April Arts Calendar 2026 

Visual Arts

“Presence – New Works on Paper” is an exhibit by MylenTamaliuan-Huggins now on view through May 22, 2026. Artist’s reception and gallery talk on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 6 – 8pm. Regular gallery hours are M – F from 10am – 4pm or by appointment. At Piano Nobile, a multi-disciplinary design studio located in the brick building below Phinney Neighborhood Center at 6532 Phinney Ave. N. [email protected].  

“Liminal Space” am exploration of myth, material and architecture through paintings and terracotta relief sculptures by Shruti Ghatak on view through May 2, 2026. “Eye,I” by Lin-Lin Mao-Mollitor includes oil portraits of Chinese zodiac animals through their eyes. On view through May 2, 2026. Gallery 110 at 110 3rd Ave. S. 206-624-9336.  

“TADAIMA: “I’m Home” is now on view through April 26, 2026. In 1942, Japanese American families facing incarceration entrusted their Japanese dolls to Bailey Gatzert Elementary School for safekeeping. Most were never reclaimed after the war. Artist Miya Sukune researched the collection and interviewed Japanese American survivors and their descendants. Floral installation inspired by hanachozu (floating flowers in water basin) and found at Japanese temples is also featured. The installation serves as a “Day of Remembrance” offering. Open daily from 10am – 5pm. Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) at 860 Terry Ave. N. In Seattle.  

Yaminee Patel has a solo show entitled “Rice, Roots, and the Road to Cultural Exploration” at Common Objects the month of May, 2026. The exhibition brings together a variety of local South Asian makers and creators to explore themes of sacrifice, gratitude and community. All pieces will be made of rice, lentils and beans and will depict the story of rice and how it gets from farm to table. Opening reception is on May 8, 2026 from 5 – 8pm. 2601 1st Ave, in Belltown. Www.camseattle.org.  

Seattle artist Erin Shigaki is in the following group shows. “Imaginary Birds” at Common Objects at 2001 1st Ave. On Saturday, March 28 from noon to 2pm AND Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 4 – 6p. “Fresh Mochi” at 2900 – 21st Ave. S. Opening on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 5 – 8pm and again on April 19 & 26, 2026 from 2 – 4pm. Bellevue College will create a permanent version of Shigaki’s mural “Never Again is Now” (the first was censored by a college VP back in 2020). An opening ceremony and unveiling happens on Thursday, May 14, 2026 with time TBA. Shigaki will be interviewed on KUOW’s “Seattle Now” podcast. For more details, try [email protected].  

“Contained Radiance” is a exhibit inspired by the Korean moon jar tradition by Kelly Haejung Paik. On view through April 10, 2026. Vault Gallery at the Postmark Center for the Arts. 20 Auburn Ave. in Auburn,WA. For details, go to www.KellyHPaik.com.  

Columbia City Gallery presents a group show entitled “Representation Abstraction” which includes work by Shivani Bhalla, Thoa Nguyen, Kurt Erickson and Gregory Engel. 4864 Rainier Ave. S. On view March 11 – April 19, 2026. Columbia city gallery.com.  

The Wing Luke Museum has the following. “DISplace”, a group show on native Hawaiian arts and culture is on view through January 4, 2027. “Ten Thousand Things” curated by Shin Yu Pai looks at favorite artifacts by local Asian Americans. On view through September 4, 2026. Ongoing is YouthCan’s “Rivers and Roads.” “Back Home:Utopia in Seattle”  by Seattle art collective Paradice Ave. Soul is view through July 26, 2026. “Lost & Found: Searching for Home” explores the diverse journeys of AANHPI artists seeking connection with their cultural homelands. On view through September 14, 2026. “New Years All Year Around” opens January 31 and remains on view through December, 2026. Permanent ongoing exhibits include the following. “Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee”,”Cambodian Cultural Museum”, “Hometown Desi”, “Vietnam in the Rearview”, “I Am Filipino”, “Wing Luke & the Museum”, AND “Honoring Our Journey”, a showcase for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.”  “New Roots” is this year’s Wing Luke Museum Auction & Dinner takes place on Sat., March 21, 2026 from 5 – 9pm. At the Sheraton Grand Seattle, Grand Ballroom, Level 2, 1400 6th Ave. in Seattle.719 South King St. Register for this event at https://www.wingluke.org/auction. For details on the museum, go to wingluke.org or call 206-623-5124.  

KOBO is a unique shop of arts and crafts from Japan and items made locally by Northwest artists. The cherry blossoms are out. Celebrate at Sakura Matsuri 2026 on Saturday, April 4 from 11am – 4pm in Japantown/ID. Kobo at Higo has a Flowering Waters Matcha and Hojicha tasting pop-up. And you’ll find other specials and pop-ups in the neighborhood. By collecting stamps at the neighborhood shops, you get a chance to win 2 round trip flights. Try @japantownseattle for more details. The simple elegance of glass vessels by Sayuri Fukuda now on view at the KOBO at Higo store. Jesianne Asagi is an artist originally from Hawai’i. Based in Seattle, her work uses paper and found objects and text to evoke stolen moments. Her work is currently on view at Kobo Capitol Hill and on the Kobo website.  There are two shops in Seattle. KOBO at Higo is in the Chinatown/ID/Japantown area at 604 South Jackson and KOBO is on Capitol Hill at 814 East Roy. For details, try Koboseattle.com.  

Henry Art Gallery is on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. Charlene Liu’s work for the Sculpture Court Mural is on view through August 2026. Free. Go to Henryart.org for details.  

Cannonball Arts is Seattle’s newest art collective in the old Bed Bath & Beyond location downtown. On view is “Monster, a virtual reality dark ride created by Brent Watanabe. 1930 – 3rd Avenue. Cannonballarts.com.  

