begin around 9 p.m. (dusk). First come, first served seating at Shilsole Bay Marina, Central Park (7001 Seaview Ave NW #100). Upcoming screenings include: 
Finding Nemo – August 14
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl – August 21

Food & Drink:

Buzzing Blueberries – Learn about how these gorgeous berries grow and then pick them yourself. Free, but registration required. Friday, August 14, 2-3:30 p.m. at Lake Hills Greenbelt Ranger Station in Bellevue. 15416 SE 16th St.
Tea Tastings at Vital Tea Leaf – Learn all about the art of brewing tea and sample from a large selection of imported teas. 1401 1st Ave.
Chateu Ste. Michelle Wine Tasting and Tour – Washington’s oldest and award winning winery offers free guided tours and tastings daily from 10:30-4:30 p.m. 14111 NE 145th St., Woodinville. 
Seattle Street Food Festival & Night Market – Mouthwatering street eats, live music, local brews by Elysian Brewing…and corn hole all weekend long. Free admission. August 14-16 at South Lake Union, Denny Ave. & Ninth by Westlake.

Fitness:

Yoga with SAM – Bend, stretch, and be at peace with free outdoor yoga with 8 Limbs Yoga as part of Seattle Art Museum’s Summer at SAM. Bring your own mat and water bottle. Saturday August 15 & 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Olympic Sculpture Park. 2901 Western Ave.
Zumba with SAM – Groove to Latin fusion beats and break a sweat as part of Seattle Art Museam’s Summer at SAM. Water bottle and tennis shoes recommended. Saturday August 15 & 22, 2-3 p.m. at Olympic Sculpture Park. 2901 Western Ave.
Zumba at Seattle Center – Dance and have fun with Bonnie Wang at Next 50 Plaza, Seattle Center, Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. through August 18. 
Yoga at Seattle Center – Stretch your body and breathe your stress away with Terri Dyer at Exhibition Hall Lawn, North of the International Fountain, Seattle Center Wednesdays 11:30-12:30 p.m. through August 19. 

 

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