I’ll leave all the details you need to know in the way of the press release from the folks at GRF below the break…but I will just say this. Mandolin Orange and Billy Strings alone are worth the price of admission and with the two acts selling out nearly every show on their recent tours, festivals like Green River may be the only logical chance we get to see such incredible artists live (until we beat the robots and scalpers, somehow).
The past years I have spent at Green River have always been wonderful. There is a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Its far less of a “lets get out and camp and pick around our tents” type fest as the campground is somewhat detached from the stage grounds themselves, but i think that adds to the special feel of it all. It forces folks to get out of their sites and go see the music, hit the beer gardens, browse the makers alleyways for crafts and goods and really get into the whole experience of the music-vendors vibe itself.
The event continues to impress. Initial line up announcement below. Get out to this fest. Its one of the best in the area.
Presented by Signature Sounds and named one of “fifty essential summer music festivals” by The New York Times, Green River Festival celebrates thirty four years this July with three days of music: a spectacular lineup of over 30 acts on four stages, the best in local food, beer and wine, handmade juried crafts, a wide array of kid’s activities, camping, hot air balloon rides and a balloon illumination, for Western Massachusetts’ largest outdoor event of the summer. Last year, the festival saw record attendance.
The hugely popular Green House Stage returns with pop-up acoustic performances throughout the weekend. As part of the festival’s ‘Go Greener’ commitment, the house itself highlights smaller, sustainable living and acts as a pop-up stage where the festival’s biggest performers let their hair down in an intimate, back porch setting. Watch past performance videos here.
For Green River Festival 2020, students from UMass Amherst’s Building & Construction Technology Program and the Department of Architecture are designing and building with Kent Hicks Construction Co. a locally sourced, natural, repurposed, net zero house. This small, smart home will make its grand debut at the festival and serve as the new Green House Stage.
Over the years, the Green River festival has hosted dozens of musical giants including established legends like Emmylou Harris, Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams, Richard, Thompson, Mavis Staples, Arlo Guthrie, Steve Earle, and more recent stars like The Avett Brothers, Brandi Carlile, Deer Tick, Neko Case, Calexico, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, CAKE, Molly Tuttle, Fountains Of Wayne, Old Crow Medicine Show, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and many others.
LOCATION:
The Green River festival takes place at Greenfield Community College located at 1 College Drive in Greenfield, MA.
TICKET PRICES:
Early Bird tickets sales end on February 1 then go up to the following:
Advance ticket prices:
Kids 10 and under are always free.
Weekend $139.99
Weekend w/ camping $179.99
RV pass $120
Sat/Sun $119.99
Friday $44.99
Saturday $69.99
Sunday $69.99
Student tickets: $99 for the weekend, in-person only with student ID
CAMPING:
Green River Festival is proud to offer tent and RV camping at the beautiful Franklin County Fairgrounds. Just two miles up the road from the festival, camp is a laid-back scene, with its own great food, music, things to do, and shuttle buses running during festival hours. More camping information can be found here.
PARKING:
On-site parking passes are available for $10 per day, per car. A free shuttle from a nearby lot will also be available.
Purchase your tickets and parking passes online here. Tickets may also be purchased in person at 32 Masonic St. in Northampton, MA. Box office hours are Monday-Thursday from 11-5 PM.
