Bumbershoot Festival FAQ

Choose a category to see answers to frequently asked questions.

What is Bumbershoot?

Bumbershoot®: Seattle's Music & Arts Festival is now in its 38th year. Since 1971, Bumbershoot has drawn artists representing the best in music, film, comedy, spoken word, dance, theatre, performance, and visual arts to the Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend. North America's largest urban arts festival, Bumbershoot takes place in the heart of the city at the 74-acre Seattle Center. Over 150,000 visitors from near and far spend the weekend reveling in the world of Bumbershoot, experiencing everything from regional favorites to international superstars across all arts disciplines.

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How does Bumbershoot work?

One low ticket price gets you on to Festival grounds each day and from there, the world of Bumbershoot is at your fingertips. Explore groundbreaking local, national, and international artists in all arts media and musical genres at a variety of large and small, indoor and outdoor venues*. Participate in hands-on activities throughout the Festival and enjoy music, theatre, dance, comedy, literary arts, visual arts and more all in the same day! Bumbershoot also features a variety of food and merchandise vendors throughout the Festival grounds—there's plenty to eat, see, and do all weekend long.

*Admission to venues with a maximum capacity is on a first come, first served basis.

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How is Bumbershoot funded?

Bumbershoot is produced by One Reel, the largest non-profit arts organization in Washington State. Ticket revenue pays for approximately 65% of the cost to produce the event and to book top national, international and regional artists for your entertainment. The generous support of Bumbershoot sponsors and grantors pays for the remaining 35%, and allows One Reel to keep ticket prices low for Festival patrons.

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What is the address of Bumbershoot?

Bumbershoot takes place at the Seattle Center, between Mercer Street, Denny Way, 5th Avenue North and 1st Avenue North, in the lower Queen Anne neighborhood, just north of downtown Seattle.

To map this location, you can use 305 Harrison Street as the street address. Also, see the Seattle Center website for more information.

To correspond with Bumbershoot by mail, please see our Contact page.

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Who produces Bumbershooot?

Bumbershoot: Seattle's Music & Arts Festival is produced by One Reel, in collaboration with Seattle Center and AEG Live. One Reel is the independent, not for profit producer of the Northwest's premier arts events also including WaMu Family 4th at Lake Union, Summer Nights Concert Series and Teatro ZinZanni.

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Where did we get the name Bumbershoot?

From the slang:

bum⋅ber⋅shoot
—n. informal
An umbrella.

The word bumbershoot first appeared in the U.S. around 1915-1920. It is thought to be an alteration of the umber- part of umbrella plus a respelling of -chute (as in parachute). Bumbershoot was chosen as the festival’s name as a metaphor for the festival being an umbrella for all of the various arts and performers it encompasses.

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What is Seattle Center?

Seattle Center draws you in. Its vibrant pulse brings together people of all ages and walks of life to create thousands of extraordinary experiences that enrich millions of lives each year. Entertainment options abound - starting with 63 free and low cost public programs and over 5,000 shows and events annually. The 74-acre campus, with its 17 acres of open space, is welcoming to all - and is home to more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations. This treasured urban gathering place exists to delight and inspire the human spirit in each person and bring our rich and varied community together. The 12 million visitors to Seattle Center each year generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income for King County. For more information, visit seattlecenter.com.

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Who needs a ticket to Bumbershoot?

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. Please see Tickets for complete pricing information for Bumbershoot tickets, including single day-specific tickets, 3-Day passes, Gold and Platinum VIP passes, and discounted tickets for children, seniors, and patrons with permanent disabilities.

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How much do tickets cost?

Please see Tickets for complete pricing information for Bumbershoot tickets, including single date-specific tickets, 3-Day passes, Gold and Platinum VIP passes, and discounted tickets for children, seniors, and patrons with permanent disabilities.

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Where can I get Bumbershoot tickets in advance and save money?

  • Advance single day-specific tickets and 3-day passes always go on sale first at bumbershoot.org. Sign up to be a BumberFan to be notified first of ticket sales details. Advance tickets cost less than regular price tickets.
  • Single day-specific tickets and 3-day passes go on sale at Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 206-628-0888 beginning July 15.
  • Single day-specific tickets and 3-day passes go onsale at select Western Washington Starbucks stores—with no service charges!—beginning August 2.
  • Remember, buy early! Advance ticket prices are available July 15 through August 15. Regular ticket prices take effect on August 16.
  • Each year, BumberFans have the opportunity to buy earlier, and save MORE, than the public. It's an Insider's Deal, and you have to sign up to get the details. Do it now—it's free!

