Jun 14 Sunday
KNKX is excited to welcome NPR's Tiny Desk Contest on the Road Tour to Neumo's in Seattle on Sunday, June 14. Come celebrate with the winner of this year's Tiny Desk Contest, selected from thousands of unsigned bands and artists. Also performing at Neumo's are some Tiny Desk Contest favorites from around the Pacific Northwest. Hope you can join us!
May 01 Friday
The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra will be presenting its 2026 Music Festival this year from April 5 to May 8. There will be many great artists performing throughout Tacoma and Puyallup and most of the performances and workshops will be free to attend. See the complete lineup here.
KNKX hosts two performances on Friday, April 24 in our Tacoma studios on Broadway:
4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. - The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra with visiting French Artists6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. - Brazilian jazz with pianist Cassio Vianna
May 02 Saturday
Opening Day, the official opening of Seattle's boating season sponsored by Seattle Yacht Club, includes a celebration of many kinds of water activities. This year's festivities will include a morning of crew races, a sailboat race, and, of course, the grand Opening Day boat parade on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
As always, the Opening Day Parade starts at noon the first Saturday in May with the blast of a cannon and the raising of the Montlake Bridge. Seattle Yacht Club's Opening Day has become the nation's largest regional celebration of water, spring and the opening of boating season.
And, if tradition is honored, there will be sunshine, breezes and, maybe, a few showers.
Opening Day in Seattle is a family affair; families decorate their boats for the festivities and parades; families spread blankets on the shoreline and spend hours watching and picnicking. Families dream of the boats they someday will own.
8:45 a.m. Commissioning Ceremony, SYC Lawn9:20 a.m. VIP Boats Load - All guests must be on board by 9:309:30 a.m. Montlake Cut Closed to ALL Boat Traffic10:15 a.m. Windermere Cup Crew Races start12:00 p.m. Boat Parade begins3:00 p.m. End of Boat Parade (approximately)4:00 p.m. Montlake Cut open to marine traffic (approximately)6:00 p.m. Trophy Presentations, SYC Lawn6:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony and Lowering of Colors8:00 p.m. AI Closing Party
More information: https://www.seattleyachtclub.org/opening-day
The South Sound Sustainability Expo on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m on the UW Tacoma Campus.
Celebrate Earth Day with friends, neighbors, and local organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability in the South Sound.
Are you interested in learning more about sustainability and how you can make a difference in the South Sound community? Meet local organizations, businesses, and government agencies dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
May 05 Tuesday
Supported by KNKX. Widely considered to be the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz and fingerstyle guitar playing, Martin Taylor possesses an inimitable style that has earned him global acclaim from fellow musicians, fans and critics alike. He dazzles audiences with a signature style that artfully combines his virtuosity, emotion and humor with a strong, engaging stage presence.
Taylor has enjoyed a remarkable musical career spanning across five decades, with more than 100 recordings to his credit. Completely self-taught beginning at the early age of 4, he has invented and developed a unique way of playing the guitar that is greatly admired, and often emulated, by guitarists all over the world.
A hectic touring schedule; twenty-one recordings as a leader, countless sideman recordings including Ray Brown, Bobby Hutcherson, Roger Kellaway; soundtrack performances on three of Clint Eastwood’s distinguished films—most notably Academy Award-winning Million Dollar Baby; raconteur, arranger, acclaimed educator, in residence at USC’s Studio/Jazz Guitar Dept., when does Bruce Forman rest?
Deep immersion in American culture inspires Forman to contribute to the traditions that he draws from. Reunion! (the newest project) revisits the famed Poll Winners sessions with cohorts John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, playing instruments owned by Barney Kessel, Ray Brown and Shelly Manne; Formanism (his trio project); original works like The Red Guitar; his high-rated podcast, GuitarWank; Cow Bop and the “road challenges” down historic byways like Route 66; JazzMasters Workshop; Junkyard Duo; GrumpsTV (a fifty episode YouTube variety show during the lockdown), the popular ‘first chorus of the day’ series on Instagram…these are only the latest answers to the endless question that underlies Bruce Forman’s creativity. His music and life reflect every step of his journey, and demonstrate the awareness of an artist who is very much at home in the world, and at the top of his form.
