* Let’s go fly a kite: Seattle’s Steampunks are stepping out on Saturday, August 16th at Gasworks Park for a day of fun in the sun. There will be kite flying, bocce ball, and other pleasant pastimes. Pack a picnic basket, put up your parasol, and make a day of it!

* For a different definition of outdoor fun, this weekend, head down to Myrtle Edwards Park for Seattle’s annual Hempfest. This year’s theme is Industrial Hemp. The event runs 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday and Sunday.

* Happy Birthday to the Market: Sunday, August 17th is Pike Place Market’s 101st Birthday celebration. There will be music all afternoon in Steinbrueck Park, and at 1:30 PM a ceremony on the north end of the market will include Mayor Nickels and cake! I can’t vouch for the quality of the cake, but what could be bad about free pastry? The market schedule also promises three (instead of the usual two) Sunday chef demonstrations for the birthday bash, and Japanese Gourmet Restaurant (82 Stewart Street) is hosting a sushi demo and sampling.

* We be jammin’: Pack your lunch box and put on your dancing shoes; the 29th Annual Downtown Seattle Out-To-Lunch Summer Concert Series is in full swing and the weather promises to cooperate. Check the OTL website for locations and bands, including Seattle’s own beat-boxing American Idol contestant, Blake Lewis, on Tuesday, August 19th in Westlake Plaza.

* You make me feel like dancing: Thursday Dancing til Dusk at Freeway Park and Tuesday Dancing for Joy at Westlake Park continue until August 28th. Swing, waltz, zydeco… learn new steps or practice familiar favorites every Tuesday and Thursday until sunset. What could be more romantic than the Cupid Shuffle?

Do you know of other free (or real darn cheap) activities in Seattle? Drop us a comment!