Logistics / getting there

In summers, the event runs on Tuesdays at Golden Gardens Park Beach while in the winters it’s at Gas Works Park. While it’s every week in summers, the frequency goes to alternate weeks in winters. The transition is somewhere in mid-September when rains start lashing the Emerald City. The approximate times are 7–11 pm (till 10 pm in Gas Works Park) although it’s around 8 pm when things start picking up. At Gas Works Park, the venue is under the canopy next to the lake. In Golden Gardens, it’s end of the walkway along the beach past the restrooms. The sound of the drums amplifies as you near the group making it easier to locate them. Thus it’s a good idea to come after 8 if it’s your first time.

As usual, parking can be a little bit complicated. In winter months, there are no issues and a lot of empty spots. However in the nice sunny days at either venue, the spots dry up and then it’s either getting lucky to find someone leaving at a nearby spot or drive slightly away and walk from there. Coming very early (before 6:30 pm) almost guarantees a spot in either of the locations. After 8:30 pm, it’s the same. Golden Gardens has multiple parking lots, including few slightly away from the park on Golden Gardens Dr NW (towards Ballard). Using public transportation can be an alternative, but with carrying drums it gets slightly more difficult.

Experience