Written by Kalah Raela
Tucked into the green rolling landscape of Southeast Ohio, awaits a musical paradise that has become one of the Midwests most prized festival gems. Some have referred to Nelsonville Music Festival as the “best kept secret” in the area, but with renowned acts such as Willie Nelson, John Prine, The Flaming Lips and The Avett Brothers in the lineup history, its surprising that there’s anyone out there who doesn’t know about it.
The 13th NMF, taking place from June 1-4 2017, features mindblowing music all day and night, tons of activities, camping, and everything else you might hope for.
This year’s lineup is none short of impressive with national acts Ween, EmmyLou Harris, They Might Be Giants, and Conor Oberst all appearing on the main stage, plus many more. NMF’s total of 4 raging stages, including a cabin stage and a stage converted from an old train car, will host performances from over 60 local, regional, and national artists! For after-hours dancing and fun, festy-goers can visit the additional late-night campground tent for even. more. music.
No matter what experience youre looking for, NMF has gone out of its way to make this event appealing to all. The fest offers primitive camping for the outdoorsy, but also collaborates with The Campfire Experience to offer lavish “glamping” setups for those who want the upgraded experience. Anyone who prefers to avoid camping alltogether can just book with one of their local lodging partners– but hurry, because the Hocking College Dorm Suites have already sold out!
That’s just one of many local community partnerships that make this event truly one-of-a-kind. NMF has linked up with both OU and Hocking College for their own unique on-site involvement. The vintage train Boxcar stage is provided in collaboration with Ohio University Performing Arts & Concert Series, and Hocking College will be offering a guided hike with a trained Natural Resources instructor on Saturday Morning! Get up early and learn a little about the beautiful land surrounding the grounds.
The festival also joins with several local childrens programs and institutes to provide an exciting, immersive kids area, so don’t even think about leaving the little ones at home, because kids 12 and under get free admission. Parades, face-painting, and kids yoga have all been organized in the past, creating an environment thats fun for the whole family. So take the gang, or just ride up solo on your bicycle and staff will valet park it for you!
Imagine your dream music festival, willing to accomodate your every need… now imagine that all the proceeds go to a good cause. NMF is a presentation of Stuart’s Opera House, a nationally recognized historic non-profit theatre in Nelsonville, Ohio, that puts on dozens of events and provides free enrichment programs for children throughout the year! Every dollar that doesn’t fund NMF directly goes back to Stuart’s Opera House to fund all of these beneficial programs. So go forth, drink at the festivals own beer garden, visit artisan vendors, and dance yourself silly knowing that your ticket cost will directly benefit the local community. And don’t forget to recycle, because this festival is highly committed to the environment, too.
The NMF team has set the bar high, packed meaning and music into one amazing weekend, and created something truly magical with this event.
Get ready friends, because the secret is out, and if you don’t know, now you know! See you there!
Find tickets and more information at www.nelsonvillefest.ORG