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Where can I buy tickets during the Festival?

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What methods of payment are accepted at the Festival box office?

A: We accept cash, Visa or Mastercard. We DO NOT accept American Express, checks, money orders or foreign currency.

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Where can I buy tickets for kids, seniors, or patrons with permanent disabilities?

A Special Entry (discounted) ticket for seniors 65 and over, patrons with permanent disabilities and kids aged 6–10 (accompanied by a paying adult) will be available only at two gates during the Festival, and ONLY the day of the event (no advance sales of any kind).

Tickets will be sold at the following two (2) gates:

  • On Mercer Street between Bagley Wright and Intiman Theatres
  • On Thomas Street at 5th Avenue, between the Space Needle and Monorail

Please see Tickets for more details, and download a PDF map of the grounds for gate locations.

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I want to buy a one-day ticket. May I use it any day of the Festival?

Tickets are sold by day, and are good only for the specific day noted on your ticket. Please study the Festival performance schedules (available in July) carefully before purchasing your tickets.

Please also check your tickets carefully before departing for the Festival. There are NO REFUNDS or EXCHANGES, and tickets for the incorrect day will not be accepted at the gate.

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Where can I pick up my Will Call tickets?

Will Call is located at the Mercer Arts Arena Box Office on Mercer Street. Tickets and passes ordered for Will Call will be available for pick-up on Friday (the day BEFORE the Festival) between 11 AM and 7 PM, or during the Festival (Saturday through Monday) between 10:30 AM–9:30 PM.

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Where can I get a free pass for the Mainstage evening shows?

Mainstage passes are available each day for that evening's show on a first come, first served basis at the three outdoor information booths located on the Festival grounds. (Mainstage passes are not available at the information booth inside the Center House.) The three outdoor information booths are located (see map for more details):

  1. Roadway between Bagley Wright Theatre and the Intiman Theatre
  2. On the south end of the Fun Forest Pavilion, across from the IMAX Dome
  3. On the east side of the Center House, north of the Monorail

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Where can I get a free pass for the comedy shows?

Comedy passes are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of show at the Comedy Pass Distribution booth, located at the northwest corner of the Center House, on the north end of the covered walkway. You must show your Bumbershoot ticket for that day to receive a comedy pass. One comedy pass per person/ticket will be given out per day (see map for more details).

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What if a performer I want to see cancels?

We will do our best to notify attendees of all changes and cancellations in advance, however all events are subject to change or cancellation at any time with no notice. There are no ticket refunds or exchanges, even in the event of an artist cancellation.

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Where does Bumbershoot happen?

Bumbershoot is held on the campus of Seattle Center, a 74-acre park located in the lower Queen Anne neighborhood, at the north end of downtown. The park was chosen as the site for the 1962 World's Fair and was featured in the film, "It Happened at the World's Fair," starring Elvis Presley.

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What are the official hotels of Bumbershoot?

The official hotels of Bumbershoot are:

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Are there other hotels near Seattle Center?

There are many hotels in the neighborhoods surrounding Seattle Center. A list of nearby hotels is available at Citysearch.com or Hotels.com.

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Where can I park when attending Bumbershoot?

The Seattle Center is surrounded by a generous amount of public and private parking. However, due to the popularity of the Festival, parking can sometimes be difficult to find, especially in the afternoons. A few tips:

  • Consider using public transportation or coming on foot or bike to Bumbershoot—no parking to worry about
  • Carpool to the Seattle Center's official parking lots—offering discounted carpool parking to Festival-goers
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to find parking
  • Some of the pay lots are "cash only" and some are unattended, so come prepared with cash in all bill sizes
  • Please be considerate of the folks who live in the neighborhood surrounding the Seattle Center—obey posted parking rules, don't block driveways, and drive slowly on residential streets
  • Visit the Seattle Center website for more information on parking options

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How can I reach the venue by public transportation?

There are multiple public transportation options for those wanting to attend Bumbershoot. King County Metro offers many routes that run to and from the Seattle Center and surrounding areas. Please see the Metro trip planner for routes that service the Seattle Center. Please remember the Sunday schedule (reduced service) will be in effect on both Sunday, August 31st and Monday, September 1st, due to the holiday.

