Moisture Festival

Overview

The Moisture Festival is a US nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting live comedy and variety performances. Established in 2004, it is held annually for four weeks in the spring in Seattle, Washington, and is recognized as the world's largest comedy/variety festival.

Mission

The mission of the Moisture Festival is to enrich the community by showcasing affordable live comedy/variety performances. The festival encourages contemporary creativity in this genre and educates audiences about its rich history. It features a diverse array of acts including aerialists, jugglers, magicians, comedians, dancers, and more, maintaining the tradition of Comedy/Variety Vaudeville.

History

The first Moisture Festival was organized in 2004 and initially spanned only five days, taking place in a rented tent in Seattle's Fremont district. Mike Hale, the owner of Hale's Brewery, converted his warehouse space into Hale's Palladium, which has since served as a central venue for the festival. By 2008, the Moisture Festival became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Activities and Performances

The festival presents acts within 3-10 minute time slots, accompanied by a live show band. The performances include a wide variety of talents such as burlesque, circus arts, and unusual skills, blending humor and imagination. Each year, approximately 10,000 patrons attend the festival, which now takes place at venues around Seattle, including the Broadway Performance Hall.

Organization

The organization is led by a volunteer Board of Directors. As of August 2023, the Executive Director is Victoria Watts. The festival heavily relies on volunteers for its operations, with roles ranging from backstage crew to front-of-house staff. Almost everyone involved in the festival is a volunteer, contributing to its success.

Impact and Community Engagement

The Moisture Festival has garnered strong support from both local and visiting artists, as well as a dedicated audience. It continues to evolve, adapting to community needs while maintaining its core mission of celebrating and preserving the art of live comedy and variety performance. After twenty years, the festival has become an integral part of Seattle's cultural landscape, enriching the community with its unique blend of entertainment and education.