Top Seattle art exhibits, shows, concerts and more for fall 2026

As summer fades away to fall, Seattle’s bustling arts scene is gearing up for another season of constant change. It’s no secret that rising operational and living costs are fueling uncertainty for the city’s artists and art organizations, but a new wave of leadership is determined to keep the arts scene flourishing.

In this Fall Arts Guide, our writers take a pulse check on Seattle’s creative sector and where it’s headed. They also recommend must-see concerts, plays and exhibits to attend, as well as the best movies and TV shows to watch this season. Here’s your guide on everything to see, hear and do around the local arts scene this fall.

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New Seattle and WA arts leaders share the most pressing issues today

Four newly appointed local leaders in the arts world speak with The Seattle Times about the state of the art scene today — the challenges as well as the opportunities.

Peek inside the $20M renovation of a downtown Seattle concert venue

The renovation of Benaroya Hall, opened in 1998 and home of Seattle Symphony, is meant to make the venue a year-round gathering place for the public.

Big things are coming in Seattle’s smaller theater spaces

How new energy at Theatre Off Jackson, Annex Theatre and Seattle Open Arts Place is reinvigorating Seattle’s fringe theater scene, and why that matters.

Pulitzer-winning plays, off-Broadway hits are the top fall Seattle theater shows to see

Don’t miss “Oh, Mary!,” Taylor Mac, “Ragtime” and many more on Seattle stages this fall.

This fall’s most anticipated movies

This year’s fall movie season offers up Godzilla, Jane Austen, Tom Cruise, a husband made of wicker and more.

Best TV shows of fall 2026

From a reimagining of a Stephen King classic to the return of a critically acclaimed crime drama, here are 15 shows to be excited about this fall.

5 can’t-miss art shows in Seattle and beyond this fall

From an “Inconvenience Store” to surreal sculptural tableaus, here are the intriguing art shows you should see in the next few months.

Top classical music events to attend this fall

Seattle’s classical calendar has an adventurous streak this fall. Here’s what to put on your calendars.

14 top dance performances in the Seattle area to see this fall

From classical ballet to contemporary dance, with pieces from around the world, here are performances you won’t want to miss this fall.

15 books coming out this fall

The next few months are stacked with long-awaited sophomore novels, new work from old favorites and debuts that play with genre, form and expectations.

These 16 authors are coming to the Seattle area this fall

From national book tours to conversations with local authors, take note of these upcoming bibliophile events in the Seattle area.