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Celebrate Lunar New Year in Seattle!

Pulsating drumbeats. The smell of dumplings, marinated meat, and wok-seared spicy noodles and veggies. A dancing lion…..are you in Beijing, Taipei, or Hong Kong? Nope! You are in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (The ID for us locals) experiencing Lunar New Year. And while globally it will be celebrated from January 25 – February 8th, here in the Emerald City we added a few extra days of fun. Our friends at The Stranger have put together a great list of Seattle events and ways to celebrate beginning on January 19th. But the biggest party of them all will be in the ID on February 8th.

Where the World Meets Seattle

The Lunar New Year Celebration will be hosted on February 8th this year between the hours of 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. The festivities are hosted throughout the ID, making it a high-energy and exciting place to be. There’s no cost to attend this event, just a requirement that you bring a spirit of fun with you. (Pro Tip: take the bus or an Uber/Lyft as the parking can be nonexistent). Thousands of visitors make their way this direction in the name of the Lunar New Year Celebration to observe the cultural traditions, enjoy the food and have a fantastic afternoon in the company of plenty of others. 2020 is deemed the Year of the Rat and guests can expect to enjoy a variety of performances, costumes and events that celebrate this fact. The Lunar New Year Celebration will feature both lion and dragon dances as well as drumming, cultural performances and martial arts throughout the day. If you’re traveling to Seattle with little ones, feel free to bring them along as this is a notoriously family-friendly event that’s sure to inspire participants of all ages! Keep your eyes open for the many arts and crafts stands that are designed to be fun, educational and engaging.

Festival Flavor

In addition to the performances and music, the Luna New Year Celebration offers up the opportunity for guests to take part in the annual $3 Food Walk. Local businesses will be on hand throughout the day and with a $3 ticket, guests can sample the delicious goods that are displayed. As you sample the many booths dedicated to Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese and Thai fare just to name a few, you’ll collect stamps that can be turned in for potential raffle prizes. Plan on spending the day and enjoy every moment of your Lunar New Year Celebration in Seattle in 2020.

Book a Stay Today

Whether you’re in town for the Lunar New Year celebration or have plans to come this way for other Seattle events, the team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals is ready to help take care of your accommodation needs. Contact us today for more information and to start planning.


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Belgian Fest Seattle!

Belgian Fest

Seattle is a city known for its art, culture, many restaurants, iconic landmarks, and of course, beautiful natural scenery. With its combination of mountains, waterways, vibrant city living and opportunities to make the most of stunning views, it’s not surprising that Seattle is a place that visitors choose to return to time and again. It’s also a highly innovative destination on the map and rising to the top of the list of new and exciting scenes in Seattle is brewing. As the popularity of craft beer continues to grow, Seattle has taken a seat at the leader’s table and in January, beer lovers will reunite once again to celebrate the flavor, technique, and art of brewing in the state of Washington at Belgian Fest in Seattle.

Festival Highlights

Over 100 Belgian-style beers created at the hands of Washington-based brewers will be available at the 11th annual Belgian Fest in Seattle this year. The festival will be hosted at Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center on January 25th which is situated at 305 Harrison Street. Belgian Fest is divided into two sessions to allow for even more tastings with the first being between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm and the second running from 5:30 pm until 9:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance of the event for $37 per person or for $45 at the door. This is a 21 and up event that proves to be fun-filled each and every year and highlights beverage styles that range from Saisons and Wits to Tripels and Dubbles, just to name a few.

What to Expect

The cost of an admission ticket includes 10 tasting tokens as well as a commemorative tasting glass. A taste constitutes 4 oz, but several are sure to lead to a growing appetite. Fortunately, Belgian Fest also takes pride in providing a great selection of delicious fare during your experience. Savory bites and snacks are available for purchase on-site with vendors situated both inside and outside of the pavilion. Hot dogs, baked goods, sweets and more are sure to please the palate and be a wonderful pairing to the many beverage flavors designed to be enjoyed. The Buddha Bruddah Food Truck is always a fan favorite when you’re in the mood for something more robust while a stop at Po Papas Nuts is a great way to indulge the taste buds when you’re feeling more like a small snack.

