Arts and Culture in Seattle — March 2025

SAVOR | Taste Washington

Dive into a week-long celebration of Washington’s finest wines and bites at this massive event, proudly hailed as “the nation’s largest single-region wine and food festival.” The grand tasting brings together over 200 Washington wineries, 75 top West Coast restaurants, and a stellar lineup of both local and national chefs. Signature events range from an elegant wine night and a multi-course dinner series to a lively seafood party, Sunday brunch, casual tastings, and educational seminars. This year’s star-studded lineup features culinary talents from Bad Chancla, Paju, That Brown Girl Cooks!, Taurus Ox, Spinasse, Matia, Kamonegi, and many more. 

March 13 – 17 | Various times @ Various locations
Learn More / Get Tickets

REFLECT | Karen Finley: COVID Vortex Anxiety Opera Kitty Kaleidoscope Disco

With a fittingly absurd title, performance artist, poet, musician, and educator Karen Finley’s COVID Vortex Anxiety Opera Kitty Kaleidoscope Disco is a striking poetic suite that encapsulates the surreal experience of life during the pandemic. Through a whirlwind of Zoom dance parties, obsessive handwashing, bizarre rituals, coping mechanisms, grief, social upheaval, and political reckoning, Finley crafts a vivid portrait of collective anxiety and resilience. Originally performed live in New York theaters, the piece earned praise from the Village Voice, drawing comparisons to Beat icons like Allen Ginsberg and Gregory Corso, and was named a New York Times Critic’s Pick. At its core, Finley’s work highlights the power of art, language, compassion, and humor as essential tools for survival—a poignant reminder of our shared humanity as we move forward into an uncertain future. 

March 24th | 7 pm @ Elliott Bay Book Company
Learn More

WITNESS | Keyes and the NoGoodDoers: Once Upon a Time in a Place Called NOWhere

Performance designer and seasoned local arts educator Keyes Wiley, alongside their ensemble, The NoGoodDoers, will debut their latest creation, Once Upon A Time in a Place Called NOWhere, at the Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation. Developed during their Made in Seattle residency, this "mundane surrealist game night" is set in a world where the stakes are so extreme that losing could spell the end. "This work acts as a public intervention in a reality parallel to our own," Wiley shares.

March 27th – April 5th | 7:30 pm @ 12th Avenue Arts
Learn More / Get Tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — February 2025

CREATE | Black Art Takeover

Celebrating Black History Month is more important than ever. Join the NWAAM for a vibrant gathering showcasing local Black artists, makers, and creatives. Shop their pop-up market full of local creators, listen to exclusive artist panels, win special prizes at their raffle, view short films by Scope Screening, create art at their all ages studio, and enjoy bites from various food trucks. Plus, attendees can receive guided tours of two new exhibits: Where Do We Go From Here by Myron Curry and Recognition, Love, and Healing by AshaAung Helmstetter. Whether you're looking for one-of-a-kind pieces or just want to soak in the culture, this market is not to be missed!

 February 22nd | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm @ Northwest African American Museum

Learn More Here

LEARN | Hidden Brain: An Evening with Shankar Vedantam

KUOW is thrilled to present Hidden Brain live in Seattle! For the past decade, Hidden Brain has explored the unseen forces shaping our decisions, relationships, and emotions, helping millions gain new perspectives on their lives. Now, host and creator Shankar Vedantam takes the stage to share seven of the most powerful insights from the show’s first ten years. Whether you're a longtime listener or just discovering Hidden Brain, this evening of science, storytelling, and thought-provoking conversation will leave you seeing yourself—and the world—differently. Don’t miss the chance to engage with Shankar and fellow fans in this unforgettable live experience!

February 22nd | 8:00 pm @ Moore Theatre

Learn More Here

CONNECT | SIFF ‘n’ Stitch

Attention all crafty movie lovers! SIFF and Stitch Cafe invite you to join their ongoing series of crafting at the movies. With the lights on, you can socialize and craft while enjoying classic films. Bring along your small knitting, crocheting, stitching, weaving, or doodling projects—just leave behind anything that requires paint, glitter, glue, sequins, feathers, beads, or tools that need power.

The next edition of SIFF ‘n’ Stitch features John Water’s Hairspray—it’s the perfect blend of creativity and cinema!

 March 16th | 12:00 pm @ SIFF Uptown

Learn More / Tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — January 2025

CELEBRATE | 2025 Lunar New Year Fair

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Wing Luke Museum’s lively Lunar New Year Fair! Kick things off with energetic lion dance performances by the Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon and Lion Dance Association, alongside special remarks from local speakers right outside the museum’s doors. Once inside, enjoy a variety of timed activities including calligraphy workshops, a zodiac-themed scavenger hunt, story time, community booths, and hands-on arts and crafts. Be sure to check out the KidPLACE Gallery’s newest exhibit, New Year’s All Year Round: Food, Family, and Fun, to explore the rich traditions and celebrations that make Lunar New Year special.

January 18th | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm @ Wing Luke Museum

Learn More Here

HONOR | King Day 2025: Forward Together

The Northwest African American Museum invites the community to its annual MLK Day celebration, featuring powerful speeches from local leaders, an inspiring lineup of motivational speakers, and a vibrant community organization expo. Families can enjoy hands-on arts and crafts activities, while visitors explore offerings from local vendors. This year’s program centers on a pivotal question posed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Where do we go from here?” Plus, attendees will get an exclusive first look at two upcoming exhibitions that will soon be revealed.

January 20th | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm @ Northwest African American Museum

Learn More Here

GO | Psychedelic Salon with April Pride

SetSet's Psychedelic Salon started at the Cloud Room in May 2023 and in February this homegrown event will begin a monthly residency at Town Hall Seattle  - the first Monday of each month.  

