The Genius Awards return September 12th, 2026

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

The Stranger's Genius Awards are back, baby! Seattle's best art party returns on September 12 at the Moore Theatre with special guest Shabazz Palaces!

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.

DJ Erik Blood and La Mala Nochespins tunes to welcome you to the evening, awards are hosted by the lovely Miss Texas 1988 & Lady Gugu with Shabazz Palaces headlining — followed by a DJ dance-party in the basement to close out the night. LFG!

2026 GENIUSES ANNOUCED AUGUST 13TH!

Schedule

5:30pm — VIP pre-party begins |  6:30pm - GA Doors  |  7:30–8:30pm — Awards show |  9–10pm — Shabazz Palaces  | 10–11pm — Dance-party