In 2025, Snohomish County pulsed with the energy of cultural celebration, artistic achievement, and deep community connection. Below are our highlights for artistic events and achievements throughout last year.
Edmonds’ Cascade Symphony Orchestra is committed to keeping classical music affordable
The Cascade Symphony Orchestra, Snohomish County’s oldest community orchestra (founded 1962), emphasized accessibility with affordable tickets for its 64th season (October 2025–May 2026) at the Edmonds Center for the Arts. The season featured classics like Beethoven’s Fifth, Brahms’ Double Concerto, Bizet’s Carmen excerpts, and Mozart works, performed by volunteer musicians who donate thousands of hours annually. Highlights included Opening Night with pianists Aaron Jin and Jeffrey Zhao (Oct. 27, 2025), Holiday Pops with soprano Kristin Vogel (Dec. 14–15, 2025), and more.
Artist d’Elaine Herard Johnson held final exhibit at Graphite Arts Center
At 93, acclaimed artist d’Elaine Herard Johnson presented her final exhibition, “Goddesses,” featuring 22 pieces at Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds on Dec. 5, 2025 through Jan. 3, 2026. Receptions included a private event on Dec. 6 and public viewing, co-sponsored by Graphite Arts Center and Edmonds College. Johnson, who completed 27 new works in 2025, is not retiring but is donating her entire estate—including over 1,200 paintings and her studio—to Edmonds College to fund scholarships in art and horticulture. The legacy gift ensures her creative influence continues to inspire future generations of students.
Port of Everett unveils new illuminated Orca Art on the Mukilteo Waterfront
On November 19, 2025, the Port of Everett installed a 12-foot illuminated orca sculpture at the Mukilteo waterfront parklet beside Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing. Visible to ferry passengers and visitors overlooking the Salish Sea, the artwork—created with VisionArt and Blachere Illumination—will remain on display until Presidents Day 2026. Partially funded by a Washington State Tourism grant, it aims to enhance seasonal tourism and highlight local natural beauty. A naming contest, in partnership with Ivar’s, ran through December 1, 2025, with prizes offered. Port CEO Lisa Lefeber emphasized its role in increasing waterfront vibrancy and supporting future redevelopment plans.
Mukilteo unveils new Welcome Poles in continued recognition of the ancestral lands of the Tulalip Peoples
During the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival on September 6, 2025, two 10-foot Welcome Poles were unveiled in Lighthouse Park to honor the Tulalip Tribes’ ancestral fishing grounds. Attended by Mayor Joe Marine, Tulalip Chairwoman Teri Gobin, and master carvers Joe Gobin and James Madison, the red-cedar poles feature traditional designs: one representing the Tulalip Peoples and the other a modern “Blackfish” (orca) narrative with family symbols. The ceremony included prayers, drumming, and singing, underscoring cultural heritage and shared stewardship. Funded by city ARPA funds, the poles continue longstanding recognition of Tulalip lands since the festival’s start in 1966.
Lynnwood Celebrates Day of the Dead with Art, Memories, and Community
On November 1, 2025, the Lynnwood Library hosted a Day of the Dead event organized by the WAGRO Foundation and The Fat Brush, attracting around 200 participants. The celebration featured an opening ceremony, blessings by the Yolihuani Aztec Dance Group, a community altar for honoring loved ones, a children’s Catrinas/Catrines costume contest, traditional foods like tamales and pan de muerto, performances by the Northwest Orchestra, and workshops on paper flowers, recycled-art skulls, and cultural identity. Speakers highlighted heritage, memory, and unity, blending Mesoamerican and Catholic traditions to foster community connection.
Hawaiian Council’s 24th annual convention held at Tulalip Resort and Casino
The 24th annual Native Hawaiian Convention concluded on October 9, 2025, at Tulalip Tribes lands—the first time held on federally recognized tribal territory outside Hawaii. Over 1,100 attendees from 37 U.S. states and four countries participated in four days of cultural activities, including lūʻau, workshops on chants and genealogy, performances (notably the debut Broadway-style “The Epic Tale of Hi’iaka”), and discussions on sovereignty, tourism, and justice. Key figures included CEO Kūhiō Lewis, Tulalip Chairwoman Teri Gobin, and speakers like Kaiali’I Kahele. The event strengthened cultural exchange, unity, and dialogue on preserving traditions amid migration and economic challenges.
44 Snohomish County arts organizations awarded ArtsFund Community Accelerator grants
ArtsFund and Allen Family Philanthropies awarded nearly $400,000 in Community Accelerator grants to 44 Snohomish County arts groups in 2025, prioritizing those with limited resources to bolster arts and cultural programming. Part of a statewide initiative distributing $20 million since 2023 to over 900 organizations, the grants (ranging from $2,500 to $25,000) support stability and community impact within Washington’s $120 billion creative economy. Recipients span cities like Everett, Snohomish, and Edmonds. Leaders from ArtsFund and the foundation noted the program’s success in amplifying organizational missions and infrastructure despite low state arts funding.
Seattle Opera performed free at Marysville Opera House in April
On April 6, 2025, Seattle Opera presented the free one-act opera Earth to Kenzie at the Marysville Opera House, sponsored by Sno-Isle Libraries and Friends of the Marysville Library. The family-friendly production followed fifth-grader Kenzie as she navigates uncertainty after her home faces threats, exploring empathy and resilience. Featuring professional singers, live piano, and full staging, the 1-hour-45-minute show was open to all ages.
