About the venue
Established in 1892 in the heart of Pioneer Square, the Central Saloon is one of Seattle's oldest bars and a cornerstone of the city's musical identity. Housed in the historic Skagit Building, the venue is defined by its long, narrow layout, brick walls, and its status as a "locals' hangout" with an unfussy, comfortable vibe. The room is most famously known as the "Birthplace of Grunge," having hosted the first Seattle performances for Nirvana and early shows for Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Mother Love Bone. It remains a vital stage for local rock and heavy music, recently securing its future through owner-acquisition of the building to preserve its place in Seattle history.
Getting there
Walkable from Pioneer Square Light Rail Station; near multiple bus routes on 1st Ave S and S Jackson St.
Street parking and nearby paid lots in Pioneer Square.
Accessible
Playing this stage
Fri 11/6
Sat 11/7
Visit & follow
More stages
Baba Yaga serves as Pioneer Square’s rock ‘n’ roll clubhouse, a multi-faceted space that transitions from a morning coffee spot to a high-energy live music venue. Owned by Ryan Granger of the rock duo The Grizzled Mighty, the room is designed for a raw, high-voltage atmosphere that celebrates Seattle's storied rock history. The venue is known for its intimate yet loud performances, featuring a mix of local rock, garage, and psych bands. With its DIY spirit and community-focused vibe, it has quickly become a staple for neighborhood locals and touring acts looking for a non-pretentious room with character.
Baba Yaga serves as Pioneer Square’s rock ‘n’ roll clubhouse, a multi-faceted space that transitions from a morning coffee spot to a high-energy live music venue. Owned by Ryan Granger of the rock duo The Grizzled Mighty, the room is designed for a raw, high-voltage atmosphere that celebrates Seattle's storied rock history. The venue is known for its intimate yet loud performances, featuring a mix of local rock, garage, and psych bands. With its DIY spirit and community-focused vibe, it has quickly become a staple for neighborhood locals and touring acts looking for a non-pretentious room with character. This is page is dedicated to the downstairs stage of the venue, Baba Yaga Down.
Housed in a historic building in the heart of Pioneer Square, AXIS is a versatile event space known for its architectural character, featuring industrial-chic brick walls and dramatic 15-foot arches. Originally part of the 1890s Globe Building, the venue combines the texture of old Seattle with flexible, modern infrastructure. The room is celebrated for its adaptability, serving as a high-concept art gallery for the First Thursday Art Walk while doubling as a premiere setting for weddings, corporate galas, and creative productions. With over 6,000 square feet of interconnected spaces, it offers a polished yet gritty aesthetic that captures the neighborhood's historic soul.
Housed in a historic building in the heart of Pioneer Square, AXIS is a versatile event space known for its architectural character, featuring industrial-chic brick walls and dramatic 15-foot arches. Originally part of the 1890s Globe Building, the venue combines the texture of old Seattle with flexible, modern infrastructure. The room is celebrated for its adaptability, serving as a high-concept art gallery for the First Thursday Art Walk while doubling as a premiere setting for weddings, corporate galas, and creative productions. With over 6,000 square feet of interconnected spaces, it offers a polished yet gritty aesthetic that captures the neighborhood's historic soul.
Opened in 1939, The Showbox (often called Showbox Market) is one of Seattle's most storied music venues. Located just steps from Pike Place Market, the Art Deco-style ballroom has hosted everything from Jazz Age legends like Duke Ellington to the peak of the Grunge era with Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. The room is celebrated for its intimate fan-to-artist proximity and its characteristic "half-circle" layout, which provides excellent sightlines from almost any vantage point. Despite redevelopment threats, the venue was granted landmark status in 2019, securing its place as a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest music scene.