Music Festivals

15 Best Music Festivals In Seattle

The musical artist Miane serenaded the stage at Day Trip in Seattle
Source : facebook

Seattle hosts numerous music festivals every year. The city is known for its diverse music scene, ranging from indie to electronic, hip-hop, and more.

The music festivals in Seattle are very popular and tend to sell out quickly. Most of them offer workshops and panels, which provide opportunities for visitors to learn about music and the arts.

There are many music festivals available to enjoy each summer. They not only show remarkable performances from well-known artists but also employ innovative technology to enhance the festival attendees' experiences.

In this article, we discuss some of the major and popular music festivals in Seattle happening at different times.

15 Best Music Festivals In Seattle

Name of Music FestivalsEvents Month
Capitol Hill Block PartyJuly
BumbershootSeptember
Belltown BloomMay
Freakout FestivalNovember
Northwest FolklifeMay
West Seattle Summer FestJuly
Earshot JazzOctober through November
BOO SeattleOctober
Day In Day Out FestAugust
Day Trip FestivalJune
Beyond WonderlandMarch
So Dreamy Music FestivalJune
Progman ComethAugust
Northwest Terror FestMay
Blast Music FestivalJuly

You May Like:

1. Capitol Hill Block Party

Massive crowd enjoys the performance at the main stage of Capitol Hill Block Party.
Source : twitter

Capitol Hill Block Party is an annual three-day music festival. It takes place in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, US, each July.

The event encompasses a variety of performances, such as pop, R&B, punk, indie rock, and EDM, among others.

It has featured several famous artists over the years, including Macklemore, Mudhoney, Jack White, The Presidents of the United States of America, Sonic Youth, RL Grime, Lizzo, and Amine.

Capitol Hill Block Party 2023 was held on July 21 to 23, and a number of artists performed at the event. Sofi Tukker, Denzel Curry, and Louis the Child headlined the festival.

Here are a few playlists of performances from the event.

  • Better Not (with Wafia)
  • Black Marble Intro
  • Purple Hat
  • Summer In New York
  • Walkin

2. Bumbershoot

A lovely evening under a water tower at the Bumbershoot Festival
Source : twitter

Bumbershoot is an annual music and art festival. It is one of North America's largest festivals, held in Seattle, Washington.

Several artists have taken the stage at the event over the years, and the upcoming Bumbershoot in 2023 is scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd of September.

The 2023 lineup of Bumbershoot Festival includes Sleater-Kinney, The Revivalists, Zhu, AFI, Brittany Howard, Fatboy Slim, Jawbreaker, Sunny Day Real Estate, Band of Horses, Temples, and more.

In addition to music and art, the festival also features a variety of food vendors, workshops, interactive installations, and activities for all age groups.

Ticket prices differ based on their category, and the doors will be accessible starting at 12:30 p.m.

3. Belltown Bloom Festival

Belltown Bloom Festival presents a diverse array of indie bands
Source : twitter

Belltown Bloom Festival is a family-friendly music festival. Belltown Bloom Festival 2023 took place at an iconic Seattle venue, The Crocodile.

The event was held on May 5 and May 6 and featured a diverse selection of bands across three stages over the course of two nights. L7, Zella Day, Skating Polly, Pearl and The Oysters, Thelma & the Sleaze, Aline & Wes, Ancient Pools, La Fonda, etc. were the 2023 artist lineup.

The festival served as a platform for the artists to express themselves creatively. It showcases the varied and remarkable abilities of emerging talent from Seattle. In the celebration of International Women’s Month, the event highlighted a few local acts participating in the festival.

4. Freakout Festival

Acid Cowboy performs on Freakout Festival's stage with a guitar in his hand
Source : instagram

Freakout Festival is an underground music festival held in Seattle, Washington.

Founded in 2013, the festival has become a significant platform that showcases local and international talent across various genres such as punk, rock and roll, hip-hop, and psychedelic rock music. The event features several lineups and artists.

It takes place over the course of a few days and also seeks to create connections between several artists, music enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

The event often provides food vendors, visual arts, and various forms of creative expression along with music. It has become a significant and popular event within Seattle, which provides a platform for musicians to connect and share their works.

5. Northwest Folklife

Promotional cover for the Northwest Folklife Festival
Source : facebook

Northwest Folklife is an annual cultural event that celebrates the folk and traditional arts, music, and crafts of the Pacific Northwest region.

