This event calendar for the greater Seattle-Tacoma metro area focuses on free and affordable things to do that make the most of your entertainment dollars. Our event calendar includes a wide range of events, including community festivals, art shows & art walks, craft fairs, film festivals, live music, comedy shows, … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do this week
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Seafair signature events and community festivals
Many people think that Seattle's Seafair summer festival is Seafair Weekend in August with hydroplane races on Lake Washington and the Blue Angels flying overhead. Far from it. Seafair is a summer-long festival with several signature events as well as many community-driven celebrations throughout the Puget sound … [Read more...] about Seafair signature events and community festivals
Where to see the Blue Angels for free Seafair Weekend
The Boeing Air Show during Seattle Seafair Weekend is a must see for all families and thrill seekers. For many across the Pacific Northwest, summer and Seafair reach their pinnacle as the pilots behind the yokes of the "Blue" Boeing F/A-18 Hornets make their thunderous and spectacular appearance over the skies of … [Read more...] about Where to see the Blue Angels for free Seafair Weekend
Tickets and information for Seafair Weekend Festival
Seafair Weekend is the culmination of Seattle's summer festival. One of Seattle's favorite traditions at Genesee Park in south Seattle on Lake Washington. It's an exhilarating rite of summer like nowhere else in the country. The 3-day festival features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels highlighting the Boeing Air Show … [Read more...] about Tickets and information for Seafair Weekend Festival
Getaway: Lavender farms on the Washington Peninsula (66 mi NW via ferry)
Lavender farms can be found in various parts of Washington State. The largest cluster is on the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula, near the town of Sequim and the surrounding Dungeness Valley. This area is widely known for premium lavender. Visitors come from around the world to experience the beauty of this … [Read more...] about Getaway: Lavender farms on the Washington Peninsula (66 mi NW via ferry)
Free Alki Art Fair supports community artists
Alki Art Fair is a Washington State nonprofit all-volunteer organization that seeks to advance art education and appreciation while encouraging community involvement and cultural diversity for the community’s benefit. The annual Alki Art Fair on one of Seattle’s most scenic Puget Sound beaches is a showcase for the … [Read more...] about Free Alki Art Fair supports community artists
Free and cheap things to do this weekend
Our event calendar features fun, free, and cheap things to do around the Puget Sound region. You'll find all kinds of events. Greater Seattle on the Cheap serves primarily six counties on Puget Sound: Skagit, Snohomish, Island, Kitsap, King, and Pierce. We occasionally include some Thurston County events, particularly … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do this weekend
June – October: u-pick produce around Puget Sound
Here’s our list of popular u-pick fruits, berries, and vegetables and the best month to pick them in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and Western Washington counties around the Puget Sound region. In addition, we provide a link to a map of u-pick farms near you for each crop. Washington State is known worldwide … [Read more...] about June – October: u-pick produce around Puget Sound
Free things to do in July
Listed below are the free things to do from our July events calendar. For more things to do, see our complete July events and entertainment calendar. Free events July 2026 Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers … [Read more...] about Free things to do in July
Affordable July entertainment
Our July events calendar features a wide variety of affordable entertainment in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region. We’ll continue to update this calendar throughout the month as many organizers announce new events and online content. As always, we focus on events with a regular adult admission price of $15 or … [Read more...] about Affordable July entertainment
Seafood festival in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood
SeafoodFest in Ballard started as a two-hour dinner in 1971. Today, it's an iconic three-day event that draws thousands, who enjoy food vendors, local music, arts and crafts, family entertainment, a beer garden, lutefisk eating (or not), giant fish, skateboarding competition, oceans of seafood, and loads of fun all … [Read more...] about Seafood festival in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood
Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
One of the many benefits of living in Seattle is the amazing getaways around Washington State. The following summer vacation ideas are some of the most beautiful sites in the United States. You can use these ideas to plan a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation. There are vacation options for all … [Read more...] about Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
50+ summer things to do for kids and families
Here's our list of free and cheap things to do in summer for kids, teens, and families in Seattle and the Puget Sound region. You'll find outdoor and indoor activities, free tours, DIY toys, cheap food, and fun getaways around Washington State. From beaches and biking to bowling and backyard games, we've got enough fun … [Read more...] about 50+ summer things to do for kids and families
Parades on July 4th in the Puget Sound region
