May 12 Tuesday
Sponsored by KNKX. The 52nd annual Seattle International Film Festival will take place May 7–17, 2026 at SIFF Cinemas and venues throughout the city. The unique feeling of being truly immersed in the world of independent film, sharing the theater with a vibrant community unlike anywhere else.
Discover the SIFF Effect for yourself at the 52nd annual Seattle International Film Festival. You’ll be able to experiment with a lineup of films from over 80 countries, with the power to activate the full spectrum of emotions and sensations. The result is total engagement with film on every level. It’s all happening in person, May 7-17 in the heart of Seattle.
The Seattle International Film Festival will open for an electrifying 52nd year with Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters as the catalyst of the Festival's annual offering of cinema experiences from around the world. The film will be shown at the Paramount Theatre at 7 p.m., followed by the Opening Night afterparty at Cannonball Arts (1930 3rd Ave), a one-of-a-kind space for artistic experimentation. Guests are invited to explore the gallery exhibits, a signature photo activation, food, drinks, and a live set from DJ Eliogold, the artist behind the festival's official trailer music.
KNKX presents these films during the Festival:
Birds of War - May 8, 6:15 p.m. and May 9, 12:15 p.m. at SIFF Cinema UptownLebanese journalist Janay Boulos and Syrian activist and cameraman Abd Alkader Habak share their extraordinary love story, told through 13 years of personal archives spanning revolutions, war, and exile.
Powwow People - May 16, 2:30 p.m. at SIFF Cinema Downtown and May 17, 4:30 p.m. at SIFF Cinema UptownAs an immersive, observational story, Powwow People invites audiences to witness the unfolding of a powwow over the course of a single day. Emcee Reuben Little Head is the perfect guide, grounded, generous, and often hilarious. The film's final 30-minute long take is deeply inclusive, creating space for viewers to simply be present with community. It's a powerful reminder that to witness in this way is a privilege and a blessing.
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Washington State Historical Society invites you to explore the history of building the State History Museum. 30 Years and Counting: The Making of the Washington State History Museum is a special exhibition that uncovers the vision, effort, and community spirit that brought this iconic Tacoma landmark to life.
Discover the bold ideas and architectural ingenuity that shaped the museum’s distinctive look. From early sketches to final blueprints, see how the building’s design reflects both innovation and reverence for Washington’s past. Go behind the scenes of the museum’s construction. Through photographs and artifacts from the building process, witness how a dream took shape—brick by brick, beam by beam.
Staff Picks: 30 Objects for 30 Years
In a special feature area, museum staff share their favorite objects from the collection—each one a personal reflection on the power of history to inspire, surprise, and connect us.
Dive into the whimsical world of Moominvalley and the life of its creator, Tove Jansson, with "Moomins’ Sea Adventures" and "Tove and the Sea".
"Moomins’ Sea Adventures" brings Moominvalley to life with illustrations and life-sized characters from the stories. In the center of the exhibit is an interactive island complete with a lighthouse and rowboats that invites visitors to imagine adventures of their own.
"Tove and the Sea" offers a more intimate counterpoint, tracing Tove Jansson’s lifelong relationship with the Finnish archipelago through large-scale photographs and reflective texts.
Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music unveils the profound legacy of Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul artists who shaped the soundscape of American culture and used their music as instruments of resistance, identity, and representation.
Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul embody the profound influence of African American music on culture and history. From the spiritual foundations and transformative movements of Gospel hymns to the revolutionary improvisations of Jazz, the Blues’ Southern roots rising from the Mississippi Delta, and Soul’s powerful amplification of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, these genres have defined the unique sound and undying spirit of a nation that continues to echo through contemporary Black music today.
This is a permanent exhibition. Since time immemorial, Tribal nations have existed in this place we call Washington. This Is Native Land invites visitors to understand Washington State through the lived experiences and voices of its Native people.
Tribal nations are sovereign nations. Today, Native history, culture, and community thrive in our state. Through everyday acts of sovereignty – big and small – Indigenous peoples demonstrate they are still here, they have persevered, and they will always be here.
This Is Native Land is guided by three teachings:We are of the land and watersWith knowledge comes responsibilitySovereignty protects people, lands, and waters
These teachings are shared through multimedia, artwork, and interactive objects designed for guest engagement. They represent a contemporary continuation of Tribal stories and traditions.
Over 100 Native contributors from more than 60 Tribes shaped the exhibition’s stories and content. We thank the Native Advisory Committee and all community participants for their contributions.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum proudly presents The Birth of the American Supercar, a groundbreaking exhibition guest curated by renowned automotive innovator Steve Saleen. This one-of-a-kind display invites guests on an exhilarating journey through the evolution of American supercars. From early speed pioneers to cutting-edge modern marvels, visitors will experience a stunning lineup of vehicles that have redefined engineering, speed, and style, built by a wide range of American automotive manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Saleen himself, and even some more obscure ones like Vector, Cunningham, and Hennessey. From roaring V8s to sleek carbon-fiber bodies, discover how American automakers pushed boundaries, challenged European rivals, and redefined what a supercar could be. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see some of the most thrilling and historically significant American-made performance vehicles ever built—all under one roof.
We welcome all to stroll through downtown Bellingham and delight in the works of the younger art community! On Friday, May 1st, Whatcom County students will proudly display their works of art during the 26th annual Children’s Art Walk presented by Allied Arts of Whatcom County. On this night there will be a number of activities for kids and adults, music, and more to celebrate the arts in schools – Art will stay on display through the first two weeks in May in honor of the statewide Arts Education Month.
Our opening reception is Friday May1st from 5pm to 8pm.
The team at KM Plastic Surgery is proud to attend the 2026 Keys to Success: WCR Fair & Expo hosted by the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. This dynamic event brings together real estate professionals and local businesses for an engaging day focused on networking, collaboration, and opportunity. Attendees will have the chance to build meaningful connections, discover valuable resources, and explore tools that support long-term business growth. To learn more, please visit our event page.
Join us for an evening of celebration and community! Tickets includes tastings of a curated selection of LGBTQ-owned wines. A portion of the ticket sales will go directly to the GSBA Scholarship Fund. Come enjoy great wine while giving back!
Artists: Want to paint better trees? Join this 6-week in-person painting course—learn about tree structure and improve your painting skills while creating your own series of tree studies and paintings.
The course is divided into six weekly sessions, each lasting two hours, plus weekly assignments and video demos.
Each week, we’ll focus on a different aspect of tree painting, combining art history, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. You’ll learn both classical and contemporary approaches to painting trees, while building confidence in observation, structure, brushwork, and color.
Nancy will be painting in oil but other opaque painting media such as acrylic or gouache are okay. Supply list will be sent to students upon registration.
Small class size
Tuesdays 5 - 7 PMApril 7 - May 12, 2026
