Showbox At The Market Seattle

It saddens me that in the future I may need to take this article down (you can read about the potential demolition & the city’s efforts to stop it here and here) but as it stands, The Showbox at the Market is one of Seattle’s most iconic music venues.

Located across the street from the city’s largest tourist attraction, Pike Place Market, Showbox has been hosting internationally renowned artists since 1939, including Pearl Jam, Death Cab for Cutie and The Roots. With events nearly every night of the week, there’s often an artist I’m familiar with rocking the 1000+ capacity space.

Not only does it bring high-quality performers, but the sound, lights and overall experience at Showbox are exceptional. The venue feels massive, with an enormous main dance floor, high ceilings and raised 21+ bars on the lateral walls. At 5’2” I always struggle with visibility at concerts, but from the Showbox bar I’m able to see quite well.

Pro-Tip 1: Like most venues, the drinks inside are overpriced, so I recommend patroning a bar beforehand. You’re in the most touristy area of Seattle, so if budget’s on your mind it’s worth the 15 minute walk to Belltown, where you’ll find Screwdriver Bar and many other cheap joints.

Pro-Tip 2: Don’t confuse Showbox at the Market with Showbox SoDo! While owned by the same company, they’re two different venues, with the latter being located much further south in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood.