Spark Conversations. Make Connections. Inspire Action.
Our events amplify voices from many perspectives and lived experiences. From Gates Foundation grantees and employees to community leaders, activists, artists, and young changemakers, we share stories and showcase ways to take action that spark conversation and connections. Join us for one of our upcoming events either in-person or online!
Tour & Staff Chat
Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 2 – 3 pm PST
Discovery Center
Tour the galleries for 30 minutes with a Discovery Center guide and then chat with a featured staff member at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation about their area of focus.
Stories That Spark Change
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | 4 – 7 pm PDT
Discovery Center
This special event will feature a compelling conversation between Edgardo and Isabel Muñoz-Colón, Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation’s WA State Initiatives. Together, they will delve into the transformative power of storytelling, the importance of representation in media, and the rich cultural heritage that informs Edgardo’s work.
Drag Lotería
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 5 – 7 pm PDT
Discovery Center
Drag Lotería is a type of bingo game that is popular in Mexican culture. Instead of calling out numbers, drag queens perform on stage and participants mark off the corresponding character or image on their Lotería cards. This event will include delicious food, exciting prizes, and lots of fun.
Creating Connections
Thursday, October 10, 2024 | 5 – 7 pm PDT
Discovery Center
Join the Discovery Center, International Rescue Committee, United Way of King County’s Emerging Leaders, Success Cohorts, FIUTS (Foundation for International Understanding Through Students), and Seattle University’s Alfie Scholars to celebrate and connect individuals and organizations and inspire leaders to drive change within their communities and beyond.
Hope Away from Home
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | 5 – 7 pm PDT
Discovery Center
USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency invites you to spend an inspirational evening with Emtithal (Emi) Mahmoud—Sudanese-American slam poet, humanitarian and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Emi brings a message of hope, solidarity, and compassion for refugees everywhere.
World Toilet Day
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 11 am – 3 pm PDT
Discovery Center
Join the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center to celebrate World Toilet Day a few days early! Every year on November 19, the United Nations raises awareness about the essential role toilets play in our daily lives.
Giving Marketplace
Friday, December 6, 2024 – Saturday, December 7, 2024
Discovery Center
10 AM – 5 PM | Find unique gifts from dozens of vendors, with the proceeds supporting immigrants and refugees, women and girls, global health, education, the environment, and much more.
