With Capitol Hill movie theaters looking like increasingly endangered beasts, an alternative film festival returns to the area and across the city this weekend. The annual Couch Fest is part of a worldwide celebration of film and “awkwardly awesome,” organizers say.

“It takes a little getting used to, walking into a stranger’s home and sitting on their couch but once you relax a little and start talking to other attendees, you are going to have a great time and meet some really cool people,” Ryan Davis told CHS.

For $10, you can select from more than 40 international films on couches across the city Saturday — including three in the triangle between Madison and Union. There’s also a special brunch kick-off event that morning.

In its sixth year, the festival is an opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy excellent film. “There is always this talk of a ‘Seattle freeze’ where strangers don’t talk to each other. Couch Fest breaks through the ice of Seattle,” said festival host’s Erin Knobler. You can learn more at couchfestfilms.com/seattle.

Meanwhile, the weekend also brings the 2014 edition of the Holiday Hotspot complete with ‘Alternative’ Santas, SASG pop-up tree lot and Cal Anderson lights.

More Capitol Hill weekend fun, below. Something to add? Let us know on the CHS Calendar.

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