From intimate neighborhood stage venues to restored concert halls, Washington theaters blend modern entertainment with old-school charm. Many of these historic performing arts venues date back to the early 20th century and still showcase ornate architecture. Expect strong acoustics and theatrical productions, from touring musicals and plays to concerts and comedy shows.
Whether you’re hoping to see actors bring The Nutcracker to life or catch an indie performance, here are just some of Washington’s most memorable entertainment venues where you can enjoy a great night out and a delicious meal nearby.
Tip: Always check the theater’s showtime schedule for upcoming and seasonal events, and buy tickets in advance for major performances.
Guide to Washington Theaters and Performing Arts Venues
Fox Theater, Spokane
Architect Robert Reamer designed this movie palace and performing arts theater in 1931. Today, enjoy concerts by the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and and other ensemble performances within the art deco–style auditorium of the Fox Theater. Before or after a show, sip cocktails and dine on American cuisine in the Davenport Hotel’s snazzy Peacock Room Lounge.
Historic Everett Theatre, Everett
Nat King Cole and John Philip Sousa are among those who have graced the stage of the Historic Everett Theatre since it opened in 1901. Concerts, holiday events, and more take place throughout the year. And a few doors down, Capers + Olives is a cozy spot for modern Italian food in Everett.
Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham
A dramatic dome ceiling and elaborate Spanish-Moorish design details are hallmarks of the Mount Baker Theatre, built in 1927 by Robert Reamer. Big-name musical artists and stage productions, often inspired by beloved screenplays, are frequently on offer. Next door, dine on contemporary American fare at the Admiralty Lounge, which also presents live music. Before or after a show, don’t miss exploring Bellingham‘s craft beer scene.
Numerica Performing Arts Center, Wenatchee
Opened in 2000, the Numerica Performing Arts Center is one of the more modern theaters in Washington. This striking building with a glass exterior presents local and national concerts and musicals, plus the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra. Next door, Atlas Fare serves refined Pacific Northwestern dishes and craft cocktails in a sleek dining room.
Admiral Theatre, Bremerton
A couple blocks from the waterfront, the restored 1942 Admiral Theatre beckons visitors to catch the latest independent films, comedy acts, and musicals. Before a show, watch boats ply the waters from the Boat Shed Restaurant in Bremerton‘s charming Manette neighborhood.
Gesa Power House Theatre, Walla Walla
Concerts, comedy shows, and films are presented in this 300-seat performance venue in Washington. Gesa Power House Theatre is set inside a gorgeously transformed 1905 gas plant. For dunner, sup on modern Italian fare at nearby Passatempo Taverna.
Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia
Completely rebuilt in the early 1980s, the 500-seat Washington Center for the Performing Arts occupies a former vaudeville theater. The space even boasts its original 1924 Wurlitzer organ. Enjoy concerts and arts festivals throughout the year. Visitors can pair performances with local seafood at trendy Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar. Don’t miss the chilled seafood tower and Washington wine list.
Rose Theatre, Port Townsend
Originally a vaudeville house, today the cozy Rose Theatre presents eclectic art-house movies. It also serves as a main hosting venue during the Port Townsend Film Festival in September. Next door, the two-story Silverwater Cafe has been serving creative Mediterranean-influenced cuisine for nearly four decades.
Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon
In 1926, the Lincoln Theatre opened with a dazzling Renaissance Revival design by Seattle architect William Aitken. Nearly razed in the 1980s, it was fully restored two decades later. Today, you can catch current and classic movies or concerts in many genres. For dinner, stroll to nearby La Catrina Tacos & Tequila for flavorful margaritas and Mexican cuisine or District Brewing for pizza and wings along the Skagit Riverwalk.
Moore Theatre, Seattle
In lively Belltown, the 1,800-seat Moore Theatre opened in 1907 and continues to feature first-rate entertainment. Take in Broadway-style shows featuring acclaimed performers, silent movies on Mondays, and eclectic music concerts. For bites, nearby Lola serves fantastic Greek cuisine.
Ruby Theatre, Chelan
The white-and-red Ruby Theatre opened its stately doors in the summer of 1914. Enhanced in recent years with a new sound system and digital projector, it continues to show first-run movies in addition to concerts. Across the street, Layla’s Bar + Kitchen serves tempting American and Asian plates.
Pantages Theater, Tacoma
Part of the Tacoma City Theaters group, this 1918 beauty is designed in the Second Renaissance Revival style. Catch comedians, touring actors, and the annual Tacoma City Ballet Orchestra performance of The Nutcracker ballet, a feast of choreography and costume design. Celebrate seeing a show at the Pantages Theater with a feast at the romantic Over the Moon Cafe, which features French and Italian cuisine with a comfort-food twist.
Capitol Theatre, Yakima
Carefully rebuilt following a 1975 fire, this ornate 1,500-seat performing arts center opened in 1920. Today, the Capitol Theatre presents a diverse menu of entertainment. Enjoy everything from traveling musicals to lectures. Nearby, sleek E.Z. Tiger is a hot spot for inventive pan-Asian cuisine complete with stellar cocktails and a relaxing patio.
Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver
See vintage films and other occasional shows, including comedy performances, at the Kiggins Theatre. This 1930s single-screen movie house in downtown Vancouver has its own pizza restaurant and also serves local beer and wine in the snack bar. But you can also hop around the corner before or after a show to Little Conejo for contemporary Mexican eats.
7th Street Theatre, Hoquiam
Catch live music and theatrical performances as well as second-run and vintage films in the 7th Street Theatre. It opened in 1928 in the Spanish style and still features original murals. Around the corner, 8th Street Ale House serves up crab-topped burgers and pizzas along with Washington brews.
Paramount Theatre, Seattle
The Paramount Theatre presents touring Broadway productions featuring leading actors, star-studded concerts, and events in a spectacular vaudeville space that opened in 1928. Don’t miss admiring the original gold leaf and chandeliers. A few blocks away, savor a flavorful feast of Middle Eastern cuisine at casually chic Mamnoon.
Palace Theatre, Friday Harbor
Behind the red-clapboard facade of the charming Palace Theatre, catch first-run movies in the only cinema in the San Juan Islands. An extensive remodel in 2023 added an expanded concession stand, but this 1914 cinema still has a warmly old-fashioned vibe. Around the corner, drop by Tenth House for artfully plated housemade pastas and roasted vegetables, along with well-curated wines.
FAQ: Washington Performing Arts Venues
What is the oldest theater in Washington State?
Opened in 1914, the historic Ruby Theatre in Chelan is considered the oldest theater in Washington State.
What are some popular historic theaters in Seattle?
Popular historic live performance venues in Seattle include Paramount Theatre, the 5th Avenue Theatre, Moore Theatre, and Neptune Theatre.
What types of live performances can I see at Washington theaters?
Washington’s performing arts theaters and entertainment venues host a variety of live performances, including Broadway-style musicals, orchestral concerts, comedy acts, independent films, and local theatrical productions. Many venues also offer special showings such as film-festival screenings.
About the Author
Freelance editor and writer Andrew Collins is based in Mexico City but returns frequently to the Pacific Northwest. He is the editor of both the official Washington State Visitors’ Guide and the Visit Seattle Official Visitors’ Guide. He regularly updates several Washington chapters of the Fodor’s Pacific Northwest guidebook and is the author of Ultimate Road Trips US and Canada. Collins writes about travel for The Points Guy and several other publications. You can read his work at AndrewsTraveling.com.
Featured image courtesy of Mount Baker Theatre