Seattle Entertainment

Seattle is home to a thriving entertainment scene, with lots of clubs and bars for those who fancy a drink. There are also a number of first-rate theatres and classical music venues for culture fans. Being the original breeding ground for 1980s grunge rock, the city boasts a vibrant live music repertoire.

Nightlife

For those who feel the urge to do some clubbing and bar hopping, the best place to start is Pioneer Square. Whether you want to take in a live band, kick back in a good old-fashioned bar or just dance, youre sure to have a good time. This district tends to attract a rather rowdy crowd (lots of fraternity boys) and can get quite rough late at night. North of Pike Place Market is Belltown, another good place for club-hopping. The clubs here are much more fashion conscious than those in Pioneer Square and mostly attract the 20- and 30-something trendsetters. Ballard, the former Scandinavian neighbourhood, is Seattle's other major nightlife district. Here youll find a number of nightlife venues, including bars, taverns and live music clubs. Just a few blocks uphill from downtown Seattle is Capitol Hill, the citys main gay nightlife area. Here, much of the action is centred around the corner of 15th Avenue East and East Madison Street.

Theatre and music

Seattles foremost professional theatre is The Seattle Repertory Theater, which is housed in the Bagley Wright and Leo K theatres at Seattle Center and performs the citys most entertaining productions. A Contemporary Theater performs in the historic Eagles Building theatre and puts on somewhat more daring productions than the citys other major theatre companies. Fringe theatre groups, including the Annex Theater, the Book-It Repertory Theater and Theater Schmeater stage well-produced, eclectic alternatives. Seattle Childrens Theater performs very professional, creative productions for children aged 4-14, while the 5th Avenue Theatre offers Broadway musicals.

The Seattle Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall, featuring excellent acoustics. This is also home to the outstanding Seattle Mens Chorus and other classical groups. The Seattle Opera performs at Seattle Centers Marion Oliver McCaw Hall and has a reputation as one of the countrys finest opera companies. Alternative rock groups and other bands playing world, funk and pop music perform regularly at the Crocodile Cafe and Showbox. Jazz and blues can be heard most nights at the Baltic Room and the Tractor Tavern. Seattle is also home to a lively Irish scene, with traditional and modern live music played at Conor Byrnes, Kells Irish Pub and the Owl n Thistle.

Festivals

Most of Seattles festivals and events are held in summer and include live outdoor music and food celebrations. These are some of the highlights:

• Seattle Chamber Music Society Winter Festival (January) presents top-notch chamber music in informal settings.
• Seattle Improvised Music Festival (February) is the longest running improvised showcase featuring musicians committed to playing free form music.
• Seattle Mens Chorus Concerts (April, May and December) stage full scale productions featuring the worlds largest gay mens chorus.
• Northwest Folklife Festival (May) celebrates North American traditional arts over four days with world music, folklore exhibits, international dance performances, music workshops, crafts and an abundance of food stalls.
• Summer Nights at the Pier (June to August) is a series of concerts hosted by Seattles waterfront over 20 nights featuring a range of musical styles by nationally renowned artists.
• The Bite of Seattle (July) is a Seattle tradition offering samples of local and international fare.
• Ballard Seafood Fest (July) features freshly caught local seafood and salmon specialties.
• Seafair festival (July to August) is one of Seattles main events with parades, art and music festivals celebrating summer and sunshine. Main events are the Torchlight Parade, the Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Race and the US Navy Blue Angels air show.
• Bumbershoot (September), held at the Seattle Center, is one of the citys largest and liveliest multi-arts festivals. Hundreds of local and internationally well-known bands, world dancers, film, theatre, visual and literary arts, comedy and street performances are on offer.
• Annual Earshot Jazz Festival (October to November) is a non-profit music and art festival held over 22 days with 55 events, including concerts, films, educational and outreach programmes at various venues.
• Ballard Jazz Festival (November) features local and national jazz bands performing in club, concert and educational venues.