Spring Into the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival – A Music Lover’s Dream!

Mark your calendars for May 1-4, 2025, because the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance in Pittsboro is back with its 21st edition, and it’s going to be an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, art and community! 

The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival is a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, blending everything you love about the arts into one weekend. With live performances, community activities and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, it’s truly a Music Lovers’ Paradise. And because it’s organized by nonprofits, your participation also supports the arts community. 

Get ready for some serious musical magic. This year’s festival features a fantastic lineup including:

  • Donna the Buffalo – For an eclectic mix of Americana, folk and bluegrass
  • The California Honeydrops – Spreading love with their infectious rhythm and blues sound
  • Los Lobos – A true classic in rock and Latin music, with decades of iconic hits
  • Emily Nenni – Modern twang with a mix of country and Americana
  • Chinobay ft. Dance of Hope – A fusion of African rhythms, electronic beats and soul-lifting dance
  • The Campbell Brothers – Deep soul vibes with their signature Sacred Steel sound
  • Cool Cool Cool – A perfect choice for fans of indie and jazzy grooves

The Shakori Hills Festival offers a variety of camping options, whether you prefer tent, vehicle, or RV camping:

  • Tent Camping: Starting at $45, each pass covers a 10×10 space. It’s first-come, first-served, and a shuttle will take you to your site.
  • Vehicle Camping: Starting at $131, this includes a vehicle and tent pass for a bit more space.
  • RV Camping: Starting at $185, with spots for RVs up to 30 feet (no hookups).
  • Family & Quiet Camping: For those seeking a peaceful vibe, these areas provide a more serene environment.

The festival will be filled with delicious eats and unique crafts to satisfy all your cravings and shopping desires. Enjoy Mediterranean flavors from Blue Window, classic Mexican dishes at Cilantro Mexican Cuisine and organic coffee at Coffee Barn. Try The Golden Ratio for veggie bowls or indulge in gourmet donuts from The Good Donut Shop. 

For craft lovers, browse handmade jewelry by Ada Art, sustainable clothing by Autumn Warner and stunning pottery from Earth & Iron Pottery. Plus, there’s plenty of tasty, locally crafted food and artisan creations to explore throughout the weekend!

Start the weekend with the powerful Opening Ceremony led by Chinobay featuring Dance of Hope, celebrating rhythm and culture at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, get creative with a Make Your Own Didgeridoo workshop or join the Wild Spring Walkabout to explore nature with expert Leif Diamant.

For the artistic soul, we have Spirit Masks making, Live Painters showcasing their talents, and the GrassRoots Vinyl Lounge spinning vintage tunes for a late-night dance party. Celebrate life with the Happiness Parade on Saturday at 2 p.m. and test your skills at the Poetry Slam or Band Contest.

On Sunday, join the Sunday Morning at Shakori Hills ceremony and enjoy meditative Mindful Movements with Imari. If you’re creating art, dancing or enjoying great music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Shakori Hills!

The Kids Area (ages 10 & under) is packed with fun and creative activities from Friday to Sunday, 10am-6pm. Kids can enjoy Story Time with Stephanie Lineberry, Kids Yoga with Amelia, and a fun-filled Camp Earth Soul adventure. Get hands-on with Tie-Dye & Screen Printing or create masks for the Happiness Parade. Don’t miss the Bubble Adventure with Swashbubble, or join the Family Drum Circle for a rhythmic celebration. And young artists can shine at the Kids Bazaar showcasing handmade crafts!

For teens, head to The Outpost for exciting workshops like Wilderness Survival, Wire Wrapping, and Songwriting with Laura Jane Vincent. Teens can also connect at the Chill Collective, try their hand at Hooping or Leatherworking, or show off their skills at the Hoop Knockout Basketball Tournament. It’s a weekend of creativity, adventure, and fun for all ages!

  • Advance: Now until April 27
  • Gate: April 28 – May 4 – Prices go up, so grab those tickets early!

Remember, camping passes do not include general admission to the festival, so be sure to purchase those separately. General Admission is required for each individual attendee. Purchase your tickets online