Wild Goose Festival FAQs

 

What is it?
It’s a 4-day festival at the intersection of justice, spirituality, and art. But it’s so much more than that! [MORE]

When?
The festival program opens at 5 PM Thursday, July 11, 2019 and closes at 1 pm Sunday, July 14.  Arrivals begin Wednesday 3 pm to 8:30 pm for pre-festival events on Thursday. Registration and check in hours on Thursday are 10 AM to 9 PM. 

Check In for pre-festival events will be available on Wednesday from 1 pm to 5 pm, and Thursday from 7am to 9 am.

Plan to arrive in time to have your campsite set up well before 5 PM, as the campground roads will be closed to traffic at 5 PM. Cars are not allowed at campsites; there is parking just across the main road. We’re also planning some pre-festival events to run from 9 AM to 5 PM Thursday. Watch the website for more detail.

Where?
On the campgrounds Hot Springs Resort and Spa in Hot Springs, NC [MAP]

Nearest airports?
Asheville, NC or Knoxville, TN or Charlotte, NC or Greenville, SC

Where can I stay?
Most folks stay in the campgrounds in tents or RVs. There are also a number of rental houses and rooms in the hills surrounding Hot Springs, available through sites such as Vrbo.com, Homeaway.com, and airbnb.com. If you want to stay on the campgrounds but don’t want to camp, you might want to consider GlampingThe nearest hotels/motels are in the Asheville area, a 45-minute drive from the campgrounds. To get the most from your festival experience, you’ll want to stay as close as possible and plan to be around the campgrounds until at least 10PM. There is always something happening until after midnight. Detailed camping/lodging info

What should I do when I arrive?
First, you need to register. Registration begins Thursday morning and will be open all day. It is located just across the main road to the north and will be clearly marked. After you’ve registered, if you are camping, you may drive to your campsite to set up before 5 PM on Thursday only. Please move your vehicle to the parking area before 5 PM.

Where do I get supplies?
The campground store is no longer open. CLICK HERE for a map of local establishments.

Ice

Goose will be selling ice at cost, $2 for a 10 lb bag.
Ice Schedule Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
– 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the ice cooler near front gate (formerly the store).
– 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Beer Tent
– 3:00PM to 6:00PM at the Ice cooler near front gate

What about accessibility?
There are additional options for folks with specific medical or mobility needs. If you have special needs in regard to camping, lodging and/or site accessibility, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator Carrie Craig.

What should I bring?
Rain gear. A chair (chairs are not provided at the Main Stage lawn area). Bug spray, sunblock, a flashlight, your Swiss Army knife, a corkscrew, your coffee mug and your water bottle. An umbrella for shade. A video camera. A swimming suit. Any other comforts you can think of. Click here for a list of Food Vendors.

How can I plan my time at the festival?
Don’t wait until you arrive to start planning. And realize you won’t be able to see everything. As the festival date gets closer we’ll have an index you can search for performers, presenters, and session/performance times. We recommend combing through that as early as possible, rather than waiting until you’re onsite, when everything is happening at once!

Anything else I can do to prepare?
Yes, glad you asked!

We would love for you to think of the stories of your life and be ready to share one or more with us. Think through your story, even rehearse it. There will be several opportunities to tell your story – to an audience, and/or to our video cameras, located about 100 yards into the campground on the main road, next to the Art Studio tent.

One of our goals is to make the festival a more participatory event. Co-Creation is what we call it. There will be events where you may do more than sit in a seat and watch someone on stage. And we’d like you to think ahead about bringing stuff with you – to create art, to decorate your campsite or to help decorate the paths and roads in the campground. How can you help make this a more festive event? How can you participate as a Co-Creator?

How did The Wild Goose Festival get started?
WILD GOOSE’S HISTORY

Who attends the festival?

  • Music and art lovers
  • People who want to be part of a movement for change
  • People who enjoy socializing in an upbeat environment with live music and open air conversation
  • People who appreciate contemplative time outdoors in nature
  • Camping enthusiasts
  • Facebook friends finally meeting face-to-face
  • Adults and families with children (Children under 12 are free!)
  • Youth, college, church, and other groups
  • People exploring and growing their faith
  • All are welcome. We are committed to being open to all. Whoever you are, and wherever you come from, and whatever you’re looking for, you’re welcome at the Wild Goose Festival!

What if I still have questions?
Contact us! We’ll respond as quickly as we can.

How can I get up-to-date news about the festival?
Visit the website often, follow us on Twitter (@wildgoosefest) or Facebook for the latest updates, Sign up for the newsletter.