Events and Programming
There are no verified current events or tickets at Re-bar. The Seattle venue closed its long-running Howell Street location in May 2020, and the proposed South Seattle reopening announced for fall 2021 did not materialize in any publicly verifiable form. A search of current and archived event listings found no confirmed in-person Re-bar performances between January 1, 2021, and September 17, 2026. Post-closure appearances by Re-bar-affiliated DJs and recurring parties took place at other Seattle venues rather than at Re-bar itself.
During its operating years, Re-bar was deliberately difficult to categorize. It functioned as a nightclub, alternative theater, cabaret, dance venue, bar and community gathering place. Its programming included electronic music, house, techno, drum and bass, disco, hip-hop, live bands, drag, burlesque, comedy, poetry, game shows, art exhibitions, experimental theater and benefit events. Its most recognizable recurring parties included Flammable , a long-running Sunday house-music night, and DnB Tuesdays.
The venue’s performance identity was broad rather than genre-specific. It gave space to queer and trans performers, drag artists, theater makers, DJs, emerging bands and touring electronic acts. Dina Martina and DJ Riz Rollins are frequently associated with the venue’s development, while local theater artists including Nick Garrison and David Schmader described Re-bar as an important early platform. The club also hosted the Seattle premiere of Hedwig and the Angry Inch , according to contemporary accounts of its history.
Its most famous single event was Nirvana’s Nevermind release party on September 13, 1991. The event became part of Seattle music folklore after Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl were reportedly removed from their own party following a drunken food fight. The story reflects Re-bar’s unusual position at the time: it could host music-industry guests and future rock stars while remaining rooted in a countercultural, queer-friendly nightlife community.
After the closure, the Flammable name and several associated DJs continued appearing at other Seattle clubs and dance spaces. Those appearances demonstrate the continuing demand for Re-bar’s house-music tradition, but they should not be treated as Re-bar events or evidence that the venue reopened.
Tickets and Booking
There are no current Re-bar tickets to purchase. Historical ticketing was event-specific, with many club nights offering advance admission and a higher door price when space remained. Archived notices show common examples of $10 advance and $15 at the door, while other electronic-music nights were advertised at about $10 or in tiered ranges around $10-$15. Special events, benefits and larger bookings could vary.
Most events were general admission and standing-room based. Popular Sunday dance nights and touring-DJ bookings were the occasions when arriving early or buying in advance mattered most. Door admission was never guaranteed once the room reached its permitted limit. Because Re-bar no longer publishes a functioning event calendar, old ticket pages and listings should be regarded as historical records, not active sales channels.
For promoters, Re-bar historically suited productions that could adapt to a flexible open room: DJ nights, cabaret, theater, drag, live music, screenings, parties and benefits. No current rental package, booking calendar, production rate card or confirmed replacement address has been published for a new Re-bar location.
About Re-bar
Re-bar opened in January 1990 at 1114 Howell Street in Seattle’s Denny Triangle, in a space formerly occupied by the Axel Rock club. Founders Steve Wells and Pit Kwiecinski established it as a dance-oriented venue, but its identity quickly expanded into theater, art, nightlife and queer performance. The club marked its thirtieth anniversary shortly before the COVID-19 shutdown forced the final closure of the Howell Street operation.
Its importance came less from architectural grandeur than from sustained cultural use. Re-bar was a small, adaptable room where different audiences overlapped: house-music regulars, grunge fans, drag performers, theater audiences, artists, service-industry workers, LGBTQ+ patrons and people looking for nightlife outside mainstream club culture. Writers and performers repeatedly described it as a rare place where queer, theatrical, musical and underground communities could share the same floor.
Public property records associated the former Re-Bar Tavern space with approximately 3,600 square feet, although that figure is a building or assessment measurement rather than a published event-floor specification. No authoritative public source located for this guide confirms the venue’s legal maximum occupancy, room dimensions, ceiling height or stage dimensions. Any precise capacity figures circulating in third-party listings should therefore be treated cautiously.
