WATCH | Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s Queer & Trans Film Festival 2025
July 10th - 12th @ Broadway Performance Hall & Erickson Theatre
This summer, Three Dollar Bill Cinema beautifully weaves together the histories of the Seattle Queer Film Festival and TRANSlations for a rich, in-person retrospective that honors decades of groundbreaking LGBTQ+ storytelling. Under the theme “uniting the legacies,” the program offers a lovingly curated mix of iconic features, beloved shorts, and a new wave of trans-made and trans-led films that reflect the depth, defiance, and joy of queer cinema. Expect unforgettable titles like Portrait of a Lady on Fire and Tangerine alongside fresh discoveries that push the form forward. There’s no streaming this time—this is a celebration meant to be shared with a crowd on the big screen, just as it should be.
IMMERSE | Seattle Outdoor Theatre Festival
July 12th - 13th @ Volunteer Park
A beloved fixture of Seattle’s summer arts scene, the Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival returns to Volunteer Park with a lively mix of performances under the open sky. While there’s plenty of Shakespeare to go around, the festival also showcases an eclectic lineup from local companies—like an Indigenous piece by Red Eagle Soaring Native Theater, a puppet show inspired by a Mexican folktale from Thistle Theatre, and a hilariously improvised “Shakespeareance” by ComedySportz. Attendees can also dive into the creative process with interactive experiences like a stage combat demo from the Seattle Sockeye and a devising workshop led by Dacha Theatre. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and settle in for a weekend of theater in the park.
GROOVE | Spotlight at Waterfront Park
Every Thursday through September 25th | 6:00 - 8:00pm @ Pier 62
Every Thursday evening this summer, Seattle’s waterfront transforms into a living, breathing stage: Welcome to Spotlight at Waterfront Park. Set against the shimmer of Elliott Bay, this weekly series invites you to wander into a world where music, art, and culture pulse through the heart of the city. Whether you're stretched out on the Salish Steps or dancing on Pier 62, each Spotlight showcases the depth and diversity of Seattle’s creative community.
Coming up next: a free preview of Black & Loud Fest, featuring headliner King Youngblood and a lineup of powerful performances on July 10. After that, the spotlight shifts to the next generation of local talent, with fresh sounds from young hip-hop artists in The Residency program. Come for the view, stay for the vibe—Spotlight runs every Thursday from July through September.