Bumbershoot Festival FAQ
Children
Do children have to obtain a ticket?
Anyone aged 6 and over will need a ticket to enter Seattle Center grounds during the Festival. Accompanied children 5 and under do not need a ticket. Discounted tickets for children aged 6–10 will be available only at two gates during the Festival, and ONLY the day of the event (no advance sales of any kind). Please see Tickets for complete pricing information. All children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Where can I buy discounted tickets for kids?
A Special Entry (discounted) ticket for Seniors 65 and over, Patrons with Disabilities and Kids aged 6–10 (accompanied by an adult) will be available only at the gates during the Festival. There are no advance tickets available at this price. There is free admission for accompanied children 5 and under all weekend. Please see Tickets for more details.
Purchase Special Entry tickets at the following two gates:
- Thomas Street (just south of EMP|SFM)
- Mercer Street (between Bagley Wright and Intiman Theatres)
View a map of the grounds (available in July) for more information.
Are there any age restrictions for Bumbershoot?
All performance venues and exhibition areas are "all-ages." Once inside the Bumbershoot grounds, parents and guardians should use their own discretion as to what programming they deem suitable for their children to experience. Children's programming for kids 12 and under will be available in the Center House.
The only areas with restricted entry are the beer gardens located throughout the grounds. Beer gardens are 21+ with appropriate ID (mandatory). Children, including babes-in-arms, may not enter the beer garden areas under any circumstances. Please see Policies & No-Nos section for more information on Bumbershoot beer gardens.
How should we prepare our child for a day at Bumbershoot?
Bumbershoot is a large Festival with many attendees and is a wonderful experience for children. As with any outing, please make sure to go over basic safety rules with children before arriving at the Festival. Remind children to stay within your sight at all times. Also, point out information booth locations and Bumbershoot staff members to children so they know whom to ask for help if they should become separated from you.
What is KidSafe?
Bumbershoot offers free wristbands to help reunite lost children with their parents and/or guardians as part of our KidSafe program. When you arrive at the Festival, go to the nearest information booth to complete a short registration form with your contact info and get a numbered wristband for your kid. In the event he or she is separated from you and brought to Bumbershoot Staff, we'll contact you immediately! This free service is also available for adults with disabilities.
What should we do if our child becomes separated from us?
If your child becomes separated from you, please report it immediately to the nearest information booth, Bumbershoot staff person with a radio, or Lost Kids HQ on the third floor of the Center House. The Bumbershoot team is very experienced and knows just what to do to help reunite you with your child as soon as possible.
Where is Lost Kids Headquarters?
Lost Kids Headquarters is located on the third floor of the Center House.
Are strollers allowed at the Festival?
Yes! Strollers are allowed.
Can we rent a stroller at the Festival?
There are no strollers available on Festival grounds for loan or rental. Please plan on bringing your own form of transportation (stroller, sling, frontpack, backpack, etc.) for your children.
