Bumbershoot Is More Than Just A Festival

Bumbershoot Is More Than Just A Festival: Guest Post by Aaron

Bumbershoot is more than just another music festival; it is a celebration of over half a century of art, culture, and community in the heart of Seattle. Bumbershoot 2025 was no different; the festival carried a sense of history and legacy that made it feel truly special. The festival’s ability to evolve while remaining true to its creative spirit is truly remarkable. One woman I spoke to had been attending the festival since 1991. She brought her children there as babies, and now, as adults, they experience the festival themselves. The sense of continuity and tradition resonated throughout the weekend as I saw many parents enjoying the festival with their kids.

The Seattle Center once again proved to be the perfect home for Bumbershoot. With sprawling outdoor spaces, the festival never felt overcrowded, even during peak times. The Armory was open, offering a mix of restaurants and air conditioned space for cooling down, enjoying the art for sale, or grabbing a bite. Inside, a quiet sensory room provided a haven for those who might feel overwhelmed which provided an inclusive touch that spoke volumes about the festival’s commitment to accessibility and comfort. The crowd was diverse, with strong representation from the LGBTQ+ community, making it a safe and welcoming space for all.

Bumbershoot featured three main stages, each with its own personality.

The Vera Stage was a small indoor stage perfect for discovering emerging talent. One highlight was Biblioteka, an electrifying band blending punk, grunge, and garage rock. Their frontwoman, Mary, brought infectious energy, bouncing across the stage while holding down the bass.

The Mural Stage was a hub for mid-tier acts with growing followings. Bands like Scowl, Real Estate, Hey Nothing, and Saba kept the energy high. Scowl was an unknown standout for me, raw, loud, and unapologetically punk, they had the crowd moshing. Real Estate, on the other hand, delivered a dreamier, nostalgic set. As a longtime fan, finally seeing them live was a personal highlight, and judging by the crowd singing along, I wasn’t alone.

The Main Stage was where the heavy hitters performed. Tennis, on their farewell tour, gave an emotional performance that felt like a full-circle moment as they reminded the crowd that their very first tour included Bumbershoot. Sylvan Esso was a band I’ve listened to, but their live performance was a real treat compared to their studio recording, they turned the stage into a dance floor despite an early looping hiccup (which somehow made the show feel even more real and fun).

Janelle Monáe didn’t just perform, she put on a spectacle. Outfit changes, choreography, audience interaction, and a live band firing on all cylinders brought pure headliner energy, even if her name wasn’t at the top of the bill. Her performance of “Pynk” after a costume change was unforgettable, and her closing look (moonwalk included) channeled Michael Jackson in the best way.

Finally, Aurora closed the festival with a set that felt like stepping into a dark, enchanted fairytale. Ethereal visuals, moody lighting, and her haunting vocals were the perfect contrast to the high-octane energy of earlier acts.

One of the perks of Bumbershoot’s central location is how easily the party can continue after the music ends. We wrapped up one night at Jupiter Pinball Bar, where we even spotted a few festival performers unwinding after their sets.

It’s easy to see why Bumbershoot has endured for over 50 years, it’s about more than just music, it’s about community, art, culture, connection, and creating a space where everyone can belong. From punk-fueled mosh pits to quiet sensory rooms, from kids dancing in the grass to longtime fans reliving their favorite songs, Bumbershoot 2025 had it all.

I left feeling inspired, grateful, and already counting the days until next year.

Photo credit to Eli Branch IV located HERE.