Venue & History

Summer Meltdown started on San Juan Island in 2000. Back then, producer Josh Clauson and his band Flowmotion were on a mission to perform as much music as possible! They threw parties like Meltdown as a fun way to bring folks together and raise money for tours and recording.

Admission to the first Meltdown cost $10 and came with a keg cup. Flowmotion built the stage by hand with a sound system powered by a pull-start generator. The event was a success, though having to catch a ferry to the island was a challenge. The band decided to move Meltdown to the mainland for its second year.

Over the next three years, Meltdown outgrew two more locations before landing at the Darrington Music Park. For the next 14 years, the event continued to transition from a volunteer-run operation to a full-fledged music festival. Josh continued to lead Meltdown forward into its teenage years. In 2013, he married Genevieve Hayton, a local immigration attorney. Genevieve brought a fresh pair of eyes to the festival, as she stepped away from her law practice to become Josh’s business partner.

Over the last 9 years, Josh and Genevieve have worked side by side, developing an amazing team of over 100 crew and 250 volunteers that help produce this incredible event each year. Summer Meltdown is an independently-owned, family-run business, aiming to create the best possible experience for the Meltdown community.

In 2022, Meltdown is continuing its evolution. After two years off due to COVID, the festival will reopen at Sky Meadows Park in Snohomish, WA. As soon as Josh and Genevive stepped foot on this beautiful 150-acre property, they knew they were in the right place. From the forested campgrounds, to the grassy meadows, winding river, and swimming holes, it was love at first sight.

For more history of Summer Meltdown, check out the past lineups!

Summer Meltdown 2022 will reopen at the gorgeous Sky Meadows Park in Snohomish, WA. With 4 miles of riverfront property along the Skykomish River, forested camping, beaches, swimming holes, and stunning views, we’re gonna be checking all kinds of Melty boxes at this new venue, with the added bonus of more room for everyone to enjoy.

Visit this link to learn more about the decision to move to a new venue in 2022!

Over the last 7 years, Josh and Genevieve have worked side by side, developing an amazing team of over 100 crew and 250 volunteers that help produce this incredible event each year. Summer Meltdown is an independently-owned, family-run business, aiming to create the best possible experience for fans for many years to come.