Registration and Concert Tickets Open Soon!

Centrum is excited to move forward with a full year of artistic programming in 2025, continuing its tradition of world-class workshops, performances, and creative gatherings at Fort Worden.

Registration for beloved programs—including Fiddle Tunes, Jazz Port Townsend, Acoustic Blues, and the Port Townsend Writers Conference—will open on Friday, January 31. Ticket sales for Centrum’s popular Spring Concert Series, featuring performances from Brazilian Choro, Red Hot Strings, and the Ukulele Festival, will open on Friday, February 7.

For the latest updates on concerts, registration, and special events, one may subscribe to Centrum’s newsletter at centrum.org.

“Our commitment to fostering artistic community remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to an inspiring year ahead,” said Centrum Executive Director, Robert Birman. “The board and I are humbled by the volume of calls from the community wanting to help ensure that Centrum’s programs remain viable this year. Undoubtedly, we will invite everyone to help us rally to pull this off,” said Birman. “It is easy to imagine that the need for our style of community programming—one that nurtures creativity in an environment that is supportive, challenging and uplifting—will be as important as ever this year.”

“As the original tenant at Fort Worden since 1973,” Birman affirmed, “Centrum remains grateful to the State Parks Commission for their steadfast dedication to promoting lifelong learning and art and culture within the park.”

Support can be directed to Centrum online at www.centrum.org/donate.

Plans are afoot to announce details for Centrum’s annual benefit concert and gala in the coming weeks, as well as the organization’s complete line-up of summer events.

About Centrum

Centrum is a nonprofit arts organization based in Port Townsend, WA, dedicated to fostering creative experiences that bring people together across artistic disciplines and generations. In 2024, Centrum served more than 10,400 audience members and 1,600 workshop participants via 14 weeklong residential workshops, 48 public events, and 118 artist residencies.

FAQ

1. Will Centrum workshop participants have food and lodging support while on campus?
   Yes. Centrum is providing its own catering and housekeeping services this year and (recognizing us as the founding tenant at the Fort) the State Parks Commission is granting us limited access to housing on campus through one-time permits for each program week. The experience will likely look and feel very much as it has in past years.
   
   
2. How will room and board reservations work this year?
   Workshop participants will register for meal plans and lodging online, in the same way as in the past. Registration opens on January 31^st at https://centrum.org/. Meal plans will need to be purchased in advance for those who wish to eat on campus. Please be advised, we do not believe there will be a cafe in operation this summer. No cooking equipment is permitted in the dormitory rooms. This will be strictly enforced by Washington State Parks.
   
   
3. How much will room and board cost this year?
   Room and board pricing is the same as under Fort Worden Hospitality. Pricing is based on the number of days and number of meals for each workshop, so please follow the link to your program for specific pricing information. https://centrum.org/
   
   
4. What buildings will be open on campus?
   All of the buildings traditionally used by Centrum for its programs will remain open to registered workshop participants. Those that are not required may be closed.
   
   
5. Are camping reservations impacted by any of this?
   No. Camping at Fort Worden remains under the oversight of the Washington State Parks Commission. Camping reservations are frequently sold out nine months in advance. Camping reservations are made online through this link: https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/fort-worden-historical-state-park
   
   
6. What other food options may be available when I’m at Centrum?
   We recommend the meal plan for those who wish to stay on campus. For those with a vehicle, there are food options in town, including two large supermarkets, many local restaurants, a local Food Co-Op, a boutique corner store (Aldrich’s), and more. Centrum may have food trucks on site for public events. There are limited vending options at Peninsula College. Please be advised, we do not believe there will be a cafe in operation this summer. No cooking equipment is permitted in the dormitory rooms. This will be strictly enforced by Washington State Parks.
   
   
7. Who do we contact for registration information?
   Registration details vary by program. We recommend that you use the program link in the main menu at https://centrum.org/ for details. Our registrar’s office may also be reached at (360) 385-3102 at extension 200 (Holly) or 114 (Junah).
   
   
8. Will there be Park Rangers on the campus?
   Yes. Washington State Parks is bringing back on-campus park rangers this year to Fort Worden. Overnight contact information will be provided in each program orientation packet. Rangers will be enforcing campus and parking policies and standard State Park regulations.
   
   
9. Do we have to pay for parking at Fort Worden in 2025?
   Yes. As State Parks resumes control of the property, you should expect that the State’s Discover Pass will be required for those who will arrive with a vehicle. Discover Pass sales help support all of Washington’s state parks. An annual parking pass is just $30 (which is good at every state park in Washington), or visitors may purchase a daily pass for $10 per day. There are electronic kiosks at the beach where you can purchase your pass, they are also on sale in Building 200 (Parks office), or you can buy one online at: https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/133/Where-to-Buy
   
   
10. What can I do to help?
    Centrum is grateful for community support to help us navigate this complex transition in 2025. We appreciate your patience and understanding and we applaud our counterparts at Washington State Parks for enabling us to continue without interruption. Any donation will help offset Centrum’s cost to service all of the food and lodging needs of its guests this year. Your support helps support local jobs. Donations can be made at: https://centrum.org/donate/