Please note: The Metro special event shuttle that originated from the Northgate Park-and-Ride will not be in service for the 2008 Festival. The Park-and-Ride location still remains an excellent spot to park and board a regular Metro bus to Bumbershoot. For more information about the status of special event shuttle services, visit metrokc.gov.

Ride the Monorail! The Monorail runs daily every 10 minutes between Westlake Center and Seattle Center. Festival operating hours are 9am to 11:30pm Saturday–Monday. For more information visit the Monorail website.

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Is there a place to store my bike at Bumbershoot?

Bumbershoot is located within biking distance of many of Seattle's great neighborhoods. The Bumbershoot Bicycle Corral is located on Thomas Street between EMP | SFM and the Space Needle. Bicycle parking is free and highly encouraged (see map for more details).

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What else is there to do in the Seattle Center neighborhood?

As if Bumbershoot wasn't enough, Seattle Center is located between the lower Queen Anne and Belltown neighborhoods of Seattle. Both are filled with hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafés, record stores, and more. There are plenty of places to explore, relax, and enjoy before and after Bumbershoot.

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What time do gates open and close each day?

The Festival runs from 11 AM to 11 PM each day of the Festival, Saturday through Monday, but gates close for entry at 10 PM.

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Where can I enter if I've already purchased my ticket?

There are three entry gates at Seattle Center during Bumbershoot:

  • Gate 1 — on Thomas Street, between the Space Needle & Monorail
  • Gate 6 — on Mercer Street, between the Bagley Wright and the Intiman Theatres
  • Gate 9 — on Broad Street, just off the Space Needle turnaround

Download a PDF map of the grounds for gate locations.

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Where can I enter if I have NOT yet purchased my ticket?

There are two box offices at Seattle Center during Bumbershoot. They are:

  • Gate 1 — on Thomas Street, between the Space Needle & Monorail
  • Gate 6 — on Mercer Street, between the Bagley Wright and the Intiman Theatres

Download a PDF map of the grounds for gate locations.

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Are we allowed to leave and come back later in the day?

Yes, re-entry is allowed. Upon exiting the Festival your ticket will be scanned and you will get a hand stamp. Just present your ticket and hand stamp at the gates when you return, and in you go.

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How does the new Comedy Pass work?

Due to the high demand for our comedic offerings and the intimate venues in which the shows are staged, all comedy programs now offer a free pass guaranteeing you general admission without having to wait in line for hours!

Free comedy passes may be obtained every day beginning at 11 AM at the Comedy Pass Distribution booth, on a first come, first served basis. Passes will be distributed for that day's performances only, and will guarantee you general admission for one designated show in one of the three comedy venues. Comedy venues are Comedy Stage North - Intiman Theatre, Comedy Stage West - Vera Project, and Comedy Stage South - Charlotte Martin Theatre.

The Comedy Pass Distribution booth is located at the northwest corner of the Center House, at the north end of the covered walkway. You must show your Bumbershoot admission ticket for that day to receive a pass. To allow more comedy fans a guaranteed opportunity to see a comedy show, each patron may receive only one comedy pass per day, but there is also a stand-by option (see below.)

Comedy passes are good for one specified performance, and are not transferable to other shows, venues or days. Patrons with a comedy pass must return to the venue no earlier than 30 minutes before the performance time, but no later than 15 minutes before show start to claim a seat. At 15 minutes before show time, we'll begin filling unclaimed seats with comedy fans from the stand-by line. The venue manager will not allow lines to form early, so please do not arrive earlier than 30 minutes prior to show time if you have a comedy pass.

Each venue will have a stand-by line for patrons wishing to attend a performance but who do not have a pass to that particular performance. The stand-by line will form 15 minutes prior to the scheduled show, and will be closed at the discretion of the line manager. Admission from the stand-by line is not guaranteed, and is first come, first served. There is no limit to the number of performances for which you can try to stand by. The venue manager will not allow lines to form early, so please do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes prior to show time for stand-by.

We hope this new system will allow you to enjoy some great comedy without having to spend your day at the Festival waiting in line!

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Does my ticket guarantee me entry to any and all of the on-site events?