On February 3rd its inaugural session in this new venue "Psychedelics & Creativity" are up for discussion. The evenings featured guests are Seattle-based photographer Rachel Demy (Death Cab for Cutie book here) and Tim Keck, the journalist behind The Stranger and The Onion. 

February 3rd | 7:30pm @ Town Hall Seattle

Learn More / Tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — December 2024

SEE | Next Fest NW: Total Chaos

Shining a light on rising choreographers in Seattle, Velocity’s Next Fest NW returns to push the boundaries of contemporary movement art. This year’s experimental festival embraces the theme of "TOTAL CHAOS," inviting bold creators to dive into the realm of cacophony with a lineup of daring new works. If you thrive on creative messiness, you’ll be especially thrilled to see Hannah Krafcik and Emily Jones featured—their innovative performance at the 2021 Time-Based Arts Festival was unforgettable!

 December 12th – 14th | Various times @ 12th Ave Arts

Get Tickets Here

SHOP | Black Artists Market

Celebrate the season at a holiday craft market showcasing a vibrant collection of treasures from Black artists, artisans, and Black-owned small businesses. Curated in partnership with Intentionalist, ARTE NOIR, and Wa Na Wari, this market features handmade gifts, unique decorations, and delicious treats.

Turn your visit into a festive outing! The Seattle Center campus is brimming with holiday activities, including The Nutcracker at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Blithe Spirit and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Sweater at Seattle Rep, The Snow Queen at Seattle Children’s Theatre, and the lively Seattle Christmas Market.

December 14th - 15th | 12:00 - 7:00 pm @ The Opera Center

Learn More Here

CELEBRATE | Wildrose 40th Anniversary Party

Forty years ago in December 1984, the Wildrose opened its doors, and it remains a cherished cornerstone of the community today. Through triumphs and trials, this iconic lesbian bar has endured as a welcoming home for generations of patrons, staff, and supporters. It’s the people who have danced, laughed, shared stories, and rallied to preserve this space that have kept the Wildrose alive. In an era when so many queer spaces have disappeared, the gratitude for its lasting presence runs deep.

 This month, the Wildrose is celebrating its incredible journey by honoring each decade leading up to a grand celebration on December 30th. This week is all about the 90’s! Follow along or stop by to join the festivities and be part of this historic milestone.

December 30th @ Wildrose

Stay Tuned Here

Arts and Culture in Seattle — November 2024

CONNECT | Frye Nouveau After Hours

Frye Nouveau invites Seattle’s adventurous art lovers, emerging professionals, and creatives ages 21+ to connect with like-minded spirits after hours. This event celebrates the bold, contemporary voices that shape Seattle’s dynamic art scene. Whether you’re coming with friends, bringing a date, or hoping to make new connections, Frye Nouveau offers a lively, artistic space to explore and mingle. The evening’s special guests include Museum Store alcove artist, Nikita Ares, and our favorite Seattle-born DJ, Wax Witch. Attendees can also register for a hands-on marbling workshop to create a one-of-a-kind silk handkerchief.

December 5th | 6:00 – 9:00 pm @ Frye Art Museum

Free Registration Here

SUPPORT | BumberWorks Presents: Y2K Mix

Support the 2024 cohort of the Bumbershoot Workforce Development Program by attending BumberWorks: Y2K Mix featuring DJ Mandy and Dirt Flower with Isaiah Banks! This pre-show reception and concert has been entirely created and produced by the 2024 Bumbershoot Workforce Development cohort and all proceeds go to supporting the program.

Guests will experience a night of music, dance, and Y2K nostalgia with a chance to win Bumbershoot 2025 tickets and other great silent auction items! Snag a VIP Supporter ticket to receive a private pre-show experience at Hotel Crocodile with hosted cocktails and heavy appetizers. Come learn more and socialize with people who share a passion for music, the arts, and youth empowerment, and see for yourself what their cohort is capable of.

December 5th
Pre-Show Reception | 5:30 pm @ Hotel Crocodile
Concert & Silent Auction | 7:00 pm @ Madame Lou's

More Info / Tickets Here

WITNESS | Juni One Set: Degenerate Art Ensemble with Senga Nengudi and yuniya edi kwon

Boy mother / faceless bloom is an interdisciplinary work by Degenerate Art Ensemble, visual artist Senga Nengudi, and musician/performer yuniya edi kwon. Blending mythology and personal narrative while rooted in queer, anti-colonial, and care-based practices, it combines dance, music, poetry, ritual, and sculpture to tell a story of transformation and new ancestral lines. The artists describe their work as “intensely collaborative, rooted in deep respect and love… through ritual and embodiment, we find paths to healing and growth, inviting others to join. We are telling a story we hope will never end.”

December 12th – 14th | 8:00 pm @ On the Boards

Get Tickets Here

Arts and Culture in Seattle — October 2024

WELCOME | Celine Waldmann to Chophouse Row

Celine Waldmann has is passionate about slow fashion, building a collection using only natural fibers and vintage textiles that is produced as ethically as possible.  After popping up with her wares at 210Seattle’s night market, Renegade Craft and Rock Paper Scissors, she has launched her own eponymous retail shop on the Chophouse Row alley between Butter Home and Sweet Alchemy.  Each piece (sweaters, cardigans, etc) is custom designed by Celine and knit on demand by her partners in Brooklyn; each item reflects her ethos and attitude of “clothing for people who like to read”.  Stop by the shop, find your inner bookworm, and meet her adorable pup, Jimmy.

