After a move and a hiatus, FloydFest is on for July.
Welcome back, FloydFest.
The beloved festival—five days of great music, outdoor adventure, craft libations, original art, and peaceful vibes—is on, July 24-28. FestivalPark, its new permanent home in Check, wasn’t ready last year, so the event was canceled.
Now, FestivalPark is good to go, as are four headlining acts: Grateful Dead tribute band Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, psychedelic soul unit Black Pumas, old-school country and western troubadour Charley Crockett, and bluegrass-gypsy jazz singer-songwriter, Sierra Ferrell.
With more than 100 acts on the schedule, there is also ample opportunity to find several new favorites. “There are so many hidden gems that we believe are skyrocketing and will be household names pretty soon,” says Sam Calhoun, the festival’s chief operating officer and co-owner.
Over two decades, FloydFest has earned a reputation as one of the best music festivals in the country. Devoted fans enjoy its feast for the senses, including lights and art installations and artist vendors. If you get hungry from all that dancing, FloydFest’s food and drinks are a cut above.
Donut kingpin Sugar Shack and health food slinger Goatacado, both from Richmond, and wood-fired pizza from Floyd’s own Dogtown Roadhouse are regulars. Beers come from Devils Backbone in Lexington, along with Oskar Blues and Deschutes breweries.
All of this sensory stimulation is at 2,500 feet above sea level, where camping onsite is cool and pleasant. Try to get a few hours of sleep, because you can fill your spare time with mountain biking, trail hiking, yoga classes, disc golf, zip lines, and trapezes. The Children’s Universe has play areas, arts and crafts, special music, and magic shows.
FloydFest’s organizers see their mission as presenting a boutique experience to the 10,000 people estimated to attend this year’s event. “We truly believe that this festival belongs to our patrons,” Calhoun says. “We’re working so very hard to make sure that this comes out as perfect as it can be for them because they deserve this annual break. That’s what energizes and catalyzes us.” FloydFest.com
Sierra Ferrell, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist will be playing at FloydFest 24.
Black Pumas, singer/songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada.
This article originally appeared in the June 2024 issue.
