Seattle’s vibrant music scene comes to life through a plethora of music festivals that grace the city every year. From indie to electronic, hip-hop to rock, and more, the diversity of musical offerings in Seattle is astounding. These festivals are not just about the music; they’re immersive experiences that include workshops, panels, and cutting-edge technology to enhance the attendee’s journey. In this article, we’ll explore some of Seattle’s major and popular music festivals that take place at various times throughout the year.
1. Capitol Hill Block Party
Location: Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, US
Time: Annual event in July
Capitol Hill Block Party is a three-day extravaganza with performances ranging from pop to R&B, punk to indie rock, and EDM. It has featured well-known artists such as Macklemore, Mudhoney, Jack White, RL Grime, Lizzo, and many others over the years. Sofi Tukker, Denzel Curry, and Louis the Child headlined the festival in 2023.
2. Bumbershoot
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Annually in September
Bumbershoot is one of North America’s largest music, art, and culture festivals. Sleater-Kinney, The Revivalists, Zhu, AFI, Brittany Howard, and others are among the acts on the 2023 lineup. The festival includes workshops, interactive installations, and a variety of food vendors in addition to music and art.
3. Belltown Bloom Festival
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Annual event
Belltown Bloom Festival, held at The Crocodile, features diverse bands across three stages over two nights. The 2023 lineup included L7, Zella Day, Skating Polly, and others. It serves as a platform for emerging Seattle talent, celebrating International Women’s Month with a spotlight on local acts.
4. Freakout Festival
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Annually
Freakout Festival is an underground music festival that features local and international punk, rock and roll, hip-hop, and psychedelic rock talent. The event connects artists, music fans, and industry professionals while also providing food vendors and visual arts.
5. Northwest Folklife
Location: Pacific Northwest region
Time: Annually during Memorial Day weekend
Northwest Folklife celebrates the folk and traditional arts, music, and crafts of the Pacific Northwest. The event features performances, exhibitions, workshops, and cultural showcases, along with a wide variety of culinary traditions from food vendors representing various cultures.
6. West Seattle Summer Fest
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Annual event in July
West Seattle Summer Fest offers a diverse lineup of artists, with 2023 featuring The Potholes, Dusty 45’s, and more. In addition to music, festivalgoers can enjoy delicious cuisine from various stalls and food trucks, as well as shopping options scattered around the event.
7. Earshot Jazz
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Annually in October and November
Earshot Jazz celebrates the essence of jazz, bringing together local and national jazz artists and fans. The festival spans over 33 days, offering concerts, lectures, workshops, and more to highlight the rich history and cultural significance of jazz.
8. BOO Seattle
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Annually in October
The BOO Seattle Fest lineup includes electronic and dance music artists. Acraze, Alesso, Blanke, Claude VonStroke, and others performed at the 2023 edition. The event has different ticket categories and age restrictions.
9. Day In Day Out Fest
Location: Fisher Green Pavilion, Seattle
Time: Annual event in August
Day In, Day Out Fest is a two-day indie music festival featuring artists like Alex G, Bon Iver, Dominic Fike, and more. The festival welcomes attendees of all ages and offers a range of ticket options, including a VIP experience.
10. Day Trip Festival
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Annually in July
Day Trip Festival is a celebration of house music all day long. The 2023 edition featured artists like Chris Lake, Marc Kinchen, Dombresky, and TOKiMONSTA. The event offers VIP amenities and is exclusively for those aged 21 and above.
11. Beyond Wonderland
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Varies
Beyond Wonderland, organized by Insomniac Events, is an electronic dance festival that has been held in several locations, including Seattle. It features multiple stages of electronic dance music, art installations, and attractions.
12. So Dreamy Music Festival
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Annually
The So Dreamy Music Festival features LGBTQ+ musicians of color. It provides a venue for artists such as Black Ends, MirrorGloss, and CarLarans to showcase their work. The festival’s goal is to promote diversity and culture.
13. Progman Cometh
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Held in 2002 and 2003
The Progman Cometh Music Festivals were notable for featuring artists from the Canterbury scene. The event showcased musicians and bands like Glass, Hughscore, Pip Pyle, and The Alan Parsons Project.
14. Northwest Terror Fest
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Annually
Northwest Terror Fest is an underground metal festival held over three days. The 2023 lineup included Yob, Autopsy, Wormrot, and more. The festival passes grant access to all concerts, with ticket prices varying.
15. Blast Music Festival
Location: Seattle, Washington
Time: Annually in July
Blast Music Festival is the first Afrobeats music festival in Seattle. It celebrates music, culture, and diversity with artists like Tiwa Savage and Anthony Cole. The festival aims to unite people through vibrant performances and delicious food trucks.
Seattle’s music festival scene caters to every musical taste, making it a year-round destination for music fans. Whether you like indie rock, electronic dance music, jazz, or metal, Seattle has a festival that will appeal to your musical tastes.