 Shop Hours: Tues – Sun | 11 am – 6:00 pm @ Chophouse Row

Follow The Brand + Store Here

GO | REVIVAL: Halloween Pop Up Market

Get ready for a ghoulishly good time at the REVIVAL Market: the thrilling Halloween vendor market that promises tricks, treats, and plenty of shopping! This spooktacular event is a must-visit for ghostly friends and families looking for an evening filled with eerie excitement and unique treasures. Explore spooky vendor stalls with a curated selection of unique goods and services from BIPOC and AAPI-owned businesses, including artisanal crafts, fashion, beauty products, home décor, and much more. Enjoy spooky sweets, savory bites, and seasonal drinks from local food artisans and vendors. Join in on interactive activities like an appearance by the Double Dutch Divas, comedy magic with the legendary Ruben Barron, children’s games with Seattle Central College, and spooky sounds from DJ Bri. There’s plenty of fun to be had for all ages, so bring your family, friends, and All Hollows’ Eve spirit to the REVIVAL Market for a wickedly delightful Halloween experience. Stop in for a spell to celebrate, support local vendors, and create spine-tingling memories!

October 31st | 4:00 – 8:00 pm @ Capitol Hill Station Plaza

Learn More Here

CELEBRATE | Northwest Food and Fiber

Discover the best of local agriculture and craftsmanship at Northwest Food and Fiber! This exciting event brings together a night of creativity, featuring a sustainable fashion show, artisan shopping, and delectable bites curated by Chef Sabrina Tinsley of Chophouse Row’s Osteria La Spiga. Tinsley will be bringing in a stellar lineup of locally sourced dishes from Siembra, Umami Kushi, ChuMinh Tofu, The Pickled Chef, Masakan, Bakescapade, and Theary Cambodian Food.

Indulge in delicious food and drinks while marveling at the innovation of our region's top designers, all dedicated to sustainability. Witness a creative showcase of works from MEKA, Prairie Underground, New Affection, EILEEN FISHER Renew, Refugee Artisan Initiative, and Upcycled by Armoire. Join in celebrating and supporting the vibrant community of local textile and food artisans that make our region special.

 October 12th | 6:00 - 9:00 pm @ Prairie Underground

Get Tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — September 2024

WITNESS | Local Sightings Film Festival 2024

Back in 2015, Stranger senior staff writer Charles Mudede posed provocative questions about the city’s rapid transformation and its impact on its identity— "what is this city becoming? What have we lost in the rush and thrust of all these new developments? To whom does this growing city belong?" This year, as Local Sightings Film Festival celebrates its 27th anniversary, it continues to explore these themes through a dynamic mix of features, shorts, and animations created in the region. The festival remains a cornerstone of Seattle’s indie film scene, offering a vibrant platform for local filmmakers, emotional storytellers, and documentarians. With its unique focus on the Pacific Northwest’s creative spirit, Local Sightings transforms the city into a hub for cinematic discovery and conversation.

September 20th – 29th | Various times @ Northwest Film Forum

Learn More / Get Tickets

MEET | Author Talk: Renee Erickson, Sunlight and Breadcrumbs

You likely already know James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Renee Erickson through her celebrated Seattle eateries like The Walrus and the Carpenter, The Whale Wins, and Bateau. Now, following her popular cookbooks A Boat, a Whale & a Walrus: Menus and Stories and Getaway: Food & Drink to Transport You, Erickson introduces her latest work, Sunlight and Breadcrumbs: Making Food with Creativity and Curiosity. Erickson, once an art student, shares how she rekindled her creative passions through painting, photography, ceramics, and, of course, cooking. Join her for a conversation with bestselling author J. Kenji López-Alt, followed by a Q&A and book signing.

September 25th | 7:00 – 8:30 pm @ Fremont Abbey Arts Center

Learn More / Get Tickets

GO | Walk the Block

This year, Wa Na Wari’s annual Central District festival has expanded into a free, two-day event! Themed "Who We Are...Where We Are...How We Are," this fundraiser supports Wa Na Wari’s CACE 21 program and its anti-displacement efforts. Friday kicks off with the Walk the Block Institute, featuring creative workshops and a keynote from Miami-based architect and educator Germane Barnes. On Saturday, the much-loved Walk the Block Art Festival returns, celebrating Black art with an afternoon stroll through the Central District, where you’ll discover fresh installations and performances in local businesses, parks, porches, and shared spaces. Expect an exciting mix of visual art, sculptures, video installations, live music, dance parties, and community storytelling. VIP ticket holders will enjoy special perks, including food from chef Donna Moodie, an aura photo, and a headlining performance by soul singer Aliah Sheffield.

 September 27th – 28th | Various times @ Wa Na Wari

Register for FREE or purchase special VIP tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — August 2024

WITNESS | Velocity Presents: Dance Innovator Series

Dance Innovators is a festival-style performance series showcasing the cutting-edge work of esteemed faculty from the Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation 2024. Each piece will be presented in a low-tech, low-stakes format, aiming to share performative research with SFD+I participants and Seattle's contemporary performance community. This year, enjoy performances from innovators like Physical Education (keyon gaskin, Lu Yim, Allie Hankins, and Takahiro Yamamoto), followed by Degenerate Art Ensemble's Crow Nishimura and Shannon Stewart, and Makisig Akin and Anya Cloud.

 August 8th – 10th | 8:00 pm @ 12th Ave Arts

Get Tickets

SHOP | CUNIFORM Presents: A Midsummer Night’s Dries

Our friends at CUNIFORM are bringing you an epic, three-day shopping event hosted on the penthouse floor and rooftop of the historic Hotel Sorrento. Tickets are still available for the Saturday edition of their event where attendees can shop exclusive designer vintage, home goods, new arrivals from their favorite retailers, local vendors, and more. Plus, enjoy complimentary bubbles and hors d’oeuvres while you browse.

