Considering a night out? The Showbox at the Market beckons with stories echoing through its walls. This isn’t just a venue. It’s a Seattle icon.
The Showbox at the Market has been hosting renowned artists since 1939. Imagine Pearl Jam, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Roots gracing this very stage. Nearly every night something rocks here. The Showbox’s calendar is always full.
Originally, the building was constructed in 1917 as the Central Public Market. It was intended to rival the nearby Pike Place Market. Then in 1939, it transformed. A substantial Art Moderne remodel gave birth to “The Show Box.”
The Showbox became a premier rock venue during the late 1970s. Punk Rock and New Wave bands filled the space. In the 90s, comedy shows joined the mix. The Showbox nurtured Seattle’s growing rock scene. It became a key part of Seattle’s identity as a music city.
The Showbox has a capacity of over 1000 people. The space feels massive. There is an enormous main dance floor with high ceilings. Raised 21+ bars line the lateral walls. Even short people get a good view from the bar.
You might wonder how to save some money. Drinks inside the Showbox can be pricey. Consider visiting a bar in Belltown beforehand. It is about a 15-minute walk and you can find cheaper drinks there.
Be careful not to confuse The Showbox at the Market with Showbox SoDo. They share the same ownership. But they are two different venues. Showbox SoDo is located much further south.
There was a scare in 2018. A developer planned a 44-story tower on this very site. The community rallied to #SavetheShowbox. Even nationally known musicians joined the cause.
The Showbox gained landmark status in July 2020. But the fight isn’t over. Controls are a part of the landmarking process. Without controls, The Showbox could be torn down. Historic Seattle is fighting for these controls.
The Showbox’s history is layered. In its 102 years, it has served as an entertainment venue for 58 years. Every genre of modern music has been performed here. Jazz, blues, rock-n-roll, punk and grunge have all echoed within these walls.
Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready said it best. “There is so much history at Seattle’s Showbox. It would be a monumental loss to the city if the doors closed.” He has great memories of playing here. He has also seen countless incredible shows. The Showbox is vital to Seattle’s music history.
The Showbox is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living, breathing piece of Seattle’s soul. It’s a place where music history continues to be written. So next time you are looking for a night out, remember The Showbox. Experience the energy. Feel the history. Be part of the ongoing story.