August 28, 2026
Seattle Black Nerd Festival 2026 returns to LANGSTON at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute August 28th through 30th. Three days of cosplay, gaming, film screenings, live music, panels, workshops, and a marketplace — all free.
What is Seattle Black Nerd Festival?
Seattle Black Nerd Festival brings together fans, artists, creators, innovators, and families. Together they celebrate the worlds we build, the stories we tell, and the passions that inspire us. The festival creates space for Black creativity, curiosity, and connection across anime, gaming, science fiction, technology, filmmaking, cosplay, music, and visual art. Now in its second year, SBNF has already established itself as a home for Black nerds in Seattle and beyond.
Black Nerd Magic lives in all the ways we play, create, and share stories. SBNF wants your magic to shine.
Festival Highlights
Opening night on Friday August 28th features a screening of the NAACP Image Award nominated short film Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II with a live Q&A, followed by a watch party for Boots Riley's sophomore film I Love Boosters — starring Keke Palmer — with a Q&A featuring Riley himself and award-winning journalist Gennette Cordova. The evening closes with the Return of Nerdlesque, an 18+ burlesque and drag showcase curated by Black creatives and cosplayers.
Saturday August 29th includes the Brown Sugar Fantasy Jam at Pratt Park, the Game Room presented by Fourth Emerald Games featuring Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and Pokémon tournaments, panels and workshops, live performances, and the artist marketplace.
Sunday August 30th rounds out the weekend with more gaming, cosplay, youth programming, and community connection.
Throughout all three days the Seattle Public Library hosts a free library and library card sign-up station, and a Blerd exhibit runs at Douglass-Truth Branch Library through September 9th.
About LANGSTON
LANGSTON is Seattle's home for Black arts, culture, and community. The organization presents year-round programming including classes, events, and festivals rooted in Black creativity and community. Seattle Black Nerd Festival is one of their signature annual events.