Although your Bumbershoot ticket gives you the opportunity to see everything within Festival gates at no additional cost, it doesn’t guarantee you a seat to everything, as some venues have a limited capacity. The Samsung Mobile Mainstage in Memorial Stadium is one such venue. Whether you’re new to Bumbershoot or have been coming every year since Mom and Dad started bringing you as a tot, you might have questions about the Mainstage pass. That’s OK. We’re here to help. Here’s what you should know:

• Mainstage passes are FREE. Never buy one from a scalper, as it is probably counterfeit or otherwise invalid.
• Mainstage passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis (one per person) at the three outdoor information booths. Stop by when you arrive to pick one up.
• Only the EVENING shows require this free Mainstage pass. One pass is good for both artists performing at the evening show. This year the evening shows requiring the pass are:
  • SATURDAY: Old 97’s / Sheryl Crow
  • SUNDAY: Michael Franti & Spearhead / Jason Mraz
  • MONDAY: Franz Ferdinand / Modest Mouse

The afternoon show (the first two performances of the day on the Mainstage), do not require an additional pass.

You may be asking, why do I have to get a Mainstage pass at all? For your better Bumbershoot experience, of course! The producers of Bumbershoot found that without the pass system for the evening shows, fans tend to line up super early to ensure entry to the evening show. The lines snarl around the grounds, making it harder for Bumbershooters to get around. And to boot, if you’re standing in line 4 hours early to guarantee that you get into the Mainstage at 8:00 PM, you’re not able to go and enjoy everything else Bumbershoot has to offer you!

But your Mainstage evening pass securely in hand when you arrive, you have the freedom to experience music and art without the worry of missing your favorite Mainstage artist, and the Festival has fewer and shorter lines. Really, it’s a win-win.

So arrive early, grab your Mainstage Pass, and get out there and enjoy the Festival!