Shakori Hills is great for families! The festival is a rich, interactive experience for children of all ages, with several special activities for kids throughout the weekend.
Near the heart of the festival grounds is the Kid’s Zone. Hands-on art projects, performances, group activities, story telling, face painting, a climbing wall and a Saturday afternoon parade! The kids village is organized by fun and creative festival volunteers. Interested in helping? Volunteer! Also check out our Kids Area Wish List to see if you may have anything lying around that could make the tent more enjoyable.
Exploring the farm is encouraged for older children — parents know they can depend on a nurturing, attentive festival staff and community to keep a watchful eye.
Camping families can choose to settle down in our quiet camping zone, a peaceful cove that is perfect for, well, quiet camping! Ask at the ticket booth when you check in.
Youth tickets (ages 13-15) are available at a reduced price, and kids 12 and under get in free!
Spring 2013 Kids & Family Info…
Download the Kids and Outpost Schedule
Seedlings & Sprouts
An area specially designed for families with children age 10 and under. This spring, look forward to the return of of poi dance, tambourines, hooping, rockets, and more! Come play in the sand pile, make a sculpture, paint, doodle, or grab a make-and-take craft to go. Bring a book or several to share with the Shakori Kids Lending Library. Kids Tent: Thursday 5:30-7pm; Friday 9am-7:00pm; Saturday 9am-7pm; Sunday 9am-5:00pm
Seedlings Play-Time
Join Alicia at this special programming time for the five and under crowd. Seedlings offers interactive, hands-on centers, activities and special guests. Little ones can participate in activities like play dough, cloud painting, sand art and tissue stained glass and of course, story time. Check the Kids Tent schedule for times. Kids Tent, Friday-Sunday 11am-2pm
Family Intro to Drumming - Thursday, 5:30-7pm
Kids Drum Circle
Bring “drums and dancin’ feet!” Led by Bridgitte and Wes of Hillsborough. Saturday, 3:30pm
Sea Tales and Sea Shanties – Friday, 5-7pm
Face Painting – Friday-Sunday 12-6pm
Shakori Bingo – Saturday 5-7p
Kids’ Arts & Crafts Bazaar
Calling all crafters 15 and under and shoppers of all ages! Spread out your blanket and sell your own hand-made arts and crafts. Check at the Kids Tent for rules and information; set-up will be 15 minutes before start time. Near the Kids Tent, Saturday 3-5pm & Sunday 11am-1pm
Susana & Timmy Abell
Susana & Timmy Abell combine their unique talents to offer dynamic and highly engaging performances centered around a repertoire of unforgettable original songs and stories. Merlefest veterans and recipients of awards too numerous to mention, Susanna & Timmy will win your heart with their boundless energy and unwavering enthusiasm. Cabaret Tent, Saturday 2:30pm
The Bulltown Strutters
The Bulltown Strutters are a community parade band bringing the street band traditions of New Orleans to their own home in Durham. This eclectic group will have you parading, dancing and merry-making in no-time! This Cabaret show will lead into the Paperhand Happiness Parade. Cabaret Tent, Saturday 1pm
Native Story & Dance with Nora Dial-Stanley
One Spirit Native American Dance Team will describe and demonstrate a variety of authentic Native American dances such as Men and Women’s Traditional Dance, Men’s Fancy Dance, and Women’s Butterfly Dance, dressed in their elaborate regalias. Also, Nora Dial-Stanley (Lumbee) and Amanda Jacobs (Lumbee), both well-known Tribal Storytellers, will share Native stories. Members of this team represent many of the tribes in NC such as the Lumbee, Coharie and Haliwa-Saponi. They participate in several events in the Triad promoting Native American Indian history, culture and traditions. Cabaret Tent, Saturday 11:30am
Tim Wells
Five Peas in a Pod, Trot Old Joe, The Illy-Ally-Oh, and the Belly Button Snatcher—what do these things all have in common? You can learn to play each of these fun children’s games and songs during this fun hour. Join Tim—a veteran early childhood educator and long-time GrassRoots entertainer—for this fun and engaging program geared to children ages 3-6. Cabaret Tent, Friday 10:15am
The Winning of Kwelanga
Come visit an African fairy tale, brought to life by silk marionettes, lively drumming, and the puppeteers of The Triangle Home Nursery Association. A performance for all ages! The Triangle Home Nursery Association is a cooperative group of home nursery preschool teachers offering play and nature-based programs for children ages 2-5 years. Cabaret Tent, Saturday 10am
Stories of the Onondaga Nation
Eli Thomas is a teacher. He loves sharing his personal experiences through his artwork, featured this festival in the Indigenous Crafts Area, as well as storytelling. Eli also teaches on all levels – from elementary school to the university. He believe that good teaching inspires students to consider new concepts and provokes their curiosity so they may venture beyond their familiar neighborhood into a larger more dynamic world. Stop in and listen to Eli’s stories to travel the path of Haudenosaunee cultural experience in search of universal truths. Cabaret Tent, Friday 11:30am