Re-bar’s closure followed several pressures. The property had been placed in a changing Denny Triangle environment, the building was reportedly for sale, operating costs increased, and the pandemic made it impossible to keep paying for a closed nightlife business. In 2019, the Seattle Music Commission recorded Re-bar’s concerns about neighborhood gentrification, rising rent and increasing operating costs.
Seating and Layout
The historic Re-bar room was primarily a flat, open-floor venue rather than a seated theater. Most audiences stood or danced, with the performance area and DJ position at one end and bar service along the perimeter. Folding chairs could be introduced for theater, cabaret, talks or special presentations, but there was no standard reserved-seat map, balcony or permanent VIP section documented in the available venue descriptions. ticketfairy.com
For dance parties, the center-front of the room offered the closest connection to the DJ or performers. The middle and rear of the floor generally provided a better balance between sightlines, personal space and sound intensity. Patrons who wanted to step away from the crowd tended to use the side or bar areas. The room’s small scale made most views relatively intimate, but crowd density could change the experience significantly.
There is no published seating plan for a future Re-bar. A new location, if ever announced, should be treated as a different venue with its own capacity, access route and viewing arrangements.
Getting There and Parking
The former venue stood at 1114 Howell Street, near Boren and Minor avenues in downtown Seattle’s Denny Triangle. This address is historical only; it is not a current Re-bar event destination. The old location was within walking distance of central downtown, hotels, restaurants and major transit connections.
For the former site, the nearest Link light-rail options were generally Westlake Station and University Street Station. From either stop, the walk was roughly 10-15 minutes depending on the route and signal crossings. Downtown bus routes along Third Avenue and nearby streets provided additional connections. Transit routes and station entrances have changed over time, so these directions should not be used to plan a visit to a Re-bar event unless a future operator confirms a new address. ticketfairy.com
There was no dedicated Re-bar parking lot. Historical venue information described limited metered street parking and nearby paid garages. Older listings estimated roughly $10-$15 for a short garage stay and advised allowing extra time for downtown parking, but those prices are not current guarantees. Rideshare vehicles historically used Howell Street or nearby larger downtown streets for drop-off, subject to traffic and curb restrictions.
Inside the Venue
Historical descriptions portray Re-bar as a dark, informal and highly flexible club room. The atmosphere was shaped by posters, flyers, a busy bar, a large standing crowd, a performance or DJ area and lighting that could shift from theatrical illumination to colored club light and strobes. It was a place where the audience was part of the visual scene, particularly during drag, cabaret and dance events.
The venue’s facilities were functional rather than luxurious. Archived descriptions refer to bar service, restrooms, a street-level main room and, on some occasions, coat-check arrangements. No authoritative source confirms a permanent kitchen, a standard food menu, merchandise operation, Wi-Fi provision or a fixed coat check for every event, so those details should not be assumed.
Re-bar did not publish a detailed technical rider that survives in readily verifiable public records. Historical accounts and event descriptions indicate a club-oriented sound system suitable for DJ music and small live performances, with strong bass response, microphones and monitors. Lighting varied by promoter and production, and no verified manufacturer list, wattage, console model or permanent rig specification has been found.
Accessibility and Visitor Information
Several archived event notices described the Howell Street venue as ADA accessible. Historical descriptions identify a ground-level entrance and an accessible restroom, but no current inspection report, route map, door measurement, seating plan or formal ADA documentation was located. Because the venue closed in 2020, this information is useful only for understanding the former space and cannot establish accessibility for any future location.
Age rules varied by event, but nightlife listings commonly identified Re-bar parties as 21+ with valid identification. Earlier theater, art or special events may have used different admission rules. Visitors should not assume that a future Re-bar event would follow the historical policy without a new event announcement.
Re-bar had no formal dress code in the historical accounts reviewed. Its audience commonly wore everyday clothes, clubwear, costumes, drag, punk, goth or theatrical outfits. Comfortable footwear was practical because dancing and standing were central to most nights. Photography and recording rules were not consistently documented, so those policies should be confirmed by any future event producer.
Nearby Amenities
The former Howell Street site was surrounded by downtown Seattle amenities rather than by a self-contained entertainment district. Visitors historically had access to nearby restaurants, bars, hotels, convenience stores and transit corridors within a short walk. The Westlake and Denny Triangle areas offered the greatest concentration of pre-event dining and accommodation.
