Flatstock ::: courtesy of 112Printworks

Who: Flatstock
What: A Kick-Ass Poster Show of Some of the Best Poster Artists in the World
When: All Weekend in the Fisher Pavilion
Why: A perfect break from the hustle & bustle outside while you feast on beautiful artwork inspired by awesome bands. Plus, it’s time to replace that ratty old poster on your wall.

Flatstock is, year-after-year, one of my favorite parts of Bumbershoot because I get to take it home with me. My walls are covered with posters I pick up at Flatstock and every month between festivals I put aside $10 to spend at next year’s event. Every year, I manage to exceed my budget, because there’s just too damn many beautiful posters by talented artists of my favorite bands that I’d regret not having. I’ve discovered my design aesthetic thanks to Flatstock. Despite a ritual that takes me to every booth before purchasing a single poster, I find myself buying at the same booths every year: Jason Munn (The Small Stakes), Frida Clements Design, 112Printworks (formerly Seattle Show Posters), Dirk Fowler and Jon Smith.

While Flatstock is a perfect break between shows and home to some great, clean, secret bathrooms, it shouldn’t be treated as just an after-thought. Find some time in your schedule to take the time to browse every booth and bring some art home with you. And a tip from a pro, make that time near the end of your day at Bumbershoot, so your posters spend less time rolled up and have fewer chances of getting dinged. But do it before Monday night, when many artists have sold out of posters and many out-of-town artists are already packed up and heading home.