  • Indoor venues:
    Once inside Festival grounds, entry to the indoor events is on a first come, first served basis. Capacity varies for the assorted indoor venues, so plan ahead and allow yourself enough time to get to the venue before the show starts.
  • Comedy Stage performances:
    • If you'd like to guarantee general admission to a comedy show at Charlotte Martin Theatre, Intiman Theatre or Vera Project, you may obtain a free pass (one per day). Passes may be obtained on a first come, first served basis on the day of show at the Comedy Pass Distribution booth, located at the northwest corner of the Center House, on the north end of the covered walkway. You must show your Bumbershoot ticket for that day to receive a comedy pass. One comedy pass per person/ticket will be given out per day. Seating with this pass begins 30 minutes before show start and is guaranteed only until 15 minutes prior to show time. The venue manager will not allow lines to form early, so please do not arrive earlier than 30 minutes prior to show time if you have a reserved comedy pass.
    • If you do not secure a pass for a comedy show you'd like to attend, you may join the stand-by line at the venue beginning no earlier than 15 minutes before show time. A limited number of guests will be admitted from the stand-by line. Admission from the stand-by line is not guaranteed, and is first come, first served. The venue manager will not allow lines to form early, so please do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes prior to show time for stand-by.
  • Outdoor stages, excluding the Mainstage:
    Outdoor stages, excluding the Mainstage, do not have a set capacity, but plan on getting to the stage area early to find your ideal vantage point.
  • Mainstage performances:
    • Evening shows on the Mainstage require an additional free pass. Passes may be obtained on the day of show at one of the three outdoor information booths on Festival grounds, on a first come, first served basis. You must show your Bumbershoot ticket for that day to receive a Mainstage pass for that evening. One Mainstage pass per person/ticket will be given out.
    • Afternoon Mainstage performances do not require an additional pass—they are first come, first served only.
    • Bags may be subject to search before entering any Mainstage show.

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Where can I get a free pass for the Mainstage evening shows?

Mainstage passes are available each day for that evening's show on a first come, first served basis at the three outdoor information booths located on the Festival grounds. (Mainstage passes are not available at the information booth inside the Center House.) The three outdoor information booths are located (see map for more details):

  1. Roadway between Bagley Wright Theatre and the Intiman Theatre
  2. On the south end of the Fun Forest Pavilion, across from the IMAX Dome
  3. On the east side of the Center House, north of the Monorail

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Where can I get a free pass for the comedy shows?

Comedy passes are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of show at the Comedy Pass Distribution booth, located at the northwest corner of the Center House, on the north end of the covered walkway. You must show your Bumbershoot ticket for that day to receive a comedy pass. One comedy pass per person/ticket will be given out per day (see map for more details).

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Can I see a comedy performance if I don't have a free pass guaranteeing admission for that show?

It's quite possible! Each venue will have a stand-by line for patrons wishing to attend a performance but who do not have a pass to that particular performance. The stand-by line will form 15 minutes prior to the scheduled show, and will be closed at the discretion of the line manager. Admission from the stand-by line is not guaranteed, and is first come, first served. There is no limit to the number of performances for which you can try to stand by. The venue manager will not allow lines to form early, so please do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes prior to show time for stand-by.

Are there chairs at the venues, and does my ticket reserve my seat?

  • Events are held in a variety of settings and venues, some containing seats, and some not.
  • Entrance to the venues and seating (where available) is general admission and is available on a first come, first served basis. Your Festival ticket does not guarantee entrance to any specific event or venue.
  • Platinum and Gold Pass holders do have access to reserved seating, subject to capacity. Please see Platinum and Gold Pass information for more details about the program and its benefits.

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Where can I find a map of the Festival grounds?

Download a PDF map of the grounds, or you can pick up a full-color map at one of the information booths during the Festival.

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Where can I get information and help at the Festival?

There are four information booths on grounds to assist you. They are located (see map for more details):

  1. Roadway between Bagley Wright Theatre and the Intiman Theatre
  2. On the south end of the Fun Forest Pavilion, across from the IMAX Dome
  3. On the east side of the Center House, north of the Monorail
  4. Inside the Center House, across from Center House Bistro

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What services are available for patrons with disabilities?

Bumbershoot works hard each year to make the annual Labor Day arts extravaganza accessible to everyone. It is our goal to offer an enjoyable experience with the fewest barriers at every venue and program for those needing special accommodations.

Please visit our Accessibility page for more information. A PDF download of the Bumbershoot 2008 Access Guide is available now. If you do not have Acrobat installed on your computer already, you can download it for free from the Adobe web site.

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Are wheelchairs available at the Festival?

