McCaw Hall
A stunning steel and glass venue, home to Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera, hosting diverse performances.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the magical Nutcracker ballet!
McCaw Hall
Best Time
For the magical Nutcracker ballet!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning steel and glass venue, home to Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera, hosting diverse performances.
"Nice facility with comfortable seating and good acoustics, just watch out for the drinks."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Nearby parking can be pricey ($30+). Consider parking further away or using public transport.
💰 Concession Savings
Concessions are expensive. Eat before you go or pack your own snacks if permitted.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pacific Northwest Ballet's The Nutcracker
Main Stage
A magical holiday tradition with stunning sets and enchanting performances. A must-see for all ages!

Seattle Opera Performances
Main Stage
Experience world-class opera in a venue known for its excellent acoustics and comfortable seating.

Concerts & Live Music
Main Stage
From K-Pop to classic rock, McCaw Hall hosts a diverse range of musical artists.
Special Events & Drag Shows
Main Stage
Catch unique performances like Seattle Pride's 'Don't Stop the Drag' for a vibrant and entertaining night.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Concessions Can Be Pricey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Nearby parking can be pricey ($30+). Consider parking further away or using public transport.
💰 Concession Savings
Concessions are expensive. Eat before you go or pack your own snacks if permitted.
💨 Fast Entry Tip
Avoid bringing a bag to speed up your entry through multiple entrances.
🎶 Check the Schedule
McCaw Hall hosts diverse events from ballet to concerts. Plan ahead!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Nearby parking can be pricey ($30+). Consider parking further away or using public transport.
💰 Concession Savings
Concessions are expensive. Eat before you go or pack your own snacks if permitted.
💨 Fast Entry Tip
Avoid bringing a bag to speed up your entry through multiple entrances.
🎶 Check the Schedule
McCaw Hall hosts diverse events from ballet to concerts. Plan ahead!
🪑 Seat View Check
Great views from most seats, including balconies. Check seat views online if possible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
McCaw Hall is praised for its excellent acoustics and comfortable seating, making it a top venue for ballet and opera. While the facility and staff are generally well-regarded, visitors frequently note the exceptionally high prices for concessions and parking. Despite these drawbacks, many find the overall experience of attending a performance here to be enjoyable and memorable.
"Absolutely ridiculous pricing for concessions. 1 double white wine, double jack/soda, and 2 cookies is $106, with the gall of requesting a tip on top. That’s more than a pair of comedy show tickets. Getting fatigued by this no transparent pricing nonsense.
Venue has comfortable seating (no place to hold drinks other than your hand) and acoustics are good. Just watch out for the drinks."
Melody Smith
"Nice facility. The staff was friendly and helpful. We had an enjoyable evening. Not being from Seattle, we weren't completely sure about where we were to park, but we parked near the Museum of Pop Culture. Easy walk from there."
Angela Cleverdon
"I have attended the opera here twice so far and see a few visits in my future with the new season. Seating is always abundant and they assist with many mobility impaired attendees. Concessions can be pricey but I don't usually come for the food and drinks. Always a good venue for enjoying the musical arts."
Turbo Turtle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McCaw Hall is located at 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109. You can reach it by car, ride-sharing services, or public transportation. Parking is available nearby, though it can be expensive.
Yes, there are parking lots near McCaw Hall, often shared with other Seattle Center attractions like the Museum of Pop Culture. However, parking can be costly, especially on event nights.
Several King County Metro bus routes serve the Seattle Center area. The Seattle Center Monorail also connects downtown to the Seattle Center, though it closes earlier on weekends.
Yes, ride-sharing services and taxis can drop you off at the main entrance. This is a convenient option to avoid parking hassles.
McCaw Hall is committed to accessibility. They offer assistance for mobility-impaired attendees and have accessible seating options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased through the official McCaw Hall website, the Pacific Northwest Ballet website, the Seattle Opera website, or authorized third-party ticket vendors.
McCaw Hall's hours vary depending on the event. Doors usually open about an hour before showtime. It's best to check the specific event schedule for exact times.
Yes, the McCaw Hall box office is usually open on event days for ticket purchases and will-call pickup. Check their website for specific box office hours.
McCaw Hall has a bag policy that may restrict the size of bags allowed. Smaller bags are generally permitted, and not bringing a bag can speed up entry.
Discounts may be available for certain performances, especially for groups or students. Check the specific event listings or contact the box office for details.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
McCaw Hall offers comfortable seating with good sightlines from most locations, including the balconies. Some seats offer excellent views of the stage.
The acoustics at McCaw Hall are generally considered very good, making it an excellent venue for musical performances like opera and concerts.
McCaw Hall has concessions offering food and drinks, but reviews indicate they can be quite expensive.
Yes, McCaw Hall has multiple restrooms available for attendees throughout the venue.
Photography and videography policies vary by event. Generally, personal photos without flash are allowed, but professional recording is prohibited. Check with event staff for specific rules.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand architecture of the hall itself, especially the lobby and exterior, offers great photo opportunities. During performances, capturing the stage lighting can be stunning.
Photography policies differ per event. While some allow non-flash personal photos, professional recording is usually forbidden. Always check with venue staff.
For general photos, a smartphone or a standard DSLR with a versatile lens is sufficient. For low-light performances, a camera with good low-light performance and a fast lens is recommended.
Tripods and professional camera equipment are typically not allowed during performances to avoid obstructing views. Check the specific event's policy.
The exterior of the steel and glass structure, the grand staircase in the lobby, and the illuminated stage during a performance are popular photo subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the experience smoother, consider arriving early to navigate parking and entry. While concessions are pricey, bringing small, permissible snacks can help keep younger attendees happy. Many families find the ballet to be a memorable and cherished tradition at McCaw Hall.
🎶 Music Lovers
Keep an eye on the McCaw Hall schedule for upcoming concerts, as popular acts like Michael Learns to Rock or K-Pop sensations like The Rose draw enthusiastic crowds. The variety of genres means there's always something to suit different musical tastes.
🎭 Ballet & Opera Aficionados
The venue's design prioritizes the audience experience, with comfortable seating and excellent sightlines, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the performance. Attending a PNB or Seattle Opera show at McCaw Hall is a quintessential Seattle cultural experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub for Performing Arts
The venue is designed to accommodate a wide range of performances, from large-scale theatrical productions to intimate concerts. Its flexible seating arrangements and state-of-the-art technical capabilities ensure a high-quality experience for both performers and audiences. The hall's commitment to the arts is evident in the caliber of productions it hosts throughout the year.
Beyond ballet and opera, McCaw Hall is a popular destination for touring musical artists, comedians, and special events. Its diverse schedule means there's often something for everyone, from rock concerts to K-Pop performances and even drag shows, reflecting its versatility as a cultural hub.
Navigating Your Visit: Parking & Concessions
Be prepared for the cost of food and beverages inside the venue. Reviews frequently mention that concessions at McCaw Hall are particularly expensive, with a single wine and a couple of cookies costing over $100 in one instance. To manage costs, consider having dinner before your show or checking the venue's policy on bringing outside food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Despite these considerations, many attendees find the overall experience at McCaw Hall to be enjoyable. The venue's multiple entrances can help speed up entry, and the seating offers great views. Planning ahead for parking and budgeting for concessions can help ensure a smoother and more pleasant visit.
Social
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