FESTIVAL INFO & FAQS
Photo by Jeremy Gilchrist
TICKETS
Please visit our Ticket Page for all ticket and camping pricing.
Directions
Please visit our Directions and Maps Page for directions to Shakori Hills.
Camping
Shakori Hills offers three camping options including RV, vehicle, and primitive tent sites. Please visit our Camping Page for more information.
Gate Hours
Thursday: 10 am – Midnight
Friday: 9 am – Midnight
Saturday: 9 am – 11 pm
Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm
Questions
Please direct any and all questions to shakorihills@grassrootsfest.org
Or give us a call at the office, 919-704-9105, during normal business hours.
Youth Policy
Children ages 12 and under are free and must have a parent or guardian aged 18 or older present in order to attend the festival. Youth one-day and four-day passes will not be sold to anyone 15 years of age or younger without a parent or guardian aged 18 or older.
Parents / Guardians of Teens
Life can happen fast when you are a teenager, and Shakori Hills can provide an excellent space to accommodate the growth that accompanies the transition from a child to a young adult. We are proud to engage teens at The Outpost, a teen tent with activities, space, and games focused towards them open daily. And we encourage parents and guardians of teenagers attending a Shakori Hills event to speak, and be open, with them about wise decision making surrounding their health & safety in large event settings. Over the years, parents and guardians have found numerous ways to both provide their teen with greater autonomy while maintaining supervision including timed check ins or even 2-way radios both proving very helpful in staying in communication while enjoying each other’s space. Many parents have also found that volunteering with their teen can be an excellent way to experience the event together.
Parking
There is plenty of parking at the festival site, and costs $25 for the weekend or $10 per day per vehicle. We support reducing carbon emissions wherever possible, though, and so carpoolers with four or more occupants park for free!
Coming & Going
For the safety of all, please do not drive around the festival grounds. If you are using a Vehicle Camping pass and need to leave the festival grounds we request that you do so between 8 a.m. and noon.
The upper exit at the front will be closed between the hours of 12 a.m. and 8 a.m., during which time PLEASE use the main entrance you came in to exit.
Trash, Recycling & Compost
Please help us reduce our waste by following this simple request — if you bring it with you, take it home! If you must leave trash or recycling, please sort glass, aluminum, plastic, cardboard & trash. Need bags? We’ve got you covered! Just ask for trash and recycling bags at the Ticket Booth.
Our food vendors use all compostable utensils and paper products so please discard any trash (plastic, aluminum foil etc.), and then place your left over food, paper plates, cups, napkins, and utensils from food vendors in the compost.
WATER
We are so lucky to have delicious, deep well water for drinking conveniently situated at multiple points throughout the property. As such, we highly recommend bringing your re-fillable water containers to stay hydrated through the entire duration of your stay. Look for the Deep Well Water signs on the map and throughout the farm.
Pets
As much as we love pets, out of consideration for the health and safety of all, pets are not allowed at Shakori Hills.
Shakori Hills cannot accept entry of “Comfort” or “Emotional Support” animals. The rules concerning ADA Animals are very strict and we welcome those that require true ADA, properly trained Service Animals. Comfort or Emotional Support animals are not ADA approved or classified as such.
Shakori Hills follows all state guidelines, as outlined here.
Try our friends at Companion Camp pet boarding if you are in need of a place for your pet to stay.
3408 Castle Rock Farm Road
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-545-CAMP (919-545-2267)
info@companioncamp.net
Refunds
We apologize for any inconvenience, but we are unable to provide refunds. All ticket sales are final.
Alcohol
Outside alcohol is not allowed at Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available at multiple bars throughout the property for those aged 21 years or older with valid identification. Public intoxication and drug abuse are not acceptable, and we reserve the right to intervene if we believe anyone is acting inappropriate and/or disrespectful.
Drone Policy
Drone cameras are not permitted without official accreditation. Anyone hoping to pilot a drone during any event held at Shakori Hills will need to 1) be 16 years of age or older and hold a valid North Carolina Driver’s License, 2) hold a valid FAA UAV License, and 3) provide proof of insurance with both Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival Org. listed as additional insured for $1,000,000 per occurrence ($2,000,000 aggregate).