Savor Your Stay in Seattle

Whether you’re headed to the Belgian Fest in Seattle or planning a trip any other time of year, the team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals is here to make sure you have accommodations that match your vacation expectations. Contact us today for more information on our many beautiful properties and to start planning your next trip.


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Holiday Adventures in Seattle, Part 2

Thanksgiving is here: you know where you’re eating, you know what you’re bringing, and you know who’s in charge of the turkey – which hopefully is in the fridge for thawing! But what are you doing next week? And the week after that?

Here in Seattle, those are not tough questions to answer, other than choosing from the huge list of Seattle holiday events, fairs, craft shows, concerts…….you get the idea. And you need to carve out time to spend with family and friends that are traveling to our amazing city to visit you. Why not save some time and do both? While a lot of the events go for the entire month, there are also many that are one or two days only, and you don’t want to miss them!

Nerdy Holiday Market, Nov 29th – Dec 1st

Nowadays, nerd is a term of endearment and we all have one or two on our shopping list. Why not find that special something handmade by other nerds? Head to Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park for the GeekCraft Expo Seattle Holiday Market and shop from over 70 vendors who promise ‘something for every geek on your Christmas list’.

Caroling at Westlake, Dec 6th

Join dozens of caroling teams, and about 10,000 of their friends and family, for the 33rd Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition at Westlake Center from 6pm – 8pm. There will be carolers on every street corner, and the top teams advance to the sing-off on the Figgy Main Stage! The event raises funds for the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank.

Jule Fest in Poulsbo, Dec 7th

With vikings at her side, Lucia Bride Carly Tizzano, 15, (right) prepares to light the bonfire during Poulsbo’s Julefest on Saturday, December 6, 2014. (MEEGAN M. REID / KITSAP SUN)

If you’re feeling up to an adventure, hop on the ferry and head to Poulsbo for Jule Fest. Start the day at the Poulsbo Sons of Norway for their annual holiday bazar, which includes homemade Lefse and other yummy treats. Then head to Muriel Ivereson Waterfront Park at dusk and watch the Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings (yes, Vikings!) escort the Lucia Bride to the bonfire, which will be lit while the Viking King reads the Winter Solstice proclamation. Dancing and merriment to follow.

Stay with the Best

Days spent adventuring in all the Seattle holiday events deserve nights spent in a luxurious home away from home. Cook in the gourmet kitchen, relax on the comfy couch, or head to the hot tub or pool to unwind.  The professionals at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals are here to help you find the perfect place to call home. Contact us today for more information and to begin planning your trip.


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The 2019 NW Chocolate Fest!

The Northwest Chocolate Festival

As a child, Boehms Chocolates was a much-anticipated yearly field trip. The drive to Gilman Village, the tour of the factory, the tiny tastes of delicious perfection….I still remember the first time I had gourmet chocolate as a 7 or 8-year-old. Everything since then has been judged by that memory. As an adult, I’ve traveled all over the world and has some amazing chocolate – but nothing quite like that first time. 

People don’t always think of chocolate when they think of Seattle, but we have quite a few amazing local producers: Theo, Dilettante, Seattle Chocolate, and Fran’s just to name a few. There are many places to have a taste and wash it down with your favorite coffee, wine, or whiskey. And for a few days in October, chocolate companies from over 20 countries will be in town and sampling their various creations. White, dark, milk, various mixtures of the three. Infused with sea salt, caramel, fruit, hot and spicy things. ALL THE CHOCOLATE GOODNESS!!! 

A Legendary Chocolate Celebration

This year, The Northwest Chocolate Festivalwill once again be hosted at the Smith Cove Cruise Ship Terminal November 9thand 10thmuch to the delight of locals and visitors alike. The delicious doors open to guests beginning at 10 am each day of the festival which continues until 5 pm each evening. Those who purchase VIP tickets will enjoy early entrance starting at 9 am for a more intimate look at the exhibits, demonstrations and of course, amazing samples. The Northwest Chocolate Festival debuted in 2008 led by Brian Cisneros who is still committed to putting together a festival that ignites the senses, educates the public on chocolate making and creates a time set aside for sweet things to be enjoyed. In 2019, The Northwest Chocolate Festival is considered the ultimate chocolate showcase in North America and is often the highlight of the year for artisan chocolatiers. 

