A room filled with spikes might seem alarming, but the ones Brendan Olsen makes — stuffed with synthetic cotton and wrapped in loudly colored and boldly patterned fabrics — are meant to spark intrigue and fun. Vibrant hues from the hanging sparkly catsuits to the different types of feathers jutting out – all radiate warmth and energy. It’s difficult to feel uninvited.

Dollar bills flood the stage and applause erupts across the bar at the Clock-Out Lounge in Beacon Hill the night of Aug. 30. Seattle drag queen Miss Texas 1988 has just finished her final number of the show. She’s gasping for air under the glow of blue and purple lights. Sweat streaks down her glittered skin, washing away the sparkles as she soaks in the moment.

Boxes of injectable naloxone and Narcan sit on the table, while Drake Dalumpines lays on the floor in fetal position before roughly 40 UW students. Meanwhile, Cyril Clement, executive director of the University of Washington chapter of Narcare, looks around the room, waiting for one of the students to explain the next step in saving someone’s life.

The air grew crisper with each door we passed, and walking through the archival room felt more like being in a hospital than a museum. Rows of weapons, and countless artifacts filled the space like the thousands of islands that dot the Pacific Ocean. 

It’s been a month since Bumbershoot 2024 took place at Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend, and like an ex amicably parted with due to long-distance complications, this festival just won’t leave my mind.

Usually, when you’re looking at a line outside a concert venue before a show, you can get a feel for what kind of people listen to a certain band or get an idea of the general aesthetic of the performer. However, with the people in line outside of The Showbox for the MisterWives concert Oct. 21, you wouldn’t necessarily get that visual cue just by looking at their fans. This is not to say that the band doesn’t have its own artistic vision, but I think the value they bring to their listeners emphasizes how their music makes them feel inside.

The University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) has increased the security presence on campus by contracting additional officers from Seattle’s Finest Security. This security increase was made following recent incidents on campus and feedback from community members who have reported uncertainty about their safety.

On Nov. 15, 2024, icons of Seattle's drag and ballroom scenes returned for the ninth annual Legendary Children celebration at the Paccar Pavilion in Olympic Sculpture Park.