Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a festival wristband get me?
A: A wristband will gives you free access (on a first-come, first-served basis) to all City Arts Fest events and concerts. You are free to move from venue to venue with no cover charge throughout the festival to see all the music and arts events on our schedule.
Q. What does a VIP wristband get me that I don’t get with the normal wristband?
A. The VIP wristband allows you entry to the private opening night party on October 19th at Union Station, which will feature special live music guests and art installations, as well as food and a hosted bar, as well as a closing night event on October 22. VIP wristbands also gain you access to VIP-only areas at select venues during the festival. You also receive the coveted festival swag-bag full of goodness and cheer. VIP wristbands are sold for $125.
Q: Will I be able to attend more than one show in a night?
A: YES! Set times for all bands, including the headliners, are staggered to allow you to go from show to show. A full grid of the schedule will be available on September 9th.
Q: Is there anywhere other than online to buy my wristband?
A: We have done everything in our power to keep the charges for online purchases as reasonable as possible. You can also come visit us at City Arts offices. We are selling wristbands for a reduced service fee at our office, located at 425 N. 85th Street, Seattle WA 98103. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets purchased at our office are cash only purchases. During the festival we will have a location in the downtown area where you will also be able to purchase tickets as well.
Q: I want to see shows happening at City Arts Fest but don’t want to purchase a wristband. Can I do that?
A: Yes. Every show has an allotment of single tickets available for sale through the venues normal ticketing system. These tickets are available in advance and at the door (on a first-come, first-served basis) up until the show sells out. Single tickets to individual shows go on sale August 24th at 9 a.m.
Q: How do I purchase advance tickets to individual shows?
A: Advance individual tickets to individual shows are sold through the normal ticketing system for the venue the event is happening at. You can refer to the event listing for a link to purchase single tickets to each show or visit the venue website.
Q. I want to purchase a single ticket. What do I do?
A. Click the BUY SINGLE TICKETS links on the page for the event you’re interested in attending. You will be redirected to each venue/ticketing agent’s website. You can also call the venue’s box office for more information. Single ticket sales are the same as buying a ticket any day of the year.
*Service fees apply on all ticket/wristband purchases
Q. Single tickets to a show are sold out. I have a wristband. Will I still get in?
A. Yes, we hold a portion of every room for wristband access. Please keep in mind that even wristband holders will be subject to venue capacity. (We cannot promise that 3,000 wristband holders will get access to a show at the Rendezvous, for example.) So if there is a specific show you really want to see, we encourage you to arrive as early as you can.
Q: First-come, first-served? Am I going to be able to get into anything?
A: We reserve space at every venue for wristband holders. Every year, some of these venues fill to capacity at some point during the evening. If there is a band you don’t want to miss, we recommend arriving at the venue as early as possible. Your other options are to buy an advance individual ticket to a club for one night, which guarantees you entry to that one show. If you have questions, please contact us.
Q: I’m under 21. Can I still buy a wristband?
A: Yes, but attendees wearing wristbands will still need to show ID to gain entry to 21+ events and venues.
Q: I bought my wristband and I received (either a hard copy in the mail or a print at home) ticket. Is this my wristband, or do I have to pick that up at the festival?
A: We don’t mail wristbands. When you buy a wristband online, you have the option to receive a print at home ticket or we will mail you a ticket that you can exchange for a physical wristband during the festival. Throughout the festival you can exchange the ticket at select venues on Capitol Hill and downtown. You must be present with your print-at-home or hard ticket to redeem your wristband.
Q: I bought my ticket and opted for print at home. I have not received the print at home ticket yet. What’s up with that?
A. We will email you the print at home ticket one week prior to the festival.
Q: I bought my ticket and opted to have my ticket mailed to me. I have not received the ticket yet. What’s up with that?
A. We will mail you the hard ticket so that it arrives at least one week prior to the festival. We wait until then to reduce the chances a ticket will be lost.
Q: I bought a ticket for me and my friend. Can I pick up their wristband when I get mine?
A. You or your guests must be present with your print-at-home or hard ticket to redeem your wristband. If your friend(s) cannot arrive at the same time, please arrange for them to receive their hard ticket or print-at-home ticket prior to the festival. Wristbands must be put on by festival ticket staff.
Q. I am a wristband holder. How do I get into City Arts Fest events?
A. There will be one line for single ticket holders and one line for wristband holders. If you have not redeemed your wristband, please check the wristband pick up locations and be sure to get yours before arriving at any other venues.
Q. I am a single ticket holder. Do I have to worry about not getting in if I don't arrive when the doors open or arrive mid-way through the set?
A. If you purchased a single ticket, you are in. But don't hesitate to purchase before the event, as we expect many to sell out and there may not be tickets available for sale at the door.
Q. I have a wristband but my friends are buying single tickets - can we get seats together?
A. The only venue with reserved seating is Benaroya Hall. The best seats in the house will be held for wristband holders (front and center). These are not assigned in advance and will be issued in order when you arrive on the day of the show. Single ticket seats are assigned early, but are not as premium. For the seated venues there is no way to get you seats together. But you can turn around and wave to your friends behind you! All other events (including the Moore) are general admission and you can hang out wherever you want.
Q. How do you handle access for disabled persons?
A. Please contact us directly at info@cityartsfest.com and we'll make arrangements for you.
Q. How do I volunteer ?
A. Please contact us directly at Volunteer@cityartsfest.com
Q: What happens to the festival shows if it rains?
A: All our events are safely indoors and rain-proof! No need to bring a poncho!
Q: Do you allow drum circles?
A. Drum circles are allowed 25 feet from the entrance of any non-festival venues during the festival days.
Q: I want to volunteer to help. How can I sign up?
A: We need all sorts of help! Please email info@cityartsfest.com to inquire.
Q: I want to cover the festival for (insert publication or blog). Are press passes available?
A: Yes. To find out more information, please contact our our frankn@cityartsfest.com
Other questions? Shoot an email to info@cityartsfest.com and we'll find an answer for you. See you October 20th!
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