Indulge in the Chocolate Experience

Whether you stop by the festival for a day or make the most of both decadent time slots, The Northwest Chocolate Festival has a variety of options for guests to enjoy. Chocolate artisans from all over the world are represented at this festival meaning visitors can taste their way across the globe, enjoy chocolate-making demonstrations, speak with Cacao farmers and learn what it takes to truly succeed in this delicious industry. Seminars, classes, and workshops that are hosted during the festival come included with the cost of a day pass or weekend pass. Whether you consider yourself a chocolate expert or just can’t wait to enjoy the many flavors and learn something new, this sensational Seattle festival has something for you!

Book a Beautiful Stay

When you’re in the Emerald City to enjoy the chocolate or have plans to make the most of the entire city let the team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals handle your every accommodation detail. Our downtown properties are as luxurious as they are comfortable and keep you in the heart of the fun. Contact ustoday for more information!


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Hempfest 2019

Written by Daniel Pacheco

August 16th, 17th, and 18th you can expect some hazier than normal weather in Seattle. The 28th annual Seattle Hempfest will be kicking off in Sculpture Park along the water and as usual it’s sure to be an experience. Hempfest is lovingly and proudly known as a “protestival” and is the largest cannabis policy reform festival in the world.   In the words of the organizers, Hempfest is first and foremost a political protest rally seeking to change America’s pot laws and to educate the public on the many uses of the cannabis plant.

The original Hempfest started back in 1991 at Volunteer Park and only had about 20 volunteer staff members and 500. This year you can expect about 150,000 attendees over the weekend as well as a staff of almost 1000 volunteers. Will you see people happily enjoying marijuana? Yes. Will there be music? Yes. Lots of delicious food trucks catering to people with the munchies? Tons of them. Despite all that Hempfest isn’t your typical festival – education is really what it’s about as the organizers are looking to make positive changes in marijuana laws, and people’s ideas about cannabis in general, in our country. Throughout the years musicians, actors, political activists, congressman, and even police chiefs have taken the stage.

So, can you go to Hempfest without getting in any trouble? Totally. Is it just full of a bunch of Seattle hippie stoners? Some, but not the majority. Hempfest is free to attend and you’ll see plenty of law enforcement in attendance as well. Roughly 20% of attendees are from out of town, so if you end up visiting you might even run into some people from your home state. As far as staying out of trouble there are still laws you need to follow for a stress-free experience. Hempfest is totally legal and protected by the United States Constitution under your right to freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. However, Hempfest is not a “free zone”. All local, state and federal laws are in full effect at Hempfest, and Seattle parks are designated “Drug Free Zones” which increases the penalties for selling and buying controlled substances. Hempfest is the worst place to attempt to buy or sell illegal substances of any kind. Please don’t do it.

Hempfest is one of the reasons why Washington was one of the earliest states to legalize marijuana and is a GREAT place to get more info on modern marijuana policy. You’ll find experts from all walks of life who can answer all sorts of questions. The legalization of marijuana has gone from a pipe dream, pun intended, to a policy question asked of almost every presidential candidate. No matter what side of the spectrum you fall on you’ll get a wealth of information if you stop by. Parking is very very limited so public transit or walking from most of our properties is the easiest way of getting there. As always if you have any questions feel free to shoot us an email or give us a call! Be sure to also check out the Pike Place Market during your trip!


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The Bite of Seattle!

