CLOCKOUT LOUNGE

Hear a little of everything at this rock-n-roll clubhouse founded by two veterans of Seattle’s music scene, and enjoy a pie from in-house Breezytown Pizza.

4864 Beacon Ave S; clockoutlounge.com

NEUMOS

Go for the solid range of acts (EDM to hip-hop to indie) in the heart of the city’s nightlife district; stay for three full-service bars and an epic view from the mezzanine.

925 E Pike St; neumos.com

SEA MONSTER LOUNGE

Head to this intimate but energetic music pub in Wallingford to see some of the city’s top funk, soul, Latin, and jazz acts.

202 N 45th St; seamonsterlounge.com

CONOR BYRNE PUB

So beloved is this venerable Ballard watering hole, known for foot-stomping folk and Americana music, it was recently saved from closure by being converted into a co-op.

5140 Ballard Ave NW; conorbyrnepub.com

TRACTOR TAVERN

Find folk, bluegrass, alt-country, and indie bands at one of Seattle’s longest-standing venues.

Tractor Tavern: 5213 Ballard Ave N; tractortavern.com

SHOWBOX

It’s all music all the time at this downtown venue that has hosted everyone from Duke Ellington to the Ramones over the years. Also check out its sister venue, Showbox SoDo (1700 First Ave S; showboxpresents.com), a couple of miles south in a large warehouse space.

1426 First Ave; showboxpresents.com

THE ROYAL ROOM

This lively neighborhood bar, restaurant, and stage is a haven for local artists and the community.

The Royal Room: 5000 Rainier Ave S; theroyalroomseattle.com

BLACK & TAN HALL

Named for the famous Black-owned music club that thrived in Seattle from the 1920s for five decades, this multiracial venue in Hillman City pays homage to Black improvisational jazz culture, presenting music as well as cultural workshops and social-change events.

5608 Rainier Ave S; blackandtanhall.com

DIMITRIOU’S JASS ALLEY

A longtime jazz club in Denny Triangle with two tiers of candlelit tables, this is the perfect spot for a classy night out.

2033 Sixth Ave; jazzalley.com

Music Medley

Whatever style of live tunes you’re up for, you’ll find it at these pulsing clubs and dynamic festivals.

HIP-HOP RAP

Although it presents a wide range of music genres, Fremont’s indoor-outdoor Nectar Lounge is a top Seattle venue for hip-hop and rap. Talents who have taken the stage here include Wiz Khalifa and Anderson .Paak, along with Seattle-based Macklemore and Sir-Mix-A-Lot.

CLASSICAL

Founded in 1982, Seattle Chamber Music Society presents its Summer Festival throughout July in state-of-the-art Benaroya Hall. Be transfixed by works composed for small instrumental groups by Mozart, Haydn, Dvořák, and others. Short, free pre-concert recitals take place at Benaroya Hall before each performance, and free Chamber Music in the Park concerts happen in July at Downtown Bellevue Park and Volunteer Park.

ECLECTIC

At the Triple Door, a restored 1920s vaudeville space that houses a stylish dinner theater, enjoy eclectic cuisine and fine cocktails while watching national acts perform pop, soul, and other music concerts, along with cabaret and burlesque shows.

JAZZ

Held late October–early November, the Earshot Jazz Festival launched in 1984 with the mission to “celebrate jazz as a cultural treasure of Black America.” Performances take place at inviting venues around the city and have featured Ravi Coltrane, Diane Schuur, and Seattle-based saxophonist Skerik. Year-round, you can also catch spirited shows at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley.

COUNTRY, AMERICANA

Ballard’s down-home Tractor Tavern serves up bluegrass, folk, roots, and country, presenting diverse talents like Nick Lowe, Nubya Garcia, and Billy Strings. The intimate club is decked with vintage concert posters and has a full bar (you can bring in food from the many restaurants nearby).