You’re listening to KEXP, 90.3 FM—if you’re a Seattlelite into indie music, you know these guys. If you’re coming from out of town, they make it easy to learn what they do through their community space at Seattle Center. KEXP is a nonprofit radio station known for showcasing an eclectic, wide-ranging array of music genres curated by respected DJs broadcast live over the airwaves and streaming to your device.
Conveniently located in the northwest section of Seattle Center, KEXP’s facility features a large gathering space that serves as a sort of community living room open seven days a week. Anyone can use the space for free, which features free WiFi, plenty of seating, and great natural light. The space is home to a record store, Light in the Attic, and café, operated by local chain Caffe Vita. Seeing a bunch of cars with yellow KEXP bumper stickers around town? You can get one of those (free!) at the front desk. While the station’s studios and offices are off-limits, visitors can listen to the live broadcast as they relax, work, or shop.
KEXP is just one of numerous arts and culture organizations at Seattle Center, the city’s civic and cultural nexus. Seattle Center was created for the 1962 World’s Fair—you know those space age creds are solid. Catch a water show at the International Fountain, gawk at the collections of the Museum of Pop Culture, and don’t forget to check out a little building called the Space Needle before hopping on the Monorail for a very ‘60s ride back to the con.
Fifi Ding is a journalist and travel writer. She has interviewed numerous figures in the world of entertainment and genre fiction, including actor Nathan Fillion and manga artist Hiro Mashima.