Preview: Bumbershoot 2023
Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
09.02.23 – 09.03.23
If you’ve been around Seattle for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of it — after all, it’s been around since 1971 — but after a short hiatus and with new producers, the historic Bumbershoot is back. And, frankly, looking better than ever. Hear us out.
While other big name music festivals continue to hike ticket prices for huge production and major label acts, Bumbershoot 2023 is returning to its roots as a celebration of the art, music, food, technology, and culture that permeates the Pacific Northwest. Under the new leadership of New Rising Sun, in partnership with non-profit Third Stone, this year’s programming is built locally, with an eclectic, visionary arts program which marks a momentous return to the festival’s original mission to gather the community with art and education at the center.
Think: large-scale group art exhibitions, a major 50th anniversary Bumbershoot retrospective complete with public participation, and creative zones like the Fashion District, which includes a Nail Art Dome, Burleskaraoke (if you know you know), body art, apparel, and more. Or the Recess District, where you can expect to see new ways of “play” that blur the lines between performer and performance. You’ll also find a witch temple, a pole dancing program that breaks stereotypes, culinary arts programming, and more.
But will there be music, you ask… don’t worry y’all. A comprehensive music lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, though, to celebrate its golden anniversary, Bumbershoot has teamed up with Amazon to announce a special early bird $50 single day and $85 two-day general admission ticket, 50% lower than when the event was last held in 2019, and creating an opportunity for more of the Pacific Northwest community to enjoy the festival by turning back the clock significantly on ticket prices. Together with Third Stone, Amazon is also supporting the distribution of 5,000 free tickets directly to nonprofits and communities that have been underserved.
Tickets will go on sale this Friday, February 24 at 10:00 AM PT via bumbershoot.com. Fans are encouraged to purchase in advance as these tickets will sell quickly.
Preview by Stephanie Dore
