Bumbershoot Seattle Labor Day Weekend Music and Arts Festival
Every Labor Day weekend since 1971 the grounds of the Seattle Center has been transformed, gated to provide one of the most extensive music and arts festival anywhere in the world. This year, September 1-3 there is an eclectic mix of artists, retail and food vendors with over 20 indoor and outdoor venues. Visit: http://www.bumbershoot.org/ for official information and complete three day schedule. If you've wondered what a bumbershoot is, it is an umbrella. Most years there's great weather. If it does rain you could also just cut a hole in a hefty bag for your head and you would have a dry seat on the grounds and not block the view of fellow festival attendees seated behind you.
This year's music headliners are:
The Shins, Wu-Tang Clan, Panic! at the Disco, Fergie, Sean Paul, John Legend, Joss Stone , Gym Class heroes, Kings of Leon, Crowded House, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Lupe Fiasco, and +44.
This is a great family event too. My now, adult children recall fondly their first Bumbershoot when we saw Randy Newman, Etta James, Buddy Guy, The Neville Brothers and Bonnie Raitt.
Parking is always a challenge at this event. But I recommend if coming from out-of-town to stay at one of the many downtown hotels and riding The Monorail from Westlake Center to the Seattle Center Grounds.
Dont' rule out the other attractions at the Seattle Center either, especially if you have kids in tow.
There's the Fun Forest Amusement Rides, The Seattle Center House, The Pacific Science Center, The Children's Museum, The Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum and soothing the soul at the International Fountain.
Walk a few blocks west and you can also take in the newly opened Sculpture Park.
I recommend buying your tickets in advance, they're cheaper. You can purchase one-day or three-day passes at http://www.bumbershoot.org/, Ticketmaster locators, selected Western Washington Starbucks stores on every street corner here or by phone at 206.628.0888
Remember it a festival not exclusive to music. There's dance, art, film and the usual impromptu Seattle happening.
Every Labor Day weekend since 1971 the grounds of the Seattle Center has been transformed, gated to provide one of the most extensive music and arts festival anywhere in the world. This year, September 1-3 there is an eclectic mix of artists, retail and food vendors with over 20 indoor and outdoor venues. Visit: http://www.bumbershoot.org/ for official information and complete three day schedule. If you've wondered what a bumbershoot is, it is an umbrella. Most years there's great weather. If it does rain you could also just cut a hole in a hefty bag for your head and you would have a dry seat on the grounds and not block the view of fellow festival attendees seated behind you.
This year's music headliners are:
The Shins, Wu-Tang Clan, Panic! at the Disco, Fergie, Sean Paul, John Legend, Joss Stone , Gym Class heroes, Kings of Leon, Crowded House, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Lupe Fiasco, and +44.
This is a great family event too. My now, adult children recall fondly their first Bumbershoot when we saw Randy Newman, Etta James, Buddy Guy, The Neville Brothers and Bonnie Raitt.
Parking is always a challenge at this event. But I recommend if coming from out-of-town to stay at one of the many downtown hotels and riding The Monorail from Westlake Center to the Seattle Center Grounds.
Dont' rule out the other attractions at the Seattle Center either, especially if you have kids in tow.
There's the Fun Forest Amusement Rides, The Seattle Center House, The Pacific Science Center, The Children's Museum, The Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum and soothing the soul at the International Fountain.
Walk a few blocks west and you can also take in the newly opened Sculpture Park.
I recommend buying your tickets in advance, they're cheaper. You can purchase one-day or three-day passes at http://www.bumbershoot.org/, Ticketmaster locators, selected Western Washington Starbucks stores on every street corner here or by phone at 206.628.0888
Remember it a festival not exclusive to music. There's dance, art, film and the usual impromptu Seattle happening.
