Looking for the best music festivals in Washington in 2023..? Well, look no further, because I’ve got them all covered for an incredible year of events spanning nearly every genre. Whether you’re looking for a Seattle music festival or looking to head east, the PNW is guaranteed to impress!
Washington, one of the United States most important musical destinations, definitely doesn’t disappoint when it comes to putting on a show-stopping music festival schedule. There are some truly epic Washington festivals, and it helps that many of these are at the incredible Gorge(ous) Amphitheater!
Year-round, you can indulge in events statewide that are geared at all musical genres, from indie to hip hop, electronic to hard rock. Vibe to great tunes in ultra-hip Seattle, or discover lesser-known musical hubs like George, Tacoma, and Spokane.
So, why not take a road trip to the state that produced the likes of Kurt, Eddie and Jimi (just to name a few), and explore the scene for yourself?
Take a read through what I think are the Top 18 Washington music festivals in 2023, watch a few of the after-movies, and start planning your yearly summer festival schedule!
Also, be sure to read my guides on Festival Hydration Backpacks, Festival Camping Packing List, Festival Shoes, and Festival Gadgets to help you make the most of your time!
1) Beyond Wonderland PNW 2023
When: June 17-18, 2023
Where: The Gorge Amphitheater
https://pnw.beyondwonderland.com/
One of California’s most popular electronic music festivals is heading up to the PNW for the first time in 2021 (after the inaugural event in 2020 was forced to be cancelled), and I have no doubt it’s going to be an event that thousands will treasure for the rest of their lives.
The Gorge is one of the most amazing festival venues in the world, and with Insomniac bringing their world-class festival production, it’s definitely going to be an incredible weekend filled with camping, dancing, and meeting fellow EDM addicts from around the world.
2) Summer Meltdown Festival
When: July 28-31, 2023
Where: Darrington, WA
https://summermeltdownfest.com/
Where the Music Meets the Mountain!!!
Summer Meltdown is a music, camping, and adventure festival in Darrington, WA – an hour and a half into the Cascade mountains from Seattle and Bellingham. Summer Meltdown is known for its vibrant community that is open to all ages – from the kids zone, to the late night tent, to lounging in the beer garden – this festival offers fantastic experiences for everyone!
“We’re talking about 19 years of adventure and great music….
3) Watershed Music Festival
When: August 4-6, 2023
Where: The Gorge Amphitheater
‘Shedders unite at The Gorge for the biggest 3-day country and music festival in the Northwest!
While I wouldn’t typically attend a country music festival myself…I would never say no to the chance to spend a weekend in the gorge camping, drinking, and listening to live music with my friends! This is easily one of the best country festivals in the U.S.A, located in arguably the best venue in the entire continent!
4) Above & Beyond Group Therapy Weekender
When: July 21-23, 2023
Where: The Gorge Amphitheater, Washington
https://www.aboveandbeyond.nu/gtw/
“Our first-ever Group Therapy Weekender was an incredible, life-affirming experience. A truly special weekend, together on one of the world’s best dancefloors. See you in 2024.” – Above & Beyond
So I was in attendance for this magical two-day #ANJUNAFAM party, and I was completely blown away by the experience! Not only was it my first time visiting the wondrous Gorge Amphitheater, which certainly is a top contender for the best music festival venue in the world, but it was also my very first Anjuna festival! While I don’t typically listen to too much trance music anymore, I had the time of my life dancing it up and being surrounded by one of the most loving and accepting communities in the electronic dance music industry.
While the first day was dedicated to the more EDM side of Anjunabeats, the performances by Jason Ross, Audien, Andrew Bayer, and Above & Beyond (perfomring for ABGT 250) were all fantastic. But my favorite day for music was the latter, which showcased the Anjunadeep sounds, for a purely melodic and euphoric experience! I had somehow never heard of either Luttrell or Yotto, but they were simply perfect!
While the Gorge Amphitheater is notoriously expensive (talking $12 a beer or so), I loved the camping experience, and met a ton of great friends!
Above & Beyond brought back a ton of amazing acts back to the Gorge in July 2022 (view below the full line-up), and it’s simply a MUST ATTEND for EDM/Trance fans in the Pacific Northwest.