August 16th – 18th | 12:00 – 5:00 pm @ Hotel Sorrento

Learn More / Tickets

ENJOY | Where Them Girls @? BBQ Pop Up

If you haven’t experienced the fun atmosphere and amazing food at Communion yet, this special event would be the perfect time. For the first edition of Communion’s pop-up series, Where Them Girls At, Communion’s chef Kristi Brown will be collaborating on a menu with chef Michelle Wallace—a Bravo Top Chef fan-favorite, restaurant owner, James Beard recipient, and pitmaster. In addition to enjoying some incredible food, attendees can view a live art installation and showcase presented by event partners Arte Noir.

 August 25th @ Communion

Get Tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — July 2024

GO | BUMBERSHOOT

If you’re going to a festival this summer, make it Bumbershoot! A celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s unique culture, Bumbershoot is a full-spectrum arts and music experience—from punk to performance art, ballet to wrestling, pole dancing to roller skating, food to fashion, and all manner of ingenuity in between. Celebrating creators and innovators of all kinds, Bumbershoot breaks stereotypes, champions a more inclusive art community, and bets on the dreamers, makers, and performers who call the Pacific Northwest home. It is Seattle’s moss-covered Mardi Gras, daring everyone to join in the spectacle.

In addition to a killer music lineup chockful of artists that appeal to every generation, Bumbershoot has an incredibly expansive visual arts lineup and culinary arts lineup to make each day an exciting, brand new experience. Explore the festival’s various Districts, like the Century 21 District featuring large-scale sculptures and an immersive “Songs for Space” partnership with NASA or the Animation District where you can watch and weigh in on a Bigfoot Deepfake Competition. Head to the Recess District to witness a skateboard contest on a newly commissioned half pipe and Bumbermania: a WWE-style smackdown or the Fashion District to zhuzh up your closet with something vintage or avant garde. There will be a Cat Circus! And a Wig Farm! And a Comedy Dome! And a Kissing Booth! And art exhibitions! And so much more!

Good news: You can experience all this revelry for just $85 for a single day pass or $150 for a full weekend pass (and kids under 10 get in free). Get your tickets today! We’ll see you at Bumbershoot 2024.

August 31st – September 1st | Various times @ Seattle Center

Get Tickets

EXPERIENCE | SEATTLE ART FAIR

Returning to Lumen Field for its eighth year, the Seattle Art Fair offers residents the chance to experience cutting-edge contemporary artwork from around the globe without leaving the city. The event also features significant involvement from local institutions and artists, creating a weekend filled with exceptional art-viewing opportunities. This year's fair promises to be just as dynamic as last year’s, delivering four days of artsy excitement reminiscent of its pre-pandemic days. Highlights include the second iteration of the New Artists / New Collectors initiative, a fresh collaboration with the Corning Museum of Glass, and stunning installations by Ralph Ziman, Ruy Campos, and Michael Rakowitz. Prominent regional galleries such as Traver Gallery, Greg Kucera Gallery, AMcE Creative Arts, Foster/White Gallery, studio e, PDX CONTEMPORARY ART, and Russo Lee Gallery will participate, along with international exhibitors like Tokyo's A Lighthouse called Kanata and Paris's Sobering Galerie, among many other national and global art galleries.

July 25th – 28th | Various times @ Lumen Field Event Center

Get tickets

JOIN | SUMMIT TO SOUND 2024

Are you a bike enthusiast? Join our friends at Peace Peloton for a fun and scenic bike ride form the Snoqualmie Summit to the majestic views of Puget Sound! Touted as “the dopest party on two wheels”, Summit to Sound takes care of all the logistics from shuttle service to various groups based on comfortability with various speeds. Registered cyclists can also expect fueling stations along the route and end-of-the-ride meals and drinks.

August 10th | 6:00 am – 10:00 pm @ Hyak Sno-Park

Register Here

Arts and Culture in Seattle — June 2024

SUPPORT | REVIVAL JUNETEENTH POP UP MARKET

The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and Arte Noir are hosting REVIVAL, a Juneteenth pop-up market with music from KEXP’s DJ Riz, food vendors, community organizations, and tons of goods from Black businesses. Check out an abundance of vendors like JAMIL, a vintage clothing vendor "for the renaissance woman"; R. Burnett, whose gorgeous (and affordable) craft-made wooden watches have been featured in British GQ and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art; and Black Origin Plants, who can help bring some new greenery into your home.

June 16th | 12:00 - 5:00 pm @ Midtown Square

Learn more here

CELEBRATE: INDIGIQUEER FESTIVAL

Celebrate Pride weekend with our Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer community through drag, music, dance, and more! Join Friends of Waterfront Park for an evening of Indigiqueer joy featuring drum circles, art activities, and food and art vendors surrounded by the Salish Sea. The Indigiqueer Festival demonstrates the beauty and power of Indigiqueer/Two-Spirit people, who’ve existed on this land since time immemorial. This free, all-ages event provides a chance for us to gather and celebrate our community.

June 29th | 3:00 – 8:30 pm @ Pier 62

Learn more here

Photo from Indigiqueer Festival 2023 by Jo Cosme

TOAST | WILDROSE PRIDE 2024

This is your reminder that only 37 lesbian bars remain in the United States, making it truly special to celebrate pride at the Wildrose, one of the West Coast's oldest establishments for queer women. This year's three-day lineup, hosted by "Chaos Queen" Frizzancis and singer Adra Boo, features DJs SailorHank, Summersoft, Chelsea Starr, Mixxtress, Mixx America, and Ricki Leigh, along with local rockers Thunderpussy. Enjoy a karaoke competition, performances by burlesque troupe Gritty City Sirens, dark wave band Dark Chisme, and the yacht rock extravaganza Ship Show—there's something for everyone!

