Photo: Mark Kitaoka

Performing Arts

While Seattle is well known as the birthplace of grunge, we’re also home to more traditional musical delights, such as one of the world’s most recorded symphony orchestras and our renowned Seattle Opera, both of which enchant audiences year after year with their compelling performances. This “City of Music” offers more than eighty clubs and venues presenting live music on a regular basis, allowing you to choose anything from a sizzling jazz trio to your new favorite rock band. We’re also recognized as one of the county’s great theatre centers.

Groups like Seattle Repertory Theatre, ACT and The 5th Avenue Theatre offer everything from world-premieres and new works to award-winning interpretations of the classics. The historic Paramount Theatre and the Moore Theatre host touring concerts and Broadway shows, while over fifty other theatres produce inspired work by emerging artists. And that’s just the beginning. From the grand artistry of Pacific Northwest Ballet to a poetry reading in the most intimate setting, Seattle will set the stage for you.

Upcoming Performing Arts Events

Duo Comedy Showcase

Now through 5/28/2025

On Wednesday evenings, watch as duos create hilarious, quick-witted, and seemingly impossible scenes right before your eyes – …

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The Pa’akai We Bring

5/7/2025 through 6/1/2025

The Pa’akai We Bring follows multiple generations of salt farmers on Kaua’i, mixing in ancient stories, hula, live …

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Seattle Theatresports Improv 2025

Now through 6/28/2025

Every Friday and Saturday night get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter and spontaneity at this electrifying …

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Laughs in Spanish

Now through 5/11/2025

Alexis Scheer’s outrageous new comedy will have you laughing one minute and wanting to hug your mom the …

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Alton Brown Live: Last Bite

4/29/2025

The famed foodist Alton Brown reflects on his decades in food media, presents several of his favorite culinary …

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Parade

Now through 5/4/2025

Riveting and gloriously hopeful, Parade reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another.

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Complexions Contemporary Ballet

5/8/2025 through 5/10/2025

Led by dance icons Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, Complexions Contemporary Ballet exhilarates audiences with their singular reinvention …

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Golden

Now through 5/11/2025

From the mind of celebrated Seattle writer Andrew Lee Creech comes a riveting world premiere that peels back …

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Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North

5/17/2025

Song of the North is a cinematic performance combining the manual art of shadow puppetry with projected animation …

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