Washington is run on coffee with its own soundtrack. The sounds of our footsteps on sidewalks and trails become the beat and bass of our own songs. The amount of music movements and musicians that have come out of Washington is so overwhelming that one could deep dive and be occupied for years. But what this means is that we have so many amazing music festivals, concerts, and venues. You can find music being played at coffee shops, at farmers markets, on random street corners, as well as stadiums, arenas, and amphitheaters. Here are some of our favorites.
Greater Seattle Area:
Tractor Tavern: Located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, the Tractor Tavern has been an influential part of music history for many artists. Established in 1994, they recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary and have been influential for many artists in that time. It was mentioned in Brandi Carlisle’s memoir, Americana star Allison Russell credits the Tractor for first booking her band, and recently rising artist Devon Gilfillian had his first ever sold out show at this Seattle Icon venue – the following week he was performing on Late Night with Jimmy Kimmel.
Capitol Hill Block Party: This popular 3-day, all outdoor music festival happens every July in one of Seattle’s most lively and iconic neighborhoods and should not be missed. Enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, and some of the city’s trendiest bars and restaurants between sets.
Bumbershoot Festival: Also in Seattle, held annually over Labor Day weekend,this music and arts festival features a diverse lineup of music, comedy, theater, and visual arts performances across multiple stages. There is always something for everyone to enjoy and is a family friendly event.
Remlinger Farms – Located in Carnation, WA. For the first time in 2024, Remlinger Farms now also has an open air music venue, hosting several local and regional artistsfor their summer concert season. It’s great to have another open air, all ages concert venue.
Chateau St Michelle – Situated in Woodinville, Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle has been a renowned winery and concert venue for over 40 years. It offers beautiful outdoor concerts all summer in a picturesque setting, featuring a variety of artists across different genres.
North Cascades Region:
Bellingham: Up north in October you will find the Bellingham Exit Festival, a multi-day, multi-stage, multi-sensory experience in Downtown Bellingham. The Exit Festival features music, art, comedy, dance parties, art vendors and curiosities on the fringe of expectations. Some venues are 21+ but there are also opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Wine Country Region:
The Gorge in George. The largest outdoor amphitheater in the state is the Gorge Amphitheater in George, WA. It is a nine-time winner of Pollstar Magazine’s award for ‘Best Outdoor Music Venue’ and was voted as one of the ‘Best Outdoor Concert Venues in America’ by ConcertBoom. Hosting concerts and festivals since 1986 for up to 27,500 people the Gorge draws big name performers year after year.
Leavenworth:
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts in Leavenworth is where you will find opera, concerts, plays, dance, film and more. Established in 1995, it is a place of education and entertainment set in a stunning alpine mountain nature setting.
Other musical events in Leavenworth include Maifest. The month-long event includes music of the Alps, a traditional German May pole celebration, the May Flower Run, the Spring Bird Fest, live chainsaw carving and an International Alphorn Festival.
Olympic Peninsula Region:
Out on the Olympic Peninsula in Sequim, bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the 2024 Music in the Park Concert Series. All concerts are on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the James Center for the Performing Arts bandshell at the Water Reuse Site at Carrie Blake Park, 500 N. Blake Avenue.
Volcano Country Region:
Further south in Olympia you will find Capitol City Theater. Built in 1924, it started as a movie house, and still presents films, but also brings live music to the South Sound, for all ages. They have musical and performance artists of all stripes to reflect the diverse cultural and unique interests of Olympians. In the past, iconic Washington groups such as Nirvana and Sleater Kinney graced the stage here.
Also in Olympia you will find the South Sound Block Party. It started in 2022 and is a two-day music festival held in the port area of Olympia. It is a reflection of the deep roots of music of the Capitol city, and showcases national and international touring artists from diverse genres. The event is for all ages and kids under 12 get free admission. While it is newer – much like the Bellingham Exit Festival – it is growing and features nearly two dozen artists over the two days.
Another great opportunity to enjoy live music in Washington is The Outlaws Festival at The Gorge on 5/25/25, with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan.
Islands Region
Consider going to Oak Harbor for a great 3-day event at the Oak Harbor Festival, occurring end of August each year on Whidbey Island.
This is just a small sliver of venues and festivals that Washington has to offer when it comes to live music. There are so many, and music just as diverse as the people creating and performing it as the people listening to it. You are sure to find music to suit you here. Washington has always been known for its music scene and many natives forget that we have such great access to live music, but it really is part of the fabric of the state. We hope you get to enjoy some live music, chat with some artists and enjoy an evening at one of our WIIN member inns. Explore all the music festivals Washington has to offer and book your next getaway at waINNSiders.com.