 “Karen Chang:Metamorphosis” is the title of this Chinese American artist’s debut solo show now on view April 2 – May 7, 2026. Based in Snoqualmie, her figurative work explores emotional awakening, self-worth and inner transformation. Gallery reception is on April 4, 2026 from noon – 1pm. (RSVP). There is an artist talk on April 4, 2026 from 1:30 – 2pm. There will be an artist workshop entitled “Proccess of Becoming – Exploring Mixed Media And Collage” on May 16, 2026 from noon – 2pm. Gallery B612 at 1915 – 1st Ave. S. Galleryb612.com.  

Lotus L. Kang is a Canadian-born, Brooklyn-based artist of Korean heritage. The Frye Art Museum presents the largest museum show to date of her work. The exhibit features two major installations together with a new body of works on paper. Developed in response to the museum’s architecture, Kang is conceiving two distinctly atmospheric installations. Kang works across photography and sculpture, creating site-responsive installations with sheets of industrial-sized film. Set for June 6 – September 27, 2026.  704 Terry. Try fryemuseum.org.  

“Sikh Ohio” is a solo show by Akash Pamarthy on view from April 9 – May 7, 2026. M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery at 1701 Broadway on Seattle Central Community College campus. Gallery.seattlecentral.edu.  

Seattle Asian Art Museum has the following –  Through April 2026 is Anila Quayyum Agha’s  illuminated sculptural installation entitled “Geometry of Light”.  “Lay Your Burden Down” is the name of a textile installation by Seattle artist Carina del Rosario. The artwork will be on view through April 12, 2026. Ongoing at SAAM is “Boundless:Stories ofAsian Art.” 1400 Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. Ai Weiwei’s  “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads” remains on view at SAM’s Olympic Sculpture Park down by Elliott Bay through October 2027. “Beyond Mysticism-The Modern Northwest” is a new show curated by Theresa Papanikolas, Curator of American Art. The show will be on view March 5 – August 2, 2026. The show showcases works that tell the story of Seattle in the 20th century using trending art styles such as Social Realism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. It is organized into sections that explore the city and industry, nature and ecocriticism, uncanny landscapes and abstraction. Noted Northwest Asian American artists such as Kamekichi Tokita, Paul Horiuchi and George Tsutakawa are included. A 3 part talk series on “Beyond Mysticism” takes place March 12, April 9 and June 11, 2026 at 6:30pm at Seattle Art Museum. Free with admission but RSVP required.“Ash-Glazed Ceramics from Korea and Japan” through July 12, 2027 at Seattle Art Museum. The Gardner Center Events series “Saturday University” has a talk entitled “Photography and the Afterlife off the War in Vietnam” set for March 14, 2026 at 2pm at Seattle Asian Art Museum’s auditorium.Following that on April 11, 2026 is the topic of “Blue and Black Panthers” on April 11, 2026 at 2pm at SAAM auditorium.  And finally the Saturday University talk entitled “Why Get a Japanese Dragon Tattoo? Is set for May 9, 2026 at 2pm at SAAM’s auditorium. The SAM Talks “Asia Society Seattle Series” happens on March 18, 2026 at 6pm at Seattle Asian Art Museum auditorium. At Seattle Art Museum from January – May 2026 is a series entitled “Conversations with Curators.” Spend an evening with the creative forces behind SAM’s Collections and exhibitions at this member-only lecture series. Talks held every third Thursday between through May. Talks take place at 6:30pm in Plestcheeff Aukditorium. Some highlights include the following – Chinese art curator Foong Ping looks at new gifts of Chinese art in “Three Gifts for the Museum” on April 16. Aaron Rio, curator of Japanese and Korean Art has a talk on May 21 entitled “Picturing Salvation in Premodern Japan.” Another Gardner Center event is a performance by local South Asian performing arts group Ragamala on April 19, 2026 at SAAM. Free with admissionThe SAM Magazine for October 2025 – January 2026 has an interview with Portland-based artist Samantha Yun Wall. Wall won the Betty Bowen Award for 2024 and will have a solo exhibition at SAM in February 2026. Her work navigates her struggle for belonging as a Black Korean immigrant woman by exploring duality and binaries in her black-and-white drawings. Her exhibit “What We Leave Behind” now on view through October 4, 2026 at Seattle Art Museum. Chanoyu: Tea Culture Celebration takes place on Second Saturdays from 3 – 4pm and Third Saturdays from 2 – 3pm at Seattle Art Museum. “Qiu Zhijie: Map of the History of Science and Technology” on view through January 31, 2029 at Olympic Sculpture Park. Go to Seattleartmuseum.org or visit Sam.org/events for details OR call 206-654-3210.  

ROOTS Reimagined” is the opening group show of South Asian contemporary art at Viya Contemporary. 869 Ave. Square NE, Suite 17 in Bellevue,WA. Www.viyacontemporary.com 

Cascadia Art Museum has the following –  “Influence of Japanese Prints on Early Northwest Artists”, this group show explores connections between Japanese prints and early 20th century Northwest painting, photography and printmaking. Includes work by Waldo Chase, Elizabeth Colborne, Hiroshige, Hokusai, Koshiro Onchi and others. On view through June 7, 2026.190 Sunset Ave. S. #E cascadiaartmuseum.or 

Asian Pacific Cultural Center’s new gallery has the following. “Samoa Born Between Dreams: Memory, Mark and Making” on view through April 25, 2026. A workshop activity at the center entitled “Learn the Art of Korean Bongsan Mask Dance Workshop” takes place March 19 – May 4, 2026 every Thursday and Friday from 5 – 7pm.4851 South Tacoma Way in Tacoma,WA. 253-383-3900 or email [email protected]. 

“Our Voices: Stories from Washington’s Southeast Asian Refugees” is on view now through July 12, 2026. Washington State History Museum at 1911 Pacific Avenue. 1-888-238-4375 or www.washingtonhistory.org. 