Because there is no current Re-bar calendar, there is no reliable present-day arrival time, door schedule or late-night transportation plan to publish. For any future reopening, visitors should allow extra time for identification checks, transit delays and downtown parking, particularly for a high-demand dance night.
What Makes This Venue Special
Re-bar’s distinctive quality was its refusal to separate nightlife from performance art. A single room could host a house-music party one night, a drag show or burlesque production the next, and an experimental theater performance after that. Its programming was not simply eclectic in a marketing sense; the venue’s audience, performers and promoters genuinely crossed boundaries between music, theater, queer culture and visual spectacle.
The club also preserved a particular kind of Seattle nightlife that became harder to sustain as downtown property values rose. In 2019, its operators told the Seattle Music Commission that gentrification and rising costs were threatening the business. The city’s legacy-business research identified rising rents, redevelopment and landlord decisions as major risks for long-running independent establishments, issues that closely matched Re-bar’s circumstances.
Its cultural footprint extends beyond the famous Nirvana story. Re-bar provided early stages for artists who became important in Seattle’s theater, drag, dance and DJ communities. It supported benefit shows, gave emerging performers a place to experiment and helped sustain weekly rituals such as Flammable and queer disco. Former patrons often describe the room less as a polished club than as a dependable social institution—a place where people could arrive alone, find a community and participate without fitting a mainstream nightlife profile.
The economic impact was modest in scale but meaningful in reach. Re-bar supported venue workers, performers, bartenders, technicians and numerous independent promoters. A 2020 fundraising appeal described a staff of 17 and relationships with more than 30 promoters, illustrating how one small venue could support a wider creative network. Its closure removed not only a room but also a recurring source of paid work and cultural gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Re-bar Seattle still open?
No. Re-bar closed its longtime location at 1114 Howell Street in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The owners announced plans to relocate to South Seattle and reopen in fall 2021, but no verified new venue opened under the Re-bar name by September 17, 2026. The old address should not be treated as an operating Re-bar venue or ticket pickup location.
Are there any Re-bar events in 2026?
No verified in-person Re-bar events in 2026 were found during the research for this guide. Some DJs, promoters and recurring parties associated with Re-bar continued appearing at other Seattle venues after the closure, but those were not events at Re-bar. A future announcement would need to identify a new address, operator, date and ticketing arrangement before it could be considered an active Re-bar event.
Did Re-bar reopen in South Seattle?
The owners publicly discussed a South Seattle reopening, potentially in areas such as Georgetown, South Park or Columbia City, and described a larger seven-day bar and nightclub with food service. That plan was never confirmed as an operating venue in the sources reviewed. No reliable public address, opening date, construction announcement or 2026 schedule establishes that the proposed relocation occurred.
What happened to the old Re-bar space?
The Howell Street space did not return as Re-bar. Local reporting in 2021 said the former venue was being prepared for a dueling-piano business rather than a Re-bar reopening. This confirms that Re-bar would not return to its original room, even though the broader brand and its former operators had discussed relocating elsewhere.
What was Re-bar best known for?
Re-bar was best known for combining underground dance music, queer nightlife, alternative theater, drag, burlesque and experimental performance. Its Sunday Flammable house-music party became one of its signature traditions, while its 1991 Nirvana Nevermind release party made the venue part of Seattle rock history. The club’s broader reputation came from its welcoming mix of artists, misfits, dancers and theater audiences.
What was Flammable at Re-bar?
Flammable was a recurring Sunday house-music party associated with DJs including Brian Lyons, Wesley Holmes and other Seattle selectors. It developed a reputation for long-running, dance-focused programming with a loyal audience and a strong queer and alternative nightlife presence. After Re-bar closed, the party and its associated artists appeared at other locations, but those later events were separate from the original venue.
How much did Re-bar tickets cost?
Historical ticket prices varied by event, but archived notices commonly show $10 advance admission and $15 at the door. Some smaller nights were cheaper, while special events used different tiers or prices. These figures are useful for understanding the venue’s historical affordability, not for predicting future prices. There are no active Re-bar tickets or current price tiers available as of September 17, 2026.