This festival is held in the Pacific Northwest region. Established in 1971, the event has grown into one of the largest art festivals in the US.

The event is usually held during the Memorial Day weekend for four days, featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, and various cultural showcases.

Attendees have the opportunity to explore a variety of culinary traditions through the food vendors representing various cultural cuisines. People of all ages can enjoy family-friendly activities.

Together, the event brings together approximately 250,000 attendees, 800 volunteers, and approximately 6,000 musicians, dancers, and other artists. Admission is free of charge, possibly made possible by community support contributions from attendees.

6. West Seattle Summer Fest

One of the performances on the stage of the West Seattle Summer Fest
Source : facebook

West Seattle Summer Fest is a festival in Seattle, Washington. It is a three-day music festival held annually.

West Seattle Summer Fest 2023 took place from July 14 to 16. The 2023 lineup for the Summer Fest is listed below:

  • The Potholes
  • Waves Crashing
  • Once For Kicks
  • Randy Campbell
  • Dusty 45's
  • Mode Music Showcase
  • School of Rock
  • Warren Dunes
  • Mikey Moo
  • Memphis Radio Kings

In addition to remarkable music, the festival also offers a variety of amazing summer treats, and people can enjoy festival cuisine from numerous stalls and food trucks or get a table and enjoy a meal at the sidewalk cafes.

People can find shopping options scattered across the multiple locations around the festival. Attendees can also explore the variety of goods and services around the event.

7. Earshot Jazz

The 2023 Annual Earshot Jazz Festival is scheduled for October 6 to November 5
Source : twitter

Earshot Jazz is a live music venue event that typically takes place in Seattle, Washington. The primary goal of the Festival is to celebrate and promote jazz music.

The event brings jazz artists and fans from the Seattle region and around the Northwest, creating an energetic and vibrant atmosphere for the attendees.

The yearly Earshot Jazz Festival spans over 33 days, beginning in October and going into November. It serves as a platform to highlight the history, sound, cultural significance, and essence that the jazz community has cultivated.

The festival features a wide range of jazz performances and sessions, such as concerts, lectures, workshops, and so on. It showcases international and national performers, offering them the opportunity to perform their music and engage with a large audience.

8. BOO Seattle

Lineup for the 2023 Boo Seattle Music Festival
Source : twitter

BOO Seattle is a music festival held in Seattle, Washington, US. BOO Seattle Fest 2023 will be held in Wamu Theatre from October 27 to October 28.

Several performers will perform at the event, including Acraze, Alesso, Blanke, Boys Noize, Patrick Topping, Zeds Dead, Claude VonStroke, and more.

The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturday. Only adults over 18 are allowed at the venue.

Tickets are categorized into different categories, with varying prices associated with each category.

  • GA Experience Pass
  • 2-Day GA Experience Pass
  • VIP Elevated Experience
  • 2-Day VIP Elevated Experience
  • Locker Rentals

9. Day In Day Out Fest

People enjoying Day In Day Out Fest in 2022
Source : facebook

Day In, Day Out Fest is a two-day indie music festival that is held in the heart of Fisher Green Pavilion.

The upcoming 2023 Day In, Day Out Fest is scheduled to take place from August 12 to August 13. Several artists will perform at the festivals, including Alex G, Willow, Bon Iver, Dominic Fike, Surf Curse, Yaya Bey, and more.

The festival welcomes attendees of all ages, and it is necessary to keep in mind that the Beer Gardens and VIP lounge areas are prohibited for individuals under the age of 21. Additionally, kids aged 8 and under can enter for free.

The festival grounds do not provide parking facilities, but there are many parking lots situated around the venue. The ticket price ranges from $200 for 2-DAY GA to $525 for BIG GULP VIP (CHBP + DIDO).

10. Day Trip Festival

Massive crowd at the Day Trip Festival. The photo was taken by Troy Acevedo.
Source : facebook

Day Trip was created during the summer of 2018 with the concept of House Music All Day Long! Organized by Insomniac, the event is a lively celebration of music.

Day Trip Festival 2023 took place at Myrtle Edwards Park, Seattle, on Sunday, July 16.

Chris Lake, Marc Kinchen, B2B Green Velvet, Dombresky, TOKiMONSTA, Cassian, Miane, Friendly Fire, Tony H, etc. were in the lineup for the 2023 edition.

The GA Experience Pass provides access to the Day Trip Festival. This event offers multiple stages of house music, gourmet food trucks, and unique fish bowl drinks. Only individuals aged 21 and above can enter the festival.

Additionally, attendees can enjoy the best view from VIP dance areas and relax with cocktails in the VIP lounge.

11. Beyond Wonderland

Massive and colorful stage of Beyond Wonderland festival in Washington.
Source : facebook

Beyond Wonderland was organized by Insomniac Events. It is an electronic dance festival that spans one or two days.

It has been held in several locations, such as Seattle, Mountain View, and San Bernardino. The first Beyond Wonderland event in Washington occurred at the WAMU Theatre.

The lineup of notable artists included David Guetta, A-Trak, Porter Robinson, Datsik, LMFAO, and Gareth Emery. The highlight of the Beyond Wonderland event was David Guetta's debut in Seattle.

The event showcases multiple stages of electronic dance music artists across genres like House, Dubstep, Drum and Bass, Trance, and ambient. It has been known for its attractions, such as a light maze, poi dancers, and contemporary art sculptures.

The venue allows for overnight camping, so you can plan an exciting weekend of dancing to live music and camping alongside your friends.

12. So Dreamy Music Festival

Lineup for So Dreamy Music Festival 2023
Source : theveraproject

The So Dreamy Music Festival is a summer music festival that highlights LGBTQ+ musicians of color.

In its first year, in 2022, the festival was held on June 4 and 5 at Cafe Racer Capitol Hill (Seattle). It was a two-day music festival that took place in Seattle, Washington.

Several great acts have graced its stage, including Black Ends, MirrorGloss, CarLarans, Breaks and Swells, Ex-Florist, and more.

The second version of the festival named So Dreamy Music Festival II is scheduled for August 25, 2023, at The Vera Project. The lineup for the second edition includes Taylar Elizza Beth, Claudine Magbag, Supercoze, Alayanna Grae, Karoshi, Cosmo Rossi, Ghost Horse, and Jeannie Rak, among numerous others.

13. Progman Cometh

Numerous groups of artists have taken the stage at Progman Cometh
Source : twitter

The Progman Cometh Music Festivals were two music concerts featuring the Canterbury scene.

They were held at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, Washington, USA, in the years 2002 and 2003. Some of the artists of The Progman Cometh 2002 are given in the list below:

  • Glass
  • Hughscore
  • Pip Pyle
  • Hamster Theatre
  • Richard Sinclair
  • Kopecky
  • Richard Sinclair and David Rees-Williams
  • SoftWorks

Two Monkey Finger, The Alan Parsons Project, performed at the Progman Cometh 2003. Two Monkey Finger featured several musicians, and they performed several songs.

14. Northwest Terror Fest

A banner announcing Northwest Terror Fest  date and lineup.
Source : facebook

Northwest Terror Fest is an annual underground metal festival. It takes place in Seattle over a span of three days.

The 2023 Northwest Terror Fest was held from May 25 to 27, 2023, at Neumos and Barboza.

Several artists have performed at the festivals, including Yob, Autopsy, Wormrot, Genocide Pact, Antichrist Siege Machine, Miasmatic Necrosis, Serpentent, Exulansis, Tchornobog, The Silver, Denial Of Life, Misery Index, and more.

Northwest Terror Fest passes grant entry to all the concerts at the festival. The price of the General admission passes can fluctuate depending on the year, which can range from approximately $188 to $235.

The ticket costs for VIP seating at the festival can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars per individual. These passes provide entry to the VIP areas.

15. Blast Music Festival

The festival helps people connect and share their love for music and culture
Source : facebook

BlastFest is the first Afrobeats music festival in Seattle. The festival is a one-day event that takes place at the Space Needle Centre.

Held on July 29, 2023, the festival features all Afrobeats artists. The event will celebrate music, culture, and diversity, and the guests can have an unforgettable experience with vibrant shows and delicious food trucks.

The main aim of the festival is to bring individuals together to celebrate the city's diverse and vibrant cultures.

The lineup provided below shows the complete list of a lineup of artists for Blastfest:

  • Anthony Cole
  • Asake
  • Ayra Starr
  • Focalistic
  • Hanani
  • Mannywellz
  • Tiwa Savage