Seattle's Bumbershoot Returned For Its Biggest Year Yet

Seattle’s Bumbershoot returned this Labor Day weekend, blessed with perfect weather and its biggest lineup yet, featuring Weezer, Janelle Monáe, and AURORA among its top-billed artists. It’s rare to see a festival that appeals to families, but Bumbershoot made sure everyone could join in on the fun with activities like a cat circus, horse-petting, wrestling, all-ages skate competitions, a fashion district, and a wig farm where you try on a new look for the day.

Saturday kicked off with Madison McFerrin and Seattle’s own Great Grandpa, who made their return this year after a nearly six-year hiatus with their album, Patience, Moonbeam. Great Grandpa’s homecoming set was an excellent way to start the day, with a great set that featured a balance of their newer material and their beloved 2019 album, Four of Arrows. Soul-funk group Say She She and Indigo De Souza, whose recent album Precipice finds “the musical sweet spot between authenticity and accessibility,” continued the good times on the Fountain stage. Meanwhile, hardcore punks Scowl captivated the crowd with their energetic set, inciting a circle pit and skanking (the ska dance). It was adorable to see young children experience their first-ever hardcore set and dance with their parents. Quasi also brought in an enthusiastic crowd. It was my first time catching the Portland duo, and it was a joy to see Janet Weiss being the kit again after leaving Sleater-Kinney, reminding why she’s considered one of the best contemporary drummers.

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This marked my first time seeing Bright Eyes, despite being a fan for 15 years now, and it was worth the wait. Conor Oberst gave his performance his all and made sure fan favorites were included in the setlist, including “We Are Nowhere and It’s Now” and “First Day of My Life.” Car Seat Headrest, who are doing limited touring in support of their new album due to frontman Will Toledo’s ongoing health issues, had a massive crowd for their hometown set, which was very sweet to see. While, like at Salt Lake City’s Kilby Block Party, their set leaned towards The Scholars‘ longest tracks (including “Planet Desperation” and “Gethsemane”), the band introduced a medley of the classics fans love, featuring “Happy News for Sadness,” “Stoop Kid,””Something Soon,” “Beach Life-In-Death,” and “My Boy – Twin Fantasy.” I’ve seen Car Seat Headrest multiple times over the years (including in 2015, during the band’s early days), but this might’ve been the best set. Weezer were also fantastic as always, went for the same set they’ve done throughout their Blue Planet tour, but knowing what was coming was part of the excitement as it’s a classic Weezer-heavy set where each fan—no matter if they’re a casual fan or a die-hard—gets their favorite song.

Sunday was just as exciting, with The Linda Lindas’ early set giving the energy boost needed to start our day. SPELLLING followed, with one of the best sets of the festival, mesmerizing the audience with her stellar voice, Kate Bush-esque dancing, and amazing backup vocalists. The Bay Area artist was given the small stage, but she has the kind of star power that deserves the main one. Tennis’ set was stunning, making it even sadder that this is one of the duo’s final performances before calling it quits. It was the perfect soundtrack to the last days of summer, bringing the dreamy, chill vibes to Bumbershoot. Real Estate, kings of chill, kept audiences in that relaxed state. Recently, guitarist Julian Lynch, who replaced Matt Mondanile in 2016 following allegations of sexual misconduct, shared the news that he was leaving the band. During the Bumbershoot set, it was announced that it was actually Lynch’s final show ever with Real Estate, which made it bittersweet.

Diggable Planets and Sylvan Esso kept the fun going, but the highlight of the night was Janelle Monáe’s performance. Everything from the outfits—including a leather tux and outfit changes—to the choreography and her all-female band made it thrilling. AURORA’s set was also ethereal and breathtaking, making it the best way to close the festival.