A very limited number of basic wheelchairs are available for loan at the Festival and can be obtained at the information booth inside the Center House. You must complete a form and present positive photo identification which will be held while borrowing the wheelchair. If wheelchairs are in high demand you may be limited to 2 hours for use.

For information about wheelchair accessibility to the Bumbershoot venues, please email access (at) onereel.org. A PDF download of the Bumbershoot 2008 Access Guide is available now. If you do not have Acrobat installed on your computer already, you can download it for free from the Adobe web site.

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Are there any ATMs located on Festival grounds?

There are several ATMs located on-site at the Seattle Center during Bumbershoot. Please see the Bumbershoot directories at the information booths or ask a staff member for ATM locations (see map for more details).

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Where can I get something to eat or drink at the Festival?

The Bumbershoot Festival includes a variety of food and beverage vendors featuring cuisine from around the world. Check back closer to the Festival for a complete list of all our food and beverage vendors to help you plan your meals, and come hungry!

You can also visit the Bumbershoot beer gardens, which feature a variety of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for sale. You must be 21+ and have proper valid ID to enter the beer gardens.

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Where can I get free water at Seattle Center?

Water fountains can be found all over Seattle Center, especially at indoor venues. Here are a few easily accessible locations:

  • restrooms on the Key Roadway across from the west side of Fisher Green
  • inside the Fisher Pavilion (east and west ends, near restrooms)
  • inside the Center House (north hallway, all levels, near restrooms)
  • at the southwest corner of the Fountain Lawn (across from KeyArena)
  • inside the Northwest Rooms lobby
  • near the restrooms underneath the Alki Room (across from the northwest corner of the Fountain Lawn)

These locations are indicated on the official Bumbershoot Map, which is available here and at all information booths.

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Where can I get free water in Memorial Stadium?

Hydration stations are located within Memorial Stadium at the east end of both the north and south stands. These locations are indicated on the official Bumbershoot Map, which is available here and at all information booths.

At these stations you may fill your reusable, non-disposable water bottle (such as CamelBak, Nalgene, Klean Kanteen, or other styles) at no charge. We also provide paper cups at the stations to those who need them.

water bottles

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Where can I report or recover a lost item?

A central Lost & Found is located at the Seattle Center Customer Service Office, located on the north balcony in the Center House.

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Where should I turn in a found item?

If you find an item that is possibly lost, please turn it in at the nearest information booth. Bumbershoot staff will make sure it gets to the Lost & Found area at the Center House.

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What items are prohibited at the Festival?

Persons entering the facility and their bags may be subject to search for the following, all of which are expressly forbidden on the Event premises and subject to confiscation:

  • weapons
  • projectiles
  • alcohol
  • cameras with detachable lenses
  • audio/video recording devices with external microphones
  • glass bottles
  • cans
  • wagons or carts
  • coolers larger than 14" x 15" x 10"
  • backpacks larger than 17" x 12" x 10"
  • chairs
  • cane umbrellas
  • laser pointers
  • air horns or other noisemakers

In the addition to the above, the following items cannot be brought into the Memorial Stadium Mainstage shows:

  • umbrellas of any size
  • skateboards
  • bottles of any type, except reusable, non-disposable water bottles (such as CamelBak, Nalgene, Klean Kanteen)
  • animals, except service animals

Skateboards may be checked at the bag search/ticket scan canopy at the end of the Mainstage line, right before you enter Memorial Stadium.

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Are you going to search my bag?

Persons entering the facility and their bags may be subject to search for prohibited items.

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What is the camera policy at Bumbershoot?

Cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed at the Festival. No photos of the artists or their work can be taken without prior approval and a sanctioned Bumbershoot photo pass. Photo passes are issued to working media only, and must be requested in advance via online application.

Absolutely no audio/video recording devices are allowed on grounds.

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May I bring audio or video recording equipment to record the events?

Audio and video recording equipment is not allowed at Bumbershoot—please leave this type of gear at home.

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Are cell phones allowed at Bumbershoot?

Cell phones are allowed on Festival grounds, but as a courtesy to artists and other patrons, we ask that you please turn your phones off during performances, especially at the indoor venues.

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May I bring food or beverages on to Festival grounds?

You are permitted to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the Festival, but please don't bring glass containers or cans.

