Music in Seattle
The city has a vibrant and diverse music taste that comes alive during the
festivals and concert season. Many events around music focus on local
culture, showcasing food vendors, art installations, and performances by
homegrown talent reflecting the community spirit of the city. Seattle's
music festivals are known for their eclectic lineups featuring a mix of
local and national acts. Music fests like Bumbershoot, Capitol Hill Block
Party, and Day In Day Out create a lively atmosphere celebrating musical
diversity. After the creativity comes innovation and it is also a key part
of Seattle, with events like Cloudbreak offering unique experiences such as
complimentary access to exclusive concerts for hotel guests. Here are some
of the best music festivals and music venues in Seattle.
Music Festivals in Seattle
1. Bumbershoot
Founded in 1971 this festival is one of the longest-running music festivals
in the U.S. The 2024 edition will occur from August to September at Seattle
Center. This year’s
Bumbershoot
festival promises a diverse lineup of music acts along with arts programming
that includes fashion, film and performance art. Bumbershoot is an annual
music and arts festival in Seattle, Washington, held over Labor Day weekend.
Produced by New Rising Sun and managed by the non-profit Third Stone,
Bumbershoot is known for its inclusive programming and unique Pacific
Northwest culture.
2. THING Festival
This festival is an annual event in Seattle that features a mix of music,
art installations and community activities making it a lively part of the
city’s cultural scene. The dates and lineup for the 2024
THING Festival
is haven’t been announced yet but it usually happens in late summer. For the
latest updates on the festival including lineup details and ticket
information, check the official website and follow them on social media.
3. Belltown Bloom
The festival highlights talent from the Pacific Northwest and beyond with a
special focus on women, nonbinary, and queer artists.
Belltown Bloom
had a lineup that includes headliners Aluna and TOKiMONSTA, along with
bbymutha, Kara Jackson, Ollella, Gustaf, Cat Clyde, MARBLE, RAT QUEEN, and
Hannah Glavor. Featuring performances across three stages, Belltown Bloom is
celebrated for its inclusive atmosphere and support for marginalized
communities. Tickets are available on the festival’s official website.
Music Venues in Seattle
1. Benaroya Hall
The venue has a rating of 4.8 from over 4,200 reviews. The hall includes
several performance spaces: the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium,
renowned for its superb sound quality; the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital
Hall, an intimate setting for smaller performances; and the Octave 9
Raisbeck Music Center, a versatile area for various events. Art highlights
include large glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly and a mural by Robert
Rauschenberg.
Benaroya Hall
hosts a range of events, from Seattle Symphony concerts and chamber music
performances to National Geographic Live series. It offers amenities such as
dining at Muse and Davids & Co., and is accessible from parking and
transit stations.
2. Lumen Field
The place is formerly called CenturyLink Field and it is home to the Seattle
Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC. The stadium has a unique design with a
retractable roof and is known for its eco-friendly features winning the 2024
Play to Zero Award.
Lumen Field in Seattle is a major sports and entertainment venue with
room for about 68,740 fans at football games and up to 70,000 at concerts.
In 2024, it will host concerts by big artists like Kenny Chesney and
Metallica, as well as matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
3. Paramount Theatre
With a seating capacity of 2,807 it originally opened as the Seattle Theatre
in March 1928. And it was renamed the Paramount in the 1930s. Listed on the
National Register of Historic Places since October 9, 1974, the theater is
renowned for its opulent design. The
Paramount Theatre
hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway musicals, concerts,
dance, and jazz. Notable past performers include Pink Floyd, The Grateful
Dead, Madonna, Nirvana, and David Bowie. Owned and operated by the Seattle
Theatre Group which also manages the Moore Theatre and Neptune Theatre the
Paramount remains a key cultural landmark in Seattle making it a must-visit.
4. Climate Pledge Arena
With a capacity of around 17,100 for hockey games and up to 18,100 for
concerts it stands out for its commitment to sustainability as the world’s
first net-zero carbon arena.
Climate Pledge Arena
hosts various events, including concerts by artists like Paul McCartney and
Billie Eilish, family shows, and esports tournaments. It is located in
Seattle and is a modern venue built on the site of the former KeyArena. It
is home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. The arena
features a green roof energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources.
After a major renovation completed in 2021, it blends modern amenities with
historic touches.