5) Bass Canyon Festival
Credit: Jake West Photo
When: August 2023
Where: The Gorge Amphitheater
After a forced hiatus in 2020, the legendary Excision is bringing his Bass Canyon festival back to the iconic Gorge Amphitheater. EDM and Bass fans will absolutely love the star-studded line-up, this two-day event is a must-attend that is a crowd-pleaser every year.
Enjoy amazing campgrounds, top-notch food and drink vendors, all night parties, and stunning sunsets.
6) Bumbershoot Music Festival
When: 2023
Where: Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s Celebration of Music, Arts, & Creativity!
“Now approaching half a century, Bumbershoot is one of Seattle’s largest cultural touchstones. Each year, thousands of people from across the country flock to Seattle Center to attend this acclaimed festival, which has become one of the biggest and most-loved contemporary festivals in North America, while having maintained its Northwest spirit and innovative roots.”
7) Capitol Hill Block Party
When: July 2023
Where: Capitol Hill, Seattle, Washington
http://www.capitolhillblockparty.com/
“Capitol Hill Block Party is an annual, three-day music festival and block party held each July in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. With a six-stage setup of both indoor and outdoor venues, multiple beer gardens, and VIP lounges, CHBP provides a communal, accessible experience, continuously evolving since it was founded in 1997. Featuring national, big-name artists, promising local talent, and lesser-known performers across a variety of genres, CHBP exposes its 20,000+ attendees to a diverse balance of acts that appeals to all ages and music tastes.
Never failing to bring Seattle and neighboring cities together, CHBP has created a well-known name for itself alongside many national festivals.”
Check out this awesome review, “Review: Lizzo shines at highly anticipated 2019 Capitol Hill Block Party performance” for more information!
“With the last bass line dropped, the final White Claw hard seltzer crushed, the 23rd Capitol Hill Block Party Starring (OMG!) Queen Lizzo is in the books. Yes, there’s no doubt that this will go down as the year Lizzo ruled Block Party, delivering on what was easily the most anticipated set during the three-day bash on the Hill.
But with more than 120 acts spread across seven-plus stages, there were many award-worthy performances throughout the annual summer fete that drew roughly 29,000 fans to East Pike Street. To acknowledge these outstanding achievements, we present our inaugural (sure, maybe) Capitol Hill Block Party Most Valuable Performer Awards — or the CHBP MVPAs, if you will.”
8) Olympic Music Festival
When: August 2023
Where: Port Townsend, Washington
https://www.olympicmusicfestival.org/
Artistic Director Julio Elizalde announces the Olympic Music Festival’s (OMF) 2019 summer season featuring chamber music’s most sought-after artists for six weeks of captivating performances in Port Townsend, Washington. Performers include superstar violinists Sarah Chang and Ray Chen, the return of Musicians from GardenMusic led by Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams, and many other prominent musicians from around the globe. The 2019 season takes place over six weekends from July to early September with twelve individual performances. Concerts begin at 2:00PM.
2021 marks the sixth year of the Olympic Chamber Music Fellowship – the OMF’s internationally recognized educational program. Considered to be one of the most unique professional training programs in the country, the Fellowship serves as a critical link for young artists transitioning from student life to facing the challenges of becoming a professional musician. The four fellows, selected through a highly competitive audition process, will spend two weeks at the OMF collaborating with mentoring artists while learning about the intricacies of a building a career through group discussions on rarely covered subjects such as taxes, management, and contract negotiations. This year’s fellows include current students and graduates of major music schools such as the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and Yale School of Music at Yale University.”
9) Thing Music and Arts Festival Port Townsend
When: August 2023
Where: Port Townsend, Washington
““THING” is a 3-day festival of music and arts taking place August 2023 at historic Fort Worden in Port Townsend, WA. The event features a tightly curated lineup of diverse performers with an emphasis on fresh discoveries and a vision to create an environment where all are welcomed and represented. This includes a distinctive mix of music, comedy, visual arts, speakers, and highlights from STG’s signature education and community programs.