“Tethered” is the title of a show of paper books by paper artist Aimee Lee. March 6 – June 14, 2026. She gives an artist talk on March 14, 2026 from 3 – 5pm. “Crafting Futures – Emerging Artists Invitational” is a group show including ceramics, fiber art, glass, jewelry, metal-smithing, wood carving, wearable art and other media. Now on view through June 13, 2026. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. 550 Winslow Way E. On Bainbridge Island. Biartmuseum.org Or @bimuseum.of.art. 

“Emerging Radiance” is an augmented-reality interactive artwork that tells the story of Japanese American farmers of Bellevue created by Michelle Kumata and Tani Ikeda. On view through February 2027. 1111 – 110th Ave. NE in Bellevue,WA. 

Whatcom Museum has a group show opening on February 6, 2026 entitled “From the Vault: Hard Edge/Soft Ground” and includes work by Paul Horiuchi. At two locations. Old City Hall at 121 Prospect St. and the Lightcatcher Building at 250 Flora St. Bellingham,WA www.whatcommuseum.org. 

Tacoma printmaker Yoshi Nakagawa presents “Botanical Printmaking Workshkop #3” on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10am. She also has a “Linocut Printmaking Workshop #7” on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10am. Both workshops take place in the Tacoma Armory, Suite 15. For details, try [email protected] or go to yoshinakagawa.com. 

(Re)Frame: Haub Family Collection of Western American Art” expands the narratives about art of the American West with four exhibitions with a range of perspectives including one on the Chinese American West. Curated by Lele Barnett. On view through September 5, 2027. “Project Northwest is an artist-led solo exhibition curated by Ellen Bepp. “Decades in the Making: 10 Years of SOLA Awareness” is a group show featuring mature women artists. 1701 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma. Go to tacomartmuseum.org. 

Christina Shimizu is the new Executive Director of Wing Luke Museum selected after a year-long national search. She starts her role on May 11, 2026. Shimizu is a Seattle native and previously worked as Executive Director of Puget Sound Sage and before that, worked as Wing Luke’s director of Individual Giving. 

Dr. Rangsook Yoon has been appointed to a newly curated position at Frye Art Museum called “Senior Director of Curatorial Affairs.” She will oversee curatorial and collections departments during a pivotal period of institutional growth. Since 2022, Yoon has served as the Senior Curator at Sarasota Art Museum Ringling College of Art and Design. She begins her new role in late May, 2026. 

Photographer Sung Kyun Park loves to collaborate with visual artists. Her work is highlighted in the March – May 2026 issue of Public Display.ART magazine. A free publication distributed throughout the region. 

Narratives, interviews with Asian American women’s stories from the 60’s/70’s time period is part of a series that juxtaposes women’s lives on both sides of the Pacific. These are women’s stories which otherwise might be forgotten. The series is up to 5 episodes including interviews with ceramic sculptor Patti Warashina and most recently, “Lesley Jian: A Grandmother’s Journey Through War, Famine and Resilience. Another series features interviews with poets of China’s cultural Revolution. For details, try [email protected]. 

Blackfish Gallery celebrates AANHPI month in May with “Many Bridges.” In the main gallery is a group show of Mashiko ceramic artists from Japan. In Gallery 2, six local AANHPI artists and 2 AANHPI Blackfish member artists. In the James Hubbard Gallery is a group show of gallery artists interpreting the theme of “Many Bridges.” 938 NW Everett. Portland, Oregon. 503-224-2634 or blackfish.com. 

In collaboration with the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Portland Japanese Garden presents a show entitled “Enduring Impressions: Contemporary Woodblock Prints” on view now through June 15, 2026. Not only does the show include work by Japanese printmakers like Kawase Hasui, it also includes work by non-Japanese artists who were  influenced by the Japanese printmaking tradition such as Richard Diebenkorn. Co-curated by Stephen Salel, Honolulu Museum Curator of Japanese Art. 611 S.W. Kingston Ave. Portland, Oregon. 503-223-1321. 

The Japanese American Museum of Oregon presents the following – “Minidoka on Our Minds” is on view through June 14, 2026. The Minidoka National Historic Site was officially established in 2001 as part of the National Park Service after years of Japanese American advocacy.  This exhibition celebrates 25 years of preservation at the site where many Oregon and Washington Nikkei were  incarcerated during WWII. Artwork by survivors, descendants and Japanese American youth explore the park’s history and its importance as a site of memory. An author event with Frank Abe and Kelly Goto on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 1pm. 220 Northwest 2nd Ave. in Portland.The Japanese American Museum of Oregon is located on 411 Flanders St. in Portland.  [email protected] 

Portland Art Museum presents the following – Shows on view until November 20, 2026 include the following – “Heaven and Earth: Chinese Art From the Collections”, “Kenji Nakahashi: Between Things” presents the work of this Japanese photographer, “Word in Flower: Arts of Buddhism” and “Cloud Dream of the Nine: Stories of a Painting” looks at a newly conserved Korean screen painting. Coming up is the traveling exhibition “The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art” on view September 5, 2026 – July 3, 2027. 1219 SW Park Ave. Portland, Oregon. 

The Portland Chinatown has the following –“Frances Maiha Li: Symbols of the New Year” opens in the spring of 2026. Permanent exhibit is “Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Portland’s Historic Chinatowns.” 127 NW Third. Try Portland Chinatown.org. 

On view through April 10, 2026 is “Thinking Through Mud: Arrangements of Clay + Ikebana”, a group show of eight artists including Calvin Wong and local group Renka Ikebana. Arts Council of Lake Oswego. 380 A Avenue, Suite A in Lake Oswego, Oregon. 503-272-1214 or arts councils.org. 

