No one would mistake Seattle for The City That Never Sleeps, especially if you’re Downtown after 6pm or so. You wouldn’t even mistake it for Portland, with its thriving late night food cart scene, a surprisingly inclusive strip club culture, and whatever else they have.
Admittedly, we don’t have an amazing nightlife scene and there are some reasons for that. There’s Seattle’s famously anti-social attitude; the so-called “Teen Dance Ordinance” that effectively turned Pioneer Square — once the city’s premier nightlife district — into a ghost town after dark; as well as a flourishing food scene, which has shifted Seattle into a town way more interested in a good happy hour than a big night out. Hell, geography probably even has something to do with it. For what seems like most of the year it gets dark earlier here than any other major city in America. So, after a while, 8pm can actually start to feel pretty late.
But just ’cause Seattle’s not New York doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do late at night. In fact there are at least 19 super fun things — everything from playing 8-bit video games to taking in iconic views — you should totally do in Seattle when the sun sets. Or you know, after it’s been dark for a few hours.
Looking for more information on Seattle nightclubs? Check out our club guides below.
Don’t forget – we also have a free mobile app that you can download here. Use the app to see who’s spinning, sign up for guestlists, buy tickets, and book bottle service!
Seattle Nightlife FAQ
What are the hottest clubs in Seattle?
Ora, Baltic Room, Vue, Q, and Kremwerk are some of the hottest clubs in Seattle.
What are the best music festivals in Seattle?
One of the world’s most gorge(ous) music festivals is located 1.5-2 hours away from Seattle – The Gorge. Here you’ll find annual festivals such as Paradiso, Watershed, Above and Beyond Group Therapy, and more. Other festivals near Seattle include Lucky, Summer Meltdown, Bumbershoot, and Capitol Hill Block Party.
What part of Seattle has the best nightlife?
Belltown (just north of the center of downtown) and Pioneer Square (just south of the center of downtown) have concentrations of bars plus live music and clubs (DJ/dance). Capitol Hill (just across I-5 from the heart of downtown also has many bars plus live music and DJ/dance clubs.
What are the best gay clubs/bars in Seattle?
As one of the most gay-friendly cities in the U.S., paring down Seattle’s gay bars to the best ones is not an easy task. From lounges to clubs to more traditional bars, there is a lot to choose from, especially on Capitol Hill. Some of the best gay friendly venues in Seattle include Pony, Diesel, Neighbors, The Cuff Complex, Purr, Crescent Lounge, Madison Pub, and Wildrose.
What time is last call in Seattle?
Last call in Seattle is 2 AM.
What time do clubs close in Seattle?
Most clubs and bars close around 2 AM.
Is weed legal in Seattle?
Yes – under Washington State law, anyone 21 and older can legally purchase weed from a licensed store.
What are the best places to go day drinking in SF?
- The Spots
- Bottlehouse
- Citizen Cafe
- Stoup Brewing
- King’s Hardware
- Old Stove Brewing Company
What are the best EDM clubs in Seattle?
Kremwerk, Ora, Monkey Loft, and Underground.
What are the best after hours spots in Seattle?
Seattle isn’t really a city that is known for afterhours parties.