The Shakori Hills Are Alive
The hills are alive! The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance represents a unique partnership between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center in Pittsboro and the GrassRoots Festival Organization. May 2-5, the 20th annual Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival is a haven for enthusiasts of music, dance, art and education. This family-friendly environment caters to the interests of all music aficionados.
Operating as a nonprofit, the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center welcomes contributions to support its mission. You can also learn more about the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival Organization and its diverse array of cultural and artistic endeavors!
Tickets for the spring festival in Pittsboro are on sale now!
Festival Overview:
Explore activities for every age group, including yoga sessions, engaging sustainability talks, a variety of food vendors, local drink offerings, live demonstrations, interactive workshops and much more. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Pittsboro, the festival’s 72-acre setting provides diverse camping options to suit every preference.
The Music and Dance:
With four different stages, there is always music to be heard. This music lovers’ lineup features music for every taste. Headliners include Donna the Buffalo, Watchhouse, Jupiter & Okwess and Sam Grisman Project, but the list goes on. This year, Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival welcomes Machaka Band, a new wave Cuban funk group from Miami.
Music workshops will also be held throughout the weekend, featuring genres from gospel to jazz. Learn specialized musical techniques, discuss the historical implications of music and embrace a new rhythm. For the dancers in attendance, join the Children’s Creative Movement & Family Lunchtime workshop or attempt the basics of Double Dutch, salsa and swing dancing. Pick a workshop and move your body!
The Vendors:
Let’s start with the food. Indulge in a world of flavors, featuring a spread of culinary delights. Enjoy everything from Blue Window’s Mediterranean delights and Cilantro Mexican Cuisine’s authentic dishes to Salvatore Pizzeria’s irresistible pizzas and freshly brewed beverages at Coffee Café. For those with food sensitivities or restrictions, The Golden Ratio and Kerala Curry offer vegan and gluten-free options. For those with a sweet tooth, The Good Donut Shop and Shakori Hills Ice Cream have you covered.
Refresh with Homebucha’s kombucha and don’t miss out on local favorites like Vickrey Farms’ Groovy Grill and Yxi’s Arepas y Gordito!
Discover a treasure trove of craftmanship, provided by many talented artists, such as Ada Art’s intricate micro-macramé jewelry and Broccoli Batik’s traditional pieces. Explore Combs Art’s wood mosaics, Landon Fraker Art’s illustrations, Hempsmith’s sustainable fashion and Enrapturing Entertainment’s henna tattoos. Find your one-of-a-kind souvenir at one of the many craft vendors!
The Camping:
A variety of onsite camping options are available as an add-on purchase to general admission tickets. For festival goers wanting to settle in before the festival, for an additional cost, early set-up is available April 27 – Mary 1 from 12-7 p.m. Camping options include tent, vehicle or RV camping. For campers who prefer peace and quiet during the festival, there are two different family and quiet camping areas to accommodate vehicle and tent camping.
Volunteer:
This event is brought to life by a vibrant community of nearly 500 volunteers. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up early in order to secure their preferred shifts, with options to work across the festival or concentrate their hours into single days. Volunteers earn a four-day pass after working 12 hours during the festival or 14 hours prior to the festival. Sign up now!