Music (and then some) at this year’s festival.

This year Bumbershoot goers lucked out with “perfect 10” weather that brought soaring temps and bluebird skies. And although many around town—especially of the “old-school Seattle” contingency—grumbled about the festival’s escalating ticket prices, those gathered at Seattle Center this past Labor Day weekend seemed to be having a mighty fine time.

These festival goers’ overall takeaway: The 2017 crowd felt decidedly younger (and more scantily clad) than in years past—or perhaps this is a sign of us getting older … The headliners were big, the lesser-known acts surprisingly good, the crowds a bit sparse and the layout fairly well-organized. While many things remained the same about the fest, Bumbershoot organizers incorporated a few changes this year that we really liked.

Here are a just a few highlights of this year’s fest:

• Shows in the KEXP Gathering Space were refreshingly relaxed, intimate, family-friendly and air-conditioned. For example, local band Smokey Brights gave an especially invigorating performance Sunday afternoon.
• We loved dance parties with headphones where you could adjust the volume(!!) and toggle between two DJs at the Silent Disco at MoPOP Sky Church each day.
• Lying on the floor while enjoying laser shows at the Laser Dome—the Daft Punk edition exceeded expectations with bright lights to the beat of their catchy tunes.
• Non-music activities ranged from comedy acts and film screenings to exhibits like the Flatstock poster extravaganza and the alluring Ghosts of Seattle Past.
• The fest welcomed local events to its stage, like The Round—a popular gathering that’s typically hosted (monthly) at Fremont Abbey.

• Early-bird attendees got the chance to flow beneath the Space Needle at Yogashoot (before indulging in umpteen festival beers). It’s all about balance, right?
• We appreciate the event’s commitment to sustainability. (It’s no Pickathon just yet, but we’re certainly moving in the right direction…)
• Festival fare this year included tasty local options, thanks to a B-EATS culinary program curated by well-known Seattle restaurateur, Dan Bugge (of Matt’s In The Market, Radiator Whiskey, The White Swan, and 100# Clam).

We’re already looking forward to seeing what Bumbershoot 2018 might have in store!