The Neptune Theater in Seattle Will Host Full Capability Exhibits Beginning July 10

Slowly but surely, live music is returning to Seattle. Venues across the region have been hosting limited capacity concerts since the spring, but now the Neptune Theater in the U District announced that it will open at full capacity for a range of performances starting July 10 this summer. The Neptune is Seattle’s largest concert hall, taking such a step, and the revival could help bring more business to the surrounding bars and restaurants. Governor Jay Inslee says he still plans to lift most of the COVID restrictions in the state by June 30, and possibly sooner when the vaccination rate in Washington hits 70 percent for people 16 and older.

When the theater reopens, several safety protocols will continue to apply: those who attend concerts must continue to wear face masks when they are not eating or drinking; People aged 16 and over must present a complete vaccination certificate; and participants ages 2-15 must have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the show. There will also be cashless transactions for all food and beverage, and the Neptune’s bar will operate in accordance with King County’s Health Department guidelines on social distancing for food facilities.

Despite the uncertainty for live music in general this summer, the return of Neptune should be good news for restaurants and bars near the theater like Thai Tom, Earl’s, and Bugis. Given the huge absence of students on the University of Washington campus last year (with most courses being held online), neighborhood facilities have struggled to stay afloat, especially during the ever-changing regulations over the past 15 years Months.

It is estimated that there are around 12 million people across the country whose professions are tied to live events, and most workers in the industry have been on leave or laid off over the past year as COVID-related restrictions persist. The federal government provided a lifeline through the Save Our Stages (SOS) Act, which allocated $ 15 billion to support live entertainment venues, theaters, museums, and other cultural institutions.

The Seattle Theater Group (STG), a nonprofit that operates the Neptune, Moore, and Paramount, has applied for these funds, and a representative says the group should be notified of their application sometime in the next few weeks. STG also plans to make further announcements for upcoming concerts soon.

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