Portland, OR — Portland’s hip-hop scene comes alive when Festivale Cool Nutz takes over the Alberta Street Pub for two unforgettable nights of music, culture, and community tonight and tomorrow, December 12th & 13th. Headlined and curated by Cool Nutz, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected hip-hop pioneers, Festivale Cool Nutz unites a powerhouse lineup of regional talent representing the best of the city’s sound.

While the approaching winter months are all about staying warm and cozy, that doesn’t mean you can’t fill your calendar with spirited holiday events across the Emerald City! Besa Gordon shared a few of her favorite productions, activities, and holiday hotspots that make this time of year in the greater Seattle area so special. These are the experiences that turn you back into a kid and remind you what the season is all about.

The stage is set once more for the triumphant return of “Black Nativity,” the celebrated holiday production originally conceived by the legendary poet and playwright Langston Hughes. Presented by Intiman Theatre starting today, Dec. 10, this revival has become a powerful annual touchstone, re-establishing a sense of community, faith, and cultural pride.

The multi-Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir has returned to North America, bringing their inspirational new concert, "PEACE," to audiences across the continent, including Seattle on December 18 at the Moore Theatre. Formed in 2002 to celebrate the unique power of African gospel music, the choir has established itself as a global phenomenon, thrilling audiences with their powerful sound and infectious spirit.

The Re-Sole 206 is hosting Sole Food: For The Community, spearheaded by Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward, this Saturday, November 29, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. This special gathering is a marketplace rooted in care, culture, and connection, combining The Re-Sole’s sneaker donation program with local vendors, tasty food, and a deep dedication to uplifting the community. 

The Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute is transforming into a sacred space for Black imagination on Sunday, November 30. Former NFL star-turned-creative visionary, Martellus Bennett, aka MR. TOMONOSHi, is bringing his electrifying show, "Slices of Black American Life," right here to Seattle’s Central District.

Portland’s hip-hop scene comes alive when Festivale Cool Nutz takes over the Alberta Street Pub for two unforgettable nights of music, culture, and community on December 12th & 13th, 2025. Headlined and curated by Cool Nutz, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected hip-hop pioneers, Festivale Cool Nutz unites a powerhouse lineup of regional talent representing the best of the city’s sound.

Looking for free and affordable things to do this holiday season? Seattle Center has got you covered, with a fun and family-friendly holiday calendar packed with events, activities, and attractions through the rest of the year. From Seattle Center’s annual Winterfest series, presented by Symetra, to the Seattle Christmas Market, PNB's Nutcracker, and more, there is something for everyone to experience this November and December. 

On Saturday, Dec. 13, The Seattle Public Library’s Douglass-Truth Branch invites all of Seattle to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its community-chosen name. A half-century ago, the Central District came together to rename its library to reflect its community, marking a moment for the Black community in Seattle. 

Bestselling author, cultural organizer, and Marvel comics writer Eve L. Ewing will present the 2025 Bullitt Lecture in American History about her new book "Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism.” Hosted by Seattle Public Library (SPL), the lecture will take place on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Central Library Microsoft Auditorium.

Acts On Stage is bringing “Detroit ‘67” to Seattle! From her award-winning stage trilogy, Dominique Morisseau delivers “Detroit ‘67” as a two-story dramedy that chronicles a family having a house party while the city is on fire. The metaphor sits on the backbeat of a country dancing to the new sound of Motown as it simultaneously finds itself in the dust of one of the most explosive moments in American history: the 1967 Detroit riots. It’s all coming together while falling apart.

Get ready to be swept away by dancing, music, and magic as George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker returns to brighten your holidays at Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB). This beloved Northwest tradition is back, promising yet another unforgettable experience for friends and family at McCaw Hall from November 28 to December 28, 2025.

In the historic Columbia City District of Seattle, an intentional gathering rooted in Black culture, history, and the spirit of solidarity is happening this weekend. Last week, artist and educator Logic Amen joined Almost The Weekend with host Curtis Delgardo II, aka Cuddy, to talk about his concept behind The Poetry in Motion Ball, hosted at the Royal Esquire Club on Saturday, October 25th.

It’s Almost The Weekend, and you already know Besa Gordon and Curtis “Cuddy” Delgado are back with the lineup to keep your weekend booked and busy! This week’s episode is full of community vibes, fresh fashion, and even fresher plates — plus an inspiring conversation about art and purpose with Logic Amen of The Griot Party Experience.

On a radiant evening beside Lake Washington, the Tubman Center for Health & Freedom celebrated five transformative years of healing, growth, and community power. The organization’s fifth-anniversary gala, A Night’s Journey, brought together more than 350 community leaders, members, and supporters for an unforgettable night of reflection, joy, and visioning for the road ahead. 

On “The Day With Trae” last month, James Hunter, the Employer Engagement Broker at Seattle Housing Authority (SHA), illuminated the critical work his organization is doing to connect residents with meaningful employment. Hunter's passion for his role is evident as he discusses SHA's comprehensive Job Link program and an upcoming career fair designed to genuinely uplift the community.

Monday’s episode of "The Day with Trae" featured Fynniecko Glover Jr. from the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. He discussed the highly anticipated Enterprise Nexus event, a groundbreaking career-style fair meticulously designed for entrepreneurs on September 12th.

Fremont Fridays, the beloved Seattle event, recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, growing from a post-lockdown necessity to a multi-stage cultural phenomenon. Marshall Hugh, co-founder of Fremont Fridays frontman of Marshall Law Band, shared insights into the event's evolution, its mission, and what makes it a unique experience for artists and attendees alike.

Seattle is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming theatrical production, "For Colored Boyz on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown/When Freedom Ain't Enough." This powerful play, directed by the visionary Lynette Winters, promises to be a poignant exploration of the Black male experience.

Simon Okelo discussed the Madaraka Festival's origins and growth since 2014. The event supports youth programs in East Africa, unites African communities, and celebrates Kenyan independence. Entering its 11th year, the Madaraka Festival is scheduled for September 6 at Pier 62 in Seattle.