It’s safe to say 2023’s inaugural Bellingham Exit was an ambitious effort. This “multi-day, multi-stage, multi-sensory music and arts festival” festival took place Oct. 11–15, showcasing hundreds of performers at established and pop-up venues throughout Bellingham.
According to a post-event report presented Feb. 27 to the Bellingham Tourism Commission, these efforts paid off. Bellingham Exit sold 7,800 tickets and accrued $10,451 in net ordinary income — an impressive feat for a first-year festival.
More than 85 musicians and 20 comedians and drag artists took the stage during Bellingham Exit. The festival featured 52 unique events at venues across town, with performances ranging from Mongolian metal to bluegrass. Only 38 of these events were ticketed, and organizers ultimately devoted 54% of its operating budget and 75% of gross revenue to artist fees and hospitality.
But while the lineup was impressive, so was the turnout: According to the report, Bellingham Exit had an estimated 8,500 participants, with 7,800 tickets and passes sold. More than 2,600 purchases originated from outside a 50-mile radius of Bellingham, representing four countries and 32 states.
The festival ultimately brought in $333,566, or a $10,451 profit given the $323,116 expenses. All this was made possible by a team of just 17 people, 60% of whom are Bellingham residents or alumni. The team worked in collaboration with Bellingham TheatreWorks to produce art installations, as well as local designers and muralists to create marketing materials.
Bellingham Exit’s success is especially notable compared to more well-established regional festivals. According to the report, The Thing (Sasquatch Music Festival’s successor) has a 5,000-capacity venue, but has not sold out tickets since its inaugural 2019 event. The Capitol Hill Block Party, which has a 10,000-capacity venue, reportedly lost money for the first time in 2023.
The report also cites Bumbershoot, which returned with an 8,000-person capacity venue and $50, two-day passes made possible by major corporate sponsorships. Day In Day Out, now in its second year, sold out two nights at the Seattle Center’s Fischer Stage. Notably, just one headliner for all events mentioned cost more than Bellingham Exit’s entire talent budget.
But despite these successes, the report cited challenges with time constraints, staffing, communication and community awareness. Organizers hope potentially ongoing challenges — such as competition with other festivals and booking artists within budget — will resolve as the festival gains brand awareness.
Finally, the report outlines new 2024 strategies including lower festival pass prices, increased focus on weekend events and pop-up venues, an expanded art market and improved communication.
The full post-event report can be found online on the City of Bellingham’s website. 2024 Bellingham Exit dates have not yet been announced, but more information about the festival is available at bellinghamexit.com.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
