This Thursday, May 2, the annual Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival is kicking off another weekend of music, dance, art and fun in Pittsboro!

The storied festival is a local fixture with deep roots in the community, and the 2019 iteration of GrassRoots is shaping up to be more of the celebration that defines the spring and autumn seasons. Starting Thursday with an opening ceremony followed by a unique Afro-Haitian dance workshop and ending with late performances from Donna the Buffalo – a Grassroots staple – and Otto Von Schirach, among others, the festival will continue through the weekend bringing music and art to life.

Catering to all ages, the GrassRoots Festival Kids Tent will host hands-on art projects, special performances, group activites, storytelling, face-painting and more. Families that would like to camp together can choose to settle in the Quiet Camping zone away from the late-night hangouts and jam sessions that Grassroots is known for.

Organized twice yearly, the GrassRoots festival offers an extraordinarily diverse and different lineup, with acts performing varieties of Americana, root, reggae, jazz, bluegrass, country, funk, rock and more. Artists and art installations can be found around the property, and attendees have the opportunity to attend a bevy of workshops and group exercises led by local experts and personalities.

Tickets can be purchased online, at the event, or at participating local retail locations.

Thursday Schedule

Friday Schedule

Saturday Schedule

Sunday Schedule

You can also tune in to Aaron Keck’s “Live and Local” segment on 97.9 The Hill — specifically on Wednesday, May 1, at 6 p.m. — to hear Grant Golden from Shakori Hills talk about the festival and enjoy a live in-studio performance from Chris Frisina!

(photos via Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance)