Capitol Hill Block Party 2025 Recap

Seattle’s Capitol Hill Block Party returned with a bang this year, and for the first time ever, it was a 21+ affair. While that change stirred some debate, it also brought a new kind of freedom—like sipping a cold beer while dancing through the crowd without being fenced into a beer garden. With perfect weather, a vibrant crowd, and a lineup that blended rising stars with seasoned performers, this year’s two-day festival was nothing short of electric. The best part of covering the festival is being able to run around between venues and catching the different artists that we haven’t heard about and discovering new talent. Some of our favorite sets of the weekend included DJ Pee .Wee, Thundercat, Sam Austins, Jordan Ward, Alemeda, Magenta Wave, Yellacatt, Hana Vu, Vanilla Abstract, Double Sunrise Club, Justin Harden, and Laza.

Here are the top 10 acts that lit up the stages and stole our hearts:

1. Slayyyter

The pop provocateur known for her bold style and unapologetic lyrics, made a triumphant return to Seattle. We had previously seen her back in 2023 when she opened for Tove Lo at the Paramount Theater, she now commanded the main stage with full force. Her set was a sweat-drenched spectacle, with fans screaming every lyric and dancing with abandon. The highlight? A euphoric, scream-along rendition of “Daddy AF” that turned the entire block into a sweaty, glittery dance floor. Her confidence, charisma, and connection with the crowd made this performance unforgettable.

2. FCUKERS

The electrifying music duo known for their genre-blending sound and rebellious spirit, brought a wild, chaotic brilliance to the Daydream Stage. First time we saw them was at SXSW in 2024 and we knew this was someone to take note of. They’ve carved out a niche with their fusion of punk, electronic, and performance art that defies categorization. With flashing visuals and pounding beats, they transformed the outdoor venue into a rebellious underground rave. Their chemistry was electric, and their ability to whip the crowd into a frenzy was unmatched. FCUKERS didn’t just play music—they created an experience that was visceral, immersive, and unforgettable.

3. The Dare

The rising star in the indie dance scene, stepped onto the stage dressed in a sleek suit and black shades, bringing a stylish swagger. His set was a nonstop party, with strobes lighting up the crowd and fans dancing from start to finish. Known for his infectious beats and cheeky lyrics, The Dare had everyone moving. A standout moment was his performance of “Girls,” which had the entire crowd singing along and bouncing to the rhythm. Extra cool kid points when he later took the floor at Neumos for their afterparty and he went all out.

4. Porter Robinson

The beloved electronic artist known for blending emo aesthetics with dance music, closed out the festival with a breathtaking set. His performance was both nostalgic and fresh, featuring new tracks from Smile that hit hard and resonated deeply. Fans gathered in droves, swaying to the music and soaking up every moment. Highlights included his emotional performance of “Look at the Sky” and a dazzling light show that lit up the night, ending the festival on a high note.

5. INJI

The rising pop artist with a knack for catchy hooks and magnetic stage presence, stepped in when Yaeji canceled last minute—and absolutely delivered. Her performance on the main stage felt like a headline act, with fans singing along to every track. Her energy was radiant, her vocals were crisp, and her connection with the crowd was palpable. A standout moment was her performance of “Madeline,” which had fans swaying and singing in unison, creating a magical atmosphere.

6. ZULAN

The DJ and producer with a flair for live performance, was the surprise discovery of the weekend. Her set at the Daydream Stage was a full-on celebration, with fans dancing around her setup and waving custom soccer jerseys bearing her name. Wearing her own jersey and spinning with infectious energy, she created a communal vibe that radiated joy. The highlight was a spontaneous dance circle that formed mid-set, turning the stage into a full-blown block party.

7. Maude Latour

Known for her introspective lyrics and vibrant energy, closed out the Daydream Stage with a performance that felt like a celebration of youth and freedom. Her set was a rollercoaster of emotions, from danceable anthems to tear-jerking ballads. Fans danced, cried, and sang along, fully immersed in the experience. A highlight was her performance of “Lola,” where she jumped into the crowd and sang surrounded by fans, creating a moment of pure connection.

8. Dining Dead

The four-piece band from Seattle, brought raw talent and tight musicianship to Neumos. Their gritty sound and emotional lyrics resonated deeply with the crowd. Known for their dynamic live shows, they delivered a set full of energy and passion. Highlights included their performance of “Graveyard Shift,” which had fans headbanging and singing along, and a surprise guest appearance from a local artist that added an extra layer of excitement.

9. Waltzerr

The indie rock outfit with a dreamy edge, played to a packed and steamy room at Barboza. The lead singer’s voice was stunning, and their surprise cover of Metric’s “Gold Guns Girls” was a bold move that paid off. The crowd erupted, dancing and singing along to the massive hit. Their original tracks, like “Velvet Sky,” showcased their unique sound and emotional depth, making this set one of the most memorable of the weekend.

10. Morgan Paris Lanza

The local Seattle artist with a soulful voice and captivating presence, lit up Neumos with her performance. Her set was intimate yet powerful, blending indie pop with heartfelt storytelling. The lighting design—featuring her name in bold—added a cinematic touch that elevated the experience. Highlights included her tune “My Vanity,” which got the crowd going. Her next performance will be at Hidden Hall on August 14th.

Photos taken by: Sunny Martini, Eric Tra, Bella Petro, Sophia Barkalakis