 June 28th – 30th | Various times @ Wildrose

Get tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — May 2024

EXPERIENCE | Thunderpussy with the Seattle Symphony

Experience an electrifying evening of rock 'n' roll as Seattle-born band (and good friends!) Thunderpussy takes center stage for their momentous 10th anniversary celebration and the release of their second studio album. A powerful challenger of the status quo, Thunderpussy joins forces with the Seattle Symphony for a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. The celebration will extend into the lobby throughout the evening with a merch pop-up store including a Symphony-exclusive gold vinyl version of West, a photo gallery on display and for purchase documenting ten years of Thunderpussy, an extraordinary group of dancers and beats by DJ SID3S.

May 10th | 9:00 pm @ Benaroya Hall

Get Tickets

FLOAT | Love For All Boat

Join Visit Seattle and GSBA on they celebrate the 50th anniversary of Seattle Pride with a night of food, drinks, dancing, a special vow renewal ceremony, and so much more aboard an Argosy Cruises ship. The boat sets sail at 6:30 p.m. from the beautiful waterfront in downtown Seattle. All ticket proceeds go to the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund, which supports LGBTQIA+ and allied students.

May 30th | 6:30 pm @ Seattle Waterfront

Get tickets

SHOP | On the Block

On the Block is back and bigger than ever this summer! Now spanning two blocks, this free creative marketplace series will feature a bunch of local vendors and small businesses selling handmade goods, vintage, street fashion, and more. While you explore the market, enjoy the sounds of various artists, performers, musicians, and DJs. With Chophouse Row now located centrally amongst the festivities, swing by to grab a drink and a bite from our various tenants!

 June 8th | 1:00 – 7:00 pm @ 11th Ave between E Pine & E Union

More info

Arts and Culture in Seattle — April 2024

TRANSPORT | Mystic Motel

The Mystic Motel has vacancies and is ready for you to check in! Our neighbors at Burgess/Hall have packed up their Christmas Bar pop up at The Woods and traded it in for “a transportive space that takes guests out of the clouds and rain of Seattle and into a Wes Anderson-es​que 1970s ‘theme park’ of a dusty desert roadside motel”. This themed pop-up bar promises desert-themed cocktails and warm, alluring interior design featuring faux cacti, campfires, and critters that call the sand home. If you’re aching for the summer sun or a relaxing trip to Palm Springs, stop by and stay awhile at the Mystic Motel.

Open Wednesdays – Sundays | 5 pm – Late @ The Woods

More info

WITNESS | dani tirrell and The Congregation: Leviticus or Love

dani tirrell, Seattle’s 2019 Mayor Arts Award recipient, is a Black, Trans Spectrum, Queer choreographer, dancer, and movement guide. dani's performance of Leviticus or Love and to Walk Amongst Humans: A Dance in Two Parts (Book I: Leviticus) is a movement meditation of sin, love, loss, and a world in which Black Queer bodies are uplifted. This multi-part dance work is set to traditional and contemporary gospel music that will be inspired and reimagined by Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace gospel album and documentary.

 April 20th & 21st | Various times @ The Moore Theatre

Get tickets

HEAR | Gabrielle Zevin

Although in-person tickets have sold out, it’s worth it to purchase a virtual ticket to see Gabrielle Zevin’s conversation with best-selling author Ruchika Tulshyan. Spanning three decades and traversing the landscapes from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Venice Beach, California, and beyond, Zevin's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow delves deep into the intricate tapestry of identity, disability, resilience in the face of failure, and the profound power of redemption. Praised as a literary masterpiece by Ron Charles of the Washington Post, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow has captivated readers and critics alike, earning accolades as one of the standout works of the year. Recognized by esteemed publications such as the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, TIME, GoodReads, and Oprah Daily, Zevin's novel has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying its place as a must-read for those seeking profound insights into the human experience.

April 25th | 7:30 @ Town Hall

More info / Get tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — March 2024

ATTEND | Pete Jolly ‘Seasons’ Listening Party

Embark on a musical journey with Maiden Voyage and Light in the Attic Records as they present a special evening dedicated to celebrating LITA’s latest release: Pete Jolly’s Seasons. Immerse yourself in the organic, electric, and freeform soundscape of Pete Jolly’s masterwork. Composed live, Seasons offers a melodic tapestry that resonates with true connoisseurs of music. Join them for an intimate gathering featuring a critical examination of the album, followed by a captivating Q&A session with esteemed music writer Dave Segal.

 April 6th | 7:00 – 10:00 pm @ Light in the Attic Record Shop at KEXP

Learn More / Get Tickets

SUPPORT | Healing Verses: A National Poetry Month Celebration

We’re excited to host our friends at Pongo Poetry Project for Healing Verses: A National Poetry Month celebration. Pongo exists to support the mental well-being of systems-impacted young people coping with childhood trauma through their healing poetry writing program. Healing Verses is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Pongo’s therapeutic poetry programming, and how you can join them in supporting youth mental health through creative expression. Join us for feature readings and discussion with an amazing lineup of local poets including former WA Poet Laureate Rena Priest, Seattle Youth Poet Laureate Mateo Acuña, and Cave Canem fellow Quenton Baker.

