Venue
The Central Tavern
Located in Seattle’s historic Skagit Building at 207 First Avenue South, the Central Saloon has been a cornerstone of the city’s nightlife for generations. Originally connected to the Famous Hotel, the venue has evolved through many eras — from a Gold Rush-era café and gritty Skid Road tavern to one of Seattle’s most legendary live music venues. The Central endured Prohibition, urban renewal, and the transformation of Pioneer Square into a protected historic district. During the 1970s it became known for live blues and rock performances, and by the 1980s it helped shape Seattle’s emerging grunge scene, hosting early shows by iconic bands including Soundgarden, Nirvana, Mother Love Bone, Screaming Trees, and Mudhoney. Renamed the Central Saloon in 1990, the venue remains a beloved Seattle institution and a landmark destination for music fans from around the world.
