From low-key weeknight jam sessions to weekend shows to New Year’s Eve bashes, you can almost always find live music in Ballard. If you want to catch a show near the Seattle apartments at AMLI Mark24, check out the calendars at these Ballard venues.
Egan’s Ballard Jam House
Just three blocks from AMLI Mark24, Egan’s Ballard Jam House is almost exclusively a live music venue. With a capacity of less than 50, this intimate jam house is typically open Wednesday through Saturday. Check Egan’s live music schedule before you go as it only opens when it has a show booked. Egan’s serves beer, wine, soft drinks, espresso, and party snacks.
If you want to see live music in Ballard as a family, Egan’s Ballard Jam House is a good spot because all ages are welcome at the venue until 11 PM. On nights Egan’s remains open later, it’s 21 and over only after 11.
Tractor Tavern
Cowboy boots strung from the ceiling, free-flowing bourbon, and exposed brick walls make Tractor Tavern feel like something you might expect to find in Nashville or Austin. This Ballard live music venue does host some country shows, but it’s also frequented by rock ‘n’ roll artists and blues musicians. Lots of the Tractor’s shows are local, but national and international acts are featured on occasions. Tractor Tavern also hosts regular square-dancing lessons. This beloved place is a seven-minute walk from AMLI Mark24.
The Sunset Tavern
Another tavern where you can catch live, The Sunset is only a block from the Ballard apartment rentals at AMLI Mark24. A proud participant in the fall Macefield Music Festival, The Sunset Tavern hosts musicians and their fans almost every night. Shows usually start at 8 or 9 PM, and the cover is almost always eight dollars. Betty’s Room, located in the front of The Sunset Tavern, is known by locals for its fun photo booth and deceptively strong cocktails.
Conor Bryne Pub
Cheap, high-quality shows and even cheaper drinks are what Ballard’s Conor Byrne Pub is known for. Another Macefield Music Festival Participant, Conor Byrne Pub generally has something going on every night of the week except for Wednesday. It’s long-running history as one of the hottest places to catch live music in Ballard makes the it an especially exciting place to catch a show.
Empty Sea Studios
If the Seattle acoustic scene is your music scene of choice, you’re likely already familiar with Empty Sea Studios. If you’re not, get to a show as soon as you can. The venue is perfect for acoustic music and is a favorite place for many regular performers. Popular acoustic musicians who’ve played here over the years include Kevin Burke, Mike Compton, John Doyle, David Grier, and Kelly Joe Phelps. Empty Sea Studios is technically in Phinney Ridge, but is just a seven-minute drive from the Ballard apartment rentals at AMLI Mark24.
Ballard nightlife is very in right now, and the neighborhood has a lot of great live music venues and events. If you live in AMLI Mark24 and have yet to watch many shows nearby, these venues are a great place to start. Most of them are within walking distance, which means you don’t have to worry about parking and having a designated driver or paying cab fares.
What’s your favorite place to listen to live music in Ballard? Let us know in the comments.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst