20 of the best free & cheap things to do in and around Seattle this August

August is nearly here Seattle, and that means we’ve entered late summer. If you’re trying to stay conscious of spending while enjoying the great weather, there is still plenty of fun to be had around the city. Here are 20 of the best free & cheap things to do in Seattle this August.

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Free 1st Thursday Public Tour

The Washington Park Arboretum hosts free public tours on the first Thursday of each month. So kick off your month walking through seasonal themes, collections plants, and learn about the history of the organization.

When: Thursday, August 1st, 2024
Where: The Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive East
Cost: Free

Seattle Fleet Week & Boeing Maritime Celebration

The Seattle Fleet Week returns to Seafair once again! Besides the Parade of Ships through Elliot Bay, visitors are invited to meet the sailors and guardsmen, enjoy free music, and take ship tours.

When: Thursday, August 1st, to Sunday, August 4th, 2024
Where: Pier 46
Cost: Free to attend

Kite Festival

The Pierce County Kite Festival is back and bigger than ever with two fun-filled days at Chambers Creek Regional Park! Besides kite demonstrations, you can expect family kite flying, inflatables, food trucks, vendors, and other fun activities! If you need a kite, you can pre-purchase and register for a kite kit online with us and build it yourself at the park!

When: Saturday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th, 2024
Where: 6320 Grandview Dr. W., University Place, WA
Cost:  $5/ kite kit & $10 parking

Umoja Fest

Umoja Fest celebrates the best of the African American Community and the African Diaspora culture. The Fest will feature music, food, small businesses and culture for a weekend.

When: Saturday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th, 2024
Where: Judkins Park, 2150 S Norman St.
Cost: Free

Shakespeare in the Park

Shakespeare in the Park is a performance not to miss this summer. Running until Sunday, August 4th, the Seattle Shakespeare Company hosts free, outdoor performances of classical plays in parks throughout the Puget Sound region.

When: On now until Sunday, August 4th
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

On six days this year, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone! One of those days is coming up this August so plan ahead.

When: Sunday, August 4th
Where:National Parks
Cost: Free

Mariners Value Games

There are several promotions for the Seattle Mariners this month, including Value Games you can catch. Tickets for these games start at $10!

When: August 6th, 7th, 8th, 26th, 27th, and 28th,
Where: T Mobile Park
Cost: $10+

South Lake Union Block Party

Now in its 18th year, the South Lake Union Block Party is described as “the largest and longest running festival focused on celebrating and showcasing our neighborhood.”

This year, the party will take place on Friday, August 9th, and it all kicks off at 11 am. Festivities continue throughout the day, ending at 10 pm.

When: Friday, August 9th, 2024
Where: 101 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free to attend

Center City Cinema

Center City Cinema will be screening FREE movies in the park at 12 locations across the city. There will be food trucks on site.

When: On now until September 14th, 2024
Where: Locations across the city
Cost: Free

The Capitol Hill Garage Sale – Seattle

Taking place on Sunday, August 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Cal Anderson Park, this annual event is described as “Seattle’s longest running community-wide garage sale.”

According to organizers, the Capitol Hill Garage Sale regularly features “over 100 people selling their treasures in Cal Anderson Park in addition to many independent garage sales at homes across Capitol Hill.”

When: Sunday, August 11th, 2024
Where: 1000 E Pine St, Seattle
Cost: Free to attend

Seattle Summer Series

Check out an evening of FREE music, circus arts, acro yoga, dance, flow, visual art, and anything else people want to share! All are welcome and participation is encouraged.

When: Friday, August 16th, 2024
Where: Gasworks Park
Cost: Free to attend

Movies at the Mural

The Mural Amphitheatre lawn transforms into an outdoor theatre with a 40-foot screen and the iconic Space Needle in view this sunmer. The series takes place on Fridays and feature popular movies that include classic and contemporary films that are appropriate for all-ages.

When: On now until Friday, August 16th, 2024
Where: 305 Harrison St
Cost: Free

Seattle Chinatown Food Walk summer series

Love to try new food in Seattle? This Food Walk may be the best way to do that. The Seattle Chinatown International District Food Walk summer series is back and this will be your last month to check it out!

When: Saturday, August 17th, 2024
Where: The Chinatown-ID
Cost: $4, $6, and $8 offerings at participating restaurants

CID Block Party

Another summer celebration returns! The Chinatown-ID Block Party is a daylong celebration of Asian American food, arts, music & culture, and it all takes place on August 17th.

When: Saturday, August 17th, 2024
Where: 900 S King St.
Cost: Free to attend

Brasilfest

Seattle Center Festál presents BrasilFest in partnership with Brazil Center and Show Brazil Productions this August. BrasilFest will have capoeira, food, music, dance, and more for guests to enjoy.

When: Sunday, August 18th, 2024
Where:  Armory Food & Event Hall, Mural Amphitheatre, and Fisher Rooftop
Cost: Free to attend

The Seattle Design Festival Block Party

The Seattle Design Festival Block Party is a two-day street fair celebrating the powerful ways design affects our lives, state organizers. This outdoor event is an opportunity for the design community and the public to come together and interact through large-scale design installations, performances, and design activities all centered around the Festival’s 2024 theme, WHAT IF?.

When: Saturday, August 17th, and Sunday, August 18th, 2024
Where: Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave N
Cost: Free to attend

WABA Korea Expo & Festival

Hosted by The Korean American Chamber of Commerce Washington, the Waba Korea Expo & Festival (WABA means “Come & See!”) is taking place on August 23rd, 2024, from 10 am to 8 pm.

You can expect 80+ booths showcasing food, culture, beauty products, technology, merchandise, performances and much more,

When: Friday, August 23rd, 2024
Where: Magnuson Park Hangar 30, 6310 Northeast 74th Street
Cost: Free

Dancing ‘til Dusk

Back for another year, Seattle Parks and Recreation is hosting Dancing ‘til Dusk for 17 evenings this summer. The lessons take place at parks across Seattle, and begins with a dance lesson for the first hour. No experience is needed but keep in mind the class rotates partners. If you’d prefer not to, you can bring a partner to the lesson.

When: On now until August 27th, 2024
Where: Various parks in the city
Cost: Free

Seattle Waterfront Block Party- 2024

Looking to close out summer with a block party? Seattle’s Waterfront Block Party will be the place to be, and the best part is, it is a free celebration!

When: Friday, August 30th, 2024
Where: Along Waterfront Park
Cost: Free

Downtown Summer Sounds

From hip-hop and folk-pop to psychedelic punk rock and bluegrass, there’s something for everyone at Downtown Summer Sounds this year! Concerts take place at different locations including Westlake Park, Occidental Square, Bell Street Park, Union Square, Harbor Steps and more!

When: On now until September 10th, 2024
Where: Various parks in the city
Cost: Free