New to Bumbershoot? Here are some survival tips

New to Seattle? Never been to Bumbershoot? You’ve got a treat in store. Those of us who’ve been going to this annual blowout for years have learned some survival techniques. Here are a few tips:

• If you can help it, don’t drive. Parking is expensive and spaces fill up fast. See “Getting There” (below) for tips about public transportation or riding your bike.

• Instead of lining up for a bathroom break inside one of the venues, take advantage of Seattle Center’s large, well-maintained public restrooms. There’s one near the entrance of the Northwest Rooms (by SIFF) and another near the southeast corner of KeyArena. The Armory also has restrooms up the stairs from the north entrance and on the mezzanine level of the food court. The mainstage at the stadium provides scores of “honey buckets.”

• Don’t succumb to FOMO (fear of missing out). Study the schedule, make a plan and try to enjoy at least half, if not whole performances at a sitting. If you spend the whole weekend worrying about what you’re missing, you won’t enjoy what you’re hearing.

• If there’s an act you definitely want to see, go early. Some venues do fill up, especially the theaters. (Conversely, don’t despair; seats often open up mid-performance.)

• Browse the food booths. When you find something you want, find a nice spot on the lawn, sit down and enjoy your meal. Take a look around. Bumbershoot is a spectacle. There are lots of interesting folks — and objects — to see.

• Traditionally, Bumbershoot is where you run into old friends you haven’t seen all year. Have a drink, relax, catch up. Summer’s almost over and school’s just around the corner.

Have fun out there!

Bumbershoot tickets

Your wristband, with an individual embedded bar code, is your “ticket.” You must wear your wristband each day you come to the festival. You cannot remove it until you are finished attending. The wristbands are nonrefundable, nonexchangeable and nontransferable. Each band allows you access to all venues, subject to capacity. Children under 8 and seniors 70 or over do not need a wristband.

Availability/pricing: Because the festival employs “dynamic pricing” (think airline tickets), ticket prices and availability vary by day, as the festival draws closer.

At presstime, a three-day pass was $250-$775, single-day passes were $129.

Check bumbershoot.com for up-to-date availability.

Schedules are also subject to change. Check website for updates.

GETTING THERE

Parking around Bumbershoot can be tough to find and pricey. Find a list of lots at seattlecenter/transportation/parking. Or take the bus — use Metro’s Trip Planner, tripplanner.kingcounty.gov or call 206-553-3000. Bike parking is available on the Space Needle lawn.