Written By Daniel Pacheco

Summer always starts a little late in Seattle, and the 4th of July is often a little misty, but to me the Bite of Seattle always feels like the true summer kickoff. Bite of Seattle originally started in the Greenlake neighborhood of Seattle but eventually moved to Seattle Center. Think of it as a giant outdoor summer food court, with beer gardens, music, and a movie in the grass under the Space Needle. If you are staying in one of our Seattle vacation rentals, you’ll be either a short walk, or a quick cab ride away from a delicious weekend. Bite of Seattle runs from July 19th – 21st , from 11am to 9pm on the 19th and 20th, and from 11am to 8pm on the 21st. Bite of Seattle is a great event for the whole family, and there are 21 and up beer gardens for the adults as well.  The Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and Museum of Pop Culture will all be open during The Bite but you should plan on everything being busier.  There are ticket packages available for beer, drink, and food packages, but admission is free there’s plenty to do and eat. At least 20 different vendors will have items priced at 5 dollars or less so you can eat your way around the world.

Big Island Poke
I’ve called Washington my home since 2007, but before that I spent time in Oahu and this is the closest you can get to authentic Hawai’ian poke with a few add-ons which are popular in the mainland. Poke is fresh raw fish, seasoned and marinated, served over rice, a very good place to start if you’ve been intimidated by fancy sushi rolls. Big Island Poke (pronounced po-kay) will be serving their Hawai’ian Poke bowl, Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke bowl, and Kalua Pork Nachos. Highly recommend.

C Davis Texas BBQ
From one end of the spectrum to the other, raw ahi tuna to ribs and brisket cooked low and slow, C Davis Texas BBQ is also worth trying at Bite. Look for the long line, giant trailer that holds the custom grill, and delicious aroma. The pulled pork and brisket are my personal favorites, but there are no regrets to be found on this menu.

Fisher Fair Scones
Scones and raspberry jam may sound like a simple snack, but these scones have been a delicious staple in Washington for over 100 years. When the State Fair comes to Puyallup every year Fisher Fair Scones are on everyone’s list of things to eat. These scones can be purchased year-round in stores or on Amazon, but nothing beats a fresh one.

After exploring (and eating!) your way through town, be sure you’re coming back to a home away from home in downtown Seattle that you’ve booked with Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals. Our properties are extraordinarily luxurious, comfortable and conveniently located near Seattle’s most popular attractions. Contact us today to start planning your next getaway!


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Experiencing a Seattle 4th of July Celebration

If you’re a traveler who is taken in by astounding landscapes that range from towering mountains to lush forests and glittering waterways in between, Seattle, Washington is calling you. If you’re a traveler that has a heart for urban exploration, mesmerizing museums and art galleries that bring the best of traditional and modern combines, there’s something in the cityscape of Seattle with your name on it. When it comes to versatility, there’s a reason Seattle is so well-loved by visitors from near and far. It’s an amazing place to come and discover any time of year no matter where your interests lie.

However, when the 4th of July rolls around, there’s something particularly inspiring about the Emerald City. This sprawling urban oasis surrounding by unparalleled natural beauty sets an incredible scene for Independence Day festivities. Whether you’re passionate about fireworks or looking to savor the holiday through flavor, there are a few Seattle 4th of July events you simply don’t want to miss.

Seafair Summer Fourth

The only thing better than a fireworks display is a display set to custom music. Immerse yourself in a dazzling soundtrack that comes along with brilliant sky-high glitter when you buy a ticket to Seafair Summer Fourth this 4th of July. Located at Gas Works Park at 2101 N. Northlake Way, guest can be a part of the fun for $60. Fireworks and music begin at dusk but before that time comes, be sure to make the most of the many food trucks that dot the park and offer up a savory bite. An on-site beer garden curbs the beverage craving while live musical entertainment acts as pre-fireworks fun.

The Seattle 4th of July Fireworks Cruise

Enjoy your fireworks and a Seatlle 4th of July in pirate-style by boarding a vessel built with fantasy in mind at the hands of Emerald City Pirates on Lake Union. Your watery voyage begins at 8:30 pm and departs from 860 Terry Avenue North. Enjoy onboard snacks, beverages and live music as you wait for the fireworks to start. From your wave-based vantage point, you won’t have to worry about traffic, crowds or obstructed views. Fireworks will dazzle overhead once the sun goes down as you make the most of prime seating on the water. Return to your starting point around 11:30 pm having enjoyed the many sky-high colors that mark this important U.S. holiday.

