Bumbershoot

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MusicSeattle
DatesDates TBA · Usually AugustCheck locally before booking
DurationSummerEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsBumbershoot traces the arc of Seattle's
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Bumbershoot in Seattle

Bumbershoot is an annual music and arts festival held over Labor Day weekend at Seattle Center, the 74-acre campus built for the 1962 World's Fair. Founded in 1971 as a city-funded arts festival, it grew into one of North America's largest music festivals before a 2019-2022 hiatus, then relaunched in 2023 under new producers Third Stone and New Rising Sun.

Bumbershoot began as the city-funded 'Mayor's Arts Festival,' also called 'Festival '71,' held at Seattle Center on August 13-15, 1971, on a $25,000 budget, drawing 125,000 visitors and reviving local spirits amid an economic downturn triggered by Boeing's near collapse.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Bumbershoot traces the arc of Seattle's cultural identity: it began in 1971 as a $25,000 arts festival meant to lift spirits during a downturn tied to Boeing's near-collapse, grew through the 1980s and 1990s into a showcase for national acts from James Brown to the Eurythmics, and became one of the first festivals to program hip-hop shows in the mid-1990s

02

The mystery stays covered

Its home at Seattle Center, built for the 1962 World's Fair, gives it a mix of indoor theaters and outdoor stages rare for a single-site festival

03

The city starts moving

After AEG Live stepped down as producer in 2019 and the pandemic forced cancellations, the 2023 relaunch by Third Stone and New Rising Sun marked a 'golden anniversary' return, though with a shift from free or low-cost admission to paid ticketing that drew criticism

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival continues its founding identity as a showcase for Pacific Northwest talent alongside national headliners

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a formula established when nonprofit producer One Reel took over programming in 1980 and began booking major acts while keeping a bedrock of regional artists

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually August

Getting around

Use Seattle transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.

What to wear

Late-summer Seattle weather calls for layered casual clothing, comfortable shoes for walking between Seattle Center's stages, and a light rain jacket in case of Pacific Northwest showers.

Safety

Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Seattle, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map47.61 N, 122.33 WOpen in Google Maps

Seattle, WA

Nearest airportSEA — Seattle–Tacoma
TransportUse Seattle transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Seattle, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Seattle via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Seattle, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearLate-summer Seattle weather calls for layered casual clothing, comfortable shoes for walking between Seattle Center's stages, and a light rain jacket in case of Pacific Northwest showers.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Bumbershoot?

Bumbershoot is listed for August · Summer. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Bumbershoot take place?

The festival is listed in Seattle, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Summer is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Seattle, WA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLbumbershoot.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually August
Source statusOfficial source linked
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