Music Venues in Seattle for Concerts
When the shutdowns came, every venue in town was at risk of closing for good. IT WAS AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME. (Bet you’ve never heard that one before.) But seriously, for the first time in Seattle’s history, Seattle’s independent music venue’s created a coalition in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We held (virtual) hands and sang a metaphorical Kum By Yah, it was warm, fuzzy, and well, effective. The Crocodile was honored to be a part of that coalition known as WANMA, and we can credit that coalition and the work it did as a contributor to the fact that we are still standing today.
Now in the swing of reopening, the group is less active but in the spirit of WANMA, I wanted to share out a list of music venues in Seattle. Every room is unique, not only in what it presents, but in how it made an impact in the neighborhood it calls home. Seattle’s live music scene is amazing because you can see a show any night of the week.
Disclaimer - this list isn’t exhaustive. It’s also not just independent venues. It’s also not only exclusively “music venues”. It’s merely one person’s snapshot of where you can find live music in Seattle. I’ve been going to shows in Seattle for 11 years so I think I’ve got the lay of the land but you tell me?
This list is long so use the handy links below. Use the back button on your browser to get back to the top.
SOUTH OF THE CUT
Photo of Linda from Work at Belltown Yacht Club during Belltown Bloom by kittenteeth
Live Music Venues in Belltown
The Crocodile
We couldn’t start a list of music venues in Seattle for concerts without starting out with people who sign my checks! The Crocodile is a 750-capacity music venue that hosts a wide variety of genres of music. The Crocodile has been the soundtrack of Belltown for over 30 years, hosting incredible bands including Nirvana, Yoko Ono, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Lizzo, and Billie Eilish. Previously located on 2nd and Bell, The Crocodile can now be found on the corner of 1st and Wall St. in Belltown.
Madame Lou’s
One of Seattle’s newest places to see a concert, Madame Lou’s has a 300-person capacity on the lower level of The Crocodile. Named after the infamous Seattle iconoclast, in all her elegance and spitfire, Madame Lou’s honors the legacy of Seattle’s gritty D.I.Y. spirit, hosting everything from all-ages punk shows to dance nights. Enter Madame Lou’s around the corner from the box office on Wall Street.
Here - After
Here - After is Seattle’s newest comedy club hosting touring comics, local monthly comedy showcases, live podcast tapings, improv, and selected films in Belltown. Our comedy shows are so good everyone’s dying to get in! (get it?? Dying to get in??) But you can still catch music at Here - After as well! Enter Here - After around the corner from the box office in the alley.
Belltown Yacht Club
Belltown Yacht Club has taken a place in the Seattle music scene as the city’s new home of Rock & Roll, Punk & Rhythm & Blues, The subterranean club has been lovingly restored into a rock and roll utopia, a temple to all things music and art. Enter Belltown Yacht Club in the alley behind Screwdriver Bar located at 2320 1st. Ave in Belltown.
Jewelbox Theater at The Rendezvous
Jewelbox is an apt description of this micro music venue. Housed in a historic old movie theater, the Jewelbox Theater has a 1920s vibe. Technically a nonprofit arts space, you’ll find mostly local music, cabaret, and other theatrical performances. You can find The Jewelbox Theater at 2322 2nd Ave inside The Rendezvous. Pro-tip, if you visit the Jewelbox watch out for ghosts, I’ve heard it is haunted!
Jupiter Bar
First and foremost a pinball and art bar, Jupiter Bar is another personal favorite of mine. They don’t have live bands every night but when they do throw a show you don’t want to miss it. Usually pretty rockin’ and almost always local, the concerts at Jupiter Bar are so much fun. With the addition of Lupes Tacos, a Lebanese-Mexican fusion pop-up owned by Wild Powwers drummer Lupe Flores, you can really make a night of it there. Find Jupiter Bar at 2126 2nd Ave.
Photo of La Fonda at Madame Lou’s during Belltown Bloom by kittenteeth
Live Music Venues in Queen Anne
The Vera Project
Located in Seattle Center, The Vera Project is an all-ages nonprofit space dedicated to fostering personal and community transformation through collaborative, youth-driven engagement in music and art. The Vera Project is a music venue, screen print shop, recording studio, and art gallery that hosts local and touring acts of all ages and genres. You can find The Vera Project at the corner of Warren and Republican at 305 Harrison Street.