Fort Worden is a former military base (and filming location of An Officer and a Gentleman) encompassing 434 acres with 12 miles of forested hiking trails, 2 miles of walkable saltwater beaches and commanding views of the Puget Sound. The historic property has evolved into a lifelong learning center in the magnificent setting of Port Townsend, WA- dubbed “the Paris of the Pacific Northwest” by Sunset Magazine. The festival features 4 stages including 2 outdoor stages, McCurdy Pavilion (former balloon hangar converted into a theatre) and the Wheeler Theatre (intimate art deco venue). The festival sold out in its inaugural year (2019) garnering a warm response from the community.”
10) Day Trip Festival Seattle
When: August 2023
Where: Seattle, Washington
https://seattle.daytripfest.com/
Originating in Southern California, the Day Trip brand has made quite a large splash into the festival scene in the last year. Now the team at Insomniac Events (who host the biggest and best electronic music festivals in the USA) are taking Day Trip on the road, and fortunately are making an appearance in Seattle!
With the 2022 inaugural edition, they’ve announced incredible acts like Kaytranada, Duke Dumont, Lee Foss, and so many more. I know I’ll be there for this one!
11) Seattle Hempfest Protestival
Photo via Facebook
When: Summer 2023
Where: Seattle, Washington
https://www.hempfest.org/festival/
“Boasting the title of the world’s largest event advocating for the decriminalization of marijuana, Seattle HEMPFEST peacefully takes a stance on this controversial argument. Since its inception in 1991, the festival has grown to draw a crowd of more than 450,000 devoted attendees. Held as a three-day event, guests can join in a political rally, attend the arts and crafts fair and enjoy a heady lineup of live musical entertainment.”
12) Volume Inlander Music Festival
When: Summer 2023
Where: Spokane, Washington
“Join us for Volume Inlander Music Festival – a once-a-year music extravaganza that showcases bands from all over the Northwest. Volume offers 100 bands at venues all over Downtown Spokane. One wristband gets you into every show, and onto the Spokane Party Bus for a quick ride to your next music destination.”
13) HONK! FEST WEST
When: June 2-4, 2023
Where: Seattle, Washington
To celebrate music, community, activism, diversity, cultural expression, representation, and love in 3 different Seattle neighborhoods!!
“HONK! Fest West is a free, non-profit, community music festival driven by the energetic performance of street bands in public spaces. Completely volunteer-planned and organized, HONK! festivals are a part of a global renaissance of community street band culture. For three days in Seattle area parks and streets, 25+ bands deliver music and celebration that is accessible to all.
HONK! bands are typically acoustic and mobile, often politically aware and articulate, and always high spirited. There is a rich community ethic among HONK!ers, who use their music to erode the barriers between professional and novice, and between audience and performers. Although uniforms are sometimes used as a performance tool, individuality is key, and group members often hail from all range of classes, ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds. Perhaps most importantly, the HONK!ers’ ultimate goal is to have fun, to relish the art of making fun as a form of individual and collective transcendence, and to encourage others to see and do the same.”
14) Imagine Music & Arts Festival
When: September 8-10, 2023
Where: Doe Bay Resort, Orcas Island, Washington
https://imagineorcasisland.com/
“Thank you for joining us. Imagine Music & Arts Festival would like to present the latest rendition of our artistic endeavor. We will showcase cutting edge music along with visual and performance art in an amazing world-class setting. It is an honor for us to return once again to the beautiful Doe Bay Resort on Orcas Island. Located on a remote point of one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Imagine is a place of a different time and a different pace. A place where magic happens and dreams can become reality. Please join us once again for Imagine…
At the Imagine Music & Arts Festival music is an art form. We’ve brought musicians from around the world and created a showcase throughout the weekend that will weave a beautiful emotional journey through your experience at Imagine. Featuring a collection of electronic dance music producers, live bands, acoustic live acts and ambient downtempo artists, you will leave inspired by the caliber of music you will encounter here.”
15) Wintergrass Music Festival
When: February 23-26, 2023
Where: Hyatt Regency, Bellevue
“Acoustic Sound is committed to preserving and promoting traditional, acoustic, American music through presentation and education, with special attention given to the bluegrass music community.
