Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, North Carolina, is a festival like no other. In fact, organizers prefer to call it a “movement,” since its unique combination of music, art, and faith-inspired social justice activities.Meant to be more of a transformational experience rather than a one-time event, you’ll be sure to have a unique experience. With dozen-plus venues hosting over 200 different events, the festival’s website is a must-visit to help you plan. However, we’ve outlined some can’t-miss info below.
The Basics
When: July 13-16, 2017
Tickets: Admission prices vary depending on whether you choose to participate in any pre-festival events. However, a standard Adult 4-day pass will cost you $299, which includes camping. Single-day passes run from $59 (Thursday and Sunday) to $89 (Friday and Saturday). Children under 12 are free, and the festival offers discounted admission for children, seniors, and students.
A portion of each ticket sold goes to funding the festival, and organizers aim to keep prices as low as possible. Therefore, they encourage attendees to share resources. However, if money is standing in the way, Scholarships are available to help with costs. Also, staff will work with you to find a way for you to attend that works with your budget.
Where: Hot Springs, North Carolina. For those camping, sites are located near the festival grounds at Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Also, the option for those who prefer RVs is an extra cost. Limited bathroom and shower facilities will be available onsite. While bikes are an option for transportation outside of the man stage, motor vehicles are not.
Festival Events
If you’d like to start your experience early, Wild Goose offers a couple pre-festival events, including Justice Camp, which will provide “interactive opportunities for education and conversation about the potential harm to vulnerable people, and also offer resources for effective methods of protection and advocacy,” with speakers like best-selling author Jim Wallis and Emmy winner J.Kwest.
The lineup’s wide range of world-class musicians like The Voice’s Sarah Potenza, Grammy winner Jennifer Knapp, indie folksters the Collection, and genre-bending LYRIC, among others will have you dancing, singing along. The festival also features a plethora of diverse and inspiring speakers, authors, storytellers, and activists. Unlike other festivals Wild Goose organizers “intentionally make space for interaction” with the guests, fully believing that everyone can learn from everyone else, whether an “expert” or not.
