Bumbershoot: Planning the perfect day

As one of the Pacific Northwest’s iconic cultural festivals of the year, Seattle’s Bumbershoot is an incredible experience. We’ve prepared this guide outlining important need-to-know information so you don’t face any surprises, and to ensure your time at Bumbershoot is a raging success.

What is Bumbershoot?

Bumbershoot is a music and arts festival that started in 1971. Back then, the festival drew its funds from the city’s coffers and was known the “Mayor’s Arts Festival.” In its first year, the festival attracted crowds of approximately 125,000 people and made waves in the region, becoming a hit event.

The festival saw a decline in government funding throughout the 1970s until One Reel finally took the reins in 1980. They’ve been producing Bumbershoot ever since. The festival has faced numerous changes over the years, the most notable of which is the growing space international icons occupied in Bumbershoot’s lineup. Still, the mission to promote Northwest talent has persevered, and Bumbershoot remains the premier platform for many emerging performers.

This year’s Bumbershoot lineup features artists like Lorde, Weezer, Solange, Flo Rida, ZZ Ward, Léon, and The Skins, among many others.

What to Wear

Although it’s summer, you should be mindful of Seattle’s fickle weather. Make sure you prepare and pack accordingly so you can enjoy the festival with ease. Once you’re in, you’ll want to stay so you don’t miss out on the incredible performances and infectious crowd energy. If it’s supposed to be extremely hot out, it’s a good idea to wear layers of clothing that you can remove and adjust according to the temperature. To avoid sunburns, make sure you apply sunscreen and use sunglasses and hats to shield your face.

What to Pack

Take a look at Bumbershoot’s list of authorized and prohibited items before you pack, so you don’t run into any problems during the festival. When you enter, you may have to undergo an inspection of your person and your belongings. If there are any prohibited items, they will be seized and will not be released after the festival is over.

First and foremost, backpacks are not allowed. Single-compartment bags (must be smaller than 17”-12”-10”), fanny packs, and jammy packs are, however, permitted.

It’s a good idea to bring an empty water bottle (make sure it’s not made of glass) to fill at the festival’s many water fountains. You’ll be plenty active during Bumbershoot, so be sure to keep yourself hydrated throughout. Umbrellas are allowed and encouraged, given Seattle’s typical weather. You should also bring sunglasses, hats, sunscreen (to be on the safe side, bring a sealed tube), and any other protective sun gear. Bring a small beach towel or blanket in case you want to stretch out on the grounds.

The list of prohibited items is extensive, so make sure you check it to avoid any unpleasant situations. Along with backpacks, you are also not allowed to bring chairs, tents, balls, frisbees, flasks, containers of any kind, coolers, alcoholic beverages, or any other type of beverage or food items. Drugs and drug paraphernalia, excluding cigarettes, are prohibited as well. Don’t bring over-the-counter medication, selfie sticks, GoPro devices or video equipment, professional cameras with detachable lenses, and don’t wear spiked jewelry.

Check the full list of unauthorized items to make sure you’re in the clear.

What to do during downtime or rain delays

It’s important to eat well and keep yourself hydrated during the festival. There will be a vast amount of food options, including vegetarian and vegan selections, available for festival goers, both on the Bumbershoot site and close to the Next 50 Plaza.

Bumbershoot will also feature many craft vendors, so there’ll be plenty of browsing opportunities during downtime.

We recommend you download the festival’s mobile app so you can have a handy map of where everything is located. You will also be given a festival map when you enter.

In order to make the best of Bumbershoot 2017, get all your plans straightened out in advance so when the festival rolls up, you’ll be ready to go.

Looking for more to do before and after the festival? We’ve got you covered. Check out our Seattle neighborhood guide, where to eat in Seattle, and a list of free things to do in the city. With these lists at your fingertips, you’ll never be bored or hungry in Seattle this Labor Day Weekend.