The Birthplace of Grunge Is Now a Six-City Music Tour

Washington state's contribution to American music spans decades and genres. Jimi Hendrix grew up in Seattle before relocating to London and reshaping rock guitar, while Nirvana and Pearl Jam turned a Pacific Northwest scene into a global phenomenon in the early 1990s. Death Cab for Cutie emerged from Bellingham, and Grammy-winning folk and rock artist Brandi Carlile calls Maple Valley home.

This summer, State of Washington Tourism invites visitors to experience that musical legacy through six destinations that celebrate jazz, grunge, indie rock, folk music and live outdoor concerts.

Seattle: Where Grunge Was Born and the Music Never Stopped

Seattle anchors the tour with a music scene that stretches far beyond grunge. The city launched the early 1990s movement while continuing to support contemporary jazz and hip-hop. Visitors can explore the new Grungemart pop-up, which celebrates the era's cultural impact, or catch a live performance through the Seattle Jazz Fellowship.

The legacies of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Jimi Hendrix remain woven into neighborhoods across the city. At the same time, Seattle continues to shape new artists and genres, giving music fans plenty of reasons to visit beyond its famous past.

Bellingham: Indie Rock Roots Between the Mountains and the Sea

About 90 miles north of Seattle, Bellingham gave the world Death Cab for Cutie, a band whose influence on indie rock in the 2000s proved lasting. The city's downtown arts scene centers on venues like the historic Mount Baker Theatre, while trails at Whatcom Falls and kayaking on the Salish Sea offer outdoor options just outside the city.

"Bellingham is a vibrant college town situated between the mountains and the sea," said Becky Mandelbaum, PR and communications manager for Visit Bellingham. "Start your day at a serene alpine lake or a heart-pounding mountain bike trail and then end it drinking wine on a sailboat in the Salish Sea."

The Gorge Amphitheatre: A Concert Destination Built Around the Landscape

The Gorge Amphitheatre, set along the Columbia River, draws music fans from across the country each summer. The open-air venue overlooks the river, canyon walls and wide-open skies. Major summer festivals run throughout the season, and nearby camping and hiking trails give concert-goers more to explore.

"The Gorge is more than a concert venue. It's one of Washington's most iconic destinations," said Jeff Trisler, Northwest Region president for Live Nation. "What makes the venue truly special is the breathtaking setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge."

Walla Walla: Wine Country With a Live Music Scene

Walla Walla built its summer reputation on wine, with more than 40 tasting rooms concentrated in and around downtown. The Gesa Power House Theatre hosts concerts and productions throughout the summer, while vineyards across the valley regularly feature live music.

"Wine may be what first brings people to Walla Walla, but summer is when they discover everything else the valley has to offer," said Guy Glaeser, executive director for Visit Walla Walla. "You can spend the day at a winery, take in an outdoor concert or theater performance... and finish with an unforgettable meal."

Maple Valley: Trails and Community Concerts in Brandi Carlile's Backyard

Maple Valley offers a quieter stop with outdoor recreation, local breweries and free community concerts throughout the summer. Rattlesnake Ridge, one of Washington's most popular trails, offers sweeping views of the valley. The area is also home to Brandi Carlile, the Grammy-winning artist who grew up in nearby Ravensdale and now lives in Maple Valley.

Burien: Farmers Market, Local Art and a Growing Performing Arts Community

Burien rounds out the itinerary with a Thursday farmers market featuring live music and vendors selling honey, fresh flowers, and baked goods. The Highline Performing Arts Center hosts theatrical and musical productions throughout the season, while the Burien Arts gallery wall rotates collections of local artwork on a regular schedule.

Travelers can use these dates as the starting point for exploring the state's other five destinations, turning a concert weekend into a road trip through some of Washington's best-known music communities.