The Showbox

Brush up on The Showbox’s rules and policies so you’re not boxed in by unexpected requirements or surprises when you attend your next show or event at this historic ballroom:³

• Re-Entry & Smoking: Re-entry is not permitted except in emergencies.⁴ The State of Washington bans all indoor smoking and smoking near entrances and windows.⁵
• Payment Options: The Showbox is completely cashless but accepts all major credit cards.
• Prohibited Items: Don’t bring weapons, professional audio-visual equipment, or outside food or beverages.
• Age Restrictions: Many events are all-ages and children ages 2 and under can attend free with a paying adult. However, some events have their own age restrictions and you should check your AXS listing for specific details.

Always check The Showbox’s official policies before your event for the most up-to-date information.

Set in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill and downtown districts, the neighborhoods surrounding The Showbox pulse with music, nightlife, and cultural energy. Whether you are seeking indie showcases or big-name tours, nearby venues keep the Emerald City’s arts scene thriving all year:

• Barboza: An intimate 200-person basement venue on Capitol Hill known for emerging artists and late-night DJ sets.⁹
• Neumos: A mid-sized hotspot hosting touring bands across genres with a dynamic sound system and rooftop bar, Neumos can host up to 750 guests.¹⁰
• The Showbox SoDo: A larger sister venue south of downtown, join up to 1,800 other attendees and take in top national acts in a warehouse-style space.¹¹

Thanks to its central location on Seattle’s waterfront, you have many options for getting to and from your next event at The Showbox.

Public Transportation: The Showbox is easily accessible via King County Metro bus routes serving downtown Seattle, as well as the Link Light Rail at Westlake Station just a short walk away.⁶ Riders can also connect through Sound Transit services, making it convenient to reach the venue without driving.

Driving: The Showbox is located at 1426 1st Avenue. If you drive from I-5 Southbound, take the I-90 E exit (#164 toward Bellevue / Spokane / 4th Ave S.).⁶ If you're coming from northbound I-5, take exit 163. From I-90, you want the Lumen Field/City Center exit. The venue itself has no paid parking, but nearby parking garages include:³

• Pike Place Market Parking Garage at 1531 Western Ave P
• Ace Parking at 701 Pike Street
• Pacific Place Garage at 600 Pine Street

The Showbox is surrounded by dozens of nearby eateries, cafes, and restaurants on the Seattle waterfront and inside Pike Place Market. Showbox ticket holders also have access to the Kerns Music Shop, a lounge inside The Showbox that dates back to 1946.⁷ Enjoy a full-service bar offering beer, wine, and craft cocktails, alongside a range of non-alcoholic beverages. You can also explore a limited food menu that includes artisan pizza and dessert.⁸

Since its opening in 1939 as a dance hall, The Showbox has been an entertainment venue with many faces, including an adult arcade and a bingo hall.¹² Today, it’s part of Seattle’s rich music and cultural identity, blending Art Deco charm with world-class entertainment. Its stage has seen music greats like Frank Sinatra, grunge legends including Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, and global stars such as Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.¹³

The venue has undergone numerous renovations over the decades, preserving its historic character while modernizing sound and amenities.^12,13 Today, The Showbox stands as both a living monument to Seattle’s music legacy and a dynamic space where new generations of artists and fans create legendary moments.

Sources:

1. Seattle Venue Rentals - Showbox Presents
2. The Showbox - Showbox Presents
3. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Showbox Presents
4. Showbox Outdoor Shows 2025 - Showbox Presents
5. Laws and Regulations - Washington State Department of Health
6. Directions - Showbox Presents
7. Kerns Music Shop - Showbox Presents
8. Menu of Kerns Music Shop in Seattle, WA 98101 - Menu Pix
9. The Barboza: The Best Live Music Bar in Capitol Hill, Seattle - The Barboza
10. Party Perfection: Unveiling the Ideal Music Venue for Your Event - Neumos
11. Seattle Venue Rentals - Showbox Presents
12. Saving the Showbox Just Took a Big Step Forward, But What's Next? - Seattle Magazine
13. The History of the Showbox in Seattle - Seattle Magazine
14. Events - Showbox Presents