The Bumbershoot Festival is one of the most colorful and energetic music festivals on the West Coast. Its host city of Seattle boasts an iconic status as part of music and culture’s vanguard for the last 25 plus years. Thousands of guests attend this music festival at Seattle Center every year. It’s become one of the biggest festivals in North America. Bumbershoot is known for its diverse performances, tasty food, and a wide variety of fun activities.
Some notable acts this year include The Lumineers; Tyler, The Creator; H.E.R.; Jai Wolf; Taking Back Sunday; Clairo; SOB X RBE; and way more than we can list here. If you attend the festival, you can also indulge in great food from local vendors, partake in some unique activities, and dance your butt off at the Silent Disco.
Here are some other things you need to know about planning a trip to the Bumbershoot Festival.
Getting There
Bumbershoot provides a private parking area for guests who drive to the music festival. But keep in mind that parking is first-come, first-serve. Due to the increased popularity of the event, it can sometimes be challenging to find a parking spot, especially in the afternoon. You should consider staying somewhere close and biking, carpooling, public transportation, or walking to the Bumbershoot Festival.
Bikes can be found on Broad Street next to the Space Needle. Biking is a low-cost option since parking is free for bicycles. Public transportation is available through the King Country Metro and the Monorail. The King Country Metro has several routes that run throughout the day to and from Seattle Center.
The Monorail operates every 10 minutes to and from Seattle Center to Westlake Center. No matter which transportation option you choose, you should be considerate to the residents of Seattle Center. This means driving cautiously and slowly, following the parking laws, and not blocking driveways.
Accessibility
Bumbershoot is accessible to everyone, no matter your situation. Their mission is to make this experience as comfortable and pleasurable as possible. Inform the Access Center if you or someone you’re traveling with needs special accommodations. A printed version of the Access Guide is available for download on the Bumbershoot website.
Bumbershoot is wheelchair accessible. You’ll find plenty of ramps and pathways throughout the venue, complete with signs and directions. There are also mobility devices available such as electronic mobility devices, three or four-wheeled scooters, and power or manual wheelchairs. There are several First Aid locations, and medical professionals are on hand to assist guests with medical problems.
There is also ASL interpretation, hearing assistance, and guided tours for guests with visual impairments available upon request.
Lodging & Hotels
Curadora is the provider for lodging and hotel accommodations near Bumbershoot Festival but you can book independently any hotel the Seattle-Bellevue area.
The Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s Eastside is also close to the Seattle Center. Located in the center of Bellevue’s dining, entertainment, and shopping district, it’s known for its unique mix of big-city style and small-town charm.
If you want to continue the unique experience, consider Hotel Hotel. This lodging is something like a boutique hostel, offering super affordable rates and a unique atmosphere. The dorm-style rooms and location in the quirky, artistic Fremont area of Seattle give it a post-college vibe that’s fun (for a weekend, at least).
Food & Drink
Bumbershoot has its own B-Eats 2019 program, which provides you with many options for food and drinks. Each one is hand-chose by Seattle’s famous restauranteur Dan Bugge. B-Eats is a fine-dining experience on the center’s rooftop. It includes some of the world-class dining options from Adana, Bar Harbor, Gracia, Frankie & Joe’s, Manolin, Southpaw Pizza, and the White Swan Public House.
Activities
Do you still looking for more to do? Bumbershoot has a wide variety of activities and entertainment options, depending on the experience you want. The Laser Dome at the Pacific Science Center is known for its all-star performance which features laser images and a 10,000-watt concert sound system. You can also get lost in the music at the Silent Disco at Dale Chihuly’s famous Glasshouse.
Want to get your sweat on? Yogashoot Presented by Corepower allows you to get into Downward Dog on the Bumbershoot grounds. This brings a whole new experience to this music festival for those who are on a spiritual journey. Each class will make you stretch and provide you with the energy you need to enjoy Bumbershoot.
