Kid-friendly things to do in Port Townsend
Looking for kid-friendly things to do in Port Townsend this summer? Head to STG's THING festival, where kids 12 and under are free. This inclusive music and arts festival is set for Aug. 26–28, 2022 at Historic Fort Wordon. Adult single tickets are $129.50 at thingnw.org/get-tickets. Learn more below!
Adventure, music, art, and food await people of all ages at THING, a three-day event located at historic Fort Worden. In addition to offering free admission for children under 12, the festival is prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity. Half the artists identify as Black, Indigenous, or as People of Color. One will find ASL interpretation, sensory areas led by Sensory Access, and a variety of family-friendly workshops—including dance classes for people of all mobility levels. THING attendees can enjoy performances by youth musicians, spoken-word poets, and multicultural dancers—in addition to acts such as Modest Mouse, Father John Misty, Jungle, tribal storytellers Elaine Grinnell (Jamestown S'Klallam) and Delbert Miller (Skokomish), and many more
"Everyone is welcome at THING," says Adam Zacks, known for his work producing Sasquatch! Music Festival. "We want everyone to be able to see a version of themselves onstage."
To present this unique event, Zacks is collaborating with Seattle Theatre Group, an arts nonprofit dedicated to making the arts more accessible and equitable.
At THING, people can enjoy fare from a variety of food vendors and shop the wares of Pacific Northwest crafters and artisans. Some of the family-friendly activities include paper-lantern making, collaborative painting sessions, and Architects of Air's luminarium—a maze with saturated color and a sensory soundscape. In addition to hosting THING, Fort Worden State Park provides miles of beaches and hiking trails to explore. Festival attendees can come-and-go to check out Port Townsend, and the nearby parks, playgrounds, bike rentals, a farm-to-table culinary scene, and Victorian charm.
Check out some of the THING family offerings for people of all ages below and view the full lineup at thingnw.org.
Architects of Air luminarium
The luminarium is a maze of winding paths and soaring domes where Islamic architecture, Archimedean solids and Gothic cathedrals meld into a monument of beauty, light and color, and where visitors can lose themselves. The installation aims to awaken the senses and create a sense of wonder for all ages.
ELEVATE spoken-word poetry
ELEVATE uplifts Black and Brown youth through the art of spoken-word. ELEVATE shares the impact of systemic racism and the celebration and empowerment of the people. This event was created for the community, by the community. Learn more at stgpresents.org/elevate. Featured storytellers include Jazzmin Barrett (Friday), Harlem Yarbrough, Maya Russell, Tia Nache Yarbrough, and Rahma Mohammed (Saturday), Chase Roberts, Kyle Danielson, and Gianni Johnson (Sunday).
Paper-lantern making
Enjoy paper-lantern decorating throughout the day, an activity presented in partnership with Northwind Art. Those who wish to can additional participate in a lantern parade each night at 10 p.m., accompanied by Unexpected Brass Band.
"Kinetic Skulptures" art installation
A kinetic sculpture is a human-powered, artistically enhanced vehicle that must go through sand and mud, float on water, and traverse hills. Some skulptures are engineering marvels, while most are a mixture of bicycle parts, styrofoam, duct tape, imagination and prayers.
"You as an Animal" paintings
Artist and illustrator Michelle Lassaline paints her subjects as any animal they wish. With watercolor and ink on paper, Lassaline creates these personal, whimsical works of art in five minutes.
DANCE This performances and workshops
Now in its 24th year, STG's signature dance program DANCE This brings together youth and adult performers from diverse communities for collaboration and culture-sharing. THING attendees can take a "breaking" class from instructor Robert Eyerman at 4 p.m. on Friday, and "Afro Dance" with Niya Cakpo at 4 p.m. on Sunday. With Northwest Tap Connection, Grupo Folklorico Herencias Mexicanas and Afro Beats with Niyafath & Michel, the DANCE This showcase is set for 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Tribal storytellers
Elaine Grinnell (Friday and Saturday) serves on the Jamestown S'Klallam Culture Committee, the Native Elders Committee of the University of Washington, Northwest Native American Storytellers Association board, and is a certified Klallam language teacher. Delbert Miller (Sunday) is a singer, carver, drummer and keeper of the Skokomish tribal ancestral history. He has taken on the role and responsibility of carrying on the traditional legacies of his elders. The tribal storytellers appear in partnership with SAMA: Seattle Sacred Music & Art.
Collaborative painting sessions
Artist Jesse Higman will host three-hour, collaborative painting sessions open to all. Participants will pour watercolors onto a 16-foot, horizontal canvas. The sessions will be held from 1–4 p.m. each afternoon. Everyone is welcome to show up and take part.