Photo of The Beths at Neumos by Chris Chappell for The Crocodile
Live Music Venues in Capitol Hill
Neumos
Almost as old as us, Neumos features three full-service bars, a second-floor mezzanine, and a balcony that overlooks the stage. They host a variety of national and local musicians who play genres across the spectrum. The complex includes The Runaway, and Barboza, a closeup and intimate showroom below street level. Neumos is located at the corner of 10th and Pike on Capitol Hill.
Barboza
Speaking of Barboza, this lower-level venue is located underneath Neumos. Opened in 2012, Barboza hosts a variety of shows, a lot of which feature local Seattle artists. Find Barboza on 10th, the door is just to the left of Neumos.
Cafe Racer
The newest addition to Capitol Hill, Cafe Racer is more than a venue, it is a community hub for local Seattle music. Previously located in north Seattle, this Seattle music venue opened in 2004 as a coffee shop and has transformed into a cultural flashpoint. Also, Cafe Racer is the only venue in town with its own radio station! Featuring loads of local artists, Cafe Racer is now located at 1510 11th Ave. on Capitol Hill.
Chop Suey
Around since 2002, Chop Suey is known for its rock shows and dance nights. The shows at Chop Suey also tend to feature locals but you can often catch touring rock, pop-punk, and punk acts too. You can find Chop Suey at 1325 E Madison St.
The Kremwerk - Timbre Room Complex
The Kremwerk - Timbre Room Complex is a queer-centric nightclub and live music venue, specializing in progressive electronic music and queer culture in the Denny Triangle. You can find The Kremwerk - Timbre Room Complex at 1809 Minor Ave. on Capitol Hill.
Photo of The Triple Door from their website
Live Music Venues in Downtown Seattle
The Triple Door
Located, The Triple Door combines entertainment with great food. A vaudeville theater in the 1920s, The Triple Door is an opulent place to catch a show with its giant U-shaped booths and table service. It’s very much an upscale dinner theater experience. The mainstage theatre features touring national acts and locals. You can find The Triple Door at 216 Union St.
Musiquarium
The Musiquarium Lounge, named for its 1900-gallon freshwater aquarium, is a great spot for happy hour and local music. You can find the Musiquarium in the front room of The Triple Door at 216 Union St.
The Showbox
So not technically an independent venue as it is now owned by AEG, a global entertainment company, The Showbox is definitely a Seattle staple considering it’s been around in some capacity since 1939, so I couldn’t leave it out. One of the biggest venues in town with a 1,150 person capacity it mostly hosts touring acts and local heavy hitters. In 2018 developers threatened this historic building with redevelopment but after a campaign led by Historic Seattle, Friends of Historic Belltown, and Vanishing Seattle, The Showbox was able to secure landmark status. The Showbox is located at 1426 1st Avenue.
The Moore Theater
Owned by a local entertainment company that is technically a nonprofit, Seattle Theater Group, The Moore Theater is a spot for touring acts with a small sprinkling of local shows. You can find The Moore at 1932 2nd Ave.
Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley
For over three decades, Dimitrou's Jazz Alley has been Seattle’s go-to for all things jazz hosting stars such as Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Betty Carter, and Bill Evans have played there. Originally located in the U-District at its founding in 1980, Dimitrou’s is now located downtown at 2033 6th Avenue.
The Paramount
The Paramount Theatre is a historic 2,807-seat performing arts venue now owned and operated by STG. You can find the Paramount at 911 Pine St.
Photo of Frames in Motion at Lo-Fi by Chris King
Live Music Venues in South Lake Union
Lo-Fi
Self-described as a performance gallery, Lo-Fi hosts just about every and any kind of music, dance night, or performance art. Lo-Fi is a quirky beloved room in South Lake Union located at 429 Eastlake Ave E.
