March Arts Calendar 2026  

Visual Arts

“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 “Colors of Expression-Queerness in Glass” has a closing reception and community circle on Friday, March 27 from 6 – 8pm. At the Fish Bowl at 323 – 2nd Ave. W. 

“TET in Diaspora – Nhi Vo” is on view through March 28, 2026. The artist imagines how the Vietnamese Lunar New Year is observed away from the homeland using a ceramic table scape that depicts dishes that epitomize concepts of community celebration and resilience. At ARTS at King Street Station. 303 South Jackson on the top floor. W. – Sat. From 11am – 5pm and until 8pm on First Thursdays. Artbeat.seattle.gov. 

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. 

“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.  

ArtXContemporary Gallery has the following – “RENEWAL”, a hybrid/in-person group exhibition explores the rhyming cycle of growth, decay and renewal and features gallery artists Juan Alonso Rodriguez, Tiao Nith Somsanith, Jeremy G. Bell, Gilchun Koh and others. The gallery will be open as usual for the First Thursday Gallery Walk on Thursday, March 5, 2026.512 First Avenue S. 206-839-0377 or www.artx-contemporary.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. Artist/author Mari Ichimatsu welcomes a 2nd edition of her book, “Fur Coats and Backpacks” on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Kobo at Higo. The simple elegance of glass vessels by Sayuri Fukuda now on view at the KOBO at the 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 through March, 2026 is “Let There Be Light”, an exhibition of figurative works that counter and complement the historical tradition of figurative painting. Curated by Anthony White. Also on view is “Monster, a virtual reality dark ride created by Brent Watanabe. 1930 – 3rd Avenue. Cannonballarts.com.  

North Seattle College Art Gallery presents “Open Studio Cambodia Exhibition” with work by five artists from an artist collective based in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Through March 6, 2026. 9600 College Way N. Art gallery.northseattle.edu or @nscartgallery.  

“Bella Kim:Jogakbo Journeys” in which the artist re-interprets the Korean tradition of patchwork  working with discarded materials. On view through March 25, 2026. 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”. Through March 2026 is Ai Weiwei’s “Water Lillies” assembled with LEGO blocks. “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 – Pamela McClusky, Curator of African and Oceanic Art has a talk entitled “Discovering Diamonds in Australia” on February 19 on Aboriginal artist Gunybi Ganambarr. 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 admission. The 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 – Opening on March 18, 2026 is “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. 190 Sunset Ave. S. #E cascadiaartmuseum.org.  

“Message and Medium” is a group show that explores the power of language in art through calligraphy, psychology, Eastern philosophy, journal-making and other media. Includes work by Akiko Victorson and others. March 6 – 28, 2026. Allied Arts of Whatcom County in Bellingham. 1418 Cornwall Ave. allied arts.org.  

Khan Gallery in Tacoma presents  “Didar”, squares and circles in Nastaliq calligraphy by renowned Afghan calligrapher and artist Alibaba Awrang. On view through March 22, 2026. Closing reception on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 2 – 4pm. 1126 Broadway. Www.khangallery.com.  

 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].  

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. “A Guide to the Forced Assembly Centers” with Sharon Yamato, Stan Honda and Brian Niiya on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 2pm at Epworth United Methodist. Tickets at jamo.org/temporary-detention. 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]. 

The Portland Japanese Garden has the following exhibits on view. Ongoing are photographs of four prominent gardens based in Japan and Stu Levy’s photos of the Portland Japanese Garden and an exhibit on six distinct styles of Japanese gardens. The Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute have announced two new CEOs who willl lead the Portland Japanese Garden in their next phase. Lisa Christy and Aki Nakanishi will jointly lead this organization. Christy will oversee the garden’s administrative and operational functions. Nakanishi will lead programmatic and creative oversight, guiding the garden’s educational  and cultural initiatives. Both will work together on fundraising and vision for the organization.611 SW Kingston Ave. 503-223-1321 or Japanese garden.org. 

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 – Permanent exhibit is “Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Portland’s Historic Chinatowns.” 127 NW Third. Try Portland Chinatown.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 – March 21, 2027.1430 Johnson Lane on campus. Try Jsma.uoregon.edu for details. 

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU has the following. British sculptor Amish Kapoor has a show entitled “Dissolving Margins” on view through March 14, 2026. 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.org. 

Nanaimo Art Gallery has on view through March 22, 2026, a show entitled “Bleached by the Sun: Perspectives on Chinatown”, a response to Nanaimo’s history and legacy of that town’s former Chinatown. Six artists bring a wealth of perspectives through art and photographs. 150 Commercial St. in Nanaimo, Canada. Nanaimoartgallery.ca. 

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washingon,DC  premieres an exhibition of Korean art from the late Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee’s vast collection. The exhibition features over 300 pieces spanning centuries. The show later travels to Chicago and London. 

Vietnamese American artist Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s 27-foot-tall sandstone sculpture of the Buddha entitled “The Light That Shines Through The Universe” will go on view in the spring of 2026 on New York City’s Highline. The statue is a reimaging of one of the Bamiyan buddhas destroyed by the Taliban in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley. 

Performing Arts

“House Fire” is a world premiere by Carol Y. Lee at Dukesbay Theater. It stars Joy Misako St. Germain. The play is a story of the afterlife and a comic look at life, death and the mysteries of both. March 13 – 29, 2026 (Fri.-Sat. At 7:30pm & Sun. At 2pm). On the red floor of Merlin’s Art Center at 508 – 6th Ave. #10 in Tacoma. Tickets at https://DukesbayHouseFire.eventbrite.com. For information, try [email protected] or 253-350-7680. 

