Free events in Seattle, WA

Enjoy free outdoor movies at Seattle Center this summer, spread out on the gently sloped Mural Amphitheatre lawn beneath the Space Needle with a 40 foot screen lighting up the night. The series showcases beloved films, from classics to contemporary favorites, and is designed for all ages, creating an open air cinema experience that feels special to this setting. Each screening begins with a short created by alumni of the University of Washington Department of Film & Video Production and students at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University. This screening features Hamilton, rated PG-13 with a 2 hour 40 minute runtime. The filmed production reimagines the life of Alexander Hamilton through a score that fuses hip hop, jazz, R&B, and show tunes, marking a milestone in modern theater and influencing culture, politics, and education. Shot at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June 2016, it places viewers close to the energy of the original stage performance. Short film selections are to be announced. Presented by Prime Video, with official partners Ticketmaster and T-Mobile.

A day-long collaboration by SOPASUPA, Duwamish River Fest, and River City Skatepark celebrates South Park and the Duwamish River with free entertainment, art, skateboarding, vendors, a kids zone, lucha libre, and activities highlighting environmental justice.

Skyway Park comes alive as NIA Fest returns with a free community concert and cultural celebration. Expect live music, a variety of food and local vendors, games, family friendly activities, and many opportunities to connect with neighbors. Centered on culture, purpose, and community, this gathering brings vibrant energy to the heart of Skyway. Admission is free, and donations to support the movement are welcome.

At Ballard Commons, this outdoor dance event begins with a complimentary lesson open to all experience levels. No partner is needed, whether attending solo or with friends or family. After the lesson, live music keeps the momentum going with The JerKels bringing a little retro Americana. A real dance floor and twinkling lights set the scene. The event is free and welcomes all vibes, with fun very likely.

Seattle-based Hammond organist Joe Doria brings a versatile night of music to Sea Monster Lounge, reflecting the many styles he performs. He has supported Seattle-area solo artists and plays with groups such as McTuff, the Joe Doria Trio, The Drunken Masters, Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet, and AriSawkaDoria, with some of these projects touring nationally. Each Tuesday he teams up with top local players for a collaborative set. There is no cover charge, and donations are appreciated.

Explore a weekly farmers market series at Pike Place Market featuring seasonal produce and artisan goods sourced directly from Market farmers. Browse the stalls on the north end of the Market between Stewart and Virginia Streets, meet the growers, and find out what is currently in season. This convenient midweek marketplace is a handy stop for nearby workers and residents looking to pick up groceries and discover fresh flavors from local farms. A Local Night promotion offers a parking credit for shoppers who reach a qualifying purchase amount at Market businesses, which can be redeemed at the Produce on Pike Information Booth at Pike Place and Stewart with proof of purchase.

Green Lake Pickleball hosts free beginner-friendly courts each week, with space set aside for newcomers and intermediate players to learn and play in a relaxed setting. Ambassadors are on hand to go over the basics, including rules, scoring, and court etiquette. No experience is required. Drop in on your own or with friends, and all are welcome. Head to the easternmost courts by the road and look for the orange cones. Sessions may be canceled if it rains.

A monthly neighborhood art walk in West Seattle brings together local artists, galleries, and businesses to highlight the community’s creative talent. Explore painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media as you wander between participating venues, meet artists, and experience the neighborhood through a fresh creative lens. Free and open to all, this self-guided outing lets you go at your own pace while enjoying art, culture, and local flavor.

Dancing 'til Dusk invites everyone to step onto a real dance floor and turn two left feet into celebration. The evening begins with a welcoming dance lesson that is completely free, and no partner is required. Friends, dates, family members, or solo dancers are all encouraged. After the lesson, the momentum continues with a two hour stretch of live music beneath the open sky. Expect glowing lights, a lively atmosphere, and plenty of feel good energy. This edition features DJ Rebecca and Lia with West Coast Swing. It is free, outdoors, beginner friendly, and open to all vibes, with fun very likely. Come for the steps, stay for the sounds, and dance like nobody is streaming it.

Nite Wave brings a live concert to Volunteer Park Amphitheater with The AbbaGraphs also performing. Admission is free.

A free listening party at the Mural Amphitheatre spotlights hi hi hi, a genre-blending indie rock band from Seattle. Formed in 2023 out of late-night karaoke sessions and friendships in the International District, the trio channels an ever-evolving sense of home, weaving influences from 1960s surf rock, riot grrrl, 90s alternative, and more. The lineup features Le-Vy Nguyen on guitar and vocals, Jon Chu on bass and vocals, and Shaun Mejia on drums. Presented as part of Artists At the Center, a multi-year collaboration between the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and Seattle Center with support from the Uptown Arts & Culture Coalition and nearby communities, the program offers performance opportunities that connect artists with new audiences and help advance creative careers. Visitors encounter surprising pop-up performances throughout the year, and each year’s roster is selected with an equity and social justice lens to ensure representation for underserved and emerging artists across music, dance, theater, demonstrations, and multidisciplinary work.