More Music @ The Moore youth musicians
For 21 years, More Music @ The Moore has featured exceptional young musicians while mixing up diverse musical styles. The artist-participants in More Music @ The Moore learn through group collaborations and mentorships from industry professionals—in addition to receiving production and promotional support. THING performances include Aurora Ave and Samara Reign (Friday), and Osvaldo Ribas and The Geoducks (Saturday).
ELEVATE spoken-word poetry
ELEVATE uplifts Black and Brown youth through the art of spoken-word. ELEVATE shares the impact of systemic racism and the celebration and empowerment of the people. This event was created for the community, by the community. Learn more at stgpresents.org/elevate. Featured storytellers include Jazzmin Barrett (Friday), Harlem Yarbrough, Maya Russell, Tia Nache Yarbrough, and Rahma Mohammed (Saturday), Chase Roberts, Kyle Danielson, and Gianni Johnson (Sunday).
Paper-lantern making
Enjoy paper-lantern decorating throughout the day, an activity presented in partnership with Northwind Art. Those who wish to can additional participate in a lantern parade each night at 10 p.m., accompanied by Unexpected Brass Band.
"Kinetic Skulptures" art installation
A kinetic sculpture is a human-powered, artistically enhanced vehicle that must go through sand and mud, float on water, and traverse hills. Some skulptures are engineering marvels, while most are a mixture of bicycle parts, styrofoam, duct tape, imagination and prayers.
"You as an Animal" paintings
Artist and illustrator Michelle Lassaline paints her subjects as any animal they wish. With watercolor and ink on paper, Lassaline creates these personal, whimsical works of art in five minutes.
DANCE This performances and workshops
Now in its 24th year, STG's signature dance program DANCE This brings together youth and adult performers from diverse communities for collaboration and culture-sharing. THING attendees can take a "breaking" class from instructor Robert Eyerman at 4 p.m. on Friday, and "Afro Dance" with Niya Cakpo at 4 p.m. on Sunday. With Northwest Tap Connection, Grupo Folklorico Herencias Mexicanas and Afro Beats with Niyafath & Michel, the DANCE This showcase is set for 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Re:Definition mural painting
STG's Re:Definition program redefines historic cultural spaces by elevating underrepresented artists and issues of equity. At THING, Re:Definition continues with the work of Margaret Morris, who will create two murals that invite Port Townsend community members and festival goers alike to contribute to a live painting experience. Participants will add their brush stroke and flair onto this traditional Indigenous artform using acrylic colors of black and red. An Alaskan Tlingit Native, Morris has created various Tlingit art for more than 40 years: dance robes, tunics, beading, carving, and more.
Dance with Life workshop for all mobility levels
Dance with Life classes are for people living with physical and cognitive challenges. The classes inspire students of all levels of ability and mobility to investigate movement and music in ways that engage their mind and body artistically, intellectually, and physically. Dance with Life contributes to participants' health and wellness, while addressing such concerns as balance, coordination, flexibility, anxiety and depression. A one-hour workshop will be offered Saturday at 4 p.m. led by teaching artists Angie Bolton and Kirsten Barron Kinney.
THING food vendors
Vendors include: Paella House, Kokopelli Grill, The Bob, Barbarian Fine Cuisine, Dumpling Tzar, La Cocina, Auntie Dolly's West African Cuisine, Sugar Hill, Nadine's Kitchen, Fiddlehead Creamery, High Country Doughnuts, Sweet As Keto, Island Creamery, Lava Love Cakes, NW Cold Treats, Better Living Through Coffee, Gypsy Coffeehouse, BluJay Kombucha, and Fort Worden Hospitality. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and keto options will be available at THING.
Market vendors
Thunderpants USA, Hellner Arts, Lichenology, 3sevens Pottery, The Port Townsend Record Show, Dynamo Dye Company, Lazy Eye Supply/Local Knits, Raising the Bar (barware sets), Claire Mack Fine Arts, Joy Winfrey's Felted Wool, Port Townsend School of Massage, Wurm Wares, Wheat Stalk Boutique, Camp N Car, Sumac El Sol Handcrafted Textile Arts, Big Saw Productions, Sativa Valley, Artist Mike Biskup, HEARTH (pottery), PNW Axe Throwing Company, B. Fuller's Mortar and Pestle, Gianna Andrews Art, Max.1nk (pop surreal art).
For tickets, and more information about THING, including COVID-19 health and safety protocol at the event, go to thingnw.org. A variety of camping and parking options can also be purchased with tickets to the festival.
STG's THING, a 3-day festival of music and arts, takes place August 26–28, 2022 at historic Fort Worden in Port Townsend, WA. For tickets and more information, go to thingnw.org/.