All persons must be pre-registered and have all of the above documentation on file with the Shakori Hills office before launching UAVs on the property. Pilots flying a drone on the property without all of these requirements will either be asked to leave or have their equipment confiscated until the end of the event. A repeat offense will result in the person subject to being banned from the property. Please email shakorihills@grassrootsfest.org to begin the approval process.
A Few Tips from Us to Stay Healthy & Safe
*Unplug! Cell phone coverage is spotty – at best. You will have better luck sending a text. Take the picture or video and worry about posting it later. If you must make a call, the best places for coverage seem to be in the Food Village or in day parking.
*Bring a flashlight
*Use sunscreen
*Use bug spray
*Upon arrival note the location of Security and First Aid, found across from the Ticket Booth and on the back side of the Main House respectively, and also on the Festival Site Map. Printed maps can be found at the Box Office or in your program.
*Stay hydrated! There are deep well water spigots throughout the site.
*Use the buddy system, stay together and keep an eye out for one another.
*If you witness something that feels unsafe please report it to security.
*Use & trust your best instincts.
*Please spread the word about the 911 Good Samaritan Law in NC. The “911 Good Samaritan” law provides protections from charge and prosecution for drug and alcohol possession and underage drinking for both the victim and those who seek help during an overdose. Bottom line, if someone needs medical assistance, do not hesitate to seek help immediately.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK: YOU are RESPONSIBLE
There are inherent risks associated with being at any Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival or at a Shakori Hills event. By participating in Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival in any way (ticket purchaser, volunteer, staff, performer, vendor, etc.) you are fully responsible for your physical and mental self, your belongings, your vehicle, your actions, injuries, accidents, illness, property damage, or other occurrence arising in any manner whatsoever out of your participation in activities sponsored by Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival. In addition, all persons attending this event, by their presence, may be photographed, videotaped, or broadcasted, and waive any claim related to the use of their image for Shakori Hills’ promotional purposes. We live by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you so please be respectful, kind & responsible, and enjoy your time at Shakori Hills!
Need a ride? Want to offer a ride?
Click here to go to our Facebook Ride Board Group.
The Facebook group is a place to offer and share rides to and from the festival. Other than setting up the ride board, Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival and the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center have no responsibility for conversations or interactions created on the board.
Handicap Accessibility
Though situated on a rolling half farm half woods setting, Shakori Hills is fairly navigable by those with disabilities. Please find some helpful information below and reach out to shakorihills@grassrootsfest.org with any further questions.
A gravel road connects all of the musical stages. As it is a rolling hill property, there are slight declines and inclines, but nothing too steep. This main thoroughfare provides good (though slightly rugged) access to any of the music and goes very close to our food area as well as all of the handicap-accessible camping and parking areas.
Mobility Impaired Parking is available on a first-come first-serve basis and divided into Van Accessible spaces and regular width spaces. Please see the parking volunteers for directions and access. A valid state-issued DMV ADA placard or HD plate is required.
We have two Mobility Impaired Camping areas, close to handicap bathrooms. If interested in utilizing one of these sites, please reach out to shakorihills@grassrootsfest.org prior to attending a festival to coordinate.
We have an Accessibility Ambassador who can help you with any questions as well as bring the staff any requests and/or special information for ways to help and make Shakori Hills as accessible as possible.
Additional questions? Please contact the ambassador via phone (919-414-1426) or email shakorihillsaccess@gmail.com.
VISITING CHATHAM COUNTY
Visiting Chatham County, North Carolina
Home to Shakori Hills, Chatham County is a magical place with a lot to offer, and one can discover all the beauty and learn more at the Pittsboro and Siler City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Need to stock up on delicious food? Stop by Chatham Marketplace, our locally owned co-op grocery. Want to experience life on a Chatham County farm? The Piedmont Farm Tour is a fun yearly event that invites people to check out small local farms! Renown for its vibrant creative artist community, visit the Chatham County Arts Council at their downtown Pittsboro location featuring local artists’ crafts. More local artists can also be found through the Artists Guild Studio Tour. For information on the art roads and farm trails of North Carolina go to homegrownhandmade.com.
Nearby Lodging
We love these Bed & Breakfasts who have supported Shakori Hills all these years. Check them out for a comfortable place to stay and rest!
Some other links to try for nearby accommodations:
Cane Creek Campground and RV Park
email info@canecreekcampground.com
phone: 336-376-8324