February is yet another month of expenses for many, between buying presents and dinners, it’s easy to spend quite a bit. If you’re looking to reign in on the spending but still have some fun, we have you covered. Here are 10 of the best free & cheap things to do in Seattle this February.
Free 1st Thursday Public Tour
The Washington Park Arboretum hosts free public tours on the first Thursday of each month. So kick off your February walking through seasonal themes, collections plants, and learn about the history of the organization.
When: Thursday, February 1st
Where: The Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive East
Cost: Free
Tết in Seattle – Year of the Dragon
Seattle Center Festál presents Tết in Seattle – a Vietnamese Lunar New Year Celebration, on February 3rd and 4th, 2024. According to organizers, this is Seattle’s “largest annual Tết festival.”
This year, you can expect live performances, Lion Dances, local food vendors, art exhibits, a fashion show, hands-on activities for the kids, and family-oriented events for all to enjoy.
When: February 3rd and 4th
Where: Armory and Fisher Pavilion
Cost: Free
The Seattle Bike Swap
Looking for a bike? The Seattle Bike Swap will have everything from new bikes and gear, to classics straight from personal collections. You will find established bike shops and independent sellers present.
When: Saturday, February 3rd
Where: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer Street
Cost: $8+
Workout Wednesdays
Fitness-focused Seattleites will be able to attend weekly Workout Wednesdays Winter Fitness Sessions presented by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health which are being hosted at Seattle Center.
Best of all, the classes are drop in so there’s no need to book ahead. The classes being offered are yoga and Zumba both of which are open to all ages and experience levels.
When: Wednesdays now until April 3rd, from 6 PM-7 PM & 7:30 PM-8:30 PM
Where: Seattle Center Armory
Cost: Free
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Winter might be here for a while but it doesn’t mean that you can’t get a little heat. The Volunteer Park Conservatory is open year-round and is full of beautiful tropical plants. It’s a great place to stroll with a date and enjoy a little peace and quiet in one of Seattle’s best parks.
Besides its usual $6 entrance, there are free days at the Park and they are on the 1st Thursdays and 1st Saturdays of each month.
When: Throughout February, free days on February 1st and 3rd
Where: 1400 East Galer Street
Cost: $6
2024 Grave Plot Film Fest
The Grave Plot Film Fest is back for its sixth installment. Check it out for an evening of frights & fun, as they screen short horror films from all over the world.
When: Saturday, February 3rd
Where: Ark Lodge Cinemas, 4816 Rainier Ave S
Cost: $12
Live at the Laser Dome: KEXP DJ in Residence
Live at the Laser Dome: KEXP DJ in Residence includes a DJ residency program where KEXP DJs will create unique musical laser experiences in PacSci’s Laser Dome, according to the event page.
Sounds like a magical way to spend a Wednesday.
When: Wednesday, February 7th
Where: 200 2nd Ave N
Cost: $15
Lunar New Year in South Seattle
This new annual event is bringing together the South Seattle community to celebrate Lunar New Year and its local asian-led businesses. Visitors can enjoy lantern making, lion dancing, taiko drums and relish in delicious delicacies from local food vendors.
When: Saturday, February 10th, 2024 | 1:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N
Cost: Free Admission
Lunar New Year at Southcenter Mall
Have you ever seen a 25 foot dragon in person? On February 10th, you can watch one come to life during a traditional lion dance performance at Southcentre mall. Plus, visitors will also get to enjoy a Moon Gate, Wishing Tree and mesmerizing cherry blossom trees.
When: Saturday, February 10th, 2024 | 10:00am – 9:00pm
Where: 2800 Southcenter Mall Seattle
Cost: Free Admission
Seattle Night Market
The Seattle Night Market is hosting their 4th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration to usher in the Year of the Dragon.
Wander through an illuminated market of delicious vendors, enjoy celebratory music and catch the “Drunken Lions dance” in the Magnuson Hangar building at 6:00pm sharp.
When: Saturday, February 10th, 2024
Where: Magnuson Hangar 30, 6310 NE 74th St
Cost: $15+
Lunar New Year in Chinatown
Make your way to the heart of Chinatown, where you can find vendor booths lined up along S King Street, dancing in the streets, and a foodie’s paradise at your fingertips. Explore over 40 delicious food vendors while soaking up the live performances at the main stage in Hing Hay Park.
When: Saturday, February 24th, 2024 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Chinatown, Seattle
Cost: Free Admission
4th Annual Alki Beach Winter Food Truck & Beer Festival
West Seattle’s 4th Annual Winter Beer and Food Truck Festival is returning to Alki Beach. Presented by The Special Olympics Washington and Mobile Food Rodeo this annual winter festival takes place on Saturday, February 24th this year. And 100% of the proceeds go right back to Special Olympics Washington.
The event will include food trucks and local craft beer with views of Puget Sound.
When: Saturday, February, 24th from 11-4:00pm.
Where: Alki Beach Park Bathhouse Lawn Outdoor Event Space, 2701 Alki Avenue Southwest Seattle
Cost:General Admission at $20
Take a class for free
If you’d like to try learning something new this month and have a library card, you’re in luck. The Seattle Public Library offers thousands of free courses that are accessible with your library card. From animation to business skills, they have it all.
Fremont Sunday Market
The Fremont Market is truly a classic Seattle shopping experience and it happens year-round, rain or shine. It’s a great place to find antiques, vintage clothing, and much more.
When: Every Sunday
Where: Evanston Ave N & 34th St
Have a great month, and enjoy all of the free & cheap things to do in Seattle!
