What the heck, somehow October is already almost halfway over. We’re not sure how that happened and we’re sure that you’re also feeling equally puzzled as to how the time is flying by so quickly. Regardless, there’s still plenty of things to do this month, including a lot of free things. So here are 10 of the best free or cheap things to do in and around Seattle this October.

Go for an autumn hike

What’s a better way to celebrate fall than with a stunning autumn hike? Luckily for you, there are tons to do around the state and most of them are pretty close to Seattle. So get on those hiking boots and get ready to explore the great outdoors.

Where: Click above to see our picks

Refract

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at blowing glass or simply see how it’s made? Well, then you need to check out Refract. It’s a massive glass blowing festival happening right here in Washington and many of the events are free or low cost. Don’t miss out!

When: October 14th-17th
Where: Venues in Seattle and across Washington state
Cost: Free/Varies

Northwest Record Show

Looking to add to your music collection? Why not head to the Northwest Record Show? You can shop from over 50 tables of records, LPs, CDs end even DVDs. You’ll find music from all sorts of genres like R&B, Funk, Jazz, Rock, Rockabilly, Blues, Country, Hip Hop, Folk, Bluegrass, Punk, and more.

When: October 17th
Where: Seattle Center Armory Food Court, 305 Harrison St
Cost: $2-$3 GA, $15 8 am admission

Trick or Treat

How could we forget about Halloween? Everyone’s favorite spooky holiday is just around the corner. So if you’re looking for the best places to trick or treat be sure to use our handy dandy map that’s full of the best places to visit. You’ll find homes and businesses offering traditional knock-on-the-door options, self-serve, and even candy chutes.

Where: Click above to use our map

Bodies of Discovery – Naomi Fisher: Thermodynamic Flower

This unique outdoor sculpture piece has a lot of components. It’s a part of a series of works exploring the (re)activation of the physical body in our again-accessible public space. Fisher’s specific piece “drives at the tensions between nature and capitalist dynamics via feminist theories and strategies based on surrealist art.” Don’t miss it!

When: Until November 30th
Where: Occidental Square, Occidental Ave S, and S Main St
Cost: Free

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Studio Ghibli Fest

Join GKIDS and Fathom Events for the annual Studio Ghibli Fest to experience the wonder of some of the world’s most beloved animated films. You’ll be able to watch Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Castle in the Sky, and My Neighbor Totoro. Don’t miss out!

When: Multiple dates October 3rd-December 9th
Where: Participating theaters around Seattle
Cost: $13.13

Recent Acquisitions in Contemporary Art

Love the Frye? Well, their collection is growing! You can check out 7 recent artworks by Juventino Aranda, Rokni Haerizadeh, Rose Nestler, Mary Ann Peters, Cauleen Smith, Anthony White, and Ko Kirk Yamahira. All of these works were acquired by the museum in 2019 and are being shown together now.

When: Until January 11th
Where: 704 Terry Ave
Cost: Free

Pick a pumpkin

Or three, whatever floats your boat. October is officially here and that means it’s time to get in the spooky season mood by picking yourself some pumpkins. Washington has tons of great u-pick farms with all sorts of pumpkin varieties for you to choose from.

Where: Click above to see our picks

Watch a fall movie

Now that fall is here why not get in the mood with a classic flick? We made a list of some of our favorite fall movies with some original additions. So if you’re looking to chill a bit this week, check it out.

Where: Click above to see our picks

Visit a Twin Peaks location

Love the classic TV show? Why not take a little drive and check out some of the most iconic filming locations across the state. Best of all, most of them are only about 40 minutes from the city. So get in the car and enjoy a trip to Twin Peaks.

Where: Click above to see local locations

There you have it folks, some fun and free things for you to check out. So bundle up, get out there and enjoy what October has to offer. We’ll catch you back here next month!