16) BAMF! Bellingham
When: August 2023
Where: Look Out Arts Quarry, Bellingham, Washington
“BAMF! is a community arts and music festival formed in 2017 by two Fairhaven College students with the vision of bringing the local music scene out of its normal house show, bar, or small venue setting and into the great outdoors for an overnight camping extravaganza where all the niches of the Bellingham music and arts communities can collide!
We have grown slow and steady since then and while we still hold the same vision true we have also expanded to allow for more attendees and larger national acts to play alongside our favorite local acts.
Our mission is to empower local artists and musicians by giving them a larger platform to share their work, and to promote more interconnectedness between different disciplines of creation in Bellingham. The result, usually, is a really good time!”
17) Day In Day Out
When: August 2023
Where: Fischer Pavilion, Seattle Center, Seattle, Washington
http://www.dayindayoutfest.com
“Day In Day Out annual music festival offers music-lovers a highly curated mix-tape-inspired experience to close out the summer and will feature some of Seattle’s most hype-worthy food trucks, a spacious indoor-outdoor beer garden, and unique VIP experiences all located in the heart of Seattle Center.”
18) Reggae On The Way Festival
When: August 2023
Where: Tacoma, Washington
https://www.reggaeontheway.com/
“A Tacoma tradition was born July 30, 2017 as thousands of happy revelers descended on the city’s resurgent South Tacoma Way for the inaugural Reggae on the Way festival.
The sold-out event – created by Danno Presents – filled two city blocks with buoyant island grooves from Common Kings, Anuhea and other main stage acts, the mouth-watering aroma of gourmet burgers, barbecue, and enough smiling faces to remind old-school Tacomans of a time when that stretch of South Tacoma Way, between 52nd and 56th streets, was the city’s premier entertainment district.
Musically, Puget Sound may best be known for grunge and garage-rock; but veteran promoter Dan Rankin has long known there is an insatiable appetite for reggae here, too, dating back to his days booking and managing and booking hotspot clubs and venues throughout Tacoma & Seattle, Producing Art On The Ave and curating other festivals.”
Washington Festival Possibly Returning in 2023
Washington has seen lots of changes in the festival scene up here, and some festival have not made any announcements or plans to return, but I wanted to give them a bit of recognition just in case they make a return.
Upstream Music Festival
When: Possibly returning in June 2023…?
Where: Pioneer Square, Seattle
https://upstreammusicfest.com/
“Upstream Music Fest + Summit is a three-day music fest where attendees can discover acclaimed national artists performing alongside rising stars from the Northwest. Our open campus in the heart of Seattle’s historic arts and entertainment district allows for serendipitous moments for fans and musicians alike, and our variety of ticket options means you can curate your perfect weekend of music.”
In early 2019 though, they announced they’d be taking a break, and posted the following message on Facebook. It looks like such an incredible event though, so I’m hoping they make a return in 2023!
Ignition Northwest
When: Summer 2023
Where: Granite Falls, WA
Lost Cities & Civilizations
Critical is an official Burning Man regional event, and a program of Ignition Northwest.
“For sixteen years Critical Northwest has been dedicated to championing the spirit and principles of Burning Man in the Pacific Northwest. Every July we gather together to embrace the spirit and vision of the playa as we build something new right here in the woods and mountains of home.This year our theme, Lost Cities and Civilizations, will explore mythology from around the world. From the depths of Atlantis to the meadows of Tir na nÓg, the sands of Zerzura to the frost of Valhalla, we’ll delve into the commonalities and differences in the stories shaped by human imagination for as long as we’ve had the language to share our dreams.”
While I’m fully aware that Burning Man is not a music festival, I think the community here is similar to what I look for when I go to music festivals, so I include regional burns on my festival roundups! If you’re thinking about going to this festival or Black Rock City, check out my articles Burning Man Accessories, Costumes, Clothing, and Outfit Essentials, as well as my post about the Best Burning Man Goggles & Glasses.
Bonus Festival – Sasquatch?
When: ????
