You’ve got great taste.
Sign in to follow your favorite artists, save events, & more.
Sign In
Upcoming Concerts
Show More Dates
Find a Place to Stay: Hotels & Rentals Near Central Saloon
Fan Reviews
April 21st 2025
I saw the show at the Spanish Ballroom in Tacoma WA on 4/20. These 5 talented musicians are incredibly fun, and it was a toe-tapping show. This group is tight, , like crazy tight and the music compelled folks of all ages to get up and dance. Kyle, with his beautiful smile, long crazy legs and wild hair, is hard not to watch! To be fair, I purposely watched each of the other musicians on stage with him. The saxophone player has an ease about his playing that made it look effortless. His body, on the other hand, rarely stopped moving. Any other person would be winded, but he never once showed it, if he was. Base player, hiding in the corner next to the perfectly timed drummer: they both were the backbone of this musical sensation and incredible to watch. And then there’s Tyson. This man’s voice, amidst all the crazy chaos on stage, was smooth, so smooth! “Smokey Mountain”, clearly an endeavor of love in this new song, he seemed to resonate with the melody. A special treat awaits the person that attends their show. Their repertoire is vast, with an immersive blend music style- something for everyone. Do not hesitate to see this band live and don’t forget to stop at their merch booth to show your support of the show! We will look forward to seeing their show at the Rusty Ravn in Kenai, Alaska this summer!
Sharen
May 28th 2024
One of the masters of guitar, spanning all genres, and a vocalist with a magnificent voice. It doesn't get better than this.
Harmony is the true power of music, and The
Bygones have it.
Elliott
View More Fan Reviews
Easily follow your favorite artists by syncing your music
Sync Music
Nearby Venues
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Saloon
What’s the best way to get to Central Saloon?
Whether you're coming from out of town or just a short drive away, Central Saloon is located at 207 1st Ave S in Seattle, WA. For directions and parking info, visit Central Saloon’s official website at https://www.centralsaloon.com/ or call them at +12066220209. Make sure to check out other concerts and live events happening in Seattle, WA on Bandsintown.
What can I expect from Central Saloon?
Central Saloon is a club in the heart of Seattle, WA, with a capacity of 200 people. Age restrictions apply, so be sure to check ahead of time to ensure all guests meet the requirements for entry.
Which artists are performing at Central Saloon this year?
Central Saloon has a packed schedule for 2025-2026 with performances from top artists like Noise Service, Full Color Dream, and Milk krayt. Explore the full concert calendar and grab your tickets before they sell out. Don’t miss your chance to see your favorite artists live in Seattle, WA!
What other concert venues are near Central Saloon?
If you’re looking to explore more live shows in Seattle, WA, there are plenty of popular venues nearby. Check out the upcoming concerts and events at nearby venues including The Showbox, Climate Pledge Arena , and Showbox SoDo.
Discover More in Seattle
Alternative
Seattle, WA
Blues
Seattle, WA
Christian/Gospel
Seattle, WA
Classical
Seattle, WA
Country
Seattle, WA
Comedy
Seattle, WA
Electronic
Seattle, WA
Folk
Seattle, WA
Hip Hop
Seattle, WA
Jazz
Seattle, WA
Latin
Seattle, WA
Metal
Seattle, WA
Pop
Seattle, WA
Punk
Seattle, WA
R&B/Soul
Seattle, WA
Reggae
Seattle, WA
Rock
Seattle, WA
All Genres
Seattle, WA
About Central Saloon
The Best New Music in Seattle’s Oldest Saloon
There are few establishments that have stood the test of time, and even fewer that have changed the landscape of American music. The Central Saloon has accomplished this while remaining at the forefront of live music all while being the oldest saloon in Seattle.
In its lifetime, the Central has served as a café, post-office, employment hall, and even a brothel. Through each lively occasion, it has contributed to a dynamic and rich history in Seattle. Today this energy still resonates through our walls and continues to draw patrons back time and time again.
Paying Homage to the Past
Like a phoenix, the Central was born out of fire --the Great Fire of 1889. Three years after settlers began to rebuild the city, the Central was opened by Mr. Thomas Watson and was originally known as “The Watson Bros. Famous Restaurant.” Nine years later, Mr. Watson sold the business to Mr. Jamison and Mr. McFarland who aptly named it, “The Seattle Bar.”
Soon a gold rush hit the Yukon and business was booming; So good that in 1903 Jamison and McFarland opened a second location, “The J&M Hotel and Saloon.” In 1907 the Central was sold to Mr. Master and Casey. During this time, the Central was filled with the new faces of miners, loggers, sailors and other rugged adventurers that had a thirst for opportunity; and, of course, for gold.
Seattle was developing into a hub of the Great Northern Railway and a major Pacific Seaport. In 1919, as the seaport and commerce began to expand, the Central became “The Central Café.” This name held until the 1970s. Shortly thereafter, Pioneer Square was declared a historical site.
The Birthplace of Grunge
The 1980s were a sea change for the Central. It saw new ownership and with that, a strong desire to bring live music to the venue. In time, the charming venue became the birthplace of Grunge. American music greats such as Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, The Melvins, Mother Love Bone, and Nirvana all have played at the Central.
In 1986 ‘Sub Pop Records’ was formed by Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman who began recording and releasing records by two bands that would end up drawing interest towards Seattle’s music scene: Green River and Soundgarden. This genre was eventually named ‘grunge’ by Pavitt and Poneman, its name aptly reflecting the aesthetic and gritty sound.
The Central was a venue for many of Sub Pop’s bands because the music was considered original, unpolished and unapologetic. They needed a home that would allow them to play their music and not just covers. April 16th 1988 was the first show that Nirvana played in Seattle and it's the same place the Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman saw them live for the first time. It was at the Central where Sub Pop saw them perform live for the first time and Bruce Pavitt said, “There might have been 10 people in the room and I wasn’t that impressed...but felt Kurt had a good voice...and that we should do a single with [them].” From there the relationship was formed with Sub Pop and Nirvana, and they would be the label to release Nirvana’s debut album.
Type
Club
Min. Age
21
