Community Calendar

The period from the 1870s to the 1900s, known as the Gilded Age, saw the rise of the railroad, textile industry, and production. It also saw a rise in migration to US cities, providing workers to fill low paying jobs producing many of the fashions of the era. This era marked a turning point in fashion as new technologies and changing cultural norms transformed the ways in which people dressed.

Explore this history and enjoy the rare chance to see clothing, notions, and artifacts of the period from the Washington State Historical Society collections.

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 waters
With knowledge comes responsibility
Sovereignty 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.

Stories are shaped by the ways we tell them. In Shaping the Story: Designs for the Theatre by Carey Wong, go behind the scenes to see how theatre sets bring stories to life. During a career spanning over 50 years, Carey Wong has designed sets and costumes for more than 300 productions, including operas, plays, musicals, and ballets.

This exhibition features scale models of his designs in addition to costumes, set pieces, and stories of Washington’s rich entertainment history. From sketches of an idea to fully realized sets, explore how a designer’s decisions craft the world of a story.

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.

Connect to a world of sparkling lights, amusements and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest, presented by Symetra, Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2025 happening in-person on our grounds. Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion will find seasonal decor, ice sculpting, our Winter Train & Village, weekend entertainment on the Armory Stage, and a New Year's Eve Celebration.

Seattle Christmas Market
From November 20 to December 24 the Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn at Seattle Center will be transformed into a European-inspired outdoor Christmas village and community marketplace. A true feast for the senses with festive decorations, daily live entertainment, sweet and savory treats, hot chocolate and Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and beautifully handcrafted gifts at over 60 local and international vendors, the Seattle Christmas Market is the perfect place to celebrate the magic of the holiday season.

Winter Train & Village
Delight in viewing a late 19th-century model train and village display, installed inside the Armory Food & Event Hall. This annual tradition has been on display for nearly 50 years! The public is invited to take a turn operating the train, or interact by participating in our Scavenger Hunt. Pick up your entry sheet at the Train Station, and see how many clues you can spot. The train operates 10am to 6pm daily from November 28th through December 31st. Visitors are invited to operate the train between 10:30am and 5:30pm. Donations accepted to keep the train operating. Audio description and accessible transcripts for the display available from the Yard Boss at the Train Station.

Winterfest World Bazaar presented by Festál
Shop for your holiday gifts at this special World Bazaar, offering goods created by local BIPOC artists, and curated by community partners. Browse a rotating roster of vendors on weekends, noon to 6pm between November 28th and December 21st. Check out our event calendar for list of vendors on each day.

Symetra Ice Spectacle
Our weekly Ice Sculpting series is back! Watch as acclaimed carvers create original sculptures made of ice each Saturday during Winterfest starting at 12pm at Mural Amphitheatre. Artists include Chan Kitburi, Janson Iwakami and James Royal.

More information at: https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/winterfest

Santa Claus is Coming to Village at Totem Lake!
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here and Santa is making his grand arrival at the Village at Totem Lake. Bring your family and friends to capture unforgettable holiday memories with Santa from November 28 through December 24, 2025 at 11901 NE Village Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98034.
Holiday Hours Overview:
Santa Hours:
Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
December 15–19: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
December 22–23: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Christmas Eve: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Special Themed Events:
Santa Paws (Pet Photos): December 2 & 9, 3:00–7:00 PM
Cowboy Santa: December 4 & 11, 3:00–7:00 PM
Pajama Night: December 10, 3:00–7:00 PM
Caring Santa (Sensory-Friendly): December 7 & 14, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Santa will wear his classic red suit most days, with fun themed looks on special event days!
Santa visits are free! Come enjoy the holiday magic and meet Santa Claus.
Bring your family and friends to capture unforgettable moments with Santa and make special memories this season. Families can reserve their visit in advance using our appointment link: https://www.thesantapeople.com/kirkland-washington-santa-claus-visits-village-at-totem-lake
For questions, email contact@souvenirphotograph.com or call 833-268-8743.
Make your season merry and bright with Santa at Village at Totem Lake!

Shop small! Shop Local! Support Artists and Makers!
Open: 12-6PM, Fridays – Sundays Thanksgiving – New Year’s Eve!
232 Front Street North, Issaquah WA

info@andsothere.com
Find great gifty goods from more than 30 local artists at the 11th annual Historic Shell Holiday Shop– jewelry, ceramics, cards, ornaments, journals, stickers, pins, ornaments, decoration… the list goes on. You’re sure to find something amazing for someone amazing– all while supporting local craftspeople. Curated by Alison Lang (So, There) with the Downtown Issaquah Association. Find more information at holidayshop.andsothere.com and on Facebook and Instagram @shellholidayshop.
The Historic Shell Holiday Shop is open Thanksgiving to New Year’s in Downtown Issaquah. Swing by to find great gifts from local artists and makers.
Fri- Sun 12-6pm, 232 Front St. North
Curated by Alison Lang (So, There) in cooperation with the Downtown Issaquah Association.

Join us every Second Sunday for a soulful early afternoon of community, comfort food, and spirit-lifting sounds. Our Gospel Brunch blends the rich traditions of gospel and non-secular music through expertly curated playlists delivered in high-fidelity sound—designed to feed both your heart and your appetite.
Brunch favorites by Chef Tay
Curated gospel and soul playlists in rich, high-quality audio
Special guest performances are on the horizon—subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss a beat.

Are you a gospel singer interested in sharing your gift with our community? We’d love to meet you! Join us during Gospel Brunch and introduce yourself.

Over a dozen years and counting, The Jose "Juicy" Gonzales Trio plays twice on Dec 14th: The MAIN EVENT at 7pm with cocktails, two hours of music, and a silent auction; and a MATINEE at 1pm with a lower ticket price, discounts for youth, and a shorter set list for jazz fans who don't want to stay up late. We hope to see you at one of these special concerts