Compost Theatre
Our favorite thought-provoking comedy theatre is back this spring! Compost Theatre will dazzle you with skits, songs, dance and puppet friends while you are inspired to become the best composter you can be! Definitely fun for all ages! We dare anyone not to smirk, smile and giggle while you learn about nature’s favorite way of recycling. Cabaret Tent, Sunday 11am
Sandbox Band
Sandbox is a five-piece kids and family band from the NC Triangle area. They play rockin’ rootsy music for children of all ages–songs that moms and dads will enjoy as much as the kids! Their live shows mix timeless traditional songs (with their own twist) and their own original kids’ music. Sandbox sings about food, dreams, family and friendship. Four vocal leads, loads of humor and harmony, rockin’ guitars, swinging bass and twangy mandolin and dobro make a great formula for fun! Cabaret Tent, Sunday 2pm
Tanglewood Puppet Show
The Tanglewood Puppets have been entertaining children and adults since 1969 with original hand puppet interactive shows. Come on a journey of fun and imagination, and join in on the zany antics of the puppets. A long-time member of The Puppeteers of America, Mac McCord believes the ancient art of puppetry is still a relevant way to bring folks of all cultures and ages together. Cabaret Tent, Sunday 12:30pm
Walker Street Fiddlers
The Walker Street Fiddlers is a diverse group of young musicians from third grade through high school whose common thread is their love of music– particularly traditional Irish and American fiddle tunes. They’re currently comprised of 28 students from a dozen different schools in the region. Cabaret Tent, Sunday 10am
Big Story Movement Jam
Full body storytelling…a mixture of yoga, fine and gross motor skills and just plain craziness with Casey Nees and Story then Retell with Suz Robinson. Hear the story, then dress up and act it out! And just for fun we’ll add some drums, tambourines and shakers. Kids Tent, Sunday 11:00pm
Kids Hooping Playshop
Join local hoop dancer Jewels (Julia Hartsell) for a get-your-groove-on hooping experience. Jewels will teach basic hoop techniques and movement: how to keep it going! No experience necessary. Ages 6-12 years. Kids Tent, Friday 4pm
Children’s Poi Workshop
Join Albert, Nick & Friends and make your own Poi. Then stick around and learn some basic moves with them to music. Poi refers to both a performance art and the tools used for it. Poi are tethered weights swung through a variety of rhythmical and geometrical patterns. Kids Tent, Saturday 9am & Sunday 10:30am
Groovin’ Ballroom Dancing
Be part of this fun, safe, and educational social dance class for families that focuses on the basic fundamentals and benefits of social dancing. We encourage participants to explore and discover their own creativity and expression on the dance floor. You will learn basic dance patterns from popular social dances like swing, salsa, cha cha, merengue and more. This is a chance for families to dance together and experience the joy of communication through movement. Come get your groove on, and boogie with the Dancin’ Family of GrassRoots. Our program is perfect for all ages and dance levels. Taught by Aubrey Griffith-Zill. Cabaret Tent, Friday 12:30pm
Didgeridoo Workshop for Kids
Come Join “Caveman” Casey Jones for this amazing time to first hear and then learn the didgeridoo. Casey will play the didgeridoo and some very fast drumming to get us geared up for the Kids Drum Circle to follow this workshop. Kids Tent, Saturday 2:30pm
Spread Your Musical Wings
The Angel Band Foundation will share music education with our youth at Shakori Hills! We will bring together musicians of all ages, experience and instruments to create a magical, musical atmosphere! 45-minute workshops feature: Sing-a-long songs, world instrument introductions, rhythm/percussion experiments and Appalachian folk music. We will stimulate individual growth and group jam sessions. Bring your children and any fun-time instruments they favor to play and share, or use any of our wide variety of instruments. Come Spread Your Musical Wings with The Angel Band Foundation and witness the musicians of tomorrow! Children under 10 at the Kids Tent, Friday 2pm; Ages 10+ at The Outpost, Sunday 12pm
Tie-Dye and Spin Art with Vic
Join Vic and his helpful crew as we tie-dye on Saturday and explore the retro craft of spin art on a very large scale Sunday. Contribute your own creative energy and make groovy, messy art. For all ages. Kids Tent, Saturday 4:15 pm & Sunday 12:30 pm
Obstacle Course & Scavenger Hunt
Get those Wiggles out with our very own Shakori Obstacle course. How is your balance? Finish the course and get your instruction sheet for the Scavenger Hunt, where you’ll visit key areas of Shakori Hills, get a stamp and return to the kids tent. A work-out adventure for the whole family! Led by Casey Jones. Kids Tent, Friday 12pm & Saturday 2:45 pm
U-DOODLE Workshops
U-Doodle is a nonprofit organization based out of Miami, Florida, that bridges people of all backgrounds, reconnects them to their natural creativity and inspires collaborative innovation through the inclusive process of doodling– yes, doodling! Through a variety of public art projects and a curriculum of interactive workshops, we guide participants to explore new ways to communicate, form meaningful relationships and embrace their creativity. Kids Tent, Friday 5pm, Saturday 1pm, Sunday 11am