El Corazon
Situated in the middle of Capitol Hill, Downtown, and South Lake Union, El Corazon is known for its metal, punk, and rock shows. Although the building has housed some sort of bar/lounge/venue since 1910, the real history of this space begins in the 90s. Previously known as Graceland, The Off Ramp, Sub-Zero, The Eastlake East Cafe, and Au Go Go, this room was at the heart of the grunge explosion hosting iconic Seattle artists like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains. El Corazon hosts both touring acts and local artists located at 109 Eastlake Avenue East.
The Funhouse
Sister venue to El Corazon, this room opened in 2003 in the former location of Zak’s 5th Avenue Saloon. Like many venues from Seattle’s past, it was the victim of redevelopment. Luckily, in 2012 The Funhouse found its new home right next to El Corazon. You’ll mostly find local metal, punk, and rock music at The Funhouse located at 19 Eastlake Avenue East.
Photo of Jack Rainwater at Slim’s Last Chance by RJB Photo
Live Music Venues in SoDo
Showbox SoDo
Opened in 2007 Showbox SoDo belongs to "Showbox Presents" family which is owned by AEG. A converted-warehouse-turned-concert venue located just south of the sports stadiums in the SoDo district, Showbox SoDo is a 1,800-capacity showroom and lounge hosting mostly touring acts. You can find Showbox SoDo at 1700 1st Ave S.
Slim’s Last Chance
Slim’s Last Chance is a down-home roadhouse located on the outskirts of downtown Seattle. Now with an indoor and an outdoor stage, Slim’s Last Chance hosts live music most weekend nights featuring predominantly local acts. If you make it out for a show be sure to grab a bowl of their famous chili. You can find Slim’s Last Chance at 5606 1st Ave S.
Supernova
Supernova is not just another nightclub, it is a new immersive art and entertainment venue that has live DJs, performers, and a house band. Universal Peoples feature some of Seattle’s best players backing up guest vocalists and performers. Supernova is Seattle’s very own Studio 54 equipped with a giant disco ball for its stage, winding hallways of funhouse mirrors leading you through a maze of secret rooms, and tactile experiences. Personally, I am a big fan of their disco night Stayin’ Alive. Pro-tip, you have to dress up to be allowed to enter. Cargo shorts and Berkinstocks aren’t gonna cut it. You can find Supernova at 110 S. Horton Street.
Live Music Venues in Georgetown
Jules Mae Saloon
Not really known in the past for its live music, Jules Mae Saloon is now under new ownership and was recently remodeled to have a stage. Friends in local bands are now starting to promote shows there, which is really great to see. As one of the only neighborhoods without one, Georgetown needs a music venue. You can find Jules Mae Saloon at 5919 Airport South.
Photo of The Royal Room from their website
Live Music Venues in Columbia City
The Royal Room
Mostly known for Jazz, The Royal Room is a dinner and a show type of music venue. With a Steinway B grand piano permanently on stage, The Royal Room is well suited for its regular performers like co-owner Wayne Horvitz, a local composer, and pianist. You can find a relatively wide range of genres but The Royal Room mostly hosts local artists. You can find The Royal Room at 5000 Rainier Ave S.
Rumba Notes
Featuring local and touring artists and DJs, Rumba Notes hosts African music across the sonic spectrum. In case you forgot, Africa is huge and so are their musical offerings, which can all be found at Rumba Notes. If you’re looking to experience what Africa has to offer musically, stop into Rumba Notes at 5041 Rainier Ave S., and don’t forget to order some food.
Columbia City Theater
I wasn’t sure if I was going to include the Columbia City Theater and its front lounge The Bourbon Bar because as far as I can tell they are not currently hosting shows. The Columbia City Theater has been around since the early 1900s in some capacity in the Rainier Valley and I’ve heard rumors it will be reopening soonish. So keep your ears to the streets on that! The Columbia City Theater is located at 4916 Rainier Ave S.
Live Music Venues in Beacon Hill
The Clock-Out Lounge
Woman-owned and operated, The Clock-Out Lounge is known for its eclectic show calendar featuring everything from Drag shows to comedy to rock to literally everything! The venue also hosts Breezy Town Pizza, some of the best pie in town. You can find The Clock-Out Lounge at 4864 Beacon Ave S.