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art located on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Oregon has the following. “Fluid Continuity-Rethinking Korean Art in the Contemporary Age” is on view through April 5, 2026. “Power and Performance: Impressions of Chinese Secular and Religious Art & Customs” is on view through August 2, 2026. “Verdant Islands: Nature and the Supernatural in Japanese Prints & the Age of Aoshima Chiho” is on view through August 2026. “Gateway to Himalayan Art” is on view from February 21 – July 6, 2026. “Navigating Through Centuries: From Ancient to Global Contemporary in Korean Art” April 25, 2026 – April 11, 2027.1430 Johnson Lane on campus. Try Jsma.uoregon.edu for details. 

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU has the following.  Mimi Jung, a Montana-based Korean artist has a show entitled “An Unfinished Origin – Unconventional Materials Weave Stories of Change” on view March 31 through June 27, 2026. 1535 NE WilsonRoad. Pullman,WA. Free For details, go to [email protected]. 

The Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver BC’s Chinatown. Features three storeys of exhibits that share and amplify Chinese Canadian history and heritage. 51 East Pender St. Chinese Canadian museum.ca. 

The Museum of Vancouver has “The Suitcase Project” by photographer Kayla Isomura. She queried more than 80 fourth and fifth generation Japanese Canadians and Americans “What would you pack if you were forcibly removed from your home today?” On going.1100 Chestnut St. in Vancouver, BC Canada. Museumofvancouver.ca. 

The Sidney &Gertrude Zack Gallery in Vancouver,BC, Canada has the following. Opening March 4. 2026 is “Sturctures of the Unsaid”, an exhibit by Yongzhen Li, a Chinese newcomer to Canada. His drawings move through questions of identity, psychological rupture and the weight of patriarchal structures. 950 West 41st Ave. in Vancouver BC, Canada. Jccgv.com/art-and-culture/gallery. 

Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Center has the following –  Opening on March 12, 2026 is “Return to Paueru Gai”, a retrospective exhibition celebrating 50 years of Powell Street Festival’s art and activism through various media. On going is “TAIKEN: Generations of Resiience”, a group show on Japanese Canadian history and heritage. 6688 Southoaks Crescent in Burnaby, Canada. Center.nikkeiplace.or. 

The 2026 Artist Trust Fellowship recipients have been announced. Hyunjeong Lim received the Greg Kucera & Larry Yocom Fellowship Award. 

Native New Yorker Abiskaroon Valbuena has been tabbed to be creative director and director of curatorial affairs at the brand new Hip Hop Museum set to open in the Bronx. 

Lucy Kim, Yu-Wen Wu and Tomashi Jackson are recipients of the 2026 Wagner Arts Fellowship by the Wagner Foundation. Each received $75,000 in support of their practice. 

The Ruth Asawa retrospective was created by SFMOMA. After it showed in San Francisco, it was show at MOMA in New York and now opens in Europe at Guggenheim Bilbao in Spain. This Bay Area artist/educator is finally getting the international attention her work deserves. 

The Walker Art Center has acquired two art books by Minneapolis artist Victor Van. His work is dense, maximalist and playful, referencing pop culture, architecture, urban living, advertising, art history, current events and food & drink. Van works with Interact, an arts non-profit that supports artists living with disabilities. 

Aperture has announced the 20th Annual Aperture Portfolio Prize Shortlist for Photography. Among the five artists listed were Megha Singha and Aryana Sinha. Megha Singha’s work questions current beauty standards and documents women’s lives increasingly shaped by them. Arya Sinha explores the ways photography has been used to reinforce colonial narratives in India. The winners will be announced on April 23, 2026 during The Photography Show presented by the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD). 

Performing Arts

Experience the work of visionary artist/activist Nobuko Miyamoto who changed Asian America forever. She appears in Seattle on April 30, 2026 at Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center. Miyamoto danced and performed in the film “West Side Story”, performed as a jazz singer and helped form the groundbreaking folk/protest group “A Grain of Sand” with Chris Iijima and Charlie Chin. This free event includes the screening of the documentary film “A Song in Movement” at 5:30pm and is followed by a mini-concert by Miyamoto and Derek Nakamoto at 6:30pm. A reception follows at 7pm. 3940 Brooklyn Avenue N.E. in the University District. 

Chef/food author J. Kenji Lopez-Alt teams up with Grammy-nominated violinist Tessa Lark in an evening of live cooking, music and conversation. Hosted by Serious Eats founder Ed Levin. April 12 at 7:30pm. In-person. Book signing after event by Book Larder. Town Hall Seattle. In the Great Hall. 1119 Eighth Ave. TownhallSeattle.org 

Hawai’i’s ukelele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro re-visits Seattle to perform April 2 – 5, 2026 at Jazz Alley. Indonesian jazz pianist Joey Alexander brings his trio with guest vocalist Laura Anglade to the club June 16 & 17, 2026. 2033 6th Avenue. [email protected]. 

Pacific Northwest Ballet has the following on tap. “Giselle” plays April 10 – 19, 2026. “All Lang” is a programs of varied works by Resident Choreographer Jessica Lang May 29 – June 7, 2026. Go to pnb.org for details. 

Seattle singer/sonwriter Tomo Nakayama performs on April 3, 2026 with Maita & Plash. 7pm & 8pm. The Tractor Tavern.5213 Ballard Ave. N.W. tractor tavern.com. 

The Westerlies are a brass quartet that was formed in Seattle. Trumpet player Riley Mulherkar is one of the founding members. Now New York based, they return to Seattle yearly to perform and teach and give back to the city where they started. They play the music of guitarist Bill Frisell on  April 8, 2026 at 7:30pm Fremont Abbey in an album release party. Night 2 of their Westerlies Fest 2026 is a one night only live recording session for their “Song Book EP Series” on Thurs., April 9 at the Chapel featuring new compositions from the group. The Chapel on the 4th floor at 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. In Seattle. April 10 is a live broadcast on King FM at 76pm. April 11 at 7:30pm is a 15th Anniversary Celebration at 415 Westlake. Go to www.westerliesfest.org for complete details. 