A Seattle Stay to Remember

When your travels bring you to Seattle for 4th of July, the team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals is happy to help you book a downtown property that feels like a home away from home. Enjoy comfort, quality, and luxury in equal measure with a downtown view that’s one of a kind. Contact us today to begin planning your Independence Day adventures to Seattle.


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Seattle PrideFest 2019

June is Pride Month! In almost all big cities, and a lot of smaller ones as well, there are celebrations going on. The bigger events are towards the end of the month, though smaller neighborhoods have already started the festivities. Seattle, being a rather progressive city, has been throwing Pride events (officially) since 1974 when the first Pride Week was held from June 24th to the 30th. In 2007, PrideFest (a non-profit 501c3) took over and has been throwing the biggest and best events ever since!

The two ‘official’ Pride events are PrideFest Capitol Hill and PrideFest Seattle Center. Capitol Hill is where Pride began all those years ago, and it stands to reason that it is where the kick-off party is. It’s the biggest festival on the Hill all year, and gets started around noon on Saturday, June 29th. 5 blocks are closed to traffic and are filled with food, vendors, 5 stages of music and entertainment – and some of the best people watching you’ll find. The event is free and goes (officially) until 9pm. And if that’s a little before you want to call it a day, almost every bar in the area has some sort of after party happening!

PrideFest Seattle Center is Sunday, June 30th from noon to 8pm. This is the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York, the event which really started the movement for equal rights for all. The event is free and is tons of fun!

There are a lot of ‘unofficial’ Pride events around the city as well, here is one of the more notable ones you won’t want to miss – TransPride! This event takes place on Friday, June 28th from 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM at Cal Anderson Park following the UW Q’s Trans Pride Parade at Seattle Central Community College. The parade is A LOT of fun and is a great way to meet people from around the state and celebrate our Trans friends and family. This is the yearly kick-off to Pride Weekend and isn’t just for Trans People. Everyone is welcome to join! There will be live music, food and merch booths with just about anything your little heart might desire. TransPride Pro Tip: If you are not Trans, remember not to stare. If this is your first time at an event like this, it may be a new experience seeing Trans people. And as interested as you may be about, well, everything, remember that staring can make people feel weird. And this weekend is all about including everyone and NOT making anyone feel weird. That being said, another point of this celebration is to educate people about the Trans movement and Trans people. So don’t be afraid to ask questions, most everyone will be happy to have an open and honest conversation with you. If you aren’t sure how to address someone (he/him, she/her, they/them) introduce yourself first, and politely ask how they would like to be addressed. Again, as this is about education and the inclusion of everyone, most people won’t be offended by this question.

Let’s talk about Shopping! Each event has it’s own shopping area with vendors offering everything from local art to cool clothing and everything in between. Yes, it is 2019, but a lot of vendors are CASH ONLY so make sure you have some. Many will take debit/credit cards, but at outdoor festivals and parades cash is still king. Don’t forget to stop by the ATM on your way.

A note about parking: there isn’t much. Each event has some public parking lots available, more at Seattle Center an anywhere else, but public transportation or ride sharing are going to be your best bet for a stress-free Pride weekend!

Last, but not least, don’t forget your water and sunscreen! The weather is usually nice, and can even be hot so please be prepared. Since you’ll have your bag or backpack with you for all the amazing treasures you find, it’s a good idea to throw in some lip balm, pain reliever (it can get LOUD) and snacks.

Here are some great resources for Pride Events: https://www.seattlepridefest.org/, https://www.thestranger.com/events/40446605/trans-pride-seattle-2019, https://www.queerpridefestival.com/.


June Events in Seattle!

It’s almost summer!! The weather is getting consistently nicer, the flowers are blooming, and the trees are making the hardscapes of the city softer. June brings us Father’s Day, the tail-end of SIFF, the Rock-n-roll Marathon and raps up with Pride!

Let’s start with Dad. Indoors, outdoors, music, sports, food, drink….no matter what he is interested in, there are tons of options for celebrating his special day. Why not schedule a trip on the water that includes food and drinks? Argosy Cruises and Let’s Go Sailing offer day and evening trips around both Lake Washington and Elliott Bay.

