Pining for the days when you actually got to hear live music? Dying to open the kids’ ears to sounds beyond the Wiggles and Radio Disney? Get back in the groove at an outdoor music fest that’s a hit for all ages. In addition to extracurriculars like hiking and hula-hooping, these five events have eclectic lineups, stages for groups who cater to the young crowd, and plenty of opportunities for tot rockers to create sounds of their own. No shushing necessary.
Kerrville Folk Festival
At this epic 18-day event, songwriters vie for the New Folk crown (past winners include Lyle Lovett and Nanci Griffith). The site is a ranch turned campground in rugged Texas Hill Country (an hour from San Antonio, or two from Austin). Both pro and aspiring troubadours swap songs around the campfire. Listen in. Kerrville, Texas; May 24–June 10; 830/257-3600; kerrvillefolkfestival.com; adult day passes from $20, children under 12 free.
The Sounds
Rootsy singer-songwriters, including the cream of the Austin and Nashville crops.
The Digs
Serious "Kerrverts" bring RV’s and tents in order to fully partake of the jam-session scene. Cushier options nearbyinclude the Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel & Conference Center (2033 Sydney Baker; 877/967-3767; yoresort.com; doubles from $109) and the Inn of the Hills Resort & Conference Center (1001 Junction Hwy.; 800/292-5690; innofthehills.com; doubles from $100).
Calling All Kids
At the volunteer-run activity center, youngsters can take a harmonica lesson or put on a play, and bands like Trout Fishing in America and Washtub Jerry present children’s shows each weekend. On the second Tuesday of the fest, kids dress up for the Kerrdi Gras parade through the campground.
It Happened Here
Michelle Shocked’s 1986 debut, The Texas Campfire Tapes, was covertly captured on a Walkman by an English record producer.
The Strawberry Music Festival
A tie-dyed gathering on the edge of Yosemite, Strawberry is ideal for families, with downhome music, a modest crowd (of about 6,000), and a secluded alpine location. Camp Mather, a 350-acre site owned by the city of San Francisco, offers superb hiking (trails lead to Yosemite’s Hetch-Hetchy Reservoir) and mountain biking plus swimming in Birch Lake and—at the Labor Day festival—a pool. Groveland, California; Memorial and Labor Day weekends; 209/984-8630; strawberrymusic.com; adult day passes from $50, kids’ from $20; children under 5 free.
The Sounds
Bluegrass, folk, Cajun, country, and R&B, with big names (Steve Earle, Etta James) and up-and-comers (the Duhks, Tift Merritt).
The Digs
Some accommodations are available around the town of Groveland; consider the Evergreen Lodge (33160 Evergreen Rd.; 800/935-6343; evergreen lodge.com; doubles from $189, two-night minimum)—but nearly everyone camps in the meadows and woods. Bonus: park bathrooms have hot showers.
Calling All Kids
The young crowd congregates by the lake for shows by acts like the Banana Slug String Band and activities organized by age group (five and up). Teens run their own radio station. So many kids have grown up coming to the festival that they launched their own Web site, sbteens.org, to stay in touch all year.
It Happened Here
In 1992, bluegrass songsmith Tim O’Brien ended the Sunday morning Revival set by stripping to his shorts and plunging into the lake.
City Stages
This downtown street festival is big (100,000 attendees), busy (100-plus performers), and musically diverse. Birmingham, Alabama; June 15–17; 205/251-1272; citystages.org; adult day passes from $28, children under 10 free.
The Sounds
The top-tier lineup spans hip-hop (Ludacris), rock (the Black Crowes), country (Loretta Lynn), singer-songwriters (Mary Chapin Carpenter), and children’s performers.
The Digs
Several downtown hotels are within walking distance, among them the Sheraton Birmingham (2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd.; 205/254-0004; sheraton.com; doubles from $159).
Calling All Kids
In one section of the city’s Linn Park, a "festival within a festival" ropes in the 12-and-under crowd, with dance and music performances plus spin art, drum circles, and water play.
It Happened Here
Bruce Cockburn wrote the song "Birmingham Shadows" about his festival wanderings with young firebrand Ani DiFranco.
Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance
This intimate gathering—on the 1890’s Altamont Fairgrounds, just west of Albany, with a mountain backdrop—aims to inspire the next generation of fiddlers, pickers, singers, and contra-dancers. Altamont, New York; June 21–24; 518/765-2815; oldsongs.org; adult day passes from $30, children under 13 free.
The Sounds
Folk, old-time, Celtic (and Celtic dance), and international acts.
The Digs
People pitch tents in fields full of nonstop music; families generally opt for the designated "quiet at night" campgrounds. Others crash in B&B’s and hotels in Albany and Schenectady.
Calling All Kids
Roger the Jester is a fixture in the children’s area. School-age string and wind players join the Great Groove Band for a performance on the big stage.
It Happened Here
In 2001, rain fell so hard that the outdoor evening concert by a U.K. band had to move indoors—into a sheep barn.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Folk designation notwithstanding, this is one of the North America’s most adventurous showcases of international music. It’s held at Jericho Beach Park on Point Grey Peninsula, surrounded by blue water, city skyline, and snowy peaks. Vancouver, British Columbia;July 13–15; 800/883-3655; thefestival.bc.ca; adult day passes from $34, kids’ day passes from $9.
The Sounds
Expect music you’ve never heard before.
The Digs
The University of British Columbia (ubcconferences.com; doubles from $120), on the tip of the peninsula, rents kitchen-equipped rooms. Downtown hotels, including the Sandman Suites (1160 Davie St.; 800/726-3626; sandmanhotels.com; doubles from $235), are an easy drive away.
Calling All Kids
In the Little Folks area, kids can mess with paint and sand. The lineup often has young performers, like a group of trad fiddlers ages 7 to 12.
It Happened Here
Anglo-Indian siren Najma, folk revivalists the New Lost City Ramblers, and Maori singer-dancer Mihirangi perform simultaneously. Didn’t we say these fests were for everyone?
Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers writes a music blog at wordsandmusic.info.
