Bumbershoot 2025 [Day 1]

In today’s unpredictable political climate in the U.S., I decided to take a little risk and fly down to Seattle—a trip I try to make every summer. This time, I finally checked out Bumbershoot, the long-running festival held at Seattle Center.
I have to say, after my first experience, I think I prefer Bumbershoot to Capitol Hill Block Party.
The lineup felt more in tune with my taste, and the setting gave it a distinct energy.
Day One Highlights:
Madison McFerrin kicked things off with a soulful mix of singer-songwriter R&B and pop, performing songs from her album Scorpio.
She also shared about being featured on Tyler, The Creator’s Don’t Tap the Glass album, lending vocals to the track Don’t You Worry Baby.

Fleetwood Snack (Seattle) came out in a full ghillie suit, delivering a wild set of experimental, noisy electronic music.

Kyle Dion brought smooth R&B, pop, and soul vibes.

Great Grandpa (Seattle) delivered a strong indie rock set.

Foot Ox leaned into indie folk-pop with heartfelt charm.

Say She She lit up the stage with infectious soul and pop.

Hey, Nothing impressed with an indie emo-folk rock sound.

Scowl (California) was a huge highlight for me—an explosive, punk-driven set that had Seattle crowds moshing with full energy.

Bright Eyes delivered a nostalgic, well-received performance.

Quasi kept things loud with their alt-rock power.

Tank and the Bangas entertained with their genre-blending mix of funk, soul, and rock.

I was thrilled to finally see Car Seat Headrest live.
Even with Will Toledo masked up, the band powered through an excellent indie rock set, featuring material from The Scholars.

Amelia Day & The Cloves

The night closed with headliners Weezer.
I went in with mixed feelings—part excitement to see such a big band in Seattle, and part curiosity about how elaborate their “Voyage to the Blue Planet” tour staging would be.
While there was no spaceship or over-the-top spectacle, they delivered a straight-up rock show stacked with hits like Hash Pipe, My Name Is Jonas, Undone – The Sweater Song, Island in the Sun, and Holiday.
Though I left before the end of Weezer’s set (festival fatigue set in), the first day of Bumbershoot left me with a lasting impression.

It was a great kickoff to what’s shaping up to be a festival worth returning to.
Check out the gallery.

Bumbershoot 2025

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