Some highlights from the prestigious Meany Center for the Performing Arts located on the Seattle UW campus include the following. Classical pianist Joyce Yang took the Silver Medal at the Cliburn International Piano Competition and she plays April 14, 2026 at 7:30pm. World class cellist Yo Yo Ma makes a welcome return to Seattle and talks about how music shaped his thinking and plays favorites on April 22, 2026 at 7:30pm. Pianist Min Kwon asked the best contemporary composers to create variations  on “America the Beautiful” and plays the results on May 12, 2026 at 7:30pm. The 2026/2027 season has been announced. Some highlights include the following. Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kei blends ancient mantras with global sounds in honor of Gandhi on October 2, 2026 at 8pm. Chopin Competition winner Bruce Liu performs piano classics by Ligeti, Beethoven, Ravel and Chopin on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 7:30pm. Indonesian pianist Janice Carissa plays a varied program of Bach, Granados, Allan, Ravel, Tanzil and Messiaen on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 7:30pm. Hung Dance from Taiwan brings contemporary dance blending with myth, Tai Chi and striking visual imagery. November 19 – 21, 2026 at 8pm. The pulse-pounding Taiko drumming of Japanese drumming ensemble KODO return to Seattle. January 29 – 30, 2027 at 7:30pm. Pianist Conrad Tao and tap dancer Caleb Teicher continue their dynamic collaboration with “Counterpoint II.” Thrill to music and movement from Back Schoenberg, Mozart and improvisations and originals by the duo. On Thursday, March 18, 2027 at 7: 30pm.On the grounds of Seattle’s University of Washington. 206-543-4880 or try [email protected]. 

“The History of Japanese Shakuhachi with Hanzaburo Araki” is set for Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 6pm. Araki is a descendant of a family that has played the shakuhachi for generations. He will introduce this musical tradition with a talk and musical demonstration. At Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum at 93 Pike St. #307. For details, go to folio Seattle.org. 206-402-4162. 

Seattle Symphony welcomes Xian Zhang, their new Chinese woman conductor as they embark on a new season. American composer Vivian Fung’s “Frenetic Memories for Clarinet & String Quartet” gets covered by Seattle Symphony musicians in a program entitled “From Ruth Gipps to Vivian Fung” on April 7, 2026. The 2026/2027 season under Music Director Xian Zhang has an opening night concert with pianist Yuji Wang with Zhang at the baton on September 19, 2026. Xian conducts the orchestra with violinist James Ehnes in a program of Bruch and Berlioz September 24,26 & 27, 2026. A program entitled “Etudes and Devotions” takes place on October 16, 2026 with Conor Hanick on piano, Mari Yoshinaga on percussion, Helen Kim on violin, Emerson Millar on violin, Katie Liu on viola and Meeka Quan DiLorenzo on cello. Violinist Leila Josefowicz returns on November 5 & 7, 2026 playing a program of music by Unsuk Chin, Szymanowski and Stravinsky. Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Tchaikovsky’s “First Piano Concerto” and “Zarathustra” with Tony Siri Yun on piano November 12, 14 & 15, 2026. Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Mozart’s “Requiem” with soprano Mei Gui Zhang on November 19, 21 & 22,2026. January 28 & 30, 2027 finds Xian Zhang conducting a program of Haydn and Mozart with Emanuel Ax as piano soloist. Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Tchaikovsky’s “Manfred” on February 4, 6 & 7, 2027. Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program entitled “The Sounds of Spain” on February 11 & 13, 2027. Xian Zhang conducts the symphony in a program featuring “Scheherazade” on March 11 & 13, 2027. The popular Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino better known as “Cateen” is equally at home playing pop, jazz and classical music. He makes his Seattle debut on March 19, 2027 in a program of classical music and originals. As part of the Nature In Music Festival”, Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in Grieg’s “Peer Gynt” with Helen Kim on violin set for April 8 & 10, 2027. Also part of the “Nature In Music Festival”, Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Beethoven’s “Pastoral” with Gil Shaham on violin April 15, 17 & 18, 2027. The Festival concludes on April 22,24 & 25, 2027 with Zhang conducting the Symphony  with Gabriela Montero on piano on April 22, 24 & 25, 2027. Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Brahms on June 17, 19 & 20, 2027 with Daniel Lozakovich on violin. On June 24 & 26, 2027, Xian Zhang conducts the Symphony in a program of Wagner’s “The Ring Without Words” with George Li on piano. Benaroya Hall is at 200 University St. 206-215-4747 or try Seattlesymphony.org. 

Intiman Cabaret announces the cast and playwrights for “The Fainting Spells” set for April 23 – 26, 2026. Curated by The Seagull Project (a company dedicated to adapting the works of Chekhov to the stage), “The Fainting Spells” is a triptych of classic Chekhov short comedies adapted by celebrated playwrights Keiko Green, Allison Gregory and Wayne Rawley. Directors include Sunam Ellis, Adrienne Mackey and MJ Silberman. Cast includes Rob Burgess, Miguel Castellano, Sharva Maynard and Sophia Franzella. [email protected] or 206-441-7178 

STG stages a variety of performing arts across the city on various stages throughout the year. The Ravi Shankar Ensemble continues the great sitar virtuoso’s music when they play the Moore on April 6, 2026 at 7:30pm. Stand-up comic Steven Ho brings his “Not Your Hero Tour” to the Neptune on April 12 at 7pm. The musical group Bloodywood bring their “System of a Brown Tour 2026” to the Neptune on April 17 at 7pm. Stand-up comic Zaria Garg brings her “Million Dollar Excuses” tour to the Neptune on April 18 for two shows at 4pm & 7pm. Comic Margaret Cho comes to the Moore on April 19, 2026. Guitarist/band leader Cory Wong brings his “Lost in the Wonder” tour to the Paramount on April 21 at 8:30pm. Stand-up comic Sumkhi Suresh brings her “Hormonal” tour to the Neptune on April 25 at 7pm. Japanese jazz pianist Hiromi brings her newest trio, “Hiromi’s Sonic Wonder” to the Moore on May 5, 2026 at 7:30pm. Stand-up comic Anubhav Singh Bassi comes to the Neptune on May 23 at 7pm. STG brings musician Hrishikesh Hiroya to the Triple Door on June 7 at 7:30pm. Stand-up comic Naomi Watanabe comes to the Neptune on June 12 for two shows at 7pm & 9:45pm.For full details, go to stgpresents.org. 

