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Tips for Bumbershoot for a senior who doesn't get out much?

My mom is incredibly excited for Bumbershoot to see her favorite musician from way back when (Leon Russell @ the Mural on Sun.) - but she's a bit overwhelmed and is having a hard time finding the info she needs. She's older (last went maybe 25 years ago), has some trouble with crowds, and doesn't have much of an entertainment budget, so this is a pretty big deal for her. She'd be devastated to buy a ticket & then not get to see her guy. I've been out of town the last couple of years and haven't ever tried to see a big-name act there, so I'm not much help. So -

1) What's the deal with wristbands/passes this year, and where do you get them?
2) How early does she need to line up to make sure she gets a spot at the Mural, and where?
3) What's the least overwhelming way to do Bumbershoot in general, and what else should she try to do/see?

Thanks so much!

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3 Answers

  • Icon_small
    Reputation: 1627

    To buy tickets ahead of time, go here http://bumbershoot.strangertickets.com/ The Stranger's Bumbershoot guide is useful for figuring out what's worth seeing, and bumbershoot.org has all other info.

    Apparently, there will be no wristbands for the mainstage, it's going to be first-come, first-served.

    You don't need to line up for the Mural Amphitheatre. There's usually about a 45-minute break between sets, when the crowd for the preceding show clears out and the next audience starts trickling in. To get a decent seat/vantage point, your mom will probably want to show up as the previous show is ending at 6:45. If she really wants to get a guaranteed good spot, she might even want to sit through the preceding act since Bumbershoot gets more crowded in the evening.

    I prefer grabbing a spot on the little hill towards the back, making it easier to see over everyone, and that area usually isn't quite as crowded as it is toward the stage. The beer garden also offers a decent vantage point, assuming you can nab a spot along the fence.

    I think the most important part of a low-key experience at Bumbershoot is to try to avoid having to travel long distances in a short time, which basically means: don't try to adhere to a strict schedule; once you've found a good stage, stay put. Also, try to avoid things that have long lines, unless your mom is dying to see whatever it is. In other words, don't bother with comedy. You have to line up at least 45 minutes in advance to see any comedy act at Bumbershoot. But, a lot of the art, literature, and performing arts stuff is really easy to get into with short or non-existent lines, and I've found most of them to be really rewarding, even the time I accidentally walked into Mike Daisey's show when I meant to see David Cross.

    A pro-tip: if there's anything your mom wants to see at the Fisher Green Stage, she should go to the beer garden on top of Fisher Pavilion to watch the act. It's the best seat in the house.

    Another pro-tip: don't let her forget to bring a sweater or jacket for her 7:30 show. It might start getting cold by then.

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  • 0prr6_small
    Reputation: 3429

    Sadly, bumbershoot is no longer even trying to attract the old and very young. Back in the day, Friday was very popular among the older set and music was programed to appeal to all ages. Now there is no Friday and the music selection is aimed at those 18 - 30.

    Going to mural does not require a wristband and varies in crowded-ness depending on who and when. The best bet is to arrive before the act that precedes your show ends (6:45) Be ready to move in as soon as that show is over. You should have no problem unless things get super crowded.

    http://bumbershoot.org/

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  • Img_5852_small
    Reputation: 775

    And, just to clarify, there are no SEATS at the Mural stage (or at many of the stages, actually). It's just folks sitting on the grass. Luckily it shouldn't be soggy that day. If mobility is an issue for your mom and/or sitting down and standing up from the ground is difficult, there are a few benches on the walkway between the stage the Center House food court. There are only about 3 of these, and they don't have a perfect view of the stage (and if folks stand up, she won't be able to see) but she should be able to HEAR just fine. There tends to be a beer garden in this area towards the back...and this might have some limited folding chairs, I'm not sure.

    Also, last year, beside the Mural Stage, Starbucks had a special VIP fenced off area, with some chairs and shade. But you had to sign up ahead of time. Here is the link for the free RSVP for this year. http://www.starbucks.com/seattle/events/bumberfan Again, this area is to the side of the stage, so the sound should be great, but the view won't be. But, if seating is important to your mom, this is probably the most comfortable way to have a seat for Russell's show. If she's interested in getting a spot in the center near the stage, arriving towards the end of the act before Russell should be plenty early enough. (And she can use her jacket/hoodie as something to sit upon during the day)

    Personally, i think checking out a comedy act and/or a theatre performance is a nice break (also, these venues have actual seating, too). You get a guaranteed ticket to ONE comedy lineup. You have to find the comedy ticket booth (it's generally at the north end of the Center House). When you get to the front of the line, you get to choose which act you'd like (Based on availability. If one particular big name comedian really appeals, she'll need to get there as the gates open to get a ticket before it sells out). Then, just be sure to be in line at the comedy theatre 30 minutes before her assigned show starts. It's a pretty straight forward system. And works better than in years past, where people were having to stand for 4 hours to get into the comedy.

    Be sure to wander/check out the visual arts galleries. Last year they blew me away...some really great curated stuff...hoping this year will also be good.

    If she's looking to save money, she should pack a bagged lunch and dinner. There are some decent food vendors, but it can sure add up quickly.

    This is the first year that the mainstage is in Key Arena, so that will be strange.

    Bring a jacket or hoodie, as it may be chilly by the evening, and some sunscreen. Bring a refillable water bottle, as it may be 80* during the day.

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