History of Capitol Hill Block Party in Timeline

The Capitol Hill Block Party is an annual three-day music festival in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, held each July. It features diverse musical genres like pop, R&B, indie rock, punk, and EDM. Notable past performers include Macklemore, Lizzo, and Jack White. The festival attracts brand sponsorships and supports non-profits. While centered on Pike and Pine Streets, the event's impact extends to neighboring areas, sometimes causing disruption to local businesses. Besides music, the block party also includes free events, such as yoga and a skate competition, at Cal Anderson Park.

1997: Capitol Hill Block Party Founding

In 1997, Jen Gapay founded the Capitol Hill Block Party as a one-day event featuring one stage, five bands, and a couple of DJs.

2000: New Producers Take Over

In 2000, David Meinert and Marcus Charles took over the festival production from Jen Gapay.

2001: Expansion and Ticket Sales

In 2001, the festival added a second stage and day, began being marketed as an "event", acquired a sponsorship from The Stranger, and started charging $8 per ticket.

2001: Ticket Costs

Starting in 2001, tickets cost $8 to attend the event.

2010: Ticket Prices for 3 Day

In 2010, as the party expanded to a three-day event, tickets were priced at $23 for a single day pass or $60 for admission to all three days.

2010: Three-Day Event

In 2010, the festival became a three-day event, with overall attendance estimated at 30,000 people.

2011: New Ownership

In 2011, Jason Lajeunesse, the festival's programmer and talent buyer, became the owner.

2012: Efforts to Reduce Negative Impact

In 2012, efforts were made to rework the event to have less of a negative impact on local businesses' revenue through marketing at the festival.

2013: Donation Option Offered

In 2013, the festival offered an option to donate to the local non-profit, 12th Avenue Arts project, when purchasing a ticket to the event, with Capitol Hill Block Party matching donations up to $5000.

2015: Ticket Price Increase

In 2015, ticket prices for the three-day pass increased depending on date of purchase, beginning at $99 through April 2 and rising to $150 closer to the festival. VIP passes cost $250.

2019: Accessibility and Physical Safety Concerns

In 2019, concerns and controversy arose regarding accessibility and physical safety, including increased ticket prices, crowd size, mobility issues, safety issues, and visibility blockages for local businesses. Changes were required to the physical layout of the event.

2019: Matching Donations Program

In 2019, the producers reopened the matching donations program for non-profits Jubilee Women’s Center, The Vera Project, Artists for Progress, and Lifelong.

2019: Negative Impact on Local Businesses

In 2019, the three-day event received criticism due to its negative impact on local businesses, with 39% of surveyed businesses reporting decreased sales and complaints about vandalism, littering, parking, and traffic. Residents also complained of loud noise.

2019: Ticket Costs

In 2019, tickets to the event cost $70 for a one-day pass and starting prices for three-day passes cost $160, with options for VIP and two-day passes.