Pork-Filled Productions & Jet City Improv present “NOT ANOTHER ISEKAI (Or That Time I Got Reincarnated in an Improv Show)’ directed by M. Yicho, May 7 – 30, 2026 at West of Lenin Theatre. Jetcity improv.org 

ACT/Union Arts Center has Jiehae Park’s “The Aves” set for their new season. Directed by Sheila Daniel’s and set for April 18 – May 3, 2026. The play concerns an older couple sitting on a park bench on a summer’s day. A simple conversation shifts into a world of surreal possibilities in this funny meditation on memory, forgiveness and the lifelong process of becoming who we are. Alien Theatre at ACT. 700 Union St. Go to www.unionartscenter.org for details. 

South Korean composer Unsuk Chin was named winner of the “Music & Opera” section of the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards in Madrid. 

The Avery Fisher Career Grants are given out to talented instrumentalists, as well as small chamber ensembles. Among this year’s winners were Keila Wakao, violinist and cellist Leland Ko. 

Film and Video

A documentary film on performing artist/activist Nobuko Miyamoto entitled “A Song in Movement” has a free screening on April 30, 2026 at 5:30pm. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center at 3940 Brooklyn Ave. N.E. Miyamoto appears and performs with Derek Nakamoto. It screens again in Tacoma at Grand Cinema on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2pm with a Q&A with Miyamoto and her filmmaker husband, Tarabu Betserai. Facilitated by Anida Yoeu Ali. On Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2pm, a screening of “100 Years from Mississippi” by Tarabu Betserai at the Grand Cinema in Tacoma. The film is a documentary on the director’s mother who experienced and survived racial terrorism, segregation, bigotry and bias and continued to radiant joy and hope. Q&A follows with the filmmaker and Miyamoto. On Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11am, “A Song in Movement” screens at NorthCreek Events Center on the UW Bothell campus. Q&A facilities by Mira Shimabukuro. 

The 19th edition of the Seattle-based NIFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth) screens at various SIFF theaters from March 26 – April 5, 2026. One of the guest speakers is Bing Liu of “Minding the Gap” fame. The festival includes many talented Asian American young filmmakers. In-person. For complete details, try [email protected]. 

The Beacon is an alternative film center showing rare films. Ko Nakahira’s 1956 film “Crazed Fruit” is a mid-50’s exploration of Japanese youth, nihilism and sex set for April 20, 22 & 23. “Cece’s Interlude” is Jee Jae’s Yung Park’s 2025 documentary of a trans woman’s pregnancy. Screens April 24, 25 & 28. “Sing A Song of Sex” is Nagisa Oshima’s 1967 film of four sexually hungry high school students from the countryside who accompany their teacher to Tokyo to take university entrance exams. Set for April 27 & 29. Koreyoshi Kurahara’s 1960 film “The Warped Ones” tells the story of jazz-obsessed delinquent and a reckless sex worker who are released from juvenile detention and wreck havoc on society. Set for May 3 & 6. Shuji Terayama’s 1971 film “Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets” follows a teenager in a hopeless search for identity within a dysfunctional family and a fractured world. Set for May 7 & 8. Terayama was an important innovator in experimental theatre and had his own theatre troupe whose many members form the cast for this film. Mitsuo Yanagimachi’s 1976 film “God Speed You:Black Emperor” digs deep into the world of one of Japan’s biggest and most violent biker gangs screens on May 9. Hakuryu Ishii’s 1982 “Burst City” pits two rival bands and their followers as they battle cops, criminals and yakuza. Screens May 13 & 17.  Chosei Sonei’s 1983 film, “Blow The Night!” Let’s Spend the Night Together is a docudrama that looks at Japan’s Yankii subculture (lower class high school students engaged in reckless driving and sniffing paint thinner on rooftops) on May 18. Lam Naichoi’s 1988 film “The Peacock King” is a surreal horror story of a hell witch and a hell virgin at a devil hole who wreck havoc until two monks are sent to fight and save the world on May 23.  Sadao Funatoko’s 1966 film “Watari, The Ninja Boy” is based on a popular manga and tells the story of an old man and his grandson who avenge injustice on May 30. Kinji Fukasaku’s 2000 film “Battle Royale” screens May 20,21 & 22. A class of jr. high students are shipped to a remote island filled with explosive collars and are told to kill each other until only one remains. 4405 Rainier Ave. S. Go to thebeacon.film for details. 