April 10th | 5:30 – 8:00 pm @ The Cloud Room

Get Tickets

SEE | PCNW: Alterations

Step into the world of Alterations, an exhibition showcasing the creative endeavors of six dynamic artists hailing from the PNW. Through the lens of photography and collage, these visionaries dissect the intricate relationship between imagery and perception in our visually saturated society. Delve into a diverse array of themes as these artists confront and redefine conventional norms. From dismantling stereotypes of femininity to confronting our ecological impact and resisting political conservatism, their collages serve as powerful tools for reshaping and interrogating reality.

March 28th – June 2nd | Various times @ Photographic Center Northwest

More info / Get tickets

Image: Laura Hart Newlon, Looking at Modern Art

Arts and Culture in Seattle — February 2024

SEE | A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham

Under the visionary leadership of renowned Choreographer and Artistic Director Kyle Abraham, A.I.M's artistic endeavors are invigorated by the rich tapestry of Black culture and history. Rooted in a fusion of diverse viewpoints, the contemporary dance company's work reflects an innovative blend of perspectives, propelled by Abraham's forward-thinking vision. Hailed by the New York Times as “one of the most consistently excellent troupes working today”, this performance backed by On the Boards is not to be missed.

 February 21st | 7:30 pm @ Moore Theatre

Get tickets

WITNESS | Colleen RJC Bratton: Edgeless Burial

Paying homage to Ana Mendieta’s Siluetas, in which she imprinted or traced her own body on various terrains, Colleen RJC Bratton’s ephemeral drawings find their roots in the landscapes that birthed them: the Puget Sound, the snowy Cascades, the burn scar near Bolt Creek, and a small farmstead. Bratton reckons with impermanence, transformation, and the climate crisis in her multimedia time-lapses and "biomorphic" installation, which also reference Washington's landmark decision to legalize human composting.

Now - February 29th @ Gallery 4Culture

Learn more here

ATTEND | Black History Month Keynote with Dr. Doretha Williams

Every year, the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) proudly welcomes a distinguished Smithsonian scholar for Black History Month. Don’t miss 2024’s guest: Dr. Doretha Williams and her esteemed family history team, who’ll delve into the fascinating realm of Black ancestry and genealogy. NAAM has captivating exhibits focusing on African American art, history, and culture in the PNW year-round; check out current exhibitions Positive Frequencies and Oregon Black Pioneers.

 February 15th | 6 – 8 pm @ Northwest African American Museum

More info

Arts and Culture in Seattle — January 2024

CELEBRATE | MLK Day

Seattle MLK JR Coalition: MLK Jr.’s Dream
Join the 41st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration hosted by the Seattle MLK Jr Coalition. This region-wide event encompasses engaging workshops, an empowering rally, and an impactful march. This year's theme, "MLK Jr.'s Dream Unfinished," commemorates the progress made while recognizing the ongoing challenges of the journey towards achieving racial justice and equality. Be part of this meaningful event as we reflect on the past, acknowledge the present, and strive together for a future of unity and justice.

January 15th | 9:15 am - 2:00 pm @ Garfield High School
More info

Northwest African American Museum: King Day 2024
Celebrate the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with NAAM at their annual King Day event, dedicated to honoring his life, legacy, and sacrifices. Attendees can expect a day filled with music, movies, inspiring speakers, and family-friendly activities. As part of this special occasion, NAAM is presenting the debut of their new exhibit, "Interrupting Privilege," hosted by The Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity (CCDE). Immerse yourself in this interactive mixed-media experience, where you'll delve into the history and methodology of Interrupting Privilege. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to engage with recorded dialogues, fostering a collective journey to honor the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

January 15th | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm @ Northwest African American Museum
More info

SEE | Sofya Belinskaya at Gallery 4Culture

Through large-scale watercolor portraits and oral histories, Sofya Belinskaya chronicles the heartfelt experiences of families, many living in Seattle, who were uprooted due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. She centers the question: How do we remember home when we are displaced? The process of recalling and commemorating markers of identity, tradition, and place for those separated from their homeland reveals a mechanism for coping through preservation. Хліб-сіль: Of Bread and Salt is a reminder of the toll international wars inflict on worldwide communities and an acknowledgement of our resolute perseverance.

Now – January 25th | Various times @ Gallery 4Culture

Learn More

GO | Ijeoma Oluo: Be a Revolution

Ijeoma Oluo’s #1 New York Times bestseller So You Want to Talk About Race (2019) offered a vital guide for how to talk about important issues of race and racism in society. In her new book, Be A Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World — and How You Can, Too, Oluo aims to show how people across America are working to create real positive change in our structures. Looking at many of our most powerful systems—like education, media, labor, health, housing, policing, and more—she highlights what people are doing to create change for intersectional racial equity. Oluo aims to not only educate but to inspire action and change. Join her for a discussion on how to take conversations on race and racism out of a place of pure pain and trauma, and into a place of loving action.

February 9th | 7:30 pm @ Town Hall

Get Tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — December 2023

EXPERIENCE | TEMPLE: A Midwinter Celebration of Light

Step into Temple, an immersive midwinter celebration of light, love, and art, and a benefit for METHOD gallery. Seattle's first movie theater, the Coliseum, will be transformed into a sanctuary for creativity and self-expression in support of continued arts programming for one of their beloved experimental, installation spaces. This unique event will feature a blend of video and art installations, paintings and prints, live DJs, pole performances, and a tattoo booth. Let Temple be your refuge, a sacred space where you can connect with your inner creativity, embrace the beauty that surrounds you, and find solace in the shared experience of human connection as we enter the darkest days of the year.

 December 16th | 8:00 pm – 2:00 am @ 500 Pike St.