Parades are another great way to celebrate community. Seafair festivals and parades happen in Seattle all summer long. Some are community parades that have been held since before Seafair began in the 1950s. But the popularity of fireworks seems to be decreasing due to environmental concerns, public safety, and … [Read more...] about Parades on July 4th in the Puget Sound region
Where to see July 4th fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Here’s our list of where to see free public fireworks show in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and other cities and communities around the Puget Sound region. At the end of the list of fireworks shows, we offer tips for photographing fireworks. And, if you are planning a private show, we offer links to fireworks … [Read more...] about Where to see July 4th fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Best things to buy in July
Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for July in Seattle-Tacoma area stores. Of course, we think the best way to save money is not to spend it! But, when you need or want to, plan your … [Read more...] about Best things to buy in July
Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day
Seafair, Seattle’s consummate summer festival, began in 1950 as Sea Fair, a 10-day "water festival". The first festival was organized by a committee of businessmen from the community to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city*. Seafair is primarily about community, civic pride, affordable fun, and of course, the … [Read more...] about Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day
Take a hike! Metro summer bus service to Cascade trailheads
Trailhead Direct is a seasonal metro bus service that operates on weekends and designated holidays. Tips: Always bring the essentials! The Day Hiker's Ten Essentials from The Seattle Mountaineers, check the weather before you go, and tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Trailhead Direct Ride … [Read more...] about Take a hike! Metro summer bus service to Cascade trailheads
Bank of America “Museums on Us” free monthly museum admission
For 25 years, Bank of America has offered their cardholders free general admission to museums in cities across the United States through their “Museums on Us” program. On the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America customers can receive a free ticket for Saturday or Sunday to more than 200 museums and … [Read more...] about Bank of America “Museums on Us” free monthly museum admission
Are you Seattle’s top bargain hunter? Run this website
Greater Seattle on the Cheap is looking for a new publisher. This is a great opportunity for someone who is well connected locally, has journalism or marketing experience and wants to be the boss of a hyperlocal news and entertainment site. The ideal candidate: Lives in the city. Has contacts in the … [Read more...] about Are you Seattle’s top bargain hunter? Run this website
2026 free park entrance days in Washington State
Take advantage of free entrance days in National Parks and Washington State Parks throughout the year. Mark your calendar for these fee-free days. Plan an outing with family or friends at the nearest park. It's also a great time to discover a new favorite park around Washington State. Short History of Our National … [Read more...] about 2026 free park entrance days in Washington State
National Nordic Museum free and discount admission
National Nordic Museum in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood presents history, art, and culture from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and their immigrants to America. Their vast collection of artifacts displayed in permanent and rotating exhibits provide insights about Nordic history, culture, and values to … [Read more...] about National Nordic Museum free and discount admission
All about visiting Seattle Art Museum and free days
Seattle Art Museum features world-class exhibits and though-provoking visual arts. The museum includes three major facilities in the city: Seattle Art Museum (SAM) in downtown Seattle Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill Olympic Sculpture Park on the Seattle waterfront Each of … [Read more...] about All about visiting Seattle Art Museum and free days
Free outdoor summer music concerts
Here's our big list of (mostly) free outdoor summer music concerts in Seattle and cities around the Puget Sound region. If the weather looks iffy, check their website before you head out. Free outdoor entertainment is usually cancelled for rain or thunderstorms. Seattle outdoor summer concerts Here are the major … [Read more...] about Free outdoor summer music concerts
Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island
The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a non-profit organization that celebrates the rich and varied watercraft heritage that is a vital part of the Puget Sound region. At this hands-on maritime museum, the exhibits are on the water and the public is encouraged to use them. CWB is dedicated to preserving maritime … [Read more...] about Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island


![Spirit of the Navy hydroplane at Seattle Seafair By U.S. Navy photo by 2nd Class Eric J. Rowley [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.greaterseattleonthecheap.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Spirit-of-the-Navy-hydroplane-at-Seattle-Seafair-By-U.S.-Navy-photo-by-2nd-Class-Eric-J.-Rowley-Public-domain-via-Wikimedia-Commons-e1530146527891-200x150.jpg)




![Coast Guardsmen and Coast Guard Auxiliary members from the Pacific Northwest march in Seattle's Torchlight Parade, July 30, 2011 photo by the Coast Guard [public domain]](https://www.greaterseattleonthecheap.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Coast-Guardsmen-and-Coast-Guard-Auxiliary-members-from-the-Pacific-Northwest-march-in-Seattles-Torchlight-Parade-July-30-2011-photo-by-the-Coast-Guard-public-domain-200x150.jpg)















