Are you still trying to decide which music festival you should go to in July? Two of the bigger names include Shambala in Canada and Capitol Hill Block Party in Seattle, WA.
If those are not in your wheelhouse, then you should consider attending Above and Beyond’s flagship trance festival, the ABGT Weekender! Check out our comprehensive guide down below for all the information that you need to live it up at the Gorge in July!
Weather & Dates
The 2023 Weekender is scheduled to take place July 21-23 at the Gorge Amphitheatre near Quincy, WA. The festivities start Friday evening at 6 pm with the pre-party, and run until Monday morning at 12 am, which is the final night of the weekend.
Expect the heat and a need for lots of sunscreen. Temperatures can be expected to reach as high as 95°F and as low as 55°F . Make sure to stay well hydrated, and also prepare for gusty winds, especially at the main stage. It will behoove you to bring multiple layers and prepare for all sorts of weather, as the 2023 season so far at the Gorge has brought unpredictable weather.
Lineup & Must See Artists
Credit: ABGT Weekender Offical Site
This year we are incredibly pumped for such a great lineup. The Friday preparty will feature P.O.S., which is A+B member Paavo’s solo work, along with huge names Gabriel & Dresden.
Saturday features, of course, Above & Beyond, along with some of our favorites Andrew Bayer, and ilan Bluestone. We are interested in who is replacing Mat Zo after he recently announced he would be unable to perform. Perhaps a Seven Lions or Jason Ross? No guarantees, but a psytrance set would be mind-blowing for us at DMNW.
We are most looking forward to Sunday, with an epic closing lineup featuring Jody Wisternoff, Tinlicker, and our favorite Yotto!
Transportation & where to stay
Most people typically drive to Weekender and park at their campsite/hotel/AirBnB. If you are planning to attend multiple days you will need sleeping accommodations. The most popular choice is the campgrounds connected to the venue. We expect security measures to be greatly increased following the recent devastating shooting at Beyond Wonderland PNW 2023, and as always report anything suspicious immediately to security. Here is a YouTube video guide for camping at the Weekender.
Other options include renting a hotel or AirBnB in surroudning cities like Ellensburg or Moses Lake. The Gorge offers free daily parking, but you have to exit the lot each night (no overnight parking, only in the campgrounds). There is also the Wildhorse campgrounds located just outside of the Gorge venue, a favorite for many who want chiller vibes, comfier spaces to camp, and for those who actually want to sleep at night!
The Weekender also offers travel packages starting at $425 per person that includes hotel rooms, shuttles, merchandise, and festival tickets! Check out more information on travel packages here.
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What to expect from previous years
If you have never been to the Gorge before, you are in for a treat as it is one of the most stunning venues in the world. We are extremely excited for the PLUR vibes that seem to be missing from more recent festivals.
The amazing part of this festival is you can expect a lot more than just the music experience from the stages. There will be daily yoga mediations, educational talks, campsite parties, artists meet-n-greets, and so many other organized events to meet your fellow Anjuna family.
You can grab your tickets here, and make sure you also have traveling and lodging accommodations figured out as well!
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
