Bumbershoot Festival FAQ

About Bumbershoot

What is Bumbershoot?

Bumbershoot®: Seattle's Music & Arts Festival is now in its 39th year. Since 1971, Bumbershoot has drawn artists representing the best in music, film, comedy, spoken word, dance, theatre, performance, and visual arts to the Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend. North America's largest urban arts festival, Bumbershoot takes place in the heart of the city at the 74-acre Seattle Center. Over 150,000 visitors from near and far spend the weekend reveling in the world of Bumbershoot, experiencing everything from regional favorites to international superstars across all arts disciplines.

How does Bumbershoot work?

One low ticket price gets you onto the Festival grounds each day and from there, the world of Bumbershoot is yours to explore! Experience groundbreaking local, national, and international artists in all arts disciplines and musical genres at a variety of large and small, indoor and unique outdoor venues*. Participate in hands-on activities throughout the Festival and enjoy music, theatre, dance, comedy, literary arts, visual arts and more all in the same day! Bumbershoot also features a variety of food, merchandise, and urban craft vendors throughout the Festival grounds—there's plenty to eat, see, and do all weekend long.

*All performance spaces have a limited capacity. Early arrival is recommended to secure a seat in the audience. Festival tickets do not guarantee entry into every performance, including the evening Mainstage shows.

How is Bumbershoot funded?

Bumbershoot is produced by One Reel, the largest non-profit arts organization in Washington State. Ticket revenue pays for approximately 65% of the cost to produce the event and to book top national, international and regional artists for your entertainment. The generous support of Bumbershoot sponsors and grantors pays for the remaining 35%, and allows One Reel to keep ticket prices low for Festival patrons.

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What is the address of Bumbershoot?

Bumbershoot takes place at the Seattle Center, between Mercer Street, Denny Way, 5th Avenue North and 1st Avenue North, in the lower Queen Anne neighborhood, just north of downtown Seattle.

To map this location, you can use 305 Harrison Street as the street address. Also, see the Seattle Center website for more information.

To correspond with Bumbershoot by mail, please see our Contact page.

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Who produces Bumbershooot?

Bumbershoot: Seattle's Music & Arts Festival is produced by One Reel, in collaboration with Seattle Center and AEG Live. One Reel is the independent, not for profit producer of the Northwest's premier arts events also including Teatro ZinZanni, the WaMu Family 4th at Lake Union and the Summer Nights Concert Series.

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Where did we get the name Bumbershoot?

From the slang:

bum⋅ber⋅shoot
—n. informal
An umbrella.

The word bumbershoot first appeared in the U.S. around 1915-1920. It is thought to be an alteration of the umber- part of umbrella plus a respelling of -chute (as in parachute). Bumbershoot was chosen as the Festival’s name as a metaphor for the Festival being an umbrella for all of the various arts and performers it encompasses.

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What is Seattle Center?

Seattle Center draws you in. Its vibrant pulse brings together people of all ages and walks of life to create thousands of extraordinary experiences that enrich millions of lives each year. Entertainment options abound - starting with 63 free and low cost public programs and over 5,000 shows and events annually. The 74-acre campus, with its 17 acres of open space, is welcoming to all - and is home to more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations. This treasured urban gathering place exists to delight and inspire the human spirit in each person and bring our rich and varied community together. The 12 million visitors to Seattle Center each year generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income for King County. For more information, visit seattlecenter.com.

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