The Return of Cloudbreak Brings Free Music Shows to Seattle this November

Let’s start with the most important part: Cloudbreak, Seattle’s Citywide Live Music Fest, returns November 1-22 with more than 70 shows featuring 100+ artists over 22 days at 30+ venues, and if you stay in one of our 70 partner hotels, you get access to these shows for FREE!

Cloudbreak started in 2022 and was such a success that we’ve brought it back for year two! The festival features artists in diverse genres at stages all across the city: in Beacon Hill, the Central District, Columbia City, Downtown, Belltown, Fremont, Capitol Hill, Ballard, and more.

Sir Mix-A-Lot opened the 2022 Cloudbreak Festival at El Corazon. Photo: Niffer Calderwood Photography.

Stay in one of our partner hotels to receive access to the shows for free, so you can experience the vibrancy of Seattle’s music scene. Get the scoop and discover participating hotels at cloudbreakmusicfest.org.

Cloudbreak started as a partnership of King County Creative and Visit Seattle, and this year we’re delighted to welcome in our new partner, the City of Seattle. We can’t wait to welcome you to our amazing city of music!

2023 artists include Mudhoney, Rocky Votolato, Barrett Martin, Mala Suerte, Sera Cahoone with Mat Brooke and Molly Sides, The A-Frames, The Fall of Troy, Alex Guy’s Led to Sea, Shaina Shepherd & Tomo Nakayama, Biblioteka, Kuinka, Smokey Brights, The Dusty 45s & Christy McWilson, Enumclaw, Grace Love, Andy Coe Band, Country Dave and the New Fallen Angels Tribute to Gram Parsons,  Jenn Champion, King Youngblood and soooo many more.

Smokey Brights at the Tractor Tavern, Cloudbreak 2022. Photo: Mike R. Mitchell

NEW this year: your music pass (available at your hotel) has the access link for our new advanced registration system. If there’s a show you ABSOLUTELY have to see, get your name on the list. (Details and restrictions will be listed at the link site.)

Coinciding with Cloudbreak is the 11th anniversary of Freakout Festival, running November 2-5 at seven stages primarily in the Ballard neighborhood. This festival is an amazing success story, growing from humble beginnings to now featuring more than 100 bands and artists from Seattle, the Northwest, the US, and the world. Some of the shows highlighting Seattle artists are included in Cloudbreak access, so check that schedule!

The Black Tones at Freakout Festival 2021. Photo by Jake Hanson.

So, we’ll see you out and about for music, right? Follow along and share your experience with us on social by using the hashtag #CloudbreakMusicFest and tagging @visitseattle.

About the Author

Tracey Wickersham

Tracey Wickersham is the Senior Director of Cultural Tourism at Visit Seattle. A volunteer dj & host of a long running music program on KBCS 91.3 FM, she spent 6 years on the board of 4Culture, supporting arts, heritage, public art and historic preservation in King County. You'll often find her at the Tractor Tavern enjoying great bands, exploring one of the region's beautiful parks with her spunky blue heeler mix, or in one of Seattle's many live theater venues.

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