Capitol Hill Block Party 2025 Lights Up Seattle
Capitol Hill Block Party – oh my. The shame I feel knowing I’ve been living in Seattle for 3 years now and this is my first time attending this event. I know, I know, that’s crazy and I’ll do better from now on.
The Location:
The way this festival literally takes over the entire southern section of the Capitol Hill neighborhood (iconically and affectionately deemed the ~Gayborhood~) in Seattle is insane. I wasn’t sure at first how they could get away with closing all of the local businesses that are within the boundary of the festival. But then I got in and realized they are all OPEN! I’m definitely a festie shopper, and this was no different. Multiple boutiques and vintage shops were open for the duration of the fest. That, along with all the restaurants serving their regular menus allowed me to get my shopping and foodie fill and I was a happy happy girl.
Not to mention the ‘life hack’ of being able to use the ~real restrooms~ inside the businesses. How often do you actually get to wash your hands at a music festival? With soap. And HOT water? Hellooo hygiene! Also, I have to give a notable mention to the residents who were able to watch the festival from their windows and balconies literally right next to the main stage. That’s definitely a flex and may or may not influence my decision on my next apartment.
My crew and I even ventured outside the festival for a bit and ended up on the top of the QFC grocery store’s parking garage, where we found a group of others who didn’t have tickets to the fest but still wanted a piece of the action. While you couldn’t see much of the festival from the roof, you could hear pretty well, and it made for great people-watching. One of my fave parts of attending events is to admire the ‘fits of those around me, and Seattle fashionistas never disappoint.
The Music:
I love that this festival includes so much local talent amongst some bigger names. Which, by the way, I found out during the DARE’s set that he actually has already played Capitol Hill Block Party before … when he was growing up in Woodinville, WA – just about an hour northeast of Seattle. I live for the fun facts my fellow festie-goers fill me in on while waiting in between sets.
DJ Pee Wee – I had no clue how deep in the scene he was. The throwbacks he played made the crowd feel like something out of a movie. I just LOVE when every single person in the crowd knows all the words and cannot help but yell the lyrics out at the top of their lungs. The love he spread had some of the people around me in literal tears; it was one of the most wholesome moments of the weekend for me. That is pure joy.
Speaking of pure joy… Porter Robinson. PORTER ROBINSON! It’s been a few years since the last time I got to witness a PR set in person, and let me tell you, I felt like a sleeper agent awakening when he played Shelter and Sad Machine. I will never ever get tired of those songs, and something about hearing them as an adult was cathartic and heart warming at the same time.
Overall Review:
Nobody can hate on Seattle; I will not allow it. The main stage was always beyond crowded, but everyone was so kind, I didn’t see or experience any negativity. The people I met in the crowd, the vendors, shops, and restaurants, the VIBES! The dedication from those who couldn’t score tickets, still loitering at the 76 gas station to enjoy the music with their friends, was admirable and amazing. There is no doubt in my mind that I WILL be at the next Capitol Hill Block Party in Seattle, Washington, with a Seattle Dog in hand no less. And so should you!