Craving unforgettable music experiences in Washington? You’re not alone—many music lovers want to attend the best festivals but don’t know where to start. That’s where we come in.
With our expertise, we’ll guide you through Washington’s top music festivals, from Seattle’s lively concerts to The Gorge’s legendary events.
In this article, you’ll learn how to:
- Find the best music festivals in Washington
- Plan your trip for an amazing experience
- Make the most of each festival with insider tips
Get ready to enjoy some of the best live music events—your next festival adventure starts now!
- Music Festivals in Washington: Seattle Highlights
- Music Festivals in Washington: George Highlights
- Music Festivals in Washington: Woodinville Highlights
- Music Festivals in Washington: Olympic National Park Highlights
- Music Festivals in Washington: Redmond Highlights
- Music Festivals in Washington: A Recap
- FAQ
Music Festivals in Washington: Seattle Highlights
Music Festivals in Washington, Seattle, known for its vibrant music scene, hosts a wide range of festivals featuring genres like rock, indie, electronic, and jazz. The city offers large festivals as well as smaller, community-oriented events that attract music fans from across the region and beyond.
1. Bumbershoot Festival
Time & Location: Bumbershoot is an annual music and arts festival in Seattle, Washington. It takes place every year on Labor Day weekend at the Seattle Center, a large space built for the 1962 World’s Fair.
Event Details: Bumbershoot started in 1971 as the “Mayor’s Arts Festival” with 125,000 visitors. It was created to lift people’s spirits during a tough time in the city. Over the years, the festival grew and became known as “Bumbershoot” in 1973.
By 1974, it lasted 10 days and attracted 325,000 people. Today, Bumbershoot is a major event with music, art, comedy, and performances, showing off Seattle’s creative energy.
2. Capitol Hill Block Party
Time & Location: The Capitol Hill Block Party is a three-day music festival held every July in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. It happens in the summer.
Event Details: The Capitol Hill Block Party features many types of music, such as pop, indie rock, punk, R&B, and EDM. Some famous artists like Macklemore, Lizzo, and Jack White have performed there. The event mainly takes place on Pike and Pine Streets, but the crowds spread into nearby streets.
The festival began in 1997 as a small one-day event with just five bands. It grew every year and became a three-day festival in 2010. Now, it has over 120 acts on seven stages. The festival also offers free activities like yoga and skateboarding at Cal Anderson Park.
Though it was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19, the festival is still a popular event in Seattle. It gives local bands a chance to perform in front of large crowds and has big-name sponsors.
3. Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) & Music Festival
Time & Location: The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) happens every year in Seattle. It usually takes place in late May and early June. The festival lasts about three weeks.
Event Details: SIFF is one of the biggest film festivals in the world. It started in 1976 and shows mostly independent films and documentaries from many countries. In 2006, the festival featured over 300 films, and 160,000 people attended.
The festival used to be held at the Moore Egyptian Theater. Now, it is held at several theaters around Seattle. Over 400 films are shown, along with music performances and other events. One special event is the “Secret Festival,” where the audience doesn’t know what films will be shown.
SIFF also has programs for young filmmakers. These events help them learn about making films and raise awareness about important issues. The festival is a great place for movie lovers to discover new films and enjoy special performances.
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Music Festivals in Washington: George Highlights
Music Festivals in Washington: George, a small town in central Washington, is home to some of the state’s most notable outdoor music festivals. Set against beautiful surroundings, these festivals bring in major international and local acts, providing a unique experience in large, open-air venues.
4. Sasquatch! Music Festival
Time & Location: The Sasquatch! Music Festival was held every year on Memorial Day weekend at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington. The event lasted for three to four days. In 2018, the festival was canceled and didn’t return in 2019.
Event Details: Sasquatch! had a mix of music, including indie rock, alternative rock, EDM, hip-hop, and comedy. The festival had different stages, like the Sasquatch! Stage, Bigfoot Stage, and Banana Shack (later called El Chupacabra). Most people camped out at the venue, creating a fun, community atmosphere.
The festival grew popular and was listed as one of the top 10 summer festivals in the U.S. It attracted many big artists and fans from all over. The event was started in 2002 by Adam Zacks, who wanted to create a festival with a variety of music. In 2014, it was planned to expand to two weekends, but the second weekend was canceled. The Sasquatch! The Festival ended in 2018.
