Labor Day 2024 transit toolkit: Get to PAX, Bumbershoot on public transit
The Seattle Convention Center.
Labor Day weekend is here, and there’s no shortage of things to do in Kitsap County and beyond! 2024 is the 20th anniversary of PAX West, the Northwest’s premiere gaming convention, plus the arts and music festival Bumbershoot, Bremerton’s annual Blackberry Festival, and the Huskies season opener against Weber State.
Whether traveling from out of town or just across the water, public transit is a cheap, convenient, and fun way to get around. We’ve put together a transit toolkit to help you get to your destination! See below for info on boats, buses, fares and more.
A note for Kitsap Transit Kingston Fast Ferry riders: Fast ferry service from Kingston to Seattle is canceled until further notice due to mechanical issues with several of our vessels. See our Rider Alert for more information. See notes in bold below for public transit options to Seattle over Labor Day weekend.
Due to increased traffic volume over the holiday weekend, lines and wait times could be extended, so plan ahead and give yourself some extra time to get where you’re going. Keep an eye on rider alerts, and please be patient with transit workers!
See our Rider Alerts page for details about Kitsap Transit bus service on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2.
Bremerton Blackberry Festival
What is it?
Community festival that celebrates “all things blackberry,” held at the Bremerton boardwalk and featuring vendors, live music and a beer garden.
When is it?
Saturday, Aug. 31, 11:00 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, Sept. 1, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Monday, Sept. 2, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
How do I get there?
On Saturday, Kitsap Transit Routes 212, 217, 220, 221, 224, 226, and 228 serve the Bremerton Transportation Center, a short walk from the boardwalk. Port Orchard residents can use Routes 4, 5, 8 and 9 to get to the Port Orchard Ferry Dock and then take the Port Orchard Ferry to Bremerton. On Sundays, Routes 8, 217 and 332 and On-Demand service operate.
Coming from Seattle? The Bremerton Fast Ferry operates 10 roundtrip sailings on Saturdays. The Bremerton ferry dock is a short walk from the festival.
Bumbershoot
The Seattle Center and Space Needle.
What is it?
A long-running music and arts festival featuring live music and exhibitions in fashion, art, comedy and more. Held at the Seattle Center.
When is it?
Saturday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1
How do I get there?
From Kitsap County, take the Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry or Washington State Ferries to Seattle. The Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry does not operate on Sundays. From West Seattle, take the Seattle Water Taxi to downtown Seattle.
Kingston Fast Ferry Riders: Take Washington State Ferries from Bainbridge Island to downtown Seattle.
From Colman Dock, King County Metro Rapid Ride H Line, E Line and Route 33 can get you to the Seattle Center. The center is accessible from other parts of Seattle via Metro routes 1, 2, 3,4, 8, 13, 24, 29, 31 and Rapid Ride D Line. Travelers from the airport can use Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail and get off at the Westlake Station. From Westlake, take the Seattle Center Monorail to the event.
Check King County Metro and Sound Transit’s websites before you travel for information on detours and other service alerts.
PAX West
What is it?
PAX West is Seattle’s original gaming and gaming culture convention, held annually at the Seattle Convention Center. It includes exhibitors, demos, panels, tournaments, concerts and more.
When is it?
Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 2
How do I get there?
From Kitsap County, take the Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry or Washington State Ferries to Seattle. The Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry does not operate on Sundays. From West Seattle, take the Seattle Water Taxi to downtown Seattle.
Kingston Fast Ferry Riders: Take Washington State Ferries from Bainbridge Island to downtown Seattle.
From Colman Dock, Rapid Ride H Line and Routes 125 and 545 can get you close to the Seattle Convention Center (SCC). Routes 7, 10, 11, 43, and 49 directly serve SCC from elsewhere in Seattle. Use Metro’s trip planner to find what works best for you and check for detours or service alerts.
Travelers from the airport can use Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail and get off at the Westlake Station and walk to the convention center.
UW Huskies season opener
Husky Stadium on UW's campus. Credit: IanDewarPhotography - stock.adobe.com
What is it?
It’s…a football game! The Huskies kick off the 2024 season against the Weber State Wildcats.
When is it?
Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8:00 PM
How do I get there?
From Kitsap County, take the Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry or Washington State Ferries to Seattle. From West Seattle, take the Seattle Water Taxi to downtown Seattle.
Kingston Fast Ferry Riders: Take Washington State Ferries from Bainbridge Island to downtown Seattle.
From Colman Dock, walk a few blocks to the Pioneer Square station and then take the Link Light Rail to the University of Washington Station.
Paying your fare
The best way to pay your fare is with an ORCA card! Learn how to get a card and add value on ORCA’s website. If you have an Android phone, you can add an ORCA card to your Google Wallet and tap your phone to pay! Learn more here.