Photo of The Drifter Luke at The Clock-Out Lounge by kittenteeth
Live Music Venues in White Center
Drunky’s Two Shoes BBQ
A new venue on the scene, Drunky’s Two Shoe’s BBQ has a covered outdoor stage in Seattle’s southern neighbor White Center. Technically Seattle? I don’t know. What I do know is Drunky’s is quickly becoming a favorite spot to catch live music during Seattle’s perfectly temperament summers. Mostly locals with a few touring acts in the mix, Drunky’s Two Shoes BBQ is located at 9655 16TH Ave SW.
Southgate Roller Rink
Yes, you read that correctly, a roller rink. Although shows aren’t frequent, there are few live music experiences more unique than seeing a band in the middle of the rink with an audience skating around them as they play. Almost always featuring local artists and DJ’s, Southgate Roller Rink can be found in White Center at 9646 17th Avenue SW.
A shitty phone clip of Santa Poco playing at Southgate Roller Rink
Live Music Venues in South Park
South Park Hall
We officially have a music venue in South Park! South Park Hall is now owned and operated by the folks at Abbey Arts so we should begin to see more shows presented out that way so keep an eye on their concert calendar. You can find South Park Hall at 1253 S. Cloverdale St.
MOCHACULTURE is a docuseries meets concert experience that was shot at South Park Hall that knits the stories of our local arts community and the legendary voices of color that inspire them. Hosted by Shaina Shepherd. Presented by Converge Media and The South Seattle Emerald.
Live Music Venues in West Seattle Island
Skylark Cafe
Almost exclusively featuring local artists, Skylark Cafe is a great neighborhood place to catch live music. With what might also possibly be the best tater tots in town, Skylark has a full kitchen, parking, and does all-ages shows. All things you need when making the trek to West Seattle. You can find this little gem of a room at 3803 Delridge Way SW.
Easy Street Records & Cafe
Although you won’t find live music here every night, Easy Street Records & Cafe presents really great local shows ranging from secret shows with Seattle music royalty to record releases for up-and-comers. Keep an eye on their Instagram for show announcements and find them IRL at 4559 California Ave SW.
NORTH OF THE CUT
Photo of Smoker Dad at The Tractor Tavern by kittenteeth
Live Music Venues in Ballard
Tractor Tavern
A personal favorite of mine, Tractor Tavern hosts predominantly country and Americana artists both locally and touring acts. But, The Tractor definitely has enough variety in genres that makes checking out the show calendar worth it even if country isn’t your favorite. Towards the south end of the main drag of Ballard Ave, you can find Tractor Tavern at 5213 Ballard Ave N.W.
Sunset Tavern
A laid-back bar hosting rock, alt-country, indie rock, and punk, the Sunset Tavern is a favorite haunt for locals. With the music in the back room and a tiki-inspired front bar, it is a great place to see a show and not have to deal with so many chatty Kathys in your ear. Situated towards the north end of Ballard Ave, you can find the Sunset Tavern at 5433 Ballard Ave NW.
Conor Byrne Pub
Credited for being where The Head and the Heart got their start, Conor Byrne Pub is almost exclusively a local venue with its perfect 199 capacity room. When they aren’t having local artists you can stop in for their country dance nights that include dancing lessons and their iconic Sunday night open mic. You can find the Conor Byrne Pub at 5140 Ballard Ave NW.
Hotel Albatross
I am personally a big fan of Hotel Albatross and their dinner with a show atmosphere. They have live music Wednesday through Sundays ranging from acoustic and mellow to psychedelic rock. They specialize in unique craft cocktails with a light tiki vibe. You can find Hotel Albatross at 2319 NW Market St.
Egan’s Ballard Jam House
Maybe the smallest room on this list, Egan’s Ballard Jam House is just that, a jazz house. You know where you’re gonna get when the sign out front is a giant saxophone. You can find Egan’s Ballard Jam House at 1707 NW Market St.
The Substation
With two rooms to choose from, The Substation has a wide mix of the types of shows they present. If I had to say I mostly see local rock and electronic artists on their calendar. The Substation also has rehearsal rooms for rent and a recording studio in their Ballard complex located at 645 NW 45th St.