Get tickets

SHOP | Black Artists Market

Our friends at Wa Na Wari, ARTE NOIR, and Intentionalist have teamed up to bring you a holiday craft market featuring an array of unique treasures from Black artists, artisans, and Black-owned small businesses. Discover exquisite handmade gifts, one-of-a-kind decorations, and delectable treats, all while supporting local artistry and celebrating community. From plants, to artisanal candles, to jewelry, to skincare, there’s something for everyone on your list! If you’re free on Saturday, make a day of it—the Seattle Center campus will be filled with activities including The Nutcracker, Little Women, A Very Electric Christmas, a Seattle Kraken game, and the Seattle Christmas Market. 

 December 16th | 11:30 am – 7:30 pm @ Opera Center

More info

CELEBRATE | 10 years with Cone & Steiner

Congratulations to our friends, Cone & Steiner, on 10 years of business! Show your appreciation and kick it with them on Saturday to celebrate. Hello Robin (who is also ringing in their 10th year) will be joining in the festivities serving treats throughout the event, alongside hot cider and toasty mulled wine. While you’re there, have fun with face painting, cookie decorating, and snapping selfies with Santa. Your presence not only benefits a neighborhood business, it also benefits the good work of local organizations—Cone & Steiner are encouraging and supporting donations to Plymouth Housing and Alzheimer’s Association. 

December 16th | 12:00 – 3:00 pm @ Cone & Steiner Capitol Hill

More info

Arts and Culture in Seattle — November 2023

LISTEN | Gravity from the Moon: A Night of Native Voices

The return of Hugo Literary Series is back to highlight both emerging and established artists with a shared commitment: to ignite your passion for reading and writing! In the coming year, Lit Series will host readings spotlighting regional writers deeply connected to place and land, and who explore the relationship between community and the environment. Gravity from the Moon is a special collaboration with Snoqualmie Casino celebrating regional Indigenous talent, culture, and spirit featuring Sasha LaPointe, Nikki Suyama, Iz White, and Peter White.

November 16th | 7:00 – 9:00 pm @ Lapis Theater

Get tickets

WITNESS | Anna Luisa Petrisko: All Time Stop Now

Experimental Opera All Time Stop Now is a contemplation on listening, impermanence, and kinship. A chosen family invokes a spell to stop time and in this suspended reality, they grapple with their existence in a time-based world as they search for ways to rest, heal, and feel joy. The stage morphs into a “spacetime playground” where hyper-saturated video, projection mapping, sculpture, dance, and new original music from Anna Luisa Petrisko’s latest release on Practical Records transform the senses.

November 30th – December 2nd | 8:00 pm @ On the Boards

Get tickets

GO | Trust for Public Land and SAL Present: An Evening with the Full Circle Everest Team

Seattle Arts and Lectures and the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land, which promotes equitable access to the outdoors, will present this free evening with the Full Circle Everest Team, the first all-Black team to summit the highest mountain on earth. Full Circle Expeditions executive director Philip Henderson, who has also summited Denali and Mount Kilimanjaro, will join sociologist/mountaineer Demond “Dom” Mullins and Trust for Public Land’s Northwest director, Mitsu Iwasaki, to “amplify a national conversation about inclusion and equity in outdoor recreation”.

November 15th | 7:30 pm @ Town Hall

Get tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — October 2023

Watch | Seattle Queer Film Festival 2023

A proud presence in Seattle's film landscape since 1996, the Seattle Queer Film Festival returns with a dynamic hybrid presentation, aiming to project a diverse spectrum of LGBTQ+ narratives that cater to unique viewing preferences. Along with an 18-day celebration of queer cinema, festivalgoers can expect a slew of exciting parties, engaging live podcast sessions, thought-provoking filmmaker panels, and enriching workshops. Under the banner of this year's festival theme, "Queer Joy is Cinematic," prepare for an overflow of exuberance. Over 80 films spread across 50 captivating programs are set to grace the screens at renowned venues like the Northwest Film Forum, Broadway Performance Hall, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and Ark Lodge Cinema. It's a cinematic odyssey that promises to be nothing short of magical.

 October 12th – 29th | Various times @ Various locations

More info / Get tickets

Go | Short Run Comix & Arts Festival

Seattle has long been an arts, literature, and DIY city, making Short Run the perfect event to experience the coalescence of these mediums. The board behind Short Run makes a point to highlight local emerging PNW artists and established global artists to create a space for discovery, inspiration, and self-published, handmade books, comix, and prints. Attendees can expect to find an impressive gathering of 250 small press comix, zine, and book artist-exhibitors from 26 states and 8 countries.

The excitement kicks off with swag bags for the first 50 people who step through the doors. From 1 – 4 pm, Curator & Manager of Fantagraphics Bookstore Larry Reid will host interviews with artists, including a tribute to the late, great Michael Dougan. For those interested in trying their hand in creating, Paper Press Punch is returning to help you make your own 8-page zine with extras to trade. Bakescapade will also be popping up so you can enjoy coffee and pastries while you browse through vendors and support local artists!

 November 4th | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm @ Fisher Pavilion

More info

Learn | Book Launch: The Psilocybin Handbook for Women

Join Cloud Room member April Pride to learn about psilocybin for women’s health & well-being with Jennifer Chesak, author of the recently published The Psilocybin Handbook for Women. Jennifer has written an informative guidebook packed with everything you need to know about psilocybin, including its history, potential medicinal and recreational benefits, the latest evidence-based research, how to microdose and trip set, and more. You’ll also get the answers to some of your most pressing questions, like:

• Does psilocybin affect women differently?

• Does it matter where I am in my cycle when I use psilocybin?

• Can psilocybin help with menstrual migraines, endometriosis, or PMDD?

• Will psilocybin boost my sex life?

• Do hormones have an impact on the entourage effect?

• What the heck is the entourage effect?