Wonderful Worms
Join the Grand Trees of Chatham for a fun afternoon learning about a tree’s best friend… the earthworm! We will spend some time getting to know these amazing little creatures and discover why worms and trees get along so well. We will create some worm artwork and then release our worms into the wild where they can make friends with the beautiful trees here at Shakori Hills! Ages 5 and under. Meet at the Kids Tent, Friday 1pm
Wonderful Walkabout with Grand Trees of Chatham
Join the Grand Trees of Chatham for a fun afternoon learning about “treemendous” trees on the beautiful grounds of Shakori Hills. Join this limited group of 20 for this walk. Meet at Kids Tent Walk at 10 am
The Outpost
The Outpost is an area for young people—stop by and see what’s happening! Songwriting workshops, tie-dye making, mural painting, human foozeball & Capture the Flag, board and table games, Open Mic, teen lounge and lots more! You might even learn a thing or two. The Outpost is for people ages 10 to 18. Friday through Sunday, 11am – midnight
Aerial Skills Workshop
Come get a taste of aerial arts with Liz Bliss. Learn to fly, hang upside down, embrace your inner monkey as we explore basic aerial poses at a safe height. Aerials are for everyone; no experience is required! Shirts that cover the midsection and fitted leggings or yoga pants are recommended. For ages 8+. Tree beside the Coffee Barn, Friday 2pm, Saturday 4pm
Ranford Almond
At 12 years old Ranford is only beginning to blossom as an artist. He began taking violin lessons at the age of four and taught himself to play guitar somewhere along the way. Ranford plays guitar and provides vocals at his shows playing a blend of old soul songs , original pieces, and covers of his favorites. Cabaret Tent, Friday 2pm & The Outpost, Friday 8pm
Lakota John
John Lakota Locklear, 15-year-old Native American (Lumbee) of Pembroke, NC, was seven years old when he started playing harmonica and nine years old when he picked up his first guitar. He was intrigued by the sound of the slide guitar and wanted to learn to play. Lakota John is a featured solo performer at the Local Artists Blues Showcases and quickly becoming a Shakori Hills favorite! The Outpost, Friday 9pm & Coffee Barn Sat 11pm
Scavenger Hunt!
Come and take part in a festival-wide scavenger hunt! We’ll team up and set out to find everything on the most creative list we can come up with. Good idea to bring a backpack or satchel with you. Meet at the Oak by The Outpost, Saturday 3:30-5pm
Make Your Own Tie-Dye
A hands-on, get-messy hour of fun! Come to this workshop to fold and tie your own tie-dye design with the color combination of your choice and leave with a shirt you can take home. The Outpost will provide the shirts and dye—just show up ready to create! Limited to first 20 participants. The Outpost, Friday & Saturday 2pm
Improv Workshop
Maya Burgess has been performing for audiences in North Carolina and Virginia with Once Upon a Blueridge Theatre for six years. She has been an actress, stage manager, assistant director and has helped teach drama classes and summer camps. She is 14 years old and plans to make a career in musical theater. Come with a creative spirit, an open mind, and be ready to make a scene! The Outpost, Saturday 1pm
Open Mic
Bring out your instruments, best voice and friends, and take center stage! Lakota John hosts with visits from special guests throughout the evening. Open Jam intended for young musicians only. The Outpost, Saturday 8pm
Guitar 101 with Ira Planer & Lakota John
This workshop will focus on teaching the basic structure of a I, IV, V music progression and provide an introduction to basic music theory. Participants will also learn a basic scale pattern to go along with their progression, and the opportunity to perform it at open mic at The Outpost on Saturday night! Ira Planer currently works with Burriss Amps and Effects Pedals organizing community outreach programs including Wake County’s first Blues ?in the School program. Lakota John is a talented blues player and young Shakori veteran. The Outpost, Saturday 7pm
Mural Creation
Come create and contribute to the ideas and colors of a mural. We will be designing a large stretched canvas on Friday, then painting on it throughout the weekend. The painting is led by artist Bruce Burgess, who has been painting murals throughout the country for over 20 years. The Outpost, Friday 11am, Sunday 3pm & throughout the festival
HoopJam’s Parade / Pep Rally!
Join Jewels & Scott Crews for a hoop & drum jam just before the Parade. Bring your favorite instrument of magic (hoops, poi, drums, flags). Near the Kids Area, Saturday 1:30pm
Paperhand Puppet Intervention Happiness Parade
Come along on the magical journey through the festival! Bring your noisemakers and don your snazziest festival garb, and join Paperhand Puppet Intervention and the Bulltown Strutters in the Happiness Parade. Stop by the Kids Tent from 11am-1pm beforehand to create wings, drums and shakers! Parade starts at the Kids Area, Saturday 2pm
