There will be free activities around town this week for youth ages 13 to 19 as part of Seattle Parks and Recreation’s celebration of the Week Without Violence, an annual event that gives kids a forum to express their feelings about violence in their communities in a fun and safe environment.

“Week Without Violence takes on a new importance and gravity this year,” said Parks Superintendent Tim Gallagher in a press release this week. “We’ve started work in partnership with other agencies to implement Mayor Nickels’ Youth Violence Prevention Initiative,” and it’s critical that we get the word out to our youth about what they can learn during this week.”

The program, which will run from Saturday, October 17 to Friday, October 23, kicks off tonight with a special event from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Southwest Community Center, located at 2801 SW Thistle St. There will be a 5-5 basketball tournament, a breakdance competition, video tournaments, a resource fair, music and free food. (The first 400 participants get a free t-shirt).

On Thursday, October 22 the celebration comes to Queen Anne, with a ping pong tournament at the Queen Anne Community Center, located at 1901 First Ave. W at 5 p.m. Call (206) 386-4240 for more information. On Friday, October 23 there will be a $2 teen swim (School ID required) from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Ballard Pool, located at 1471 NW 67th St. Call (206) 684-4094 for more information.

This year the event will emphasize the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, through which the City and partners will seek 800 youth at highest risk of either perpetuating violence or becoming victims of it. By identifying youth who are vulnerable to violence, the initiative will work to help them stay in school, prevent the perpetuation of the cycle of violence and help youth who have spent time in state detention programs re-enter society.

For a full list of the week’s activities, read below.

Friday, October 16

Ladies’ Night Out: 7 p.m.-Midnight at the South Park Community Center (8319 Eighth Ave. S). Info: 206-684-7451

Hoop Without Violence (Kickoff Event): Free 5-on-5 team basketball competition – call ahead to sign up. 8 p.m.-Midnight at the Southwest Community Center (2801 SW Thistle St.). Info:  206-684-7438

Break from Violence B-Boy Battle (Kick-Off Event): A breakdance competition, come watch or participate! 6-11 p.m. at the Southwest Community Center (2801 SW Thistle St.). Info: 206-684-7438

Saturday, October 17

Self-Defense Class: Learn martial arts for the purpose of self-defense. Meet at the ID/CCC; we’ll provide transportation to the Garfield Teen Life Center. 7-9 p.m. at the International District Chinatown Community Center (719 8th Ave. S). Info: 206-233-0042

Mural Painting Workshop: Participate in a mural painting workshop with local artists.  Free pizza! 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center (6535 Ravenna Ave. NE). Info: 206-684-7534

Monday, October 19

Peace Mural: Stamp out the violence by using your creativity and artistic talents. 3-6 p.m. at the Jefferson Community Center (3801 Beacon Ave. S). Info: 206-684-7481

Hip Hop Hoop: Fusion of hip hop and basketball; food and give-aways! 3-6 p.m. at the Rainier Beach Community Center (8825 Rainier Ave. S). Info: 206-386-1925

Discussion on Non-Violent Dating: 5-7 p.m. at the Van Asselt Community Center (2820 S Myrtle St.). Info: 206-386-1921

Tuesday, October 20

Breaking the Cycle Art Project & Video: Enjoy refreshments while contributing to a mural titled “Breaking the Cycle,” which will be displayed in the community center’s teen room. 4-6 p.m. at the Northgate Community Center (10510 5th Ave. NE). Info: 206-386-4283

Free Teen Swim: 7-8 p.m. at the Green Lake Community Center and (Evans) Pool (7201 E Green Lake Dr. N). Info:  206-684-0780

Police vs. Community Center Dodgeball Game: Join teens at the ID/CCC and challenge the Seattle Police Department to a friendly game of dodgeball! 4:30-5 p.m. at the International District Chinatown Community Center (719 8th Ave. S). Info: 206-233-0042

Indoor Soccer Tournament: Soccer and pizza!  Please call ahead to register! 5-8 p.m. at the High Point Community Center (6920 34th Ave. SW). Info: 206-684-7422

Wednesday, October 21

“Lost Ones” Candle Light Memorial: Bring a candle and photo of a loved one. Local teens will talk about how their lives have changed since they’ve lost a loved one to violence. Van leaves at 6 p.m. from the Garfield Teen Life Center (428 23rd Ave.). Info: 206-684-4550

Non-Violence Movie with Discussion: 6-8 p.m. at the Van Asselt Community Center (2820 S Myrtle St.). Info: 206-386-1921

Thursday, October 22

Pumpkin Carve: Free pumpkin carving, hot apple cider, and pumpkin pie! 5 p.m. at the Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California Ave. SW). Info: 206-684-7441

Ping Pong Tournament: 5 p.m. start at the Queen Anne Community Center (1901 First Ave. W) Info: 206-386-4240

Art Pictures on Non-Violence: 5-7 p.m. at the Van Asselt Community Center (2820 S Myrtle St.) Info: 206-386-1921

Friday, October 23

$2 Teen Swim: School I.D. Required. 7-8 p.m. at the Ballard Pool (1471 NW 67th St.). Info: 206-684-4094

Skate Without Hate: Free skating, live D.J., hot dogs, punch, and ice cream! 9 p.m.-Midnight at the Bitter Lake Community Center ANNEX – 13040 Greenwood Ave. N (at Broadview Thomson Elementary). Info: 206-684-7524

Family Harvest Festival: Hot apple cider, snacks, and chalk art competition. Bring a non-perishable food item and receive a free pumpkin to paint!  Free fingerprinting will be available. 4-6 p.m. at the International District Chinatown Community Center – 700 S Lane St, (International Children’s Park). Info: 206-233-0042

Karaoke & Open Mic Jam: Free food, music, games, and entertainment in the auditorium! 9-11 p.m. at the Magnuson Community Center (7110 62nd Ave. NE). Info: 206-684-7026

Pledge to Non-Violence Dinner: A home-cooked meal and glow in the dark tournament! 8 p.m. start at the Meadowbrook Teen Life Center – 10517 35th Ave. NE (at Nathan Hale High School). Info: 206-684-7523