Seattle’s summer music festival season is upon us. KEXP's editorial team shares their recommendations.
Seattle’s summer music festival season is upon us. KEXP’s Emily Fox, Dusty Henry, Jasmine Albertson, Martin Douglas, and Leah Capindo give their recommendations for which artists and bands to see at Capitol Hill Block Party, Timber, Day In Day Out, THING, and Bumbershoot. They also discuss the different vibes and audiences you may find at each festival.
Find your festival cheat sheet below.
Capitol Hill Block Party
Date: July 21-23
Location: Seattle
The Vibe: “Yes it’s a festival, but emphasis on the party aspect of it.”—Dusty Henry
Jasmine’s age recommendation: 18-30 years old
Staff music recommendations
Martin: Pink Panthress, Rico Nasty, Acid Tongue, Coral Grief, Terminator
Leah: Pink Panthress, Rico Nasty, The Kerrys
Dusty: Sofia Kourtesis
Jasmine: Empress Of, Coco & Clair Clair
Timber
Date: July 21-23
Location: Carnation, WA (In between Leavenworth and Wenatchee)
The Vibe: A festival for people who don’t like festivals. Family friendly with organized outdoor activities like stargazing, birding and hiking.
Jasmine’s age recommendation: 35+
Staff music recommendations
Emily: Black Belt Eagle Scout
Jasmine: Sasami and the local bands Terror/Cactus, Mt. Fog, Racoma, Sons of Rainier
Dusty: Afrocop
Day in Day Out
Date: August 12-13
Location: Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center
The Vibe: “It’s simplified, there’s not 35 names per day.”- Jasmine Albertson
“I think the vibe for this year is chill.” – Martin Douglas
Jasmine’s age recommendation: 30+ ?
Leah’s age recommendation: 18-30
Music recommendations: Bon Iver, Willow, Explosions in the Sky, Enumclaw Yaeji, Spirit Award
THING
Date: August 25-27
Location: Fort Worden in Port Townsend, WA
The Vibe: “It’s cool because you are going so far out of town and it’s a real vacation spot.” – Jasmine Albertson
“Fort Worden was a military base and it’s been converted into a state park and the site is beautiful,” Martin Douglas says. “Port Townsend it a lovely down. There’s not much to do there. You could go to the farmers market in the morning and get brunch along the water.”
“This is my favorite lineup. It’s so eclectic.” Dusty Henry
Jasmine’s age recommendation: 27+?
Staff music recommendations
Emily: Fleet Foxes, Lil Yachty, Sylvan Esso, Thundercat, Diggable Planets, Y La Bamba, Grace Love
Dusty: Lil Yachty
Leah: Cigarettes After Sex
Bumbershoot
Date: Sept 2-3
Location: Seattle Center
The Vibe: “It’s always been a family festival that caters to all ages, all races, all genders.”- Martin Douglas
“This is definitely the quintessential Seattle festival.” – Dusty Henry
Jasmine’s age recommendation: No freaking clue
Staff music recommendations
Emily: Sleater-Kinney, Phantogram, Bomba Estéreo and local representation with Thunderpussy, True Loves, Chong the Nomad, The Black Tones, Breaks and Swells, Spirit Award, Beverly Crusher
Martin: Wimps, Girl Trouble, Benny the Butcher, Hunx And His Punx,
Dusty: Sunny Day Real Estate
Leah: Brittany Howard, Domi & JD Beck
