THING Music and Arts Festival Returns for 2023 with Headliners Fleet Foxes, Lil Yachty, and More
THING is back! The eclectic and intimate three-day, all-ages music and arts festival set against the majestic backdrop of the Salish Sea at historic Fort Worden in Port Townsend, WA, returns for its third year from August 25 – 27, 2023. Produced by Seattle Theatre Group (STG) and Adam Zacks, THING celebrates a diverse lineup of local to international musical acts, comedians, podcasts, food, community workshops, and more. Tickets to THING go on sale Friday, March 17 at 10:00 AM PST.
This year’s edition features a tightly curated lineup including music headliners Fleet Foxes, Lil Yachty, Sylvan Esso, Thundercat, and Cigarettes After Sex; comedians Sarah Sherman, Kate Berlant, and Jacqueline Novak; podcasts featuring Amanda Knox & Christopher Robinson, Ken Jennings & John Roderick, Ben Lee & Ione Skye; and so much more.
“It’s great to be back for a third year of THING,” said Adam Zacks, STG’s Chief Programming Officer and creator of THING. “We’re proud to present this excellent lineup featuring multiple genres and disciplines—and are thrilled to return to magnificent Fort Worden. It’s my hope that everyone feels truly welcome at THING and fully embraces the spirit of discovering something new.”
“Fort Worden Hospitality is thrilled to welcome THING back to Port Townsend for the third time after such an artistically enjoyable and critically well-received 2022 festival,” added Matt Gurney, CEO of Fort Worden Hospitality. “Seattle Theatre Group is a great partner of ours, aligned in working to ensure the event is exciting, inclusive, and fun for all ages. Each year STG programs a great weekend of music, arts, and culture. This August we hope to see you at Fort Worden.”
This year’s festival features expanded amenities in addition to a variety of camping and parking options available for purchase. Three-day, single day, and VIP passes are available, and new to THING are General Admission+ passes, which include premium experiences like parking onsite, an exclusive outdoor hangout space, private bar and refreshment areas, and dedicated restrooms.
THING is an all-ages festival (children 12 and under are free) with opportunities for the entire family to play, celebrate, and enjoy time together. In addition to eclectic music programming, THING features events that uplift community organizations and arts nonprofits that operate throughout the greater Puget Sound region, with a special emphasis on STG’s Education and Community Engagement programming.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 17 at 10:00 AM PST at www.thingnw.org, www.stgpresents.org, and www.ticketmaster.com.
ABOUT SEATTLE THEATRE GROUP (STG)
Seattle Theatre Group (STG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization whose mission is to make diverse performing arts and education an integral part of the region's cultural identity while keeping three historic venues, The Paramount, Moore, and Neptune, alive and vibrant. STG presents a range of performances from Broadway, off-Broadway, dance and jazz, to comedy, concerts of all genres, speakers, and family shows - at these three iconic theatres in Seattle and venues throughout the Puget Sound region and in Portland, Oregon. For more information visit stgpresent.org.
STG Education and Community Programs extend beyond the Paramount, Moore, and Neptune Theatre stages and into the lives of the greater Seattle community. Each season, STG offers over 260 education programs impacting over 55,000 students and community members from diverse ages and backgrounds. These programs deepen significance to performances through opportunities to engage with artists, inspire youth and local artists through training and performance opportunities, and provide exposure to the arts through access initiatives. For more information visit stgpresents.org/education.
ABOUT FORT WORDEN
Fort Worden and its epic natural setting of Port Townsend—dubbed “the Paris of the Pacific Northwest” by Sunset Magazine—is the kind of destination that stays with one for a lifetime. Originally designed as a military base to protect Puget Sound, Fort Worden has evolved into an iconic and cherished state park
and lifelong learning center with accommodations, venues, restaurants, and catering. Fort Worden’s magnificent setting encompasses 434 acres with 12 miles of forested hiking trails, two miles of walkable
saltwater beaches and commanding views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains as well as views across the Strait of Juan De Fuca to the San Juan Islands. The Fort features 73 historic buildings with four museums and creative spaces for art and educational programs, yoga, woodworking and more. Eagle eyed observers will recognize the Fort as the filming location for An Officer and a Gentleman. For the past 13 years, STG has partnered with Centrum and Fort Worden to provide the DANCE This! Camp at Centrum, a week-long overnight dance program for high school students to study a wide range of styles and techniques in a supportive, yet challenging atmosphere.
