The 2023 SLU Block Party

Get ready to soak up the sun, groove to incredible music, and revel in the summer vibes as the 17th annual South Lake Union Block Party returns on Thursday, August 10 to the SLU Discovery Center located at Westlake Ave. N. and Denny Way.

The festival has grown into a beloved tradition that brings together more than 10,000 guests, artists, and local businesses for an eclectic and fun day in SLU.

This year’s Block Party is set to feature over 40 community businesses and organizations, a beer garden and food court, plus the crowd-favorite letterpress salon produced by Partners in Print.

John Thorburn, the Marketing Director at Bold Hat Productions, which is producing this year’s Block party, reveals what makes this event truly special:

“South Lake Union Block Party is unique as it celebrates everything in the SLU community. Local businesses and organizations will be set up to share all the amazing work they create, there are interactive art installations, amazing food and drinks, and of course, the fantastic music lineup for this year’s Block Party that runs all day and into the evening. The best part is that the concert is free and open to all ages.”

This year, the Reyka Vodka Main Stage will host an eclectic mix of local and national artists, including indie rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Seattle’s own Smokey Brights, Latin-infused indie pop group La Fonda, introspective singer-songwriter Tomo Nakayama, soulful local vocalist Shaina Shepherd, and electrifying DJ Baby Von Beezly.

“The music lineup for this year’s South Lake Union Block Party is one of the strongest we’ve had in years,” says Thorburn. “It is so diverse and is a great collection of regional artists playing different styles of music. Our headliner, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, will be really fun to see on the Reyka Vodka Main Stage and should make for a beautiful scene set among the backdrop of the SLU neighborhood.”

Thorburn also notes that this is the first time since 2019 that most Amazon employees have been in the office during SLUBP. “We’re really excited to welcome that energy and celebrate the SLU community together.”

Beyond the music, attendees can look forward to a showcase led by Cornish College of the Arts, delicious food from local vendors, and an art-filled experience. The South Lake Union Block Party is not just about having fun, it’s also about community-building and supporting local businesses, with proceeds benefiting the South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce.

GENERAL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
11am–6pm       Community booths
12pm–6pm      Letterpress Salon by Partners in Print
11am–10pm    Beer garden/food trucks

2023 REYKA VODKA MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE:
11:00am–12:00pm       DJ Baby Von Beezly
12:00pm–1:00pm         Shaina Shepherd
1:30–2:30pm                  Tomo Nakayama
3:00pm–4:30pm           Cornish+ Showcase
5:00pm–6:00pm           La Fonda
6:45pm–8:00pm           Smokey Brights
8:45pm–10:00pm         Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 10, for a day filled with unforgettable live performances, food trucks, neighborhood booths, art activations, refreshing beverages in a 21+ beer and spirits garden, and a vibrant celebration of the South Lake Union community.