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Seattle, Washington / Theaters and music

The Crocodile

A legendary Belltown music mainstay celebrating 30 years of live performances, hosting everyone from Nirvana and Pearl Jam to Billie Eilish in a state-of-the-art multi-venue complex.

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The Crocodile
www.thecrocodile.com, og_image_www.thecrocodile.com

What is The Crocodile known for?

The Crocodile is one of Seattle's most esteemed concert mainstays and a barometer of the city's artistic, political, and musical interests. It has hosted major acts such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, R.E.M., and Yoko Ono.

What kind of events are hosted at The Crocodile?

The complex features three state-of-the-art venues that host a variety of events, including music, comedy, cinema, podcasts, and private events.

Where is it located?

The Crocodile is located in the Belltown neighborhood at 2505 First Ave, Seattle, WA 98121.

What are the box office hours?

The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.

What facilities are available at the venue?

The three-story complex includes a 750-capacity showroom, a 300-capacity venue (Madame Lou's), a 96-capacity sit-down theater, a restaurant, and a 17-room hotel.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Crocodile, often called The Croc, is a cornerstone of Seattle's musical identity. Founded on April 30, 1991, by Stephanie Dorgan and Jerry Everard, the venue originally opened as the Crocodile Cafe at 2200 2nd Avenue. For over three decades, it has served as a barometer of the city's artistic and political interests, hosting legendary acts such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., and Yoko Ono, as well as modern stars like Lizzo and Billie Eilish. In November 2020, the venue announced a move to its current location at 2505 First Ave, taking over the former site of the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific lodge. This transition transformed the club into a massive three-story complex that reopened in the fall of 2021. The expanded facility now houses a 750-capacity state-of-the-art showroom, a 300-capacity venue, and a 96-capacity sit-down theater. Within this complex, visitors will find Madame Lou’s, a 300-capacity space named after a Seattle iconoclast. This specific venue is dedicated to the city's gritty D.I.Y. spirit, hosting everything from dance nights to all-ages punk shows. Beyond the stages, the complex integrates a restaurant and a 17-room hotel, making it a comprehensive hub for cinema, podcasts, comedy, and music.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the box office Tuesday through Friday between 12:00pm and 5:00pm for tickets.
  • Check the schedule for Madame Lou's if you are looking for all-ages punk shows or dance nights.
  • Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the three stories of the complex during an event.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the Belltown neighborhood at the corner of 1st Avenue and Wall Street, The Crocodile anchors the area's reputation as a center for live music and artistic expression.

Sources

Evidence and links