Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Seattle’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.
The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from Lumen Field to Tim’s Tavern, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things.
Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.
Arenas/Stadiums
Lumen Field | 800 Occidental Ave. S.
Capacity: 68,740
You won’t get any bigger than this in Seattle. Lumen Field has been host to all sorts of starstruck names like George Strait, Ed Sheeran,, Beyoncé, Metallica, and Taylor Swift (whose dancing fans registered as an earthquake).
Climate Pledge Arena | 334 First Ave. N.
Capacity: 18,300
Forget the typical arena snacks like popcorn and nachos, fans can enjoy Shaq’s Big Chicken sandwiches, poke bowls, chef-designed burgers, and all sorts of other elevated snack-y cuisine while they rock out.
Concert Halls
Benaroya Hall | 200 University St.
Capacity: 2,500
In the home of the Seattle Symphony, you won’t just hear classical works from the likes of Beethoven and Mozart. Expect the scores of Disney movies played live, get transported into the world of video game theme music, or even check out a National Geographic LIVE! event.
McCaw Hall | 321 Mercer St.
Capacity: 2,963
Sounds from the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera commonly grace these halls as the two arts groups take turns on this grand stage throughout the year.
Mid-size venues
Paramount Theatre | 911 Pine St.
Capacity: 3,000
The biggest location operated by the Seattle Theatre Group (STG) often hosts traveling Broadway shows like “Moulin Rouge!” and “Hairspray” along with well-known musical acts like Kansas, Ray LaMontagne, and Nathaniel Rateliff.
Neptune Theatre | 1303 NE 45th St.
Capacity: 1,000
This U District venue owned by STG is just a few stops away from the Light Rail station and operates as a more intimate location for performers like Tallest Man on Earth, Yann Tiersen, and Saint Motel.
Moore Theatre | 1932 Second Ave.
Capacity: 1,800
This is the oldest of STG’s venues at 116 years old, but not by much (the Paramount Theatre is 95 years old and the Neptune is 102). This downtown theater is also attached to the Moore Hotel that has a coffee shop and bar for concert goers who need a little pick-me-up.
The Showbox | 1426 First Ave.
Capacity: 1,150
Just steps away from Pike Place Market, this venue opened in 1934 and has been rockin’ since. In addition to traveling talent like Cannons and Noah Cyrus, this space also hosted homegrown talent like Pearl Jam and Macklemore on their way to stardom.
Showbox SODO | 1700 First Ave. S.
Capacity: 1,800
Don’t mistake this spot for its downtown counterpart. This warehouse-turned-concert venue has been tearing the house down since 2007 as the stage for acts like Heart and the Dropkick Murphys.
The Crocodile | 2505 First Ave.
Capacity: 1,150
If you meet anyone who’s really nerdy about the Seattle music scene, you won’t get far into the talk before the Crocodile comes up. This place is rooted in history as one of the first venues where acts like Billie Eilish performed before their career took off. You’ll also find plenty of early recordings of Nirvana and Mudhoney at the Croc’s original location on Second Avenue.
Neumos | 925 E. Pike St.
Capacity: 750
This Capitol Hill spot that’s played host to Macklemore’s surprise shows definitely makes you feel like you’re on the “in” of the local music scene. You can also now find Barbie, Taylor Swift, and Emo Nite themed dance parties regularly on the books.
The Triple Door | 216 Union St.
Capacity: 550
Who doesn’t like dinner and a show? Chow down on a full meal while you enjoy burlesque performances and music from the likes of the Gothard Sisters, Patsy Cline cover bands, and the Dusty 45s.
WAMU Theater | 800 Occidental Ave. S.
Capacity: 4,700
Attached to Lumen Field, you’re bound to see some star-studded calendars on their website with names like Janelle Monáe, Glass Animals, and The All-American Rejects regularly appearing on their roster.
Intimate settings
Barboza | 925 E. Pike St.
Capacity: 200
As part of the same family of venues as Neumos, this Capitol Hill location is a great spot to check out up-and-coming indie artists or jam out during their weekend dance parties. Also, you’ll get a free bottle of champagne if you head in on your birthday.
Tractor Tavern | 5213 Ballard Ave. NW
Capacity: 400
Catch performances from the local School of Rock or shows hosted by local radio station KEXP and music powerhouse the Crocodile.
Sunset Tavern | 5433 Ballard Ave. NW
Capacity: 200
If you like to grab a drink before a show, but also find yourself always having a bit of anxiety about getting to the venue on time, this Ballard spot has a separate bar in the front with plenty of seating for you and your friends.
Tim’s Tavern’s rustic space makes you feel that much more connected with the artists you’re watching.
Photo by @alisha.baker222
Restaurants/bars/cafes
Tim’s Tavern | 9655 16th Ave. SW
Capacity: 250
This kid anddog-friendly spot just reopened in its new location in White Center as the perfect place to enjoy some local sounds. Just remember, as the restaurant’s website says: “Nos bozos,” so don’t be rude.
Cafe Racer | 1510 11th Ave.
Capacity: 150
This venue prides itself in supporting local musicians in all genres — find up-and-coming rap + hip-hop, rock out during 80s disco nights, or let loose during its Midweek Magic dance parties. It’s also got its own radio station.
Sea Monster Lounge | 2202 N. 45th St.
Capacity: 221
In addition to its list of rotating local artists, this Wallingford locale also hosts Funky Fridays and Salsa Saturdays for those who want to move their feet.
Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley | 2033 Sixth Ave.
Capacity: 350
Jazz legend and Seattleite Kenny G always does an annual show at this local club, but it’s also a great place to enjoy other traveling acts like Taj Mahal and the Mike Stern Band.
