Bumbershoot 2025 Returns with Weezer, Janelle Monáe, Bright Eyes, and More
Seattle’s Labor Day weekend just got a whole lot louder. The Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival — one of the Pacific Northwest’s most treasured cultural traditions — is officially back for its 52nd edition, returning to the Seattle Center on August 30-31, 2025. After more than five decades of celebrating art, music, and the creative spirit of the Emerald City, Bumbershoot is poised to deliver another landmark year, and today’s lineup reveal confirms it.
The 2025 roster is a deft mix of indie icons, pop provocateurs, and beloved alt-rock heavyweights, with Weezer leading the charge. The perennial hitmakers and nerd-rock heroes will bring their encyclopedic catalog of anthems — from Buddy Holly to Say It Ain’t So — to a city that’s always felt like a second home.
Joining them are fellow indie legends Bright Eyes, with Conor Oberst’s achingly poetic lyricism promising one of the weekend’s most emotionally charged sets. Car Seat Headrest, another indie favorite born from Seattle’s own DIY ethos, adds local cred and slacker-rock swagger to the bill.
On the pop and experimental front, the endlessly magnetic Janelle Monáe is set to electrify with her genre-defying fusion of R&B, funk, hip-hop, and sci-fi futurism. Expect a high-concept, high-energy performance from one of the most visionary artists of our time.
Rounding out the headliners is indie electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso, known for their hypnotic grooves and ethereal vocal textures — a perfect pairing for a late summer evening under the Space Needle. Fans can also look forward to a hauntingly beautiful set from Norwegian art-pop phenom AURORA, whose ethereal voice and atmospheric anthems have earned her a fervent global following.
Since its founding in 1971, Bumbershoot has embodied Seattle’s creative soul — a place where music, visual art, culinary craft, comedy, and counterculture collide in gloriously unpredictable ways. Hosted on the 74-acre urban playground of Seattle Center, the festival transforms the grounds into a sprawling celebration of Pacific Northwest artistry, innovation, and inclusivity.
Over the years, Bumbershoot has become a rite of passage for both emerging talents and seasoned stars, offering a platform where future legends share the stage with longtime favorites. From Nirvana and The Eurythmics to Lizzo and The Postal Service, Bumbershoot’s storied history is woven into the fabric of Seattle music culture.
Two-day passes are on sale now at www.bumbershoot.com, with fans encouraged to grab theirs early — this year’s lineup is already sparking buzz across the indie and alternative scenes.
More music acts, art installations, culinary showcases, and immersive experiences will be announced in the coming months, but one thing’s certain: Bumbershoot 2025 is shaping up to be a soulful, joyous, and distinctly Seattle affair you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars, lace up your Docs, and get ready to soak up two unforgettable days of music, art, and Northwest magic.
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