Third annual Sounds of Africa returned at Everett’s Garfield Park on August 16
The Washington West African Center’s third annual Sounds of Africa festival returned on August 16, 2025, at Garfield Park in Everett. The free event celebrated African heritage through authentic cuisine, traditional fashion shows, live music by artists like Pa Bobo Jorbarteh and Kuyateh Arts, dance competitions, and performances including the BIDEWW Choir’s original song on resilience. Vendors offered African goods, while children enjoyed face painting, bouncy houses, and meet-and-greets with local firefighters. The festival promoted cultural diversity and community unity.
Nubian Jam 2025: Celebrating fellowship and community connectedness
The 33rd annual Nubian Jam, hosted by the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee, occurred on July 26, 2025, at Forest Park in Everett. Thousands gathered to honor African and African American culture through education, entertainment, and fellowship, recognizing Black elders and empowering youth. Highlights included a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, African attire fashion show, drumming by Pa Ousman Joff, performances by H-Town (R&B), gospel hour, jazz, open mic, hip-hop/reggae dancing, and exhibits like a Black history timeline, Underground Railroad quilt, and Buffalo Soldiers presentation. Originating in 1993 from a family reunion, the event—named for “Nubian” meaning “Beautiful People”—has grown into a major community celebration with vendors, artists, and 30+ partners. Leaders emphasized connection, education, and unity.
Edmonds Ballyhoo Theater providing accessible and inclusive arts since 1999
Ballyhoo Theater in Edmonds, founded in 1999 by Shileah Corey as a summer homeschool program and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2015, focuses on accessible, inclusive arts with low-cost or sliding-scale tickets (as low as $4–$5) and no financial barriers. Queer-led with mostly LGBTQIA2S+ staff, it offers educational programs in acting, voice, and auditions for children and youth, producing five musicals yearly in a safe, diverse environment. Last years’ shows included A Year with Frog and Toad and Hadestown: Teen Edition, which both performed at Edmonds College Black Box Theater. Supported by grants, it prioritizes community access and collaboration.
Sounds of Summer concerts series returned to Marysville at Comeford Park
The Sounds of Summer free concert series returned to Marysville’s Comeford Park in July and August 2025. Evening concerts featured Stilly River Lockdown, James Berkley, and Todo Es. Children’s concerts included Brian Waite, Recess Monkey, and Eli Rosenblatt. Attendees enjoyed the concurrent Farmer’s Market, splash pad, local shopping, and family-friendly activities. Sponsored by Community Transit and Humana, it encouraged bringing chairs, blankets, sunscreen, and dancing shoes.
Cascadia Art Museum commemorates Juneteenth with Free Admission and special exhibitions honoring Black Artists of the Northwest
On June 19, 2025, Cascadia Art Museum in Edmonds offered free admission from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (including Art Walk Edmonds) to celebrate Juneteenth, reflecting on freedom, resilience, and equality. The event highlighted rare exhibitions of works by historic Black Northwest artists Grafton Tyler Brown and Milt Simons, bringing greater recognition to their contributions and legacies.
Voces del Alma Festival 2025: A Celebration of Spanish Art, Poetry, and Culture
The Voces del Alma Festival on May 31, 2025, at Lynnwood Library drew over 200 people to celebrate Spanish-language art, poetry, and culture. Organized by the WAGRO Foundation, it launched the anthology Se escribe en español: A Poetic Anthology of Puget Sound from migrant/refugee workshops focused on emotional well-being. Highlights included Northwest Orchestra performances, storytelling by Marco Cortés, poetry by Blanca Vázquez, children’s recycled-art activities, a Latin American speaker panel, and open mic. Family-friendly and supported by multiple partners, it fostered cultural identity and connection.
Kamiak High School performs ‘Something Rotten’
Kamiak High School Theatre presented Something Rotten! In May 2–4, 2025, at Mountlake Terrace High School Theatre. Directed by Bryan Sullivan, the hilarious musical follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom in 1590s England as they compete with Shakespeare and invent the first musical. It featured a large cast of 45 students (mix of new and experienced), 50 crew, and 20+ musicians/orchestra. Highlights included catchy songs, big dance numbers, and mentorship.
Annie opened at Edmonds College’s Black Box Theater
Children’s Group Seattle Performers, partnering with Ballyhoo Theater, staged the Tony-winning musical Annie at Edmonds College’s Black Box Theater in Lynnwood, running through December, 2025. The classic follows orphan Annie in 1930s New York searching for her parents and finding family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. The multi-generational cast of over 40 included adults and children, with notable roles like Hawk Cramer (Edmonds School Board Director) as Warbucks and alternating Annies.
Archbishop Murphy premiered new film ‘Task Failed Successfully’
Archbishop Murphy High School’s Fine Arts premiered its fifth student film, Task Failed Successfully, on April 11 at Snohomish PUD Auditorium in Everett. Directed by Brent Stainer, this comedy follows teenage girls whose genie-bottle discovery leads to hilariously limited wishes and chaos. Produced by ‘Unfortunate COVID Productions’ with student assistants, it continues the department’s pandemic-era filmmaking tradition.
Second District Students participated in 2025 Congressional Art Competition
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) invited high school students (grades 9–12) in Washington’s Second Congressional District to enter the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Winners included Washingtonians Tessa Meyer (WA-2), Mia Johnson (WA-3) who’s work were displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, with an invitation to a D.C. awards ceremony.
Meadowdale Drama students attend Thespian Festival in Bloomington, Indiana
Meadowdale High School Drama made their first appearance at the International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, Indiana—the only Washington school selected. They performed Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl twice on the main stage. Directed by Jacqueline Meyner, the trip included workshops and professional staging.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
