Let’s face it, the holidays can be hard on the wallet. Even still, maybe you have a New Year’s resolution to cut back on your spending. Whatever the case may be, free does kind of equal fun this month. Here are 10 of the coolest things to do for free or cheap in Seattle this January.
Rose Frantzen with Gary Faigin
If you’re looking to start your January with some artistic inspiration, consider attending Rose Frantzen’s conversation with Gage Academy of Art’s Artistic Director, Gary Faigin. Frantzen is a contemporary realist best known for her “yearlong project to record the residents of her small Iowa town of Maquoketa through a massive collection of oil-painted portraits.”
When: January 6th
Where: Online
Cost: $5
MARY! A Drag Happy Hour
Each week on Tuesday you can attend a drag happy hour at Chop Suey. You’ll be able to watch drag icon Jane Don’t and three of Seattle’s other premiere drag beauties do their thing. It’s sure to be the most fun you’ve had at a happy hour in a while.
When: Tuesdays
Where: 1325 E Madison St
Cost: Varies
Visit local museums for FREE
What the heck? How? If you have a Seattle Public Library card you can do a lot more than just check out books. In fact, you can check out a Discover Pass to visit state parks or check out free admission to the Burke Museum, MoPop Museum of Pop Culture, National Nordic Museum, and more.
Where: Click above to find out more.
SAM Performs: Imogen Cunningham
Head to SAM for FREE first Thursday to watch a pop-up performance in response to their special exhibition, “Imogen Cunningham: A Retrospective.” You’ll be able to watch movement artists Akoiya Harris and Abdiel Jacobsen interpret Cunningham’s photographs through short in-gallery performances.
When: January 6th
Where: 1300 First Ave
Cost: Free
See what’s new on Netflix
A new month means new Netflix additions. Ready to watch an old fave or a new release? Netflix has you covered on both fronts. So plan ahead, see what’s coming and get ready for a great month of streaming.
Where: Click above to see the new additions
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SOUR Winter Formal – A Pop Punk Prom
Ready to dance the winter blues away? Join DJ Peptalk and DJ Abbie of KEXP at Neumos to enjoy your fave pop-punk tunes. Bring a friend or go solo, either way, you’re sure to have a night to remember.
When: January 8th
Where: 925 E Pike St
Cost: $5
Stone Images XI Exhibition
This unique show highlights the beauty of natural stones. You’ll be able to see 30 stones of various shapes and sizes at the Pacific Bonsai Museum. The stones were collected in 6 states including CA, ND, NM, SD, OR, and WA. It sounds niche but it’s sure to be one of the more unique shows you’ll see this year.
When: Until January 9th
Where: 2515 S 336th Street, Federal Way, WA
Cost: Free
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
Peter Christenson | F40.298: Generalized Opus Foramina
What happens when you mix artist and once-licensed psychotherapist? You get Peter Christenson. In this work, Christenson captures and exhibits sound and video from holes dug across WA state, seeking dialogue and prognoses with his ailing client, Earth.
When: Until January 14th
Where: 4261 Roosevelt Way NE
Cost: Free, by appointment only
Diana Al-Hadid: Archive of Longings
Al-Hadid’s work explores the interplay between the female body and the European art canon. The exhibition is showing sculptural works ranging from 2010-2021. If you’re looking to see new sculptural works this is for you!
When: Until February 6th
Where: 15th Ave NE and NE 41st St
Cost: Free
Check out some art, see some performances, or sit back and scroll Netflix at home. Whatever you choose to do, have fun with it. Happy New Year, we’ll catch you back here next month.