If sports are his thing, the Mariners and Sounders are still keeping Seattle Playoff hopes alive, and you won’t want to miss seeing a game at T-Mobile Park or CenturyLink Field. Our sports venues offer some really great food and drink options or stick to tradition and buy your old man a hot dog and beer!

SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) runs through June 9th. Known as America’s largest film festival, there are tons of premiers, talks by directors, and chances to meet the actors. And the next week brings us Best of SIFF at Uptown Cinemas, watch the films that were award winners and audience favorites.

There are more festivals in June than you can shake a stick at – literally every weekend boasts at least three or four fairs, runs, tastings…everything from the Bacon Eggs and Kegs Boozy Brunch at CenturyLink Field to the Greenwood Car Show. Our friends at Events12.com have the best list of all the great things to do in and around the city, check it out!

And let’s not forget the biggest part of June festivals: Solstice and Pride! While there are many small, local neighborhood events, by far the biggest are the Freemont Solstice Parade on the 22nd, the Freemont Fair on the 22nd and 23rd, PrideFest Capitol Hill on the 29th, and the Seattle Pride Parade and PrideFest on the 30th. All three give you a chance to eat, drink, shop, and bring out your inner diva – you know you want to pull that feather boa out and dance the night away!

Since you’ll spend your days doing a lot of walking (we suggest a good pair of walking shoes!) why not stay in a luxury unit that offers a warm pool to stretch those tired muscles in? Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals offers units that have not only indoor pools, but roof-top decks for relaxing on after a long day of adventuring. Give us a call and our friendly and knowledgeable staff can find the perfect vacation rental for your visit!

2019 Event Calendar_June


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Planning for Bumbershoot 2019

 

While Bumbershoot is over for 2018, it’s never too early to plan your trip to Seattle for next year!
By Daniel Pacheco

Bumbershoot is traditionally Seattle’s “summer’s over” party, with most area schools starting the Tuesday or Wednesday after Labor Day.  It is a music festival, but it has always been much more than that, and it is definitely a people watching spectacle.  I love the ability to get in and make your way through different acts.  It gives you an opportunity to be exposed to different music genres.

Seattle Local Tips: This festival is BIG.  There is a lot to see and do, and it helps to go in with a plan.  Review the line-up before going in, and get a lose idea of where you want to be and when.

The number one complaint year in, year out, is parking.  Either finding it, or if you found it, the price (ouch) you have to pay for the privilege. Luckily, if you are a Seattle Oasis guest, 75% of our properties are within walking distance, and all are a quick Lyft away. With the housekeeping out of the way, let’s get to the fun.

First Off, Don’t Miss the Chance to be Spontaneous.

Yes, I realize I just told you to go in with a plan. And do. But allow for time to linger over acts that tickle your ear.  Headliners this year are, among others, Lourde, Solange, Weezer and Foster the People. These spaces will fill up quickly.  But as you are making your way around, keep an open mind for local act Tacocat, Latin funk group Chicano Batman, or comedian Brody Stevens.  There are over ninety music musical acts and 19 comedic acts so don’t get tunnel vision.

Don’t Be Afraid to Bring the Kiddos:

Youngershoot is the younger side of Bumbershoot, sponsored by the Children’s Museum. There are special exhibits and interactive opportunities for the under 10 set.  It consists of an smaller area segregated from the rest of the Seattle Center campus, with music, art and acts tailored to little ones. In addition, Bumbershoot is tagging which acts, in the general line-up, are kid friendly. A couple that come to mind immediately: Smokey Brights and The Roots.  Also, check out the dance acts.

Seattle Local Tip:  If going with little ones, the crowds are smaller earlier in the day. Strollers are permitted, but discouraged, just FYI.

Spend the Day:

Bumbershoot is more that just music.  There is comedy, spoken word, dance, theatre and visual arts.  You can also practice yoga, see a Laser Dome show, and check out the Sub Pop pop up. Food is good enough to write home about. Offerings from Matt’s In The Market (a personal fave), BokBok Fried Chicken, Gracia, Little Uncle and more will keep blood sugar levels steady. In addition, the Amory locations are also open during the festival, so beer, wine and vegan options are available.

 

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