For four decades Bumbershoot has strived to be an environmentally friendly festival. As a uniquely urban event nestled in the Pacific Northwest, one of the nation’s greenest locales, Bumbershoot maintains a reputation as an environmental sustainability trailblazer within the festival industry. With your help, we can continue to make Bumbershoot one of the most sustainable festivals around.
Here are some ways we strive to create a green Bumbershoot experience:
Recycling Stations
Bumbershoot provides recycling stations throughout the Festival grounds to encourage people to think about what they throw away and recycle whenever possible. Bumbershoot recycles approximately 7.5 tons of waste annually and we continue to make reduction of Festival waste and recycling a top priority. Recycle your beer cup instead of throwing it in the garbage—it’s just the right thing to do. Budweiser recycling bins are available in each beer garden.
Composting Stations
We are proud that 100% of our food vendors use compostable plates and utensils, and compost stations are provided throughout the Festival grounds.
Reusable Water Bottles & Use the Free Water Stations
Single use plastic bottles are a big source of waste, so Festival patrons are encouraged to bring their own personal, reusable water bottles and refill them for free at water stations around the grounds.
Bumbershoot Merchandise
All of the Bumbershoot clothing is made from organic bamboo lyocell and produced by local company Five Bamboo. Five Bamboo aims to provide a sustainable and affordable alternative to cotton and polyester shirts by producing their fiber using the closed-loop lyocell process. Throughout the process, no harmful chemicals are used, no harmful gases are released, and virtually no waste is created. Pretty cool, huh? Not only is our festival gear extremely comfortable and durable, it’s also good for the planet. Stop by the merchandise booths to feel our soft bamboo shirts for yourself!
Renewable Power Source
All of the electricity required to run Bumbershoot is supplied by Seattle City Light, meaning it is 100% hydroelectric and completely renewable. Additionally, some elements at Seattle Center are solar powered.
Alternate Transportation
Since Bumbershoot is situated in an urban environment, it’s easy to commute to the Festival by utilizing public transportation, taking Seattle’s iconic Monorail, biking, or walking. Bumbershoot encourages all Festival fans to consider arriving at the Festival by alternative methods. If you need to travel by car, consider carpooling or signing up for a Ride Share program.
More detailed information on alternate transportation options to the Festival:
- There are dozens of King County Metro buses that service the Seattle Center grounds. Check the Trip Planner on King County’s transit site to plan your car-free trip.
- Use the Bumbershoot Shuttle from Northgate Transit Center and get dropped off right on Mercer Street by the Festival entrance−no hassle. Shuttles leave every 20 minutes starting at Northgate at 10:00 AM and Seattle Center at 10:32 AM. Last return (northbound) trip leave Seattle Center at 11:32 PM each day. The fare is $2.50 each direction, and transfers, bus passes and ORCA cards are not accepted. Kids 5 and under ride free!
- Take a quick ride on the Seattle Monorail, a quick and easy trip from downtown Seattle straight to the Festival grounds at Seattle Center.
- Bike to Bumbershoot and use our free bike parking located on the south side of the EMP, off 5th Avenue between Thomas and Broad streets. Be sure to bring your bike lock and wear a helmet.
- Create a carpool or create a rideshare. Visit King County Metro Rideshare to sign up for their program.