Bumbershoot is Seattle’s version of those great British festivals you read about—a massive concussion of music, theatre, culture and elephant ears. Every year the line-up is so full of wonderful bands it takes days to strategize the who-what-when and wheres of it all. Want to know three of our secrets of how to get the most out of Bumbershoot?

Make the distinction in your mind — Bumbershoot is the perfect place to hear good music, not see it. Securing a spot near the stage takes near-Herculean efforts. It ends up not worth the time it costs you in missed events on other stages, or away from the beer garden. But make sure you hear some of the acts traveling our way for the event, like Bebel Gilberto, Face to Face, the Killers, Robyn Hitchcock and Drive-By Truckers.

It’s inevitable  — You are going to have to use the bathroom. The sure bet for minimal line and most comfort: The EMP Sky Church. So make sure you put great EMP bands like Schoolyard Heroes, Plan B, Kuma and the Turn-ons on your to-dos. Good bands, good potty.

All that running around from stage to stage can leave you thinking of calling it a day early on — Don’t. Go rest up at one of the theatre/literary/comedy stages. Most importantly, get your wing-ding on. Carlotta is presenting a Bumbershoot Wing Ding at the Center House stage!

Three Imaginary Girls cover tons of local music and host live events, from music showcases to rockstar karaoke. Check out threeimaginarygirls.com for more info.