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Music Venue Zone program supports reliable parking & loading for musicians & venues in Seattle – apply today

by on February 27, 2025
Members of Midnight High band sing at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard during the 2024 Cloudbreak Music Festival. Photo courtesy of Mike Mitchell and Visit Seattle.

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Learn more about Music Venue Zones in this video. Credit: SDOT

Last fall, Mayor Harrell signed legislation to provide reliable parking and loading space for local and touring musicians and their crews at live music venues in Seattle. The new Music Venue Zone program launches today, and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is now accepting Music Venue Zone permit applications from qualifying venues.

This program was made possible with the active support of Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson, the Seattle Music Commission, and local music industry leaders, with direct input from more than 300 survey participants. It is a close One Seattle partnership between SDOT and Seattle’s Office of Economic Development.

More than a dozen people stand outside on a sidewalk with buildings and trees in the background. Two signs to the right say "Music Venue Zone" and "Musician Parking & Loading" with musical note icons. Microphones are also in the foreground.
City of Seattle and local music industry leaders celebrate new Music Venue Zone signs at The Crocodile venue in Seattle on May 20, 2025, including Mayor Harrell, Seattle City Councilmember Sara Nelson, SDOT Interim Director Adiam Emery, Seattle Office of Economic Development Nightlife Business Advocate Scott Plusquellec, Seattle Music Commission Chair Jason Clackley, The Crocodile Production Manager Sam Smith, and others. Photo credit: Tim Durkan

The full program is the culmination of a previous pilot program, when SDOT first tested the concept at five venues, providing valuable insights into how venues used curb space.

Qualifying music venues can apply for one annual Music Venue Zone permit each, creating up to three designated spaces at the curb, which SDOT will install. Music Venue Zones allow parking and loading 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a valid permit displayed. 

To qualify for the permit, music venues must: 

  • Have a valid City of Seattle business license  
  • Host live music events at least two different days each week  
  • Charge a fee for entry for live music events 

If your venue qualifies, you can now apply here for a Music Venue Zone permit.

Learn more about the Music Venue Zone program or contact SDOT’s Virginie Nadimi if you have questions. Thank you for your interest!

Two musicians play the saxophone and trombone at an indoor music show, with lights above and a red curtain in the background. Another musician plays an instrument in the background.
Members of D’vonne Lewis & NW D’Luxe band perform at Black and Tan Hall in Hillman City during the 2024 Cloudbreak Music Festival. Photo courtesy of Mike Mitchell and Visit Seattle.

Editor’s Note – May 20, 2025: A photo of a celebratory media event was added to this blog post.

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