The 13th annual Freakout! Music Festival returns to Seattle this week, taking over venues in Ballard and Fremont from November 6–9. The four-day, 21+ event will feature nearly 100 bands with performances at Ballard’s Tractor Tavern, Salmon Bay Eagles Club, The Sunset Tavern, and Conor Byrne Pub, among other locations.
Headliners for this year’s festival include Melt-Banana from Tokyo, Liz Cooper from Brooklyn, Wine Lips from Toronto, and Reyna Tropical from Mexico and Texas. The 2025 lineup also highlights artists such as 67, Son Rompe Pera, Lobo Lara, Prison Affair, and Intervales, representing more than 25 international acts alongside local and regional musicians (check out the schedule here).
Festival-goers can expect shows spread across multiple venues, all within walking distance in Ballard and Fremont. Cathedral (5449 Ballard Ave NW) will serve as the festival headquarters and box office Thursday through Saturday, offering merchandise, signature drinks, and free programming. On Sunday, operations will move to The Sunset Tavern (5433 Ballard Ave NW).
All venues require festival credentials, which can be picked up at Cathedral before entry. Attendees should bring identification, as all shows are 21+ and venues will card at the door.
A pre-festival event will be held on November 5 at Stoup Brewing, featuring the Crystal Lake Rice Lager release party and the 2025 artist soundtrack listening event.
Freakout! describes itself as a community-oriented music collective supporting artists locally and internationally while prioritizing artist needs over profit. Tickets are available online.
Photo: Freakout! Festival