Bumbershoot is produced by One Reel, a Seattle nonprofit that works to "fuecivic pride through signature experiences that foster growth & development of community and the arts". One Reel has produced the festival since 1980. AEG Presents, formally AEG Live, became "a producing partner" for the 2015-2019 festivals following great financial struggle of the local non-profit. The name of the festival was taken from "", a colloquial term for umbrella, probably coined in the 19th century as a portmanteau of the words umbrella and parachute.