Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival returns to Chatham County

The festival is held twice a year, each spring and fall, on 72 acres of land off Henderson Tanyard Road in Pittsboro.

This year, there will be over 50 bands performing on four stages between May 3 and 6, including big names like Steve Earle (known for the song Copperhead Road) and the fascinating giant puppets of Paperhand Puppet Intervention.

Rising Appalachia will perform soul, hop and roots music along with performances by Ibibio Sound Machine led by London-born Nigerian singer Eno Williams.

In addition to entertainment, Shakori Hills offers a variety of programs and workshops centered around music and dance, healing arts and movement. There will be vendors selling pottery and art, henna tattoo booths and food trucks selling drinks, entrees and desserts. Water spigots will be available throughout the site.

Shakori Hills is a family-friendly festival complete with zones for teens and kids full of educational activities and hands-on crafts. Proceeds from the festival, which was created in 2002, benefit the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center.

One-day tickets start at $22, and four-day passes start at $115. Tent, RV and vehicle camping is available for groups who want to spend the night at the festival. Parking is available for $10 for the whole weekend or $5 per day.