May 06 Wednesday
Sponsored by KNKX. Marlon James was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1970. He graduated from the University of the West Indies in 1991 with a degree in Language and Literature, and from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania in 2006 with a Masters in creative writing. In 2018 Marlon James received an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature. In April 2019 he was named one of Time Magazine‘s 100 Most Influential People of 2019 in the Pioneers category. In 2024 his book A Brief History of Seven Killings (#42) was one of the New York Times Book Review‘s 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.
May 07 Thursday
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.
Jul 17 Friday
The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is a three-day event- located at the Blues Ranch on the Methow River in the resort town of Winthrop, Washington- packed full of exciting national and regional entertainment for all ages. There’s on-site camping, food and craft vendors, portable showers, a beer garden, and easy access to the river for recreation and cooling, which all help make the Blues Ranch the perfect setting for Washington’s “best little festival.”
Come listen to The California Honeydrops, Shinyribs, Sue Foley, Southern Avenue, The Rumble, Mike Farris, Bywater Call and so many others!
The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is brought to you by Winthrop Music Association (WMA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed in 2005 whose mission is to BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC. We believe that music is a catalyst for joy, connection, and healing.
Our vision is to offer audiences, musicians, volunteers, and staff a profound and unique experience of diverse world-class music, community, and natural beauty; and for the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival and the Winthrop Music Association to be vital partners in creating and sustaining a vibrant cultural and economic ecosystem in the Methow Valley.
WMA is a proud supporter of The Cove Food Bank, Liberty Bell High School Music Program and Booster Club, Methow Arts, Room One, Washington Blues Society Musician Relief Fund, Tommy Zbyszewski Methow Valley Education Foundation scholarship and many others.
California Transit Authority (CTA) is the powerhouse brainchild of legendary drummer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Danny Seraphine, co-founder of the iconic band Chicago. As the original backbone of Chicago’s rhythm section, Danny spent 23 years shaping the band’s signature sound—anchoring its rise to stardom and helping lead its celebrated comeback in the ’80s. After parting ways with Chicago in 1990, Danny returned to the spotlight in 2007 to answer a call from fans hungry for the explosive, horn-driven sound that once captivated Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎉 39TH ANNUAL PORTLAND CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA AT WATERFRONT PARK IN PORTLAND, OREGON📅 Dates: May 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2026📍 Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park (98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204)⏰ Time: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Fri-Sun), 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Mon-Tues)🎟️ TICKETS ON SALE NOW | BUY NOW: https://cincodemayoportland.com/tickets/The Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association (PGSCA) invites you to the 39th Annual Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, a celebration of Mexican culture, music, and cuisine at the scenic Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This bilingual festival is Oregon's largest multicultural event, open daily with special attractions and performances.• 🍲 Savor authentic Mexican flavors with over 40 food vendors.• 🔎 Explore the Guadalajara Artisan Village for unique crafts.•🎶 Enjoy live music from the acclaimed Mariachi Ciudad de Guadalajara alongside a vibrant lineup of local and international artists!Highlights for 2026:• Live Music & Performances 🎶• Authentic Mexican Food, Drinks & Sweets 🌮• Guadalajara Artisan Village 🏺• Naturalization Ceremony 🇺🇸• Family Carnival 🎡• Sunday Mariachi Mass 🙏• Plaza de Niños - Cultural crafts, games, activities, and free face painting 🎨• & MoreSponsor → https://bit.ly/SponsorCDM24Volunteer → https://cincodemayoportland.com/event-info/volunteer/Vend → https://cincodemayoportland.com/become-a-vendor/Capture the Moment: Share your fiesta experiences using #PDXCincoDeMayo for a chance to be featured on our social channels!
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.
A herd of animal sculptures and wild paintings fills Northwind Art's gallery in downtown Port Townsend. The show, titled “New Work by Randy Sturgis and Peter Koronakos” features Randy's giant acrylic-charcoal-oil paintings and Peter's animals made of found objects. Together, they make a rich gallery environment. You can even pick up one of the scavenger hunt game cards as you roam around the show. The gallery is open 12 noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays; this exhibit runs through May 4. Also: during Port Townsend's first-Saturday Art Walk, you can meet the artists and enjoy refreshments and conversation from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 4 and May 2.
