Bumbershoot Is Back! Seattle’s Music & Arts Festival Turns 50

Don’t Miss this Signature Seattle Festival—September 2 & 3

Long the highlight of Labor Day weekend in the Northwest, Bumbershoot returns this year and we can’t wait!

New organizers—with deep roots in Seattle—are steering the beloved festival this year, with a renewed emphasis on the creative community of the Pacific Northwest, alongside an excellent and diverse lineup of music.

Held most years since 1971, Bumbershoot takes place in the heart of the city, on the 74-acre Seattle Center campus, home to Seattle’s iconic Space Needle, KEXP, and numerous arts & cultural organizations. It’s easy to get to and easy to love.

This year’s music highlights include Sleater-Kinney, Zhu, The Revivalists, Band of Horses, Fatboy Slim, Phantogram, Jawbreaker, Bomba Estereo, Valerie June, AFI, Brittany Howard, Sunny Day Real Estate, Warpaint, Matt and Kim, and about 60 more artists on 5 stages.

The festival also features Out of Sight, a visual arts showcase by more than 80 PNW artists in painting, photography, video, sculpture, new media, and installation. Other creative activations include BurlesKARAOKE, nail art, fashion art, and double dutch jump rope.

Mamnoon Photo: Olivia Brent

Courtesy Musang

And of course, let’s not forget the festival food. Bumbershoot’s eclectic culinary lineup, curated by James Beard Award-nominated chef Ethan Stowell, celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Some of Seattle’s favorites places will be there: Local Tide for outstanding seafood dishes, award-winner Musang with delicious Filipino food, Mamnoon Street Eats for sought-after Syrian delights, Gold Coast Ghal serving West African Cuisine, and delectable treats from Seattle natives Shug’s Soda Fountain. And that’s just the start! Bring your ID to enjoy a refreshing beverage in one of the age 21+ beer gardens.

Single day or weekend passes are on sale now. Set up your perfect home base at a downtown hotel, and we’ll see you at the festival!

 

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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