Free festivals, a 50th birthday party, and Movie at the Mural: Your Seattle weekend guide

Another weekend is here as prime time in the Pacific Northwest keeps rolling on — let’s dive into all the fun!

Free festivals highlight South Seattle culture and Black arts this weekend

Festival season continues this weekend, including Saturday’s 98118 Fest at Columbia Park. This free event is all about highlighting the music, arts, and culture of South Seattle with a day full of live tunes, demonstrations from artists, fun for you and the family, and, of course, food trucks to keep you fed. SEEDARTS 98118 Fest is Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Columbia Park.

Seattle Center’s Festál series continues this weekend with Festival Sundiata Presents Black Arts Fest. According to the event’s website, this is the longest-running African American Festival celebrated in the Pacific Northwest and features a weekend full of music and art such as spoken word and dance, plus food, and information and opportunities on how to get involved in local communities. There’s even a roller rink for all-level skaters to check out and glide along to music from a live DJ. As with all the Festál programming, Festival Sundiata Presents Black Arts Fest is free to attend and runs Saturday and Sunday at Seattle Center.

Last Movie at the Mural of the summer is Friday night

Speaking of Seattle Center, it is the final Movie at the Mural for the Summer. The 40-foot screen at the Mural Amphitheater will be showing Masters of the Universe Friday night, starting around dusk. This is a free showing; you just might want to bring a seat.

Encanto Music Festival brings Latin beats and salsa lessons to Pier 62

Pier 62 will be bumping on Saturday during the Encanto Music Festival. In addition to highlighting music from Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean, there will also be salsa lessons and other dance performances, a talent show, plus plenty of food and non-food vendors to shop from. The festival is free to attend, but a $10 donation will get you a reserved seat in the seating area. The Encanto Music Festival is Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Pier 62.

Robot sumo on Capitol Hill, stone sculptures at Kubota Garden

Go hands-on and learn about the world of robotics during Robothon. Not only will you learn a lot about the machines, but there are a variety of competitions, like mazes, building, and mini robot sumo, that you can watch. The Seattle Robotics Society is hosting the event, and the action will be taking place at the Quality Flea Center on Capitol Hill on Saturday.

Enjoy the weather and take a walk through the Kubota Garden this weekend, and while you are there, you can find a new piece for your home or garden, as there will be stone statues for sale during the Stone Sculpture Exhibit. If you aren’t able to take a piece home, the artists will be on hand to answer questions, and you can learn more about the Northwest Stone Sculptors Association. The exhibit is Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kubota Garden.

Freeway Park turns 50, Battle of the Bands rocks Lake Forest Park

This weekend, Freeway Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a party, and you are invited. There will be a variety of activities including public art, live music, free food and drinks, and plenty of opportunities to learn about the park’s legacy and the upcoming events and exhibitions. The celebration is Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Freeway Park.

Support local musicians by heading to Pfingst Animal Acres Park in Lake Forest Park for the 6th Annual Shorelake Arts Battle of the Bands. This is a showcase of emerging and developing bands from across the state, featuring a wide variety of musical styles and genres. You’ll be sure to find something to jam out to. There will also be local food vendors plus a beer and wine garden for those 21 and up. The Shorelake Arts Battle of the Bands is free to attend and takes place Saturday starting at 5.

Mariners host Cubs in big three-game weekend series

Every game counts for the Mariners, and they will be hosting the Chicago Cubs this weekend for a big three-game series. As always, make sure to check out the promotions schedule to see if you need another reason to head to the ballpark.

As the summer winds down, what’s left on your 2026 summer bucket list? Let me know at paulh@kiroradio.com.