5. Watershed Music Festival
Time & Location: The Watershed Music Festival is held every year at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington. The first event took place from August 3–5, 2012. It is a three-day festival that usually happens in the summer, often in July.
Event Details: The Watershed Music Festival is a popular country music event in the Pacific Northwest. It features country music stars, new artists, and local performers. The festival has several stages with live music all day and night.
The festival is set in a stunning location with views of the Gorge and the Columbia River. Many people camp nearby to enjoy the full festival experience.
Brian O’Connell, a member of Live Nation, created the event. He wanted to show off the beauty of the Gorge and make the festival feel different from others. He said it would have its special style.
Music Festivals in Washington: Woodinville Highlights
Music Festivals in Washington: Woodinville, known for its scenic vineyards and wineries, hosts music festivals where live performances are paired with local food, wine, and craft beverages. These events often feature various genres in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, contributing to the broader landscape of music in the USA.
6. Paradiso Festival
Time & Location: The Paradiso Festival was held every year at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington. It started in 2012 and usually took place in late June or early July. The event lasted for two days, and the first festival had over 29,000 attendees.
Event Details: Paradiso was a large electronic dance music (EDM) festival. Big artists like Kaskade, Tiesto, and Marshmello performed. There were three stages with music playing at the same time. The main stage had the biggest performances at night with amazing light shows and lasers.
The festival had food stands, places selling clothes, and carnival rides. Hydration stations and Porta Potties were available for everyone. The Conscious Crew made sure the crowd was safe. In 2020, Insomniac sued USC Events for money for artists and vendors. Insomniac might host a new event at The Gorge instead of Paradiso.
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Music Festivals in Washington: Olympic National Park Highlights
Music Festivals in Washington: Located in Olympic National Park, these music festivals offer attendees the chance to enjoy performances while surrounded by stunning nature. The combination of outdoor shows and incredible scenery provides a memorable experience.
7. Olympic Music Festival
Time & Location: The Olympic Music Festival happens every summer from late July to mid-August. It started in 1984, created by Alan Iglitzin. For 32 years, concerts were held in a barn in Quilcene, Washington. In 2016, the festival moved to the Wheeler Theater at Fort Worden, with support from the Centrum Foundation.
Event Details: The Olympic Music Festival is a classical music event in Port Townsend, Washington. It features live performances by talented musicians, with chamber music and solo acts. The festival takes place on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, surrounded by forests and stunning views.
The festival also offers masterclasses and workshops for young musicians. It’s a great event for people who enjoy classical music in a peaceful, natural setting.
Music Festivals in Washington: Redmond Highlights
Music Festivals in Washington: Redmond, situated near Seattle, offers festivals celebrating a range of musical styles. Held in parks or other outdoor settings, these events provide a more intimate festival experience, with a focus on community participation and local talent.
8. Beyond Wonderland
Time & Location: Beyond Wonderland is an electronic dance music festival that has been held in places like Seattle, San Bernardino, and Mountain View, lasting one or two days. In 2017, it started in Mexico, and in 2019, it also went to Colombia.
Event Details: The festival features many stages with electronic music styles like House, Trance, Dubstep, and Drum and Bass. Beyond Wonderland is known for its light maze, art sculptures, and poi dancers. New things are added every year, like dancing characters and cool decorations.
The festival uses an Alice in Wonderland theme with themed art and shows. In 2015, camping was added, but it was removed when the event moved back to the NOS Center.
Music Festivals in Washington: A Recap
Music festivals in Washington are full of fun and energy. They show off the state’s love for music and creativity. From the country vibes of Watershed to the electric beats of Beyond Wonderland, there’s something for everyone. The Olympic Music Festival brings classical music to a peaceful setting, while Paradiso offers top EDM artists at the Gorge.
These festivals let you enjoy all kinds of music and connect with both local and big-name performers. Each one has its special feel, from the beautiful scenery to the exciting crowd in Washington.
Going to these festivals is a great way to enjoy live music and feel the excitement of the event. It’s more than just a concert – it’s a chance to be part of something fun.