Skrillex: What you need to know

What is there to know about the August 29th Skrillex event at Gas Works Park? Well, that all depends upon what you already know.

For some, there is a basic question: What is Skrillex? This would be the wrong question. The more correct question is: Who is Skrillex? Skrillex, a.k.a. Sonny John Moore of California (various parts), began his career in 2004. Since then, he has fronted a few bands, won numerous awards, cut several albums, and is now out on his own. I’ve linked to one of his videos below. There is, of course, much, much more to learn on his Wikipedia page.

So what’s going on with Skrillex down at Gas Works? Skrillex, with Underscores, is headlining the Gas Works Day Party. Ten thousand fans are expected. So while it’s not July 4th big, it’s big. Seattle Times calls it “easily the buzziest show of the summer.” And it’s not just a Skrillex show. It’s more of a mini music festival with several other artists performing: Porter Robinson, Dylan Brady, and Nick Leon. Gates open at 3 pm.

Can I still get tickets? Not unless you want to shop on the after-market market.

Will I be able to use the park? During the show, not really. But there will also likely be some loss of access for setup and tear down during the one to two days preceding and following the event. I emailed Seattle Parks for details on this as well as on traffic impacts, but have not heard back. (To be fair, I did not give them the 10-15 business days they require for a response.)

I did hear back from Google’s Gemini, and pretty quickly, too (milliseconds). Citing Fox 13 News as well as some other sources, Gemini said:

• Park Access: Normal public recreation space at Gas Works Park will be heavily restricted or closed off to non-ticket holders as the grounds are transformed into a ticketed, 21-and-over concert venue. Doors open at 3 pm.
• Traffic and Parking: There is no dedicated parking onsite. Local traffic restrictions, neighborhood street parking limitations, and rideshare/drop-off bottlenecks are expected around N Northlake Way.
• Water Boundaries: Lake Union perimeter restrictions remain strictly enforced. Swimming, wading, or unauthorized boat/paddleboard/float access to crowd-line waters is prohibited.
• Park Closure and Cleanup: The event is permitted roughly until 9 pm, after which standard park closure rules resume (the park officially closes at 10 pm). Portions of the park may experience temporary post-event clean-up barriers or lingering pedestrian congestion.