Tune in For Some Live Music in Kent

From rock and pop to kids tunes and country, you’ll find all kinds of live music playing in Kent, Washington.

If you enjoy live music but don’t relish traffic and parking headaches, impersonal concert venues, or pricey cover charges and tickets, Kent has several spots to hear some tunes. Take your pick, from parks and plazas, to intimate concert arenas and local watering holes.

Here are a few places to get your music fix in and around Kent:

  • The sounds of summer. The Kent Summer Concert Series July 11-Aug. 29 features kids performers and an array of country, soul, pop, jazz and more.
  • Big names, intimate venue. With only 6,500 seats, Kent’s accesso ShoWare Center is a pleasant alternative to the typical mega-arena concert experience. On the docket for summer: HOT 103.7 All-Star Throwback Jam 7:30 p.m. July 21; and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15. Check the full concert schedule.
  • A bite, a drink, some tunes. Peruse Kent’s local establishments for small-house live entertainment, paired with good food and drinks:
  • Music nearby. Kent’s ideal location means you’re close to some awesome live-music venues. Make plans to stay in Kent and take in a concert.
    • White River Amphitheatre: this major outdoor live-music venue showcases some of the biggest names and hottest acts in the music business.
    • Emerald Downs Racetrack and Casino: along with horse racing and casino fun, Emerald Downs also features live music from some of the best local bands around.
  • Mark your Calendar. It’s not only live music, but Kent’s annual Spotlight Series presented by the Kent Arts Commission and Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services features some top-notch nationally and internationally acclaimed performers. Most performances are at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center (10020 SE 256th St.) and Kentwood Performing Arts Center (25800 164th Ave. S.E.). The 2018-19 schedule will be available in August.

Come take a listen. And be sure to check out other things to do in Kent.