Capitol Hill Block Party celebrates both the local community and their 20th anniversary (PHOTOS)

Every summer Seattle’s Capitol Hill Block Party is somehow blessed with perfect weather and this years 20th anniversary was no different.

Supremely easy-going, inclusive, and community oriented, it’s virtually impossible to compare the Capitol Hill Block Party to any of the local festivals that take place during the summer months in BC.

Fencing off nine square city blocks in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Seattle, the one-of-a-kind event features two outdoor stages, three indoor stages, and numerous neighbourhood restaurants and bars.

One of the main reasons why many Canadian festivalgoers decide to cross the border to attend the block party is the fact that it would be practically impossible to throw a similarly scaled party in Vancouver, thanks largely to the strict liquor and legislative laws constantly in effect.

See also

• Capitol Hill Block Party announces final lineup for their 20th annual music festival

Day 1

Day one of the Capitol Hill Block Party opened their gates just as the work week began to wrap up with Seattle’s own Sango gracing the main stage at 5:15 pm. Later that evening MØ performed an impressive set which wrapped with her crowd surfing and singing the vocals of her song with Major Lazer and DJ Snake, “Lean On.”

Crystal Castles also delivered a memorable performance on day one which featured both new and old favourite tracks sung by new lead singer Edith despite some technical difficulties part way through. The night later wound down with a gorgeous set by Washed Out where he performed most of his latest album, Paracosm.

Day 2

With arguably one of the stronger day schedules of the weekend, Saturday played host to a much larger audience compared to day one. Highlights being when Pure Bathing Culture performing songs from their latest album Pray For Rain on the smaller Vera Stage dressed all in white, Big Wild played a live set of his signature hip hop driven beats, and when Seattle’s own Odesza headlined the night with a complete live drum and horn section bolstering the duo’s signature blend of indie electronica.

Day 3

As for the the final day of the festival, highlights included Clams Casino’s bass driven set and local MC Dave B’s performance which incorporated his talent for singing with his clean lyrical flow. With another benchmark year in the bucket, the neighbourhood returned to normal today with barely a trace of the upwards of 20,000 people that made it through the festival over the weekend.

Cheers to 20 years of the Capitol Hill Block Party, and more more in the future.