Did Re-bar sell tickets at the door?
Many historical events offered door admission if capacity remained, often at a higher price than advance tickets. Entry was not guaranteed once the room filled, especially for popular DJ nights or themed parties. Presale and door arrangements were controlled by the individual promoter, so practices could differ. Any future Re-bar event would need to publish its own ticket and entry policy.
Was Re-bar a 21-and-over venue?
Many nightlife listings identified Re-bar events as 21+ with valid identification, particularly late-night DJ parties and dance events. That was not necessarily a universal rule for every theater, art or special program. Age restrictions depended on the event, alcohol service and promoter. Visitors should not assume that a future event is all-ages or 21+ without reading its specific admission information.
Did Re-bar have assigned seating?
No standard assigned seating arrangement has been documented. Re-bar was primarily a standing and dancing venue with a flexible open floor. Chairs could be added for theater, cabaret, talks or special presentations, but there was no regular balcony, reserved-seat section or permanent VIP configuration identified in the historical descriptions. Viewing was generally determined by where guests stood in the room.
What was Re-bar’s capacity?
No authoritative public source located for this guide confirms Re-bar’s legal maximum occupancy. Property records associate the former commercial space with approximately 3,600 square feet, but that is not the same as event capacity or usable dance-floor area. Because capacity depends on seating, standing-room layout, alcohol service and fire-code conditions, unverified numbers from old listings should not be relied on.
Was Re-bar wheelchair accessible?
Archived event notices described the Howell Street venue as ADA accessible, and historical venue descriptions referred to a level entrance and accessible restroom. However, the building is no longer operating as Re-bar, and no current accessibility information exists for a future location. Anyone considering a future event would need a new access statement covering entrance routes, restrooms, viewing areas and emergency procedures.
What kind of sound system did Re-bar use?
Re-bar had a club-oriented sound system known for strong bass and loud dance music, with equipment suitable for DJs, microphones and small live performances. Public descriptions mention a rear sound position, monitors and punchy low end, but no verified equipment list, speaker models, mixer specifications or technical rider has been found. The room’s hard, informal character could make some performances feel especially intense.
Where was Re-bar located?
The historic venue was at 1114 Howell Street in Seattle’s Denny Triangle, near Boren and Minor avenues. It was close to downtown hotels, restaurants and transit, and within walking distance of central Link light-rail stations. This address is now historical information only. Re-bar’s proposed replacement location was never publicly confirmed in the sources reviewed.
Could visitors park near Re-bar?
The former location had limited street parking and relied on nearby paid garages rather than dedicated venue parking. Historical listings estimated short garage stays at around $10-$15, but downtown rates and facilities change frequently. Since Re-bar is not operating at the Howell Street address, parking information should not be used as a reason to travel there for an event.
What was the Nirvana connection?
Nirvana held its Nevermind release party at Re-bar on September 13, 1991, before the album transformed the band’s career. The celebration became famous after the band members were ejected following a food fight. The incident helped cement Re-bar’s image as a place where music history, unruly nightlife and Seattle’s alternative communities could collide.
Why was Re-bar important to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community?
Re-bar offered a welcoming social and performance environment for queer patrons, drag artists, theater makers, dancers and musicians while remaining open to a broader audience. Accounts describe it as a rare cross-community venue where queer, theatrical, musical and underground scenes overlapped. Its value was therefore not limited to nightlife revenue; it provided visibility, belonging, experimentation and recurring community rituals.
Why did Re-bar close?
The closure resulted from the combined effects of the pandemic shutdown, the cost of maintaining a closed venue, rising property and operating pressures, and uncertainty surrounding the building. The owners said they could not sustain the expense of remaining closed. They intended to relocate, but the promised reopening was not subsequently verified.
Is Re-bar’s legacy still visible in Seattle?
Yes, although not through an operating Re-bar building. Former DJs, promoters and performers continued working in Seattle nightlife, and recurring events associated with the club appeared at other venues after 2020. Former patrons also continue to identify Re-bar as a formative space for house music, drag, theater and queer community. Its legacy survives through people and programming rather than through a current ticketed venue.