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]. 

Indonesian pop band Grrrl Gang perform March 28, 2026 at the Clockout Lounge at 9pm. 4864 Beacon Ave. S. Clockoutlounge.com. 21+. 

Pacific Northwest Ballet has the following on tap. “Firebird” plays March 13 -22, 2026. PNB’s Ballet School presents the world premiere of “Momotaro – Peach Boy” adapted by Jessica Lang and Kanji Sugawa from one of Japan’s oldest folktales.Includes a sensory-friendly performance and a free community day. March 13 -22, 2026. “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. 

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. On the grounds of Seattle’s University of Washington. 206-543-4880 or try [email protected]. 

Seattle Symphony welcomes Xian Zhang, their new Chinese woman conductor as they embark on a new season. Pianist Haochen Zhang covers Liszt & Kodaly on March 12, 13 & 14, 2026. Dynamic pianist Lang Lang performs in recital on March 20, 2026. 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. Benaroya Hall is at 200 University St. 206-215-4747 or try Seattle symphony.org. 

Intiman Theater  presents “Arnaldo & Friends” set from March 26- 29, 2026. Hosted by dazzling drag chanteuse Arnaldo, this evening of cabaret features two unique acts each evening. At the Erickson Theatre at 1524 Harvard Ave. 206-441-7178. [email protected]. In related news 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. 

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. 

Seattle Children’s Theatre presents “Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story” February 19 – March 15, 2026. This play may be extended beyond this date, details TBA.This is a new work commissioned from local playwright Keiko Green. 155 Mercer. 206-441-3322 or try [email protected]. 

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. 

Film and Video

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. Two Nam Lee’s 1983 feature “The Challenge of the Lady Ninja” follows a Lady Ninja who learns that her father has been killed by the Japanese. She forms an army of Lady ninjas to take her revenge. Screens March 28 at 10pm and March 30 at 4:30pm. 4405 Rainier Ave. S. Go to thebeacon.film for details. 

The SIFF cinema group of theatres screens the following. “Origins: Our Thousand Days” is a series that follows the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the lives of Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals forcibly removed and imprisoned. Free. March 12 at Uptown Cinema. 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. “Bushido” by Kaguya Shiraishi is a new samurai film that follows a wandering ronin (masterless samurai) as he faces betrayal and revenge. Opens March 30, 2026 at SIFF Uptown. Kenji Mizoguchi’s classic entitled “Sansho the Baliff” screens on Monday, May 4. 2026 at a SIFF theatre. 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. 

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. 

Written and Spoken Arts

Seattle Public Library presents the following events. Author/filmmaker Frank Abe appears 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 from Los Angeles Public Library. Set for April 8, 2026 at 7pm. Microsoft Auditorium The series continues with 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 with Sonora Jha takes place on Thursday, May 21 at 6:30pm. Jha discusses her novel “Intemperance.” Go to spl.org for details. 

Town Hall Seattle has the following –  “Burl Dirkman: Power Thru It” comes from the mind of cartoonist Brett Hamilton, the guy behind “Doom Loop” and co-producer of Joketellers Union. Hamilton inhabits the wistful handyman ego Burt Dirkman and has created this unique talk show that takes the audience on a comedic journey of self-discovery. This program features an interview with local Seattle luminaries. Food personality J. Kenji Lopez-Alt and Singer/songwriter Tomo Nakayama are guests. Set for Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 7:30pm. In-person & livestream. 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. On March 17, 2026 at 6:30pm, Sana Javeri and Asha Loupy discuss their publication entitled “The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook.” 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 Wed., March 18, 2026 back at Elliott Bay, T. Kira Madden discusses her debut novel “Whidbey” with Danya Kukafka at 7pm. It tells the story of women connected through one man in the aftermath of his murder. On March 31, 2026, Kim Samek reads from “I Am the Ghost Here: Stories”. Twelve women confront the mounting existential terrors of modern life. On April 7 Sujin Witherspoon reads from her sophomore young adult novel entitled “Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted” in which two teens compete to win a reality show in the northwest woods.  . On April 15, author/translator Tiffany Tsao and translator/editor Gabriella Page-Fort discuss the world of author/translators. April 23 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. 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. On March 11, 2026 at 7pm at the Lake Forest Park store, three local authors will discuss equal rights, representation and race through the lens of their non-fiction writing. Anjali Enjeti is the author of “Ballot”, an exploration of the psychological, cultural and political significance of voting in an increasing anti-voting climate. Tamiko Nimura is the co-author of the graphic novel “We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration.”  Simon Supekar is the author of “Stock Photo”, a book that draws on the author’s experience as a keyworder for a stock photo company. 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 UYW Simpson Center for the Humanities on the Seattle campus. Kelly Yang discusses her novel “The Take” with Aleena’s 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. Finally, Third Place Books co-presents with the Seattle Public Library the author Sonora Jha discussing her novel “Intemperance” with Katie Campbell on Seattle Central Library’s Microsoft Auditorium downtown. 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, March 14, 2026 at 2pm, Thy Phu addresses the topic of “Ceaseless Replay: Photography and the Afterlife of the War in Vietnam” and talks about how photography serves not only as a record of conflict, but as a powerful medium for performing memory. 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. 

Kim Fu reads from her latest novel entitled “The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts” on March 24, 2026 at 6pm. Village Books at 1200 – 11th St. in Bellingham,WA. Go to villagebooks.com for more details. 

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.  

“Exophony” by Yoko Tawada as translated by Lisa Hofmann-Kuroda has been shortlisted for the National Book Critics Circle Awards under the category of “Criticism and the Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize.”