Dec 02 Wednesday
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.
Celebrating 25 years of Halo, MOPOP’s Halo: The Great Journey artifact spotlight features rare objects from across the franchise history. Explore iconic armor and gear, original artwork, collectibles, and gaming hardware—including Master Chief John-117, Atriox, Covenant and UNSC weaponry, and limited-edition XBOX consoles. Take a closer look at the characters, designs, and fan culture that have made Halo one of gaming’s most legendary worlds. On view beginning October 14, 2026.
Gold & Glory - a tribute to Charlie Wiggins. The exhibition features four-time gold & glory sweepstakes champion Charlie Wiggins and the original Wiggins special appearing publicly for the first timein over ninety years!
Step into the world surrounding Charlie Wiggins: the energy of Indiana Avenue, the roar of the racetrack, the craft behind the Wiggins Special, and the community that built its own space for competition and excellence. Historical imagery, artifacts, sound and immersive design reveal a story shaped by brilliance, ambition, and endurance.
Museum hours: Thursday – Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink presented by Symetra returns to Bellevue Downtown Park November 13 through January 18, 2027, bringing more than nine weeks of holiday skating to Downtown Bellevue. Celebrating 29 years as a holiday tradition, the fully covered rink features more than 9,000 square feet of real ice, skyline views, free skating lessons, themed nights and on-site concessions.
New this season, Cheapskate Mondays offers $12 admission, including skate rental, on select Mondays. Open daily, including holidays. Purchase tickets and season passes at bellevueicerink.com.
Allied Arts of Whatcom County is thrilled to present the 47th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, the longest running holiday market in Whatcom County. We host nearly one hundred artists for five weeks, and have music and children's art workshops on weekends!
The two-fold purpose of our festivals is to encourage and support the creation and sale of locally produced fine art and craft while providing an opportunity to connect artists and craftspeople with the general public.
The Festival opens on November 20th and runs until Christmas Eve! We're open seven days a week from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed for Thanksgiving, and we close early at 3pm on Christmas Eve.
We are excited to be back in Downtown Bellingham this year at 1400 Cornwall Ave, in the old Rite Aid building!
Seasonal ice skating returns to Bellevue Downtown Park at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink presented by Symetra!
Enjoy festive themed skate days, holiday fun, and memorable moments on the ice for all ages. The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink is the region’s largest seasonal ice skating experience, with more than 9,000 square feet of real ice. Fun for the entire family!
Located at Bellevue Downtown Park, one block south of Bellevue Square at NE 1st Street and 100th Avenue NE, by Inspiration Playground.
Experience the wild wonder of the holiday season as you traverse through the Mystical Forest where stunning creatures gleam brightly! Here, behold the magical forest train, mystical tree fairies and fantastical unicorns. Embark on a Journey on a Bright Desert Highway and see desert flora and fauna before discovering Marvelous Mammals where spectacular Northwest animals are vividly portrayed in lantern form. Family-favorite Interactive Lanterns are spread throughout the WildLanterns spaces. Let your imagination take flight in the Birds of Paradise zone, swan into this area where magnificent peacocks flaunt their flamboyant plumes and birds of a feather perch on enchanted branches. Finally, embark on a journey Under the Jungle Canopy and spot all the mischievous monkeys hiding in the foliage!
Garden d’Lights is a dazzling holiday tradition that transforms the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a magical wonderland of over half a million sparkling lights in whimsical shapes of plants, flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls, all set amid the Garden’s natural beauty. Now celebrating its 32nd year, this beloved family event continues to enchant visitors with festive charm and imaginative displays.
Welcome to the rock! This exuberant, Tony Award–winning musical has captivated audiences around the world with its astonishing true story of kindness in the face of crisis.
On September 11, 2001, nearly 7,000 airline passengers were unexpectedly diverted to the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. Overnight, strangers from across the globe found themselves stranded far from home—but the people of Gander answered uncertainty with compassion and generosity, opening their hearts, their homes, and even (and unforgettably!) their bar. As cultures collided and nerves frayed, this unlikely international sleepover transformed into a powerful celebration of connection and resilience.
Brimming with humor, heart, and a soaring Celtic-inflected score, Come From Away captures five unforgettable days when a small town showed the world what generosity means. It’s an uplifting celebration of compassion, resilience, and our ability to come together when it matters most—a story guaranteed to restore your faith in humanity.
