By Kirsten Smith | Courtesy Photos

With warm days lingering throughout the month of September, now is the perfect time to stroll along the Bellevue Art Walk or explore the outdoor Japanese Festival – all while staying on a budget.

Bellwether 2010: Art Walk Bellevue 

Enjoy art pieces from all around the world for free right here in Bellevue. Bellwether 2010: Art Walk Bellevue (pictured above) features art installations from Bellevue City Hall to Meydenbauer Bay, including Bellevue Downtown Park and the Bellevue Galleria. Audio descriptions of each piece are available by dialing the number on each installation. The installations will be in place through October 17. Visit www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/bellwether2010.htm for more information.

Free First Fridays

Bellevue Arts Musuem offers free admission the first Friday of every month, 11am -8pm. On Friday, September 3, you can enjoy many exhibitions including The Art of Discovery, featuring artists from the Pacific Northwest. The museum is located at 510 Bellevue Way NE, www.bellevuearts.org, 425.519.0770.

Kidsquest Children’s Musuem in Factoria welcomes the entire family to come explore, play and learn on Friday, September 3,  from 5 p.m., to 8 p.m. The free event is open to the public of all ages. Kidsquest is located at 4091 Factoria Mall SE, www.kidsquestmuseum.org, 425.637.8100.

Japanese Festival

Join the two-day celebration of the Aki Matsuri 13th Annual Japanese Cultural Arts Event on September 11 and 12.  This year’s event will feature two kimono specialists from Tokyo and a full-scale Omikoshi from Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America. Bellevue College Main Campus, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, www.enma.org.  

Art Classes 

Quiltworks NW and Beads and Beyond offer a number of free, casual classes once a month. Registration cost varies depending on the course, but prices start as low as $10. Visit the website for a complete listing. Quiltworks is located at 121A 107th Avenue NE, www.quiltworksnw.com, 425.453.6005.

Bellevue Art and Frame showcases artists and provides workshops, classes and educational presentations for kids, teens and adults. Every Saturday from 2 p.m., to 4 p.m., the shop features Demo Days, a free event to watch and learn from the experts. Bellevue Art and Frame is located at13131 NE 20th ST., www.bellevueartandframe.com, 425.453.8959 .

Free Art Tip

Bellevue schools’ libraries and common areas often feature the work of local students. Check the Bellevue School District website to see galleries of student art and then visit the schools to see pieces up close. Learn more at http://curriculum.bsd405.org.

Next month: Tell us your favorite ways to “Eat on the Cheap” on the Eastside. Share your fun and creative ideas by e-mailing the editor of The Scene at llarin@thebellevuescene.com.