THE 2026/2027 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE SEATTLE SPEAKER SERIES RETURNS TO BENAROYA HALL

THE SERIES INCLUDES SIX PRESENTATIONS BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORERS, TAKING PLACE FROM NOVEMBER 2026 THROUGH MAY 2027

SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE, WITH SINGLE TICKETS TO GO ON SALE JUNE 18, 2026 

Seattle, WA — Continuing its tradition of presenting a wide array of performances, concerts, events and lectures, Benaroya Hall announces the 2026/2027 National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series, which includes six presentations running from November 2026 to May 2027. The National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series features behind-the-scenes stories from National Geographic’s photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers live on stage at Benaroya Hall, accompanied by iconic National Geographic footage and unforgettable imagery.

The series begins November 1–3 with Battling Bloodsuckers, where epidemiologist and National Geographic Explorer Ryan Carney explores the fascinating world of bats, mosquitoes and other “vampires” of the natural world through a sci-fi-inspired lens on infectious disease research. The series continues January 10–12 with Beauty Beyond the Frontlines, featuring two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and National Geographic Explorer Muhammed Muheisen. Guided by the belief that a single image can change the world, Muheisen captures moments of kindness and resilience in communities affected by war through his powerful photography.

From February 14–16, acoustic biologist and National Geographic Explorer Ben Mirin presents Saving Nature’s Symphony, tuning into the sounds of wildlife to reveal what nature’s voices can teach us about the health of our planet. On March 7–9, archaeologist Caitie Barrett takes audiences to the latest excavation sites in The Ghosts of Pompeii, uncovering new stories still buried beneath the ash-preserved neighborhoods of Pompeii.

Then, from April 11–13, conservation biologist and National Geographic Explorer Jonathan Kolby explores the extraordinary biodiversity and remarkable abilities of amphibians in Weird World of Frogs. The series concludes May 16–18 with Death of the Dinosaurs, as paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Tyler Lyson examines the collapse of the dinosaur dynasty and the rise of the modern world.

Ticket Information

To purchase tickets for the National Geographic Live Seattle Speaker Series, please visit benaroyahall.org/natgeo. Subscriptions are currently on sale and single tickets will go on sale June 18, 2026. The Ticket Office is located in Benaroya Hall, at Third Avenue and Union Street. The Ticket Office can be reached by phone at 206.215.4747 during the following times: Tuesday–Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

BATTLING BLOODSUCKERS
RYAN CARNEY | EPIDEMIOLOGIST
Sunday, November 1, at 2 p.m.
Monday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m.

BEAUTY BEYOND THE FRONTLINES
MUHAMMED MUHEISEN | PHOTOJOURNALIST
Sunday, January 10, at 2 p.m.
Monday, January 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12, at 7:30 p.m.

SAVING NATURE’S SYMPHONY
BEN MIRIN | ACOUSTIC BIOLOGIST
Sunday, February 14, at 2 p.m.
Monday, February 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m.

THE GHOSTS OF POMPEII
CAITIE BARRETT| ARCHAEOLOGIST
Sunday, March 7, at 2 p.m.
Monday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m.

WEIRD WORLD OF FROGS
JONATHAN KOLBY| CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST
Sunday, April 11, at 2 p.m.
Monday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m.

DEATH OF THE DINOSAURS
TYLER LYSON| PALEONTOLOGIST
Sunday, May 16, at 2 p.m.
Monday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m.

National Geographic Live introduces audiences to the awe-inspiring stories of National Geographic Explorers and trailblazers through immersive live events. A dynamic array of speakers, including esteemed photographers, scientists, filmmakers and adventurers, share their firsthand experiences from the front lines of exploration. These engaging narratives, accompanied by unforgettable imagery and compelling footage, come to life on stage at performing arts centers across North America and around the world.

BENAROYA HALL

Benaroya Hall, the home of the Seattle Symphony, is located in downtown Seattle. Opened in 1998, Benaroya Hall is the most-visited performing arts venue in Seattle. It has received numerous awards, including a 2001 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Honor Award for outstanding architecture. Benaroya Hall has three versatile performance venues, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall and Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center, all renowned for their pristine acoustics, luxurious design and prime location. For additional information, including rental information and event listings, visit benaroyahall.org.

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