Seattle is in for a cultural first this summer as the Choma Festival makes its debut at Jimi Hendrix Park on Saturday, June 28 from 12–6 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is rooted in the East African tradition of Nyama Choma (Swahili for “grilled meat”)—a cookout-style gathering that’s about more than just the food. It’s about connection, joy, and shared experience.

Village Theatre’s new production of The Color Purple is more than a musical — it’s an emotional journey brought to life through rich harmonies, gospel roots, and a cast that feels like family.

The power of youth storytelling will take center stage at the upcoming 11th Annual Rising Voices Oratory Showcase & Celebration, hosted by Speak With Purpose (SWP). The event, which amplifies the voices of young scholars across King County, will be held on Saturday, June 14 at the Seattle Museum of Flight. Preliminaries were Saturday, May 31, and the showcase is free and open to the public.

If you're someone who appreciates heat with flavor, Qemem Hot Sauce is a brand worth knowing. Recently featured on Back2Besa, Qemem founder Embeba sat down with Besa Gordon to share the story behind her bold, flavorful hot sauces that celebrate culture, community, and culinary creativity.

When choreographer and dancer Rena Butler flew into Seattle fresh off a birthday trip to France, she came with more than just jet lag—she arrived with purpose, power, and a new production in the works for Pacific Northwest Ballet's Director’s Choice series. Besa Gordon sat down with Rena for an intimate conversation about life, legacy, and her upcoming piece titled Cracks.

When Juneteenth rolls around, Seattle will once again feel the electric energy of community, creativity, and culture thanks to the Griot Party Experience. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Broadway Performance Theater, this free event is more than just a celebration—it's a full-on unity experience.

If you're looking for the move this Memorial Day Weekend, look no further than Bellevue. PapaBlack DaVinci is hosting his first-ever All White Party on Sunday, May 25th at Mirra, and according to him—it’s going to be “some energy in Bellevue you don’t want to miss.”

Mark your calendars! On March 15th, ARTS Corp is hosting its Thrive fundraiser at the W.O.W. Gallery in Pacific Place Mall—a night dedicated to celebrating youth creativity, community collaboration, and the power of the arts. This event directly supports ARTS Corp’s mission to provide free arts programming for students in South Seattle, South King County, and Central Seattle.