The Thing returned and the lore continued to grow. The portal opened up around the venue as glowing creatures manifested on the walls and the Cryptid Cuddle Pit filled in beside it. The altar held the room’s energy, the Human Scrapbooking Experience found its stride, and people kept getting pulled back for more art and more moments inside the world.

Here’s what it looked like.

We locked in a new venue for the next Thing: Starlight on 22nd. The space has the kind of atmosphere and history that fits our world perfectly. The room, the vibe, and the layout all feel built for the next phase of The Thing in Charlotte. Save the date for September 18. Something big is going to open up.

Full Info + Tickets:
The Thing – A Blacklight Bodypaint Dance Party in Charlotte (Sep 18)

Bodypainters: Matt Deifer, Shanndy, Lexi Altherr, Thea Karlsson, Joanna Demeo
Photographers: Matt Deifer, Shanndy, Lexi Altherr, Thea Karlsson, Artem Nasibyan
Location: 1212 Studios, Charlotte, NC
Date: July 11, 2026