The Genius Awards return September 12th, 2026

Limited VIP Tickets On Sale Now!

Join The Stranger as we award six $10,000 grants to visionaries representing the best Seattle has to offer in Film, Food, Literature, Music, Performance, and Visual Art.

That’s right—$10,000 to six outstanding members of Seattle’s cultural community, no strings attached. Because we believe that art fucking matters.

VIP pre-party begins at 5:30pm, and doors are at 6:30pm. Enjoy tunes spun by DJ Erik Blood to welcome you to the evening. The awards show runs from 7:30–8:30pm, hosted by the lovely Miss Texas 1988.

Shabazz Palaces headlines the event from 9–10pm, followed by a DJ dance-party in the basement until 11pm. LFG!

Purchasing a VIP ticket gets you early access for the Genius Awards pre-party, 2 drink tickets, priority seating, and exclusive swag!