 The SIFF cinema group of theaters screens the following.  As part of the series “Martin Scorsese-Maestro of Cinema (February 23 – April 29, 2026)” at SIFF Uptown as curated by the director himself and Gregg Olson, the director’s adaptation of the novel “Silence” by Shusaku Endo will screen on Wed., April 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. The film tells the story of two young Catholic priests in 17th century Japan on a mission to find their mentor during a period of government repression on Christianity. The 1st Seattle Taiwanese Eco Film Festival features a curated selection of award-winning Taiwanese environmental cinema to the U.S. A double-bill of “Birds and Us” and “Island of People” screens on April 18, 2026 at SIFF Film Center. . Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s 2024 film, “Chime” and his 1997 breakthrough film “Cure” in a new 4K restoration are paired together and screens April 7 and April 16, 2026 at 7pm at SIFF Film Center.Kenji Mizoguchi’s classic entitled “Sansho the Baliff” screens on Monday, May 4. 2026 at a SIFF theatre. The 52nd Seattle International Film Festival takes place from May 7 – 17, 2026 at various venues around town. Preview event on April 14 at SIFF Uptown. Individual ticket Member Pre-sale begins April 15. Opening night film & party on May 7 and closing night on May 17. SIFF members save hundreds on passes and ticket packages. To become a member or get more information, go to [email protected] or call 206-315-0680. For general information, go to SIFF.net for details. 

The Everett Film Festival takes place on April 4, 2026. Program includes Ethan More’s “Boxes”, a 2024 comedy short about a family home being sold and “A Little Help Here”, a comedy short about a man who sees an imaginary friend as directed by Vee Hua. Everett Performing Arts Center at 2710 Wetmore Avenue in Everett. Www.everettfilmfestival.org. 

The 2026 Oscars were recently given out at the Academy Awards. In the category of “Best Animated Feature Film”, the winner was “KPop Demon Hunters.” In the category of “Best Cinematography”, Autumn Durald Arkapaw won for “Sinners.” 

Actress Lana Condor returns to her dancing roots in the new action thriller “Pretty Lethal.” The film follows a ballet troupe as they bus breaks down on the way to a competition. Set in the Pacific Northwest. 

 Japanese filmmaker Kei Ishikawa’s new project is an adaption of British writer Kazuo Ishiguro’s debut novel entitled “A Pale View of the Hills” which looks at the lives of Japanese women in the shadow of the atomic bomb after they have moved to England. 

Mamoru Hosoda’s latest animation feature is “Scarlet”, an anime inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Hosoda is known for “Digimon: The Movie”, “Summer Wars” and “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.” 

The Netflix original series “The WONDERfool” has been crowned the most anticipated K-Drama of 2026 according to French digital magazine, BUZZweb zine’s ranking. 

“Homecoming: The Tokyo Series” begins streaming on CNN. It looks at Japan’s attitude towards the game of baseball and how it differs from Latin American and American teams. 

Noted filmmaker Ang Lee has two new film projects in the works. He will begin filming in California’s gold rush country his latest project “Gold Mountain” adapted from the book of the same name. It tells the story of two Chinese American orphans during the gold rush. After that, he will begin work on a biopic of martial arts artist and actor Bruce Lee. 

Written and Spoken Arts

Seattle Public Library presents the following events. As  part of a program for the Seattle Public Library featuring “The Literature of Japanese American Incarceration” connected with the “One Book, One Coast” initiative, Tacoma native Tamiko Nimura who discusses “A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter’s Return to Tule Lake” set for Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 7pm. KUOW Book Club with Sonora Jha takes place on Thursday, May 21 at 6:30pm. Jha discusses her novel “Intemperance.” Scott Kurashige talks about his book, “American Peril – The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism” on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 2pm. Go to spl.org for details. 

Town Hall Seattle has the following –   “Lori Matsukawa-Being There:Memoir of an Asian American Journalist” is the title of a new book on Chin Music Press.. This veteran news anchor at King TV talks about her career in broadcasting and how her childhood experiences shaped her life. In-person event on April 23, 2026 at 7:30pm. Free for ages 22 and under. Town Hall Seattle is at 1119 – 8th Ave. 206-652-4255. Go to town hallseattle.org for details 

Author, editor and filmmaker Frank Abe will lead a walking tour of John Okada’s Chinatown for the UW Humanities First Program.May 9, 2026 at 10:45 am. For details, go to resistors.com. 

A photo of Seattle artist Paul Horiuchi’s paintbox graces the cover of the Spring 2026 cover of the University of Washington Magazine. The image is part of a story by Shin Yu Pai entitled ”Out Of Scope – The Weird and Wonderful Artifacts That Refuse to Fit and Why They Matter to the Future of History” with photos by Ron Wurzer. Other stories include the following – “Telling an Untold Story – Pulitzer-winning reporter Evelyn Iritani uncovers the diplomatic exchange of American and Japanese civilians while the two countries were at war” by Jon Marmor and “Where the Bridge Draws Back” by Caitlin Klask which profiles Vivian Cho who spent 2025 as the Artist in Residence at the University Bridge. 

Cheryll Leo-Gwin & Storyboards NW present “Lost Underground”, a series on the underground world of China’s youth during the cultural revolution. Oral histories from Asian American artists and writers entitled “Narratives” is also due for release with a Patti Warashina interview, the first in the series. Go to www.leogwin.com. 

The Book Larder is a bookstore specializing in books on food, cooking demonstrations and author events. Saeng Douangdara talks about her new book “The Lao Kitchen” on May 13, 2026 at 6:30pm. $39.00 includes signed book with ticket. Nancy Singleton Hachisu talks about her new book, “The Art and Craft of Japanese Cooking” and makes a dish from the book that everyone can taste. May 14, 2026 at 6:30pm. $41.40 includes signed book. Alana Kasari gives an author talk with Daniel Aina, a Q&A and book signing on behalf of her book “Aloha Veggies- Veg-Forward Recipes Celebrating the Flavors of Hawai’i” on May 18, 2026 at 6:30pm. $39.00 includes signed book. 4252 Fremont in Seattle. 206-397-4271 or book larder.com. 

