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Bumbershoot: Seattle’s Music and Arts Festival

Bumbershoot: Seattle’s Music and Arts Festival

Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street
206-816-6444
website
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Seattle has a reputation as a haven for independent music and arts, and Bumbershoot has been offering proof of that since 1971. This music and arts festival takes over the Seattle Center every Labor Day weekend, and there are a slew of acts (from newcomers to legends) performing at once on multiple music and comedy stages.

It’s called Bumbershoot (a.k.a “umbrella”) because this festival covers a wide range of arts. Fans of dance, theater, and visual art will find plenty of performances and exhibits to take in, and indie film fans are in luck because the festival presents numerous screenings. There are also Words & Ideas events that showcase authors, thinkers, and other notable individuals, as well as awesome circus-like spectacles performed on the grounds.

For less than you’d pay to see just one headliner in concert, you can get a one-day pass for everything Bumbershoot has to offer, but be aware that it is first-come first-served for seating at the various stages, so you may need to get in line early. Unlike many festivals, this one allows you to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, so no need to spend money on overpriced vendor offerings.

Bumbershoot: Seattle’s Music and Arts Festival Information

  • Public Transportation: Good
  • Handicapped Accessibility: Good
  • Performances/Programs: A three-day annual festival that takes place over Labor Day weekend and includes hundreds of music, film, comedy, spoken-word, dance, visual arts, and theater performances in 20 indoor and outdoor venues all over the 74-acre Seattle Center. Performance schedule is throughout the day and evening Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
  • Ticket Prices: A one-day pass is $35–$40; standard three-day pass $80–$100. $15 tickets are available for kids, seniors, and those with disabilities. Sign up for free online to be a BumberFan and receive ticket savings and discounts on Festival merchandise.