The Capitol Hill Block Party is an annual music and arts festival held in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1997, the festival has grown to become one of the city's premier summer events, attracting thousands of music fans and art enthusiasts from around the region.
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| Alex Blackstock from San Francisco, Wikimedia. |
The festival typically takes place over three days in late July, and features a diverse lineup of local and national artists, spanning a range of genres from indie rock and hip-hop to electronic music and more. In addition to the music, the festival also features a variety of art installations, food vendors, and other attractions, making it a truly unique and immersive experience for attendees.
Over the years, the Capitol Hill Block Party has played host to some of the biggest names in music, including Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Vampire Weekend, and Run the Jewels, as well as emerging artists and local favourites. The festival's reputation for showcasing up-and-coming talent has helped it to become a hotbed for discovering new and exciting artists before they hit the mainstream.
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| Photo by Heather Harve via Wikimedia. |
Beyond the music and art, the Capitol Hill Block Party is also known for its vibrant and inclusive community. The festival has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and strives to create a safe and welcoming space for attendees of all backgrounds and identities.
The festival is also deeply rooted in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. By showcasing local artists and musicians, the festival helps to support and promote the creative community in the area, and has become an important part of the neighborhood's cultural fabric.
Despite facing some challenges over the years, including concerns around noise levels and gentrification, the Capitol Hill Block Party has remained a beloved and highly anticipated event in Seattle's summer calendar. Its unique blend of music, art, and community has helped to make it a true Seattle institution, and one that continues to draw crowds year after year.
Thinking of visiting the Capitol Hill Block Party? Here are some tips:
- Plan ahead: With so many great bands and artists on the lineup, it can be hard to decide who to see. Take some time to look at the schedule and plan out your days in advance to make sure you don't miss any of your favorites.
- Arrive early: The festival can get crowded, especially in the evenings. Arriving early will give you a chance to explore the festival grounds and see some of the earlier acts before the crowds arrive.
- Stay hydrated: Seattle summers can be hot, so be sure to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. There are water stations located throughout the festival grounds, so take advantage of them.
- Dress comfortably: You'll be on your feet all day, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Also, consider bringing a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring cash: While many vendors and food trucks accept credit cards, some may only accept cash. Be sure to bring enough cash with you to avoid having to leave the festival to find an ATM.
- Be respectful: The Capitol Hill Block Party is a celebration of music and art, but it's also a community event. Be respectful of other attendees, vendors, and performers, and help to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
- Explore the neighborhood: The Capitol Hill neighborhood is full of great bars, restaurants, and shops, so be sure to take some time to explore the area while you're in town for the festival.
- Have fun: Finally, remember that the Capitol Hill Block Party is all about having fun and enjoying great music and art. So be sure to let loose, dance like nobody's watching, and have a great time!
Which artists have played at the party over the years?
The Capitol Hill Block Party has played host to a wide range of artists over the years, spanning multiple genres and generations. Some of the most notable artists to have performed at the festival include:
- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
- Vampire Weekend
- Run the Jewels
- MGMT
- Chromeo
- Chance the Rapper
- ODESZA
- Father John Misty
- The Flaming Lips
- Diplo
- Girl Talk
- Spoon
- Perfume Genius
- Built to Spill
- The Lumineers
This is just a small sample of the many artists who have played over the years. The festival has always had a reputation for showcasing emerging and up-and-coming talent, as well as established artists, making it a great place to discover new music and experience some of the most exciting acts of the moment.
5 interesting facts about the Capitol Hill Block Party:
1. The festival was founded in 1997 by David Meinert, who was inspired by the vibrant music and arts scene in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood.
2. Over the years, the festival has grown from a small, one-day event to a three-day extravaganza featuring dozens of artists and attracting tens of thousands of attendees.
3. In addition to music and art, the festival also features a variety of food vendors, including some of Seattle's most popular food trucks and local restaurants.
4. The festival has a strong commitment to sustainability and strives to minimise its environmental impact through initiatives like composting and recycling, as well as encouraging attendees to bring their own water bottles and use public transportation to get to the festival.
5. In 2016, the festival temporarily suspended operations due to concerns about safety and noise levels. However, after a year-long hiatus, the festival returned in 2017 with a renewed commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for all attendees.