Get ready, Seattle—this isn't your grandmother’s opera. When Bizet first unleashed Carmen in 1875, it broke the rules, shocked the audience, and redefined musical drama. In May 2026, Seattle Opera isn't just reviving a classic, but reclaiming that radical, dangerous energy.

The City of Seattle has officially declared May as Creative and Creator Economy Month, marking a significant recognition of the creative industries as essential contributors to economic vitality, workforce development, and cultural identity across the state. 

In a recent interview on “The Day With Trae” with host Trae Holiday, artist Olwethu De Vos shared how her journey from a student of sculpture and glassblowing led her to develop a unique "sculptural drawing" signature that explores the deep connection between materiality and healing.

The Pacific Northwest’s cultural landscape is being redefined at the Seattle Art Museum. In its new exhibition, Beyond Mysticism, the museum is pulling back the curtain on a movement that was about far more than just mystic vibes—it was a raw, unfiltered response to the rapid industrialization and urban transformation of 20th-century Seattle.

The Pioneer Square neighborhood witnessed a resurgence earlier this month when a pop-up market took over the historic Grand Central Arcade, marking the beginning of a recurring series of markets planned for the spring and summer seasons. Converge Media co-founder Erik Kalligraphy was there to masterfully capture the artistic celebration. 

The Seattle hair community recently converged for an energetic display of artistry and innovation at the 12th Annual Reign of Style Hair Show and Competition. The event brought together local stylists, barbers, cosmetology schools, beauty entrepreneurs, and more for a day of live competition and creative expression at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.

Seattle, we need to talk about what’s about to go down at McCaw Hall with Pacific Northwest Ballet. If you're looking for where the intersection of raw history, athletic power, and absolute spectral drama lives this spring, you need to pull up to Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of Giselle, running April 10 through April 19, 2026.

Local photographer Tony Two Times recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss his transition from aspiring athlete to visual storyteller, born out of personal loss and a surprising gift from his father.

At the Chinga La Migra Art Show on March 7, artists gathered to share work that speaks to lived experience and cultural expression. Among them was artist Fulano De’Tal, whose work blends abstraction with emotional storytelling.

By Ashleigh McCurdy - Thursday night, I had the pleasure of attending the opening performance of Firebird presented by the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Surrounded by friends and fellow arts enthusiasts, the evening quickly became one of those experiences that reminds you why supporting the arts matters so deeply.

For Seattle-born actress Devotion Charles, the theater has always been not just a performance, but an extension of her community. In a recent conversation with host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae,” Charles reflected on her deep roots in the city's arts scene and her upcoming role in “Smart People,” a production by Acts On Stage.

There's something special about walking into a museum and feeling as if you've stepped into a completely different world, where history, creativity, and storytelling intersect. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to experience exactly that during a private tour of Beyond Mysticism at the Seattle Art Museum, thanks to my partnership with Converge Media.

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the atmosphere inside Portland City Hall shifted from civic routine to a celebration of culture. In a powerful and long-awaited moment, the Portland City Council officially recognized the life, career, and community impact of David Jackson—better known to the world as DJ O.G. ONE—by proclaiming November 30 as “DJ O.G. ONE Day.”

The 12th annual Reign of Style Hair Show & Competition recently electrified Seattle Center, reaffirming its status as the Northwest’s premier event for the beauty industry. With Back2Besa host Besa Gordon in attendance, this spectacular day brought together a galaxy of talent for a celebration of artistry, community, and friendly competition. 

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture is currently hosting an exhibition, “We STILL Dream A Future—Reclaiming Humanity: Afrofuturism Past, Present, Future,” on display at King Street Station through May 9, 2026.

Artist, entrepreneur, and mother Jonarra Swanson recently unveiled her first solo exhibition in years, titled "Paintbrush Legacy," at Gallery AXIS in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. This collection features a series of never-before-seen pieces that delve into themes of self-determination, resilience, and the power of creating one’s own destiny.

Veteran journalist and genre-bending talent Angela Poe Russell is set to headline the annual Seattle Association of Black Journalists (SABJ) Black Voices Matter Showcase, offering the community an exclusive preview of her original musical, “Aviatrix.” 

“We Live In Color” host Deaunte Damper recently stopped by McCaw Hall for Seattle Opera’s production “Fellow Travelers,” an operatic romance that delves deep into queer love and resilience during the 1950s Lavender Scare. During his visit, Damper met with “Fellow Travelers” lead performers Jarrett Ott and Colin Aikins, and director Kevin Newbury.

Last Friday, the Mediums Collective storefront on Capitol Hill was transformed into a powerful sanctuary for “palabras sin miedo” (words without fear). The collective’s “Brown Voices Poetry & Spoken Word Night” successfully gathered local artists and community members to share stories that resonated with themes of resilience, advocacy, and resistance.

Visual artist Yolanda Galery recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss her journey as a full-time creative and the upcoming fourth annual Black Makers & Creatives event. The celebration of culture and community is scheduled for Sunday, March 1st at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton.