Got broken stuff? Are you favorite jeans torn? At “repair cafes”, you can bring broken household items or torn clothing for repair, such as small furniture, small appliances, and electronics.
During the event, an experienced all-purpose fixer or sewer will work on your item, or help you learn to repair your broken and ripped stuff yourself. Either way, you must usually be present while your item is being fixed so you can learn, too. These are DIY-events, not drop-off and return events.
The overall success rate at these repair events has been 70 percent or higher. Sometimes, they are able to only diagnose the problem, perhaps to identify the part you need to buy before the repair can be completed. Some electronics may be difficult to fix. And some items are simply beyond repair.
Below we list upcoming repair group around the Puget Sound region. Each repair event or group operates a little differently, based on the needs of the local community. The types of items that can be repaired vary from group to group. As a general rule, bring items small enough to be easily carried in by one person. Do not bring any items that are leaking, dangerous, contain gasoline, or have a strong odor.
Some repair groups meet only once or twice a year, while others meet more often. Find a list of upcoming events on our calendar below.
Note that for most events, you must register in advance. So be sure to visit the websites below to register and confirm whether your item is a likely candidate for the repair group.
Love our cheap ideas? Get our FREE email newsletters.
Choose from daily, weekly, and monthly lists:
Find a repair café or event around the Puget Sound region – DepositPhotos.com
Free repair cafes and fixit events
Drop-Off repair events in Everett (appointment required)
Snohomish County is hosting “Item Drop-Off” repair events in Everett. Items can be dropped off by appointment and will be repaired remotely. Remote Repair Café dates are tentatively scheduled for:
- January 16, 30
- February 13, 27
- March 13, 27
- April 10, 24
- May 8, 22
More info or sign-up: https://extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/naturalresources/sustainable-community-stewards/repair-cafe/
King County repair events
On the King County EcoConsumer website, you can find information about recycling clothing and shoes; ways to reduce junk mail, how to celebrate holidays in an eco-friendly fashion, and much more. If you want to save money by practicing a “green” lifestyle, the website offers ideas on waste prevention, natural gardening, toxics reduction, electronics recycling, and greening your home.
For information about King County repair events, visit: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/solid-waste/programs/ecoconsumer/repair-events.aspx.
South King County repair events
South King Tool Library (SKTL) is a member organization that allows homeowners, small business owners, and service organizations to check out tools and equipment. They have tools for you to care for your home or business, yard, garden, and more.
SKTL is offering some online and drive-thru repair events. Check the South King County Facebook page for upcoming events.
SKTL also hosts repair cafés throughout the year. For information, visit: https://www.southkingtools.org/calendar.
Vashon Island repair events
Members of the Vashon community who love to tinker and have a fervent desire to keep as many useable items out of the waste stream as possible host repair cafés in collaboration with the Vashon Tool Library and Zero Waste Vashon.
Check the Vashon Fix-It resource page for DIY fixes.
For more information about Vashon repair cafés, visit: http://vashonfixit.com/
Tacoma repair events
Tacoma Tool Library (TTL) provides low cost access to shared tools and encourages re-use, repair, and reduced consumption by providing a safe community space for learning how to use household tools and hosting fix-t fairs throughout the year.
TTL is asking for your help in raising $3,500 for the Tacoma Tool Library to get a bigger space in 2021. They are hosting an online fundraiser from Dec 14- Jan 17 to help raise funds to support our move into the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch. Learn more on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tacomatoollibrary
For information, visit: https://tacomatoollibrary.org/workshops/fix-it-fairs
Upcoming repair events
If nothing is listed below, there are no repair events currently on our calendar. We update them throughout the year on a rolling basis.
But wait, there’s more!
- Free oil leak workshops around Puget Sound.
- Emergency Preparedness information & classes.
- 11 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free.
- Here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- Find free and cheap things to do every day on the Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- Visit the Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page and choose from a menu of free and cheap activities in the Puget Sound region.
Love our cheap ideas? Get our FREE email newsletters. Choose from daily, weekly, and monthly lists. Click here to subscribe.