Elliott Bay Book Company has a busy schedule of readings and book events. Some highlights including the following. On March 31, 2026, Kim Samek reads from “I Am the Ghost Here: Stories”. Twelve women confront the mounting existential terrors of modern life. Samina Najmi, Lena Khalaf Tuffaha and Kalehua Kim appear off site at Hugo House on April 2, 2026 at 6pm. Najmi reads from her memoir “Sing Me A Circle: Love, Loss, and a Home in Time.” Tuffaha reads from her poetry book “Something About Living.” Kalehua Kim reads from her debut poetry book “Mele.” Back at the bookstore, writer/curator Minh Nguyen discusses her collection of essays “Memorial Park: Revisiting Vietnam” with Charles Mudede. On April 7, 2026 at 7pm, Sujin Witherspoon discusses her sophomore young adult novel entitled “Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted” in which two teens compete to win a reality show in the northwest woods with Rachel Runya Katz. On April 15, 2026 at 7pm, author/translator Tiffany Tsao and translator/editor Gabriella Page-Fort discuss the world of author/translators. April 23, 2026 at 7pm brings Japanese writer/artist Kanako Nishi who appears with translator Allison Markin Powell to discuss Nishi’s novel entitle “Sakura.” The book is about a broken family contending with the pain of the past to live in the present and the unforgettable dog who becomes their lifeline. Translator/editor Gabriella Page-Fort joins the conversation. Scott Kurashige talks about his book, “American Peril – The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism” on June 10, 2026 at 7pm/1521 10th Avenue. Go to www.elliottbaybook.com. 

The Seattle Chinatown Book Club meets every last Sunday of the month at 11am at Mam’s Bookstore at 608 Maynard Ave. S. In Seattle’s CID. For details, go to www.seattlechinatownid.com/local-events OR on Instagram @seattlechinatownbookclub. 

Third Place Books has three locations in the Puget Sound and readings at every venue. Children’s author Kobi Yamada reads from “Others: A Story For All of Us”, a universal story of kindness and compassion on March 31 at 6pm at Lake Forest Park. On April 12 the “Storytime” series features Chloe Ito Ward who reads from “Chopsticks Are Love” at 11am at Lake Forest Park. Also on April 12, Evelyn Iritani reads from “Safe Passage” at 7pm at Lake Forest Park. On April 14, Third Place Books co-sponsors with UW, Tiffany Tsao who addresses the topic of “Beyond Novelty and Exoticism: Taking the Long View in Translating Indonesian Literature” at 4:30pm at the UW Simpson Center for the Humanities on the Seattle campus. Kelly Yang discusses her novel “The Take” with Aleena Ansari on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7pm at the Lake Forest Park store. In “Ms Mabel Goes Back to the Chopping Block” by Jesse Q. Sutanto, a newly divorced trophy wife enrolls in a culinary school to win back her husband. Sutanto talks about her novel with Katie Campbell on Wed., April 29, 2026 at 7pm at the Lake Forest store.  Scott Kurashige engages in conversation with Linh Thuy Nguyen and Karam Dana about his book, “American Peril-The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism” on May 8, 2026 at 7pm at the Ravenna store. Third Place Books co-presents with the Seattle Public Library & KUOW Book Club, the author Sonora Jha discussing her novel “Intemperance” with Katie Campbell on Seattle Central Library’s Microsoft Auditorium downtown on May 21, 2026 at 6:30pm. Editor Jenny Barton speaks with contributors to her anthology entitled “No Contact: Writers on Estrangement” on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 7pm at the Ravenna store. Local writer/poet Jane Wong is a contributor who will join the discussion. Ravi Vedula reads from “Hyderabad Days: The Code We Lived By Before We Coded” on May 6, 2026 at 7pm at the Ravenna store. This Microsoft engineer reads from his memoir about growing up in 80’/90’ Hyderabad, India. Alan Chong Lau reads from “This Single Road – Postcards and Notebooks from Kyoto” accompanied by sound artist Susie Kozawa on June 3, 2026 at 7pm at the Ravenna store. The Lake Forest Park store is at 17171 Bothell Way NE #A101 in Lake Forest Park, WA. 206-366-3333. The Ravenna store is at 6504 – 20th Ave. NE. In Seattle. 206-525-23. The Seward Park store is at 5041 Wilson Ave. S. In Seattle. 206-474-2200. For details, go to third place books.com. 

The Gardner Center For Asian Arts & Ideas presents their Saturday University Series that presents a different speaker each month with visiting scholars, authors,  artists and thinkers offering perspectives on Asia at Seattle Asian Art Museum’s auditorium. On Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2pm, Padma Darjeeling Maitland addresses “Blue and Black Panthers- The Visual and Material Solidarities of the Dalit Panthers and Black Panther Party” and traces the history of the Dalit Panthers in India and how they sought to align themselves with the Black Panther Party in the U.S. On Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2pm, Sherry Fowler addresses “Why Get a Japanese Dragon Tattoo: An Enduring Image of Cross-cultural Exchange” and examines where does the mysterious hybrid creature of a Japanese dragon come from 

The 2025 Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalists have been announced. In the “Science Fiction” category, Silvia Park’s “Luminous” has been nominated. It is set in the near future of a re-united Korea. In the “Debut Novel” category, Saou Ichikawa’s novel  entitled “Hunchback” as translated by Polly Barton from the Japanese was nominated. In the “Science & Technology” category, Karen Hao’s “Empire of AI” received a nomination. In the “Young Adult” category, Trung Le Nguyen was nominated for “Angelica & the Bear Prince” and author Jamie Jo Hoang nominated for “My Mother the Mermaid Chaser.” In the “Graphic Novel/Comics” category, Lee Lai received a nomination for “Cannon.”  Amy Tan will be honored with the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime Achievement Award.  

The 2026 Women’s Prize for Non Fiction’s short list includes Arundhati Roy’s memoir, “Mother Mary Comes To Me.” On the long list are “Daughters of the Bamboo” by Barbara Demick and “Ask Me How It Works” by Deena Paul and again, Arundhati Roy’s memoir, “Mother Mary Comes To Me.”