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Ballard Firehouse Tickets
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About Ballard Firehouse
The Ballard Firehouse, historically known as Fire Station No. 18, sits in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. With roots as a landmark music venue that hosted major acts in the 1980s through the early 2000s, the building has a storied past that fans and visitors still reference today. While the site has seen various incarnations since its time as a nightclub, the Ballard Firehouse remains an important piece of Ballard’s cultural tapestry. This page provides venue context, practical details for visitors, and nearby accommodations to help you plan a hassle-free experience in Ballard.
Note: The original Ballard Firehouse is not currently operating as a live music venue. If you’re seeking current concert listings or upcoming events in the Ballard area, we’ll help you find reliable, nearby options and alternatives while keeping you informed about history-rich spaces in the neighborhood.
Getting to Ballard is straightforward via Seattle’s transit network. Local bus routes and the RapidRide D line connect to Ballard’s core corridors, including the vicinity around Russell Avenue NW. For visitors driving in, there are several parking options in and around Ballard, with street parking and nearby lots typically available during evenings and weekends. If you’re staying nearby, Ballard offers a variety of lodging and dining options, from cozy inns to modern hotels, plus a range of eateries to fuel your adventures. We’ve highlighted nearby hotels and preferred dining partners to help you secure comfortable accommodations and great meals without the guesswork.
Nearby hotels include Ballard Inn Seattle and Hotel Ballard, both within a pleasant stroll of the Ballard core. For dining, consider local favorites and affiliate recommendations that balance quality and convenience for travelers and concert-goers alike. If you’re planning a visit around historic Ballard venues, our insider tips can help you secure your plans with confidence.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Location and historic status: Fire Station No. 18, commonly called the Ballard Firehouse, is a landmark building at Russell Avenue NW in Ballard (addresses cited as 5427, 5429, or 5425 Russell Ave NW depending on source). Historic Seattle lists 5427 NW as the address. ([historicseattle.org](https://historicseattle.org/project/fire-station-18/?utm_source=openai))
- Original use as music venue: The Ballard Firehouse operated as a nightclub/music venue in Ballard, hosting major acts and drawing crowds in the 1980s–early 2000s (notably bands like The Kinks, Dio, Motorhead, Blue Oyster Cult, John Entwistle). ([rockandrollroadmap.com](https://rockandrollroadmap.com/places/where-they-played/other-rock-music-venues/the-ballard-firehouse/?utm_source=openai))
- Notable closure of Ballard Firehouse: The venue closed in December 2003 after ~18 years, per Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporting. ([timesunion.com](https://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/music/article/Ballard-Firehouse-closes-down-1132842.php?utm_source=openai))
- Renaming/reuse in subsequent years: The building later operated as Hi-Life (c. 2004–2019), then Valentinetti’s Italian concept, and later Station 18 Drinks & Eats (opening 2021). Station 18 subsequently closed and the site was put up for sale in 2023. ([atlasobscura.com](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/fire-station-no-18-and-the-hi-life?utm_source=openai))
- Current status (as of 2023–2026): Station 18 closed and for sale; the building is listed for sale and no active music venue is operating there. ([myballard.com](https://www.myballard.com/2023/11/02/station-18-closed-owners-put-it-up-for-sale/?utm_source=openai))
- Transit access: Ballard is served by Seattle-area bus routes; the NW Market St & Ballard Ave NW stop and connections on RapidRide D and Route 44 provide access to the area near the Ballard Firehouse site. ([pugetsndtransit.org](https://pugetsndtransit.org/kingmetro/route/d-rapidride-line?utm_source=openai))
- Nearby hotels: Ballard Inn (5300 Ballard Ave NW) and Hotel Ballard (5216 Ballard Ave NW) are nearby lodging options for visitors to Ballard. ([ballardinnseattle.com](https://www.ballardinnseattle.com/contact?utm_source=openai))