From intimate neighborhood cinemas to stunningly restored concert halls, Washington’s performing arts venues combine entertainment with historic charm. Many theaters date back to the early 20th century and maintain their ornate architectural elements and exceptional acoustics while playing host to a variety of performances, from award-winning musicians and nationally touring theater groups to independent films.
Here are just a few Washington performing arts spaces where you can treat yourself to a show and a delicious meal for the perfect night out.
Washington Theaters for a Live Performance
Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, Spokane
Architect Robert Reamer designed this over-the-top movie palace as part of the Fox Film Corporation empire in 1931. Today, you can enjoy concerts by the Spokane Symphony Orchestra, traveling shows, and more within the art deco–style walls of the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. Before or after a show, sip cocktails and dine on elevated American cuisine in the snazzy Peacock Room Lounge inside the sumptuous Historic Davenport hotel.
Historic Everett Theatre, Everett
Nat King Cole, Helen Keller, and John Philip Sousa are among the luminaries who have graced the stage of the venerable 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 an intimate venue for well-prepared modern Italian fare in Everett.
Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham
A dramatic dome ceiling and elaborate Spanish-Moorish design details are hallmarks of the spectacular Mount Baker Theatre, built in 1927 (also by Robert Reamer). Big-name musical artists and top-quality musicals are offered, and you can dine on contemporary American fare next door in 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 contemporary theaters in Washington. This striking building with a sheer glass exterior and an inviting 500-seat performance hall 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 and airy dining room.
Admiral Theatre, Bremerton
A couple blocks from the waterfront, the grand marquee of the beautifully restored 1942 Admiral Theatre beckons visitors to catch the latest foreign and independent movies, stand-up comedy, children’s theater, and Broadway-style musicals. Before a show, watch boats plying the waters from the deck at the Boat Shed Restaurant, located in the charming Manette neighborhood a short drive east of downtown Bremerton.
Gesa Power House Theatre, Walla Walla
Eclectic music concerts, comedy shows, and films are presented in this 300-seat venue that’s one of the most imaginatively designed performance spaces in Washington. Gesa Power House Theatre is set inside a gorgeously transformed 1905 gas plant. Sup on stellar modern Italian fare a couple of blocks away at 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, complete with its original and still-working 1924 Wurlitzer organ. The theater offers up eclectic concerts and arts festivals throughout the year. Sup on sublime local seafood nearby at trendy Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar, which is celebrated for its impressive chilled seafood towers and Washington-forward wine list.
Rose Theatre, Port Townsend
The cozy Rose Theatre has been fashioned out of a 1907 vaudeville house and presents eclectic art-house movies as well as serving 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 Pacific Northwestern cuisine for nearly four decades.
Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon
In 1926, the Lincoln Theatre opened to the public with a dazzling Renaissance Revival design by acclaimed Seattle architect William Aitken. Nearly razed in the 1980s, it was fully restored two decades later, and today it’s a wonderful place to watch current and classic movies or concerts in myriad genres. At nearby COA Mexican Eatery & Tequileria, enjoy a wide range of margaritas and delicious wild cod ceviche or carne asada enchiladas.
Moore Theatre, Seattle
In lively Belltown, the Moore Theatre is an 1,800-seat beauty that opened in 1907 and continues to feature first-rate entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, silent movies on Mondays, and eclectic music concerts. Part of the esteemed Tom Douglas restaurant empire, nearby Lola serves exquisitely plated Greek cuisine.
Ruby Theatre, Chelan
A short stroll from scenic Chelan Riverwalk Park, the white-and-red Ruby Theatre opened its stately doors in the summer of 1914. Enhanced in recent years with a new sound system, concession area, and digital projector, it continues to show first-run movies. Film buffs should check out the selection of new and vintage movie posters for sale. Layla’s Bar + Kitchen serves tempting American and Asian plates (try the bánh mì tacos) across the street.
Pantages Theater, Tacoma
Part of the Tacoma City Theaters group, which includes two other handsome venues, this 1918 beauty designed in the Second Renaissance Revival style hosts comedians, pop stars, touring shows, and an annual Tacoma City Ballet Orchestra performance of The Nutcracker. 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
Meticulously rebuilt following a 1975 fire, this ornate 1,500-seat performing arts center opened in 1920. These days considered one of the most alluring of Washington’s performance spaces, the Capitol Theatre presents a diverse menu of entertainment, from traveling musicals to family-oriented plays to lectures by experts in a wide range of fields. 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 a nice selection of Washington brews.
Paramount Theatre, Seattle
The splendid Paramount Theatre presents smash-hit Broadway-style musicals, star-studded concerts, and a bevy of engaging events in a spectacular vaudeville space that opened in 1928 and features original gold leaf, chandeliers, and other striking design elements. A few blocks away in the lower reaches of trendy Capitol Hill, 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, which boasts a side yard with picnic tables, for artfully plated housemade pastas and roasted vegetables, along with well-curated wines.
About the Author
Freelance editor and writer Andrew Collins is based in Mexico City but returns frequently to the Pacific Northwest, where 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