FloydFest is an art and music festival that takes place every year in the Blue Ridge mountains close to Floyd, Virginia. The venue is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, so festival-goers can stay in the lap of nature and enjoy some incredibly scenic views, in addition to the great music.
It is a huge cultural festival that first took place in 2002. All the performances and events are held over five days on multiple stages. World class musical artists from different genres like rock, reggae, bluegrass, folk, Cajun, Zydeco, African, Appalachian, Yiddish, and others perform at the festival every year.
Artists who have played at FloydFest In the past include The Neville Brothers, Baka Beyond, Acoustic Syndicate, The Avett Brothers, Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Old Ceremony, David Wax Museum, Driftwood, Greensky Bluegrass, and Rising Appalachia.
Every year, the festival organizers come up with a different theme for FloydFest. Some of the themes featured in the past include “Midsummer's Dream,” “Rock of Ages,” “Breaking Ground,” “Rise & Shine,” and “Fire on the Mountain.” In addition to the incredible live performances, the festival also features dance workshops, storytelling, yoga lessons, poetry readings, a "Children's Universe" tent, and local arts and crafts.
For FloydFest, there are single-day general admission tickets available as well as passes for three days, four days, and all five days. There are also high-roller all-access VIP passes on offer. Tickets range in price from around $100 (single-day general admission tickets) to $1600 (High-Roller All-Access VIP Pair bundle).
General admission or VIP passes will need to be purchased for kids (4-7 years) or youth (8-12 years). You can buy your event tickets on the website along with passes for parking and other outdoor activities.
The venue for the festival is in the Blue Ridge mountains close to Floyd, Virginia. It may be a bit difficult to find as GPS routing may not guide you towards the best route. Detailed directions from the towns of Floyd (at the stoplight), Stuart, and Hillsville to the festival site as well as the various parking lots are provided on the website. It's a good idea to find your way to one of these towns and then follow the directions given.
Paid parking options will be provided at the venue. ADA parking is available for patrons with disabilities who require parking spots close to the festival stages. Parking passes will need to be purchased separately and are not included in the price of your admission pass unless you hold a VIP ticket.
Since the venue is not located near a metro location, public transport options like buses and trains can be hard to find. The organizers work with various carpool companies to get patrons to the festival in a stress-free manner. Incentives and prices are offered to guests who choose to carpool to the event.
FloydFest offers several onsite camping options for patrons. RV campers can choose based on RV size and amenity preference. Shuttle service between locations may be offered for some RV locations. By purchasing a GA tent tag, you can camp in the GA camping area on site. There is also a designated backstage area provided for All High-Roller All-Access VIPs.
Festival organizers work with other campsites to offer off-site camping and RV camping options to guests. The closest camp is about ten minutes away from the venue and comes with facilities like bottled water and potable water for cooking, camp stores, food trucks, and bathroom facilities. Both powered and unplugged camping is available, depending on the ticket you purchase.
The best way to get around is on foot since cycles, skateboards, skates, scooters, and other personalized vehicles will not be allowed on the grounds. Shuttle services connecting the parking and camping lots with the main festival grounds will be available on all five days of the event. Patrons with disabilities will be allowed to use ADA shuttles to get around the site.
FloydFest is more than just a music festival. There are other activities on offer, like yoga classes, hikes, birdwatching, and even Crossfit. So you’re likely to see many people walking around in exercise gear. Be sure to pack your favorite pair of yoga pants and clothing in lightweight, breathable fabrics.
Pack for an outdoor music journey and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, a first aid kit, a phone charger, a refillable water bottle, earplugs, and rain gear. Adventure seekers may want to check the list of outdoor excursions; remember to bring what is required for mountain biking and any selected water activities. Be sure to print out and carry your FloydFest tickets along with a valid form of ID.
Free, cold drinking water will be available all over the festival venue. Drink water frequently to avoid dehydration. Pack some rain gear to protect yourself and avoid getting wet in case it rains. It can get pretty cold once the sun sets, so carrying a warm jacket is a good idea. FloydFest spreads out a bit, so designate a meeting place with your crew or kiddos in case anyone becomes separated from the group.
Cooking in the main event area is not permitted. If you’re camping on the grounds, you will be able to cook using a small gas stove. However, open fires of any kind will not be allowed. If you’re planning to camp off-site, it’s a good idea to check in advance if cooking is allowed and how much fuel you can have at your site.
Get ready to indulge in delicious culinary delights when you’re in Floyd. The area is acclaimed for southern comfort foods like fried chicken and traditional gravy and biscuits. You’ll also find a wide range of foods made with fresh, local-sourced veggies, meats, and cheeses. Don’t miss out on indulging in some delicious desserts, too.
You’ll find no shortage of delicious food and beverage options at the FloydFest. If you’re camping on the grounds, you can start your day with a cup of delicious locally roasted drip coffee. Whether you’re in the mood for a healthy meal or a deep fried snack, you’ll find it here. There will also be plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on offer.
Security personnel will be present at the entrances and will also be making rounds. You can expect to see ambassadors from the security and festival planning teams actively walking around the campgrounds, assisting with anything a guest might need, and giving out information. You can approach one of them in case you need help with anything.
In July, the weather in Virginia is likely to be sunny and pleasant, although festival-goers would be wise to plan for rain in case the skies get wet. While the sun can be intense during the day, it can get quite chilly at night. Be prepared by equipping yourself with some rain gear and a warm jacket.
EMTs will be present at medical tents in easy to reach locations on the grounds. They will be able to jump in if you or someone else requires medical assistance. Patrons with disabilities can get support and information related to accessible parking, camping, toilets, etc. by emailing the coordinators in advance. A centrally located ADA information tent will also offer assistance on site.