Ballard Homestead
Another church turned music venue by the folks at Abbey Arts, Ballard Homestead is nestled in the north Seattle neighborhood of Ballard. It almost exclusively seems to present acoustic shows due to it literally being in a residential area. You can find the Ballard Homestead at 6541 Jones Ave NW.
Kevin Sur at The Fremont Abbey by kittenteeth
Live Music Venues in Fremont
High Dive
Now owned by the same folks as their neighbor Nectar Lounge, High Dive appears to share the same booking team as I’ve seen a shift in the type of shows they present. Mostly local artists, High Dive leans rock with some jam band-esque shows sneaking in. Looking at their calendar I see a Ska show, so don’t listen to me and just check out their show calendar for yourself. You can find the High Dive at 513 N 36th.
Nectar Lounge
It’s my opinion that Nectar Lounge has found its niche with jam bands. That’s not exclusive or anything so don’t come for about that statement, okay? If jam bands are your kind of thing, you can find the Nectar Lounge at 412 N 36th St.
The Fremont Abbey
Run by arts nonprofit Abbey Arts, The Fremont Abbey is well an abbey! Showcasing a range of music that is usually only tied together by the lack of drums (although, I have seen drums in there), most shows at The Fremont Abbey are low-key. You can find The Fremont Abbey at 4272 Fremont Ave N.
Add-a-Ball Amusements
You never know what you’re going to get when you stop into Add-a-Ball, a pinball bar tucked into a Fremont alley. During the summer their outdoor patio is transformed into a rowdy punk rock music venue. Shows at Add-a-Ball aren’t marketed past an Instagram post so you gotta just kind of be in the know but I’ve seen some of Seattle’s biggest bands throw down at Add-a-Ball complete with crowd surfing and mosh pits. You can find Add-a-Ball Amusements at 315 N 36th St tucked into the alley.
Kara Hesse at High Dive by kittenteeth
Live Music Venues in Wallingford
Seamonster Lounge
If you’re looking to get funky, I can’t recommend Seamonster Lounge enough. With a calendar loaded with jams, funk bands, and other jazzy fusions, Seamonster is a great time. You can find the Seamonster Lounge at 2202 n45th St.
Small Paul at Blue Moon Tavern by kittenteeth
Live Music Venues in the U-District
The Blue Moon Tavern
Seattle’s most infamous dive bar, The Blue Moon Tavern, has been just about every local band’s first show. The Moon is now under new management and has a brand new sound system and they finally moved out that pesky pool table in the middle of the dance floor. You can find lots of local bands any night of the week. The Blue Moon Tavern is located at 712 NE 45th St.
The Kraken Bar
A pirate-themed punk rock dive bar, The Kraken Bar is a great spot to catch something heavy and fast. Stop in at The Kraken Bar located at 5257 University Way NE.
The Neptune
Now an STG venue, The Moore is an 800-seat venue that hosts a variety of events, including dance and music performances, film screenings, and arts education. Pro tip - check out the record store below, they have a great selection of used records. You can find The Neptune at 1303 NE 45th St.
Iphone photo of Chris King & The Gutterballs at Darrel’s Tavern
Live Music Venues in Shoreline/Everett
Darrel’s Tavern
So I know this is not Seattle but Darrel’s Tavern hosts lots of local Seattle artists in its Shoreline music venue. Although at first glance it looks like your standard dive bar, Darrel’s owner and the staff love local music. With carpeted and wood-paneled walls boasting a serious velvet painting collection, you can find live music every weekend at Darrel’s Tavern located at 18041 N Aurora Ave. in Shoreline.
Lucky Dime
Relatively new on the scene, Lucky Dime is quickly becoming a destination for Seattle bands who want to venture north of the wall to Everett. You can find this beer bar, music venue, and art gallery in the heart of downtown Everett at 1618 Hewitt Ave.
Black Lab Gallery
A woman-owned business since 1998, Black Lab is an art gallery meets bar meets live music venue. You can find Black Lab Gallery in the heart of downtown Everett at 1805 Hewitt Ave.