Find Concert venues for rent in Seattle, WA

About Seattle

Perched on the edge of Puget Sound, Seattle has transformed from an industrial hub into a culturally energized and progressive city. It’s the largest city in Washington State, with a thriving tech industry, countless cafes, and ruggedly beautiful mountain landscapes right on its doorstep.

Seattle has long been associated with grunge and rock music, with names such as Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain forging their careers in its gritty streets. Its electrifying live music scene continues today, with legendary venues that can claim associations with some of the world’s biggest artists.

Performance Venue Options in Seattle

With its rich legacy of rock and grunge music, Seattle has no shortage of concert venues for hosting live music events. Some are purpose-designed as performance venues, while others can easily be transformed into one with a bit of creativity.

• Homes

From storybook Tudor mansions to light-filled modern lofts, Seattle’s diversity of architecture translates into myriad options when it comes to residential concert venues. You can find penthouse rooftop terraces for hosting outdoor concerts, as well as designer studios, which are ideal for intimate live music events.

• Film Studios

Originally designed for film shoots, many of Seattle’s studios also make perfect venues for hosting solo or acoustic shows. You can find studios with stage lighting, DJ booths, and state-of-the-art sound equipment, as well as convenient extras such as kitchenettes and dressing rooms.

• Industrial Event Spaces

Seattle’s industrial past has left it with an abundance of warehouses, many of which have been converted into edgy event spaces. Some come as a blank canvas for you to add your creative touch, while others are purpose-designed for hosting events and concerts.

• Theaters

One of the most obvious choices for a concert venue in Seattle is its theaters, which are equipped with all the sound and lighting gear you need. You can find historical theaters that have been given a modern facelift, as well as newly built performance venues and studios.

• Bars and Coffee Shops

With coffee shops and bars on every corner, your best bet for finding a concert venue in Seattle might be right under your nose. Among the advantages is not having to worry about licensing or catering, with many also equipped with sound and lighting gear.

Famous Performances in Seattle

With some of the world’s most famous musicians forging their careers in Seattle, the Emerald City is blessed with a thriving live music scene. Many of its smaller concert venues can boast a prominent role in launching internationally-renowned bands onto the global stage.

• Jimi Hendrix

Born and raised in Seattle, Jimi Hendrix made several legendary performances in the city. In addition to playing at the Seattle Center Coliseum (renamed the KeyArena) in 1968, he performed his final Seattle gig at Sick’s Stadium on July 26, 1970, with the venue now transformed into a retail store.

• Nirvana

Formed in nearby Aberdeen in 1987, Nirvana played many of its formative shows in the Seattle area. During their first two years, the band performed several times at the Central Tavern, as well as at The Underground, The Vogue, and the Moore Theatre.

• Mumford and Sons

In 2008, the Tractor Tavern hosted a show by the little-known band Mumford and Sons, who went on to headline large festivals and win a Brit Award for “Sigh No More.” In Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, the venue has a reputation for showcasing emerging bands, particularly in the country, folk, and blues genres.

Pros and Cons of Having Concerts in Seattle

While it might not compete with Los Angeles or New York as an entertainment hub, there are a few distinct advantages to finding a concert venue in Seattle.

Advantages

• Eager audiences

Seattle’s booming tech industry means that a significant percentage of the population has a disposable income to spend on live music and entertainment.

• Storied venues

With their reputation for showcasing emerging bands who’ve gone on to make it big, Seattle’s venues are destinations in themselves.

• Great public transportation

Seattle’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy for audiences to get to and from gigs, as well as making them less likely to bail due to traffic and parking issues.

• Experienced crew

Whether you’re after sound engineers or stagehands, Seattle’s experienced behind-the-scenes crew members will ensure you can execute your concert with ease.

• Mild weather

Seattle’s mountainous surroundings and proximity to the ocean mean that it never gets too hot or too cold, making it an ideal city for hosting concerts throughout the year.

Disadvantages

• High crime rate

Seattle’s daily crime rate is around two times the national average, which doesn’t always make it enticing for fans to go out after dark.

• High cost of living

Seattle’s cost of living is 49% higher than the national average, which translates into more expensive venues and rental rates.

• Restricted dates and times

Due to the high demand for concert venues in Seattle, your first choice of date and time might not always be available.

• Permit fees

When hosting some live music events, particularly outdoors, you will need to navigate the process of securing the appropriate permit(s).

• Competition

With plenty of entertainment options in Seattle, you’ll be competing with other live music concerts and events to attract audiences.

Famous Locations in Seattle

• The Showbox

Entertaining locals since 1939, the Showbox has hosted some of the music world’s biggest names, including Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters, and Pearl Jam. More recent shows featured Dave Matthews, Kanye West, and Coldplay, with the venue expanding from its Downtown venue into the industrial SoDo district where large-scale performances are held.

• The Crocodile

Nirvana, Green Day, and R.E.M. all performed at this historic bar, which played a significant role in Seattle’s grunge scene of the 1990s. In 2013, Rolling Stone ranked it as one of the best clubs in the United States, with a focus on indie pop and alternative acts. When you’re not watching the live bands on stage, you can feast on delicious pizza in the back bar.

• Paramount Theatre

With nearly 3,000 seats, the Paramount is a popular venue for large gigs, hosting everyone from Bob Marley and the Wailers to Madonna and Tenacious D. It’s been around since the 1920s when it opened as a silent film and vaudeville venue, with its beautifully preserved and opulent interior making it a destination in itself.