Where: The Gorge Amphitheater
Do you think Sasquatch will ever return…? It was seriously my biggest bucket list music festival in Washington, and I was absolutely horrified to hear that it wouldn’t be coming back for 2019, and most likely the future….
Read this article on how Sasquatch not Returning in 2019 for a bit more info, but it doesn’t seem too likely! It’s such a shame, because it was definitely one of the best festivals in America! They always delivered a top-notch line-up, amazing camping in an unbelievably beautiful destination, and an overall incredibly fun weekend. I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad about Sasquatch, and that’s why I can’t leave it off this list!!
“Anchored on indie and alt rock, Sasquatch! also delves into hip hop, funk, electronic musics and more, choosing acts for their artistic creativity over commercial appeal. This approach combined with being set at the utterly beautiful Gorge Amphitheater makes this one of the best music festivals in the world.”
Check out this fun review: SASQUATCH IS THE FESTIVAL FOR MUSIC AFICIONADOS
I’m living in Washington now, so fingers crossed there’s somehow a massive revival and the festival returns in the future!
Am I Missing Any Epic Music Festivals in Washington…?
While I’m currently editing this post from Spain, I’ve been living in Washington for over 5 months now, and can’t wait to check out as many of these festivals as possible in the coming years! It’s not the most popular state in the U.S.A for music festivals, but there really are some solid options to choose from. If you think I’m missing any important ones that I need to add to my list, please do comment below or email me and let me know! Thanks!!
Looking for more music festivals…?
I’ve spent countless hours compiling the best music festivals, parties, concerts, and events all over the world! Check out a few of my favorite packing lists and festival round-up articles below, and feel free to reach out to me with any questions festival-related!! I’m always planning my next event!!
- 44 Festival Accessories, Gear, and Must-Haves | Festival Packing List
- The Ultimate Music Festival Camping Packing List
- Top 20 Music Festivals in Canada to Experience Before You Die
- 37 California Music Festivals That’ll Keep You Dancing All Year Long
- Top 20 San Diego Music Festivals | The Ultimate SD Festival Bucket List
- The Best 25 Music Festivals in Texas To Experience Before You Die
- The Top 25 Music Festivals in ARIZONA To Experience Before You Die
- The Best 25 Music Festivals in FLORIDA To Experience Before You Die
- 37 California Music Festivals That’ll Keep You Dancing All Year Long
- The 13 Best Music Festivals in New York to Experience Before You Die
- The Top 10 Music Festivals in Colorado To Experience Before You Die
- Top 21 Music Festivals in LAS VEGAS To Experience Before You Die
- 15 Epic Music Festivals in MICHIGAN To Experience Before You Die
- 20 Vancouver Music Festivals To Add To Your BUcket List
- Top 14 Music Festivals in OREGON to Experience Before You Die
Thanks for reading about these music festivals in Washington!!
Share this article with your Washington Festival squad!!
Missed whidbey island music festival
The same person that put Sasquatch on just created a new festival called THING in Port Townsend
My name is Sean Keck. There is a great festival happening in Tulalip, Washington from September 6-8. It is called “The Revival Jam & Art Festival”. I am headlining on Friday night. Here is the link;
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10219798459735133&id=1328637772&sfnsn=mo
Pain in the Grass 2019 White River Amphitheater
Bass Canyon – late August, Gorge Amphitheatre
Chinook Music Fest Sept 11-13 of 2020 Jim Sprick Community Park/Naches, WA
Earthdance Reevolution
June 18 – 21
42501 State Rte 530 NE, Darrington, WA 98241
Darrington Bluegrass Festival
July 17 – 19
42501 State Rte 530 NE, Darrington, WA 98241
Summer Meltdown
August 6-9
42501 State Rte 530 NE, Darrington, WA 98241
My favorite Eastern Washington festival is the Tumbleweed Music Festival held over Labor Day Weekend in Howard Amon Park, Richland, WA. It is free, features 100+ musical acts and workshops, and family friendly.
https://www.southsoundblockparty.com/
Olympia, Washington. Dates set for 2023
Love your listings! Also hoping for another Sasquatch.
Friend said today he heard about a festival in Sunnyside, Wa. this summer with some bands we like but can’t find it again. Any truth to this?