Seattle’s Beloved Bumbershoot Returns for its 52nd Year

Image: Jim Bennett
Arts and music lovers unite! Seattle will welcome more than 100 artists for 48 hours of creativity, culture, and music this Labor Day weekend. Happening August 30 and 31, at the Seattle Center’s 74-acre urban campus, the festival’s music lineup features well-known bands and musicians such as Weezer, Bright Eyes, Aurora, Digable Planets, Car Seat Headrest, Janelle Monáe, and Sylvan Esso. As one of the world’s longest-running independent festivals, Bumbershoot continues to draw in people from all walks of life while celebrating creativity, inclusion, and innovation.

Image: Michael Jacobson
Joe Paganelli, co-founder of New Rising Sun shared, “Independent arts and music festivals...are uniquely American pillars of culture – not unlike baseball, apple pie, and vintage jazz, wherein the device is nothing so much as transportational, creating an elevated state of transition upon the moment of arrival, wherein Bumbershoot belongs in the rarified air of ‘original gangster.’

Image: Jim Bennett
For the visual arts portion of Bumbershoot, there will be an array of artists that reflect the vibrant and diverse Pacific Northwest. Regional artists, fashion collections and runway shows, immersive installations, and even a cat circus will be available for guests to enjoy.

Image: Travis Trautt
Love wrestling or skateboarding? Prepare yourself for an adrenaline rush with the Bumbermania wrestling showcase curated by SOS Wrestling. Or, sit back and be captivated by the sweet moves of half-pipe skateboarding experts. There are also a variety of other motion-based artists and performers throughout the Recess District that will enthrall crowds with their energy.

Image: Travis Trautt
If you’re looking for something a little bit more magical, head over to the Geodesic Domes for the Witch Temple, where a coven of witches will provide personalized tarot readings and detailed astrological charts for festivalgoers.
History enthusiasts won’t want to miss Vanishing Seattle, a powerful visual history curated by Cynthia Brothers. This installation tells the stories of various buildings and businesses around the Emerald City that have shaped it into what it is today.

Image: Michael Jacobson
Need a laugh? Comedy lovers will enjoy performances by local legend Dan Hurwitz, and the Comedy Coop at SIFF Theater will also host various other comedians throughout the weekend.
There’s no doubt that all these amazing things to explore at Bumbershoot will work up an appetite. Never fear – Bumbershoot 2025 has everything to satisfy your rumbling stomach. Local restaurants will be on-site to highlight some of the Northwest’s most mouthwatering dishes, plus staples like Cocktail Corner, VineShoot, and BumBEERshoot will also be available.

Image: Hudson Ratz
Greg Lundgren, co-founder of New Rising Sun, said, “It’s more important than ever to provide a platform, a microphone, and a reason to celebrate the artists amongst us. Bumbershoot is that rare party, reminding us of the power of art, music, and community.”
Bumbershoot truly celebrates artistry of all kinds and helps enliven and awaken the creativity and curiosity that lives within each one of us. So, plan for an exciting and memorable Labor Day weekend and lock in your tickets now! Single-day tickets are available, or keep the fun going all weekend long for 2-day passes now offered at a discounted rate, thanks to major community donations. Get info and buy tickets here.