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned psychonaut, this research-backed guide will help you successfully navigate the world of magic mushrooms.

November 15th | 6:00 – 10:00 pm @ Wunderground

Get tickets

Arts and Culture in Seattle — September 2023

See | 26th Annual Local Sightings Film Festival

The venerable Local Sightings Film Festival returns for its 26th year! Through a community-created eclectic mix of features, shorts, and animations, Local Sightings invites you to embark on a cinematic odyssey that promises enlightenment and discourse. As always, this festival remains true to its roots by celebrating the indie filmmakers who choose the PNW’s distinct charm over the bustling industries of New York or L.A. Immerse yourself in the eccentricity of our region as Local Sightings transforms our city into a vibrant hub of cinematic creativity.

Beyond screenings, this hyperlocal film festival offers a unique opportunity for regional filmmakers, heartfelt storytellers, and documentarians to come together and spark connections that transcend the silver screen. Delve into the intriguing two-day found footage workshop, experience the captivating short film program curated by “nonbinary trans and queer mythbuilders” Scumtrust, and kick off festivities with the opening feature, “Fantasy A Gets a Mattress”, starring local legend Fantasy A.

September 15 – 24 | Various times @ NW Film Forum

More info / Get tickets

Witness | Speaking Volumes 2023

Cloud Room Innovation Scholar, Nebeu Shimeles, is Co-Executive Director at Pongo Poetry Project: an organization on a mission to support the well-being of young people coping with childhood trauma while confined to institutions like prisons and psychiatric hospitals. Pongo Poetry Project envisions a world where all youth who’ve experienced childhood trauma can be seen, heard, and affirmed in their full humanity, and Speaking Volumes 2023 is your opportunity to join in making that vision a reality. Featuring a lineup of exceptional PNW poets like Seattle Civic Poet (and Cloud Room Innovation Scholar!) Shin Yu Pai, WA State Poet Laureate Arianne True, and Cave Canem Fellow Quenton Baker, this event promises mesmerizing poetry and an engaging panel discussion. At Speaking Volumes 2023, you’ll have the opportunity to be a part of harnessing the transformative power of poetry and storytelling to uplift youth in our community.

September 21st | 6:30 – 8:00 pm @ Metropolist
More info / Get Tickets

Taste | OOLA Cap Hill

Hello to our new neighbors! Our friends at OOLA have officially moved into the neighborhood and we’re so excited to welcome them back into the community. Helmed by new executive chef, Liz Blacker, and mixologist, Devan Lenning, the Capitol Hill-born distillery has debuted its new bottle shop, cocktail bar, and restaurant just across the street from where it created its first batches of craft spirits. OOLA’s new location promises to embody a “true farm to table oasis” and impressive cocktail program; we’re dying to try the Hamachi Crudo, Fried Potato Rosti, and “Dancing Cheek to Cheek” cocktail. Check out the menus here.

Open Tuesday – Saturday | 5:00 – 9:30 pm @ 1412 E Union St

More info / Make Reservations

Arts and Culture in Seattle — August 2023

LAST CHANCE | MoM

If you haven’t heard the sad news about Museum of Museums yet, we’re sorry to be the ones to break it to you: MoM is closing indefinitely. MoM’s founder and friend of the Cloud Room, Greg Lundgren, sent the official announcement out last week, citing longstanding and unfixable plumbing issues as the museum’s ultimate demise. For the past 3-ish years, Museum of Museums has been a Capitol Hill staple that showcased countless artists, from elementary school kids to some of the most talented and passionate artists in the Pacific Northwest. The small but creatively expansive space also served the community well as a gathering place for events from poetry readings to vintage malls.

MoM has a little less than one month of life left, so send them off properly with a visit while you still can. Current exhibitions include Emily Count’s immersive installation Sea of Vapors, a tactile survey of textiles and sculptures called Soft Touch, Sabin Timalsena’s interactive video display Arborescent, and more.

Last day: September 1st, 2023 | Thursday – Sunday @ MoM

Get tickets

GO | BACK2SCHOOL with SIFF

In a world where summer ends and the smell of freshly sharpened pencils fills the air, a new series at SIFF emerges, inviting you to relive the excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments of going BACK2SCHOOL. Get ready to embark on a nostalgic journey as this series takes you through the halls of academia, exploring the trials and triumphs of students from all walks of life through cult classics like 10 Things I Hate About You, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, School of Rock, The Breakfast Club, and more.

August 25th – 31st | Various times @ SIFF Cinema Egyptian

Get tickets

EXPERIENCE | Bumbershoot 2023

If you’re looking to close out your summer season with a festival, let it be Bumbershoot 2023. On hiatus since 2019, Bumbershoot is back and better than ever for their 50th anniversary with multiple lineups that go above and beyond typical music-centric programming to highlight artists of all practices and forms.

The culinary showcase curated by celebrated Seattle chef and restaurateur Ethan Stowell is reason enough to get a ticket; it features some of the best, most diverse local eateries including Musang, Mamnoon, Local Tide, and many more (check out the full list here). The festival also boasts engaging, community-focused artists and collectives dispersed throughout the grounds in areas like the “Fashion District”, the “Recess District”, and “Out of Sight” display. Some highlights include the playfully skillful Double Dutch Divas, the crowd-work queens of BurlesKaraoke, the inclusive skate group Roll Around Seatown, the animalistic acrobats of the Cat Circus, and a high-fashion runway featuring groundbreaking designers, drag queens, and performers.

If all that wasn’t enough, the music lineup is killer and admission is affordable and accessible. What are you waiting for? Get your ticket today!

September 2nd & 3rd | 12:30 pm @ Seattle Center

Get tickets