Bumbershoot is coming back swinging this Labor Day Weekend (August 30–31), and it’s not just about the music – it’s also about art. Building on the buzz from its recent music lineup announcement, festival producers New Rising Sun just dropped details on this year’s Visual Arts programming – and they’re as eclectic as the fest itself.

This year, Seattle Center will once again transform into a playground of living art. Expect to find free-range artists popping up in unexpected corners, a fashion scene that takes over the Northwest Courtyard, and even stand-up comedy sets that promise to light up SIFF. 

The Fashion District will feature all-new runway shows highlighting the next generation of Pacific Northwest designers. And just steps away from the runway, a fashion marketplace unfolds with the latest trends and retro wear that will keep you browsing for hours. The ever-weird, ever-wonderful Wig Farm also returns making sure you’re fit is complete from head to toe. 

If you’re looking for adrenaline, the Recess District is bringing back BUMBERMANIA, a wrestling showcase that feels more performance art than WWE. Just steps away, Gravity Park will host a half-pipe skateboarding program featuring some of the region’s top skaters, proving that art isn’t just what you hang on walls – it’s also the steez of the stick.

For those drawn to the mystical, the Witch Temple returns inside the GEODESIC DOMES. Tarot readings, astrological charting, and energy work sessions will offer festivalgoers an opportunity to realign their cosmic selves before heading back out to the music stages. Nearby, the Pole Pavilion will showcase two days of pole-centered dance and performance, merging athleticism with art. 

And yes, the Cat Circus is back – that death-defying troupe of shelter kittens that always has lines forming to get a glimpse of this festival staple of choreographed tricks and stunts by feline superheroes.

New this year is Vanishing Seattle that captures the evolving face of the city through its buildings and businesses – a reminder of what’s gained and lost in a city constantly remaking itself.

Comedy also returns with the Comedy Coop bringing the Northwest’s funniest voices to SIFF for a weekend of unfiltered laughs.

Hungry? You will be. Bumbershoot’s Culinary Arts programming is back with festival staples, local restaurants, Cocktail Corner, VineShoot, and BumBEERshoot – showcasing a taste of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Stay tuned for more info on those offerings in later posts.

Art, chaos, cats, cocktails, and a coven – it appears Bumbershoot 2025 has it all. More information on the Bumbershoot arts, music lineup and tickets are available at bumbershoot.com.