Get ready for a week of queer Nordic cinema in Ballard! Seattle movie lovers have a pretty special week ahead. From September 15–19, 2026, the SEA-Nordic Film Festival will bring a lineup of queer Nordic cinema to the Pacific Northwest, with screenings at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard.
This year’s festival theme celebrates LGBTQ+ stories from across the Nordic region, exploring everything from queer love and gender identity to cultural belonging and representation. The program connects early portrayals of gay relationships in cinema with contemporary films that reflect the wide range of LGBTQ+ experiences today. And, naturally, expect plenty of gorgeous Nordic landscapes along the way.
The festival takes over Osberg Hall at the National Nordic Museum, with more than just movies on the schedule. Throughout the week, audiences can catch discussions with academics and artists, plus a collaborative art project. Freya Cafe will also stay open until 6 p.m. during festival week, making it a convenient spot to grab a snack before the evening screenings.
Tuesday through Friday each feature a full-length film, paired with a short film or pre-film discussion. Screenings begin at 6 p.m. each night. Saturday is the big event, with four films, a pre-film discussion, and a curator discussion running from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are available as single tickets, a Saturday pass or a full festival pass. Full festival pass holders also get free access to the museum galleries—a $24 value. Find more info on the Nordic Museum website.
🎬 Festival Breakdown
- 📅 Dates: September 15–19, 2026
- 📍 Location: Osberg Hall, National Nordic Museum
- 🏠 Address: 2655 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107
- 🎥 Tuesday–Friday: Films begin at 6 p.m.
- 🌈 Saturday: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
- 🎟️ Members: $90 full pass | $44 Saturday | $12 single ticket
- 🎟️ General admission: $100 full pass | $52 Saturday | $14 single ticket
- ☕ Freya Cafe: Open until 6 p.m. during festival week