  • Absolutely NO alcoholic beverages. Beer and wine may be purchased inside the Bumbershoot beer gardens with proper ID.
  • Absolutely NO glass bottles are allowed inside Festival grounds.
  • Absolutely NO outside cans are allowed inside Festival grounds.
  • Also, please note that NO bottles of any type are allowed inside the Stadium, with the exception of reusable, non-disposable water bottles (such as CamelBak, Nalgene, Klean Kanteen).

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Can I take my water or soda bottle into Memorial Stadium?

Although disposable plastic bottles are allowed on Seattle Center grounds, they are NOT ALLOWED in Memorial Stadium due to concerns for public and artist safety. If you bring a disposable plastic bottle in the Stadium line, you will be asked to recycle the bottle at one of the large recycle bins located before the venue entrance.

You may, however, carry your reusable, non-disposable water bottles (such as CamelBak, Nalgene, Klean Kanteen, or other styles) into the Stadium. Hydration stations where you can refill your water bottle at no charge are available in Memorial Stadium. We also provide paper cups at the stations to those who need them (please reuse and recycle).

water bottles

Please keep in mind that bottled beverages may be purchased in the Stadium, but vendors are required to pour your drink into a cup.

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Is beer or wine allowed at the Festival?

Beer and wine are available for purchase inside the Bumbershoot beer gardens. You must be 21+ and you MUST present valid and acceptable ID to enter the beer garden.

We're sorry, the Washington State Liquor Control laws prohibit outside alcoholic beverages from being brought on to Festival grounds.

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What are acceptable forms of ID to purchase alcohol at Bumbershoot?

Acceptable forms of identification include a current state-issued driver's license or ID card, a current Canadian driver's license or ID card, military ID, or a valid passport. International driver's licenses are not accepted (excepting Canada). Expired ID cannot be accepted.

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What are the legal restrictions on the beer garden?

The following rules are set by the Washington State Liquor Control Board and we are required by law to enforce them:

  • All patrons, regardless of age (whether you're 21 or 101!), MUST present valid and acceptable ID to enter the beer gardens. No ID = no entrance, no exceptions.
  • No one under the age of 21 is allowed into the beer garden. Children, including babes-in-arms, may not enter the beer garden under any circumstances.
  • No beverages may be taken out of the beer gardens.
  • Outside beverages of any sort (even water) are not allowed in to the beer garden. There are non-alcoholic beverages available for sale in the beer garden.
  • Smoking is not allowed inside the beer gardens, as they are workplaces for beer garden staff. Local health departments enforce compliance with this public law. For more information about RCW 70.160, see metrokc.gov/health/tobacco.

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Is smoking allowed at Bumbershoot?

Washington State law (RCW 70.160) prohibits smoking in all public indoor places, all workplaces, near all doorways, windows and air ventilation systems associated with any public building. This means:

  • Smoking is not allowed inside any of the indoor venues.
  • Smoking is not allowed inside the beer gardens, as they are workplaces for beer garden staff.
  • Smoking is not restricted at any of the outdoor areas of Bumbershoot, but we do ask that you try and be courteous of fellow Festival attendees. We also ask that you dispose of all smoking-related garbage (butts, packages, etc.) in the appropriate receptacles.

Local health departments enforce compliance with this public law. For more information about RCW 70.160, and for information regarding the workplace smoking ban and smoking cessation programs, contact the King County Health Department's Tobacco Prevention Program at (206) 296-7613 or metrokc.gov/health/tobacco.

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What happens if it rains?

Bumbershoot will go on, rain or shine!

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May I bring an umbrella to the Festival?

Small (non-cane-style) umbrellas are allowed on the Festival grounds, but absolutely NO umbrellas are allowed inside Memorial Stadium.

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May I bring my pet to the Festival?

While pets are not prohibited on Seattle Center grounds, we strongly encourage you to leave them at home. Warm weather, lots of people, and stressed out pets are not a happy combination. Please leave your pets at home where they will be safe, relaxed, and comfortable

Please note that NO animals are allowed within Memorial Stadium for Mainstage shows.

Service animals are always welcome. Please see Bumbershoot 2008 Access Guide for Persons with Disabilities for detailed information (available in July).

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May I hang a banner or a sign at the Seattle Center during Bumbershoot?

Banners and signs from anyone other than our sponsors, vendors, and approved participants are prohibited on Seattle Center grounds during Bumbershoot.

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May I gather signatures, distribute political information, or conduct other political activities at Bumbershoot?

