Naf Revival is bringing the underground rave scene back to Seattle (DMNW Review)

Tucked behind some trees and up a rather long driveway in West Seattle lives Naf Revival, an underground warehouse that has quickly become a sanctuary for late-night ravers, experimental artists, and those chasing something beyond the mainstream.

We say “new” lightly. According to its website, Naf Revival is a revitalization of Naf Studios, which was the go-to underground destination in the 90s and early 2000s. Naf Studios has even hosted legends such as Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden. But after more than two decades, the venue is now Naf Revival, continuing its legacy of hosting diverse arts events that celebrate Seattle’s music scene.

Main dance floor at Naf Revival.

Dripology 2.0: MEMBA, Lumasi, parkbreezy, and more

We recently had the chance to check out the venue for Dripology 2.0, an experimental bass-heavy rave featuring MEMBA, Lumasi, and parkbreezy along with several local artists. The event ran from 10pm-5am, which was perfect for those who find the City’s 2am curfew a little too early. Naf staff were all around, directing folks to parking lots and rideshare drop-off in a friendly, welcoming manner. Once you make it up the long driveway, you’ll find the security line, followed by ticketing, then access to the venue.

Naf had an entire outdoor section in front the entrance of the building, where porta-potties and bonfire pits live. We could also hear the music quite well, and we hadn’t even made it in yet! It was exciting to see so many music lovers connecting, whether through gathering around the fire, flowing together with flow toys, or waiting in line.

Photo wall of Naf Studios in the 90s and early 2000s.

Inside the warehouse

Once we made it inside the warehouse, we were taken aback by the atmosphere. It truly embodied the spirit of an underground rave: one stage on the main floor, enough space to move and groove, minimal yet vibrant visual production, and a top-notch sound system. Along the perimeter of the warehouse were tons of live artists, creative vendors, and to our pleasant surprise, a DanceSafe booth with harm reduction tools and resources. Right next to it was a photo wall of old pictures of all the events held at Naf Studios back in the day.

All in all, Naf Revival has managed to find the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, bringing something new into Seattle’s rave scene. With its rich history, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to safety and creativity, it’s clear this venue is more than just a party space; it’s a community hub for artists and music lovers alike. As the city continues to evolve, Naf Revival stands as a reminder that the underground never really left—it was just waiting for the right time to return.

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