On Labor Day Weekend, these local music favorites are definite must-sees.

Once again, Bumbershoot is returning to the Seattle Center in 2011. This annual event showcases a wide variety of music, art and comedy, from both locally and nationally-known artists. However, with so many different performances to choose from, how can you know whom to check out? Well, today, my friend, is your lucky day.

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Minus the Bear

When: 9:15 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3

Where: Fisher Green Stage

A long-time favorite of Emerald City music lovers, this experimental indie-rock band formed in Seattle in 2001, and has recently begun to make waves nationwide with appearances at Sasquatch!, SXSW and Lollapalooza. Their upbeat, synth-laden sound is punctuated by intricate, sophisticated time signatures and guitarist Jake Snider’s relaxed, emotionally-charged vocals. Check these guys out so you can say you saw them before they blew up!

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Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

When: 8 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4

Where: Bumbershoot Mainstage

You may recognize this Garfield High School grad from his performance at the Seattle Mariners’ Opening Day this year, where he performed “My Oh My,” a song he dedicated to late Mariners’ announcer Dave Niehaus. Hip hop artist Macklemore, along with producer Ryan Lewis, performed at Sasquatch! Festival this year, and have performed at Seattle’s Capitol Hill Block Party multiple times. The rapper’s poignant lyrics discuss everything from his love of Seattle to his past struggle with substance abuse. This duo is seriously going places, so don’t miss them.

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Vendetta Red

When: 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5

Where: Exhibition Hall Stage 

This Seattle-based Alt-Punk band gained some attention in 2003, when their album, Between the Never and Now, reached #101 on Billboard’s Hot 200 and the video for their single “Shatterday” began getting airplay on MTV. Following a break-up in 2006, the band reunited in 2010, with plans to release their fifth studio album sometime this year. Their high-energy shows are always entertaining — whether you know them or not.

Bumbershoot runs September 3-5 at Seattle Center in Seattle, WA. Single-day tickets are $35, while 3-day passes are $90. Tickets can be purchased online.

Next week: Bumbershoot, Part 2 — stand-up comedy!