Yes, but the activities are subject to restrictions to maximize the safety of those who attend the Festival. Political activists must review, complete and sign the Political Activity Rules or obtain the form at any of the information booths during the event prior to engaging in any political activities.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 to 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.

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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.

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Where is Lost Kids Headquarters?

Lost Kids Headquarters is located on the third floor of the Center House.

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Are strollers allowed at the Festival?

Strollers are allowed.

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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.

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Will artist merchandise be available for sale at the Festival?

Yes, with occasional exceptions, most touring artists bring merchandise. Please visit an information booth on grounds for artist merchandise sales locations.

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Will Bumbershoot merchandise be available before the Festival?

Yes, indeed! Why not give your T-shirt that lived-in feeling before the Festival? Find select colors and styles of 2008 Bumbershoot apparel at Red Balloon, in downtown Seattle and on Capitol Hill. PLUS, you'll want to pick up your Bumbershoot tote or field bag right away… made from retired Festival stage signage, seat belts and bicycle inner tube, each one is totally eco-friendly, unique, and extremely limited… only 100 of each kind are available! Visit Red Balloon's website for directions and store hours.

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Will Bumbershoot merchandise be available at the Festival?

Of course! A wide selection of styles, colors and designs in Bumbershoot apparel, plus limited edition posters and other collectible merchandise will be available at multiple locations at the Festival. Please download a PDF map of the grounds for merchandise sales locations.

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Will Bumbershoot merchandise be available after the Festival?

A limited quantity of Bumbershoot T-shirts, posters, sweatshirts, and other merchandise are available for sale direct from us after the Festival, while supplies last. The most popular styles and sizes are the first to go during the Festival, so get your goods at Bumbershoot to guarantee the best selection. Otherwise, check in at bumbershoot.org in October for a second shot.

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Does Bumbershoot have volunteer opportunities?

Yes! Volunteering at Bumbershoot is awesome! Sign up and use our online application and scheduling system at onereel.org/volunteers. We accept volunteers of all ages, interests, and abilities.

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Is Bumbershoot hiring temporary staff?

We hire temporary staff in our Admissions department, which includes gate and box office staff. If you're interested in these positions, applications will be available in the coming months. We use firms to fill our sound, lighting, and security staffing needs. We do hire temporary staff for a few other types of position, including runner, information booth staff, and other area managers. If you're interested in these, please email your inquiry and resume to hr (at) onereel.org.

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How do I get a job working for One Reel, producer of Bumbershoot?

One Reel's festival division employs about 20 year-round staff. When a position becomes available, it is posted at onereel.org/jobs.

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Can I intern for Bumbershoot?

Yes! One Reel offers a comprehensive internship program with 20 internships meeting a variety of career interests. Our internships run from spring through September and are open to both students and non-students. Go to onereel.org/internships for a full listing.

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How can I perform, exhibit or sell at Bumbershoot?

Bumbershoot uses an application process to select local and regional participants for the Festival. If you are interested in participating in Bumbershoot, please always check the website in early December for applications for the next year's Festival, or sign up to be a BumberFan and receive an e-mail notification when the applications are posted. Application deadlines for each category run between February and May. Check our applications page for category specific deadlines.

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Is Street Performing (Busking) allowed at Bumbershoot?

Street Performing (Busking) is allowed at Bumbershoot, with agreement to certain rules and conditions. Each Street Performer must purchase an admission ticket. Spaces may not be reserved in advance. Complete Rules and Liability Release for Street Performing will be available for download in early summer (please check back), and will also be distributed on grounds by Bumbershoot's Street Performer Coordinators. The Agreement and Release form should be returned on grounds, directly to the Street Performer Coordinators. Complete information is included in the PDF download. If you have any questions, please contact programming (at) onereel.org.

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How do I contact Bumbershoot?

Please see our Contact page for a complete list of communication options.

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Become a BumberFan

It's quick, easy and FREE! What are you waiting for?

Member Benefits

  • receive lineup and other Festival updates FIRST
  • save on 3-day passes during the Insider Deal, before they go on sale to the public (sold out!)
  • save on single day-specific tickets during the Insider Deal, before they go on sale to the public (sold out!)
  • purchase discounted Festival merchandise
  • enter to win exclusive prizes and hook-ups, like passes to the Bumbershoot Music Lounge
  • download Bumbershoot wallpaper and other virtual goodies
  • create customized schedules and share them with friends