Pioneer Square (Seattle) Music Self-Guided Walking Tour

  • By Peter Blecha
  • Posted 2/04/2025
  • HistoryLink.org Essay 23191
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Live music has been a key facet of community life in Pioneer Square since the 1850s. Seattle's first saloon/brothel that also offered dance music played by a rollicking trio was built in 1861 and ever since, this area has served as one of Seattle's primary nightlife districts. As Seattle's birthplace and initial downtown, Pioneer Square would serve as the home for various music venues, including taverns, community halls, theaters, and even an early opera house. No other local neighborhood can boast a history of music-making that spans the entire history of the city. Yet, one of the challenges of telling and showing its musical history is that many of the buildings and landmarks associated with that activity no longer exist, a concession to the constantly changing nature of Seattle. 

To take this walking tour, visit HistoryLink.Tours.


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