Hiking, water sports, mountain biking and world class music make Floyd Fest one of VA’s best festivals

by | Jul 14, 2015 | FESTIVALS & PARTIES

Calling all Dead-heads, camping connoisseurs and those who live for fun under the sun. As another summer blazes on, so does another season of festivals!

Calling all Dead-heads, camping connoisseurs and those who live for fun under the sun. As another summer blazes on, so does another season of festivals! A hidden gem on the Must-See Music Festival list is FloydFest 14: Fire On The Mountain. Located in beautiful mountain town of Floyd, VA, FloydFest is a 5-day long adventure that a person of any age and musical-appetite can enjoy.

Like previous years, the Outdoor Adventure tent located on festival grounds will assist attendees with fully experiencing the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains, providing a list of outdoor excursions.

One of the more popular activities is “On the Water.” Offered each day of the festival, attendees of all ages can enjoy a undeveloped stretch of the Little River in Floyd County, having the options of paddle boating, kayaking, canoeing and tubing down the remote river until they arrive back near the festival grounds. Transportation to the top of the river will be provided by Floydfest staff, along with the water sporting equipment. The trip includes a fully catered lunch with locally grown fresh produce.

For hikers, a breathtaking and secluded “Moon Stomper Hiking Trail” is offered from the hours of 10am-7pm everyday. Located along the trail will be a geocache of goodies and whoever the lucky discoverer is gets to keep the package’s mysterious contents. Parallel to the hiking trail is a more rugged trail for bikers with bike rentals available each day of the festival. There will be a 19-mile bike journey guided by world-class professional freeride and mountain trails cyclist, Jeff Lenosky. For a more relaxing ride, an alternative bike route will be offered.

For any early-bird attendees who need a morning jog to start their day or for those looking for a little competition, a 5k Trail Running Race will be offered. The course circles around the festival site and will incorporate the Moon Stomper Hiking Trail. The 5k race is free to enter and the top winners will be awarded with prizes.

Aside from the many outdoor activities, Floydfest is offering an open mic and talent show to any attendee who is willing to perform. Performances may include anything along the lines of comedy, choreography, singing, magic, and any entertaining talents.

Craft vendors from around the nation will be on the festival grounds offering hands-on interactions, especially enjoyable for kids. These interactions will include constructing fresh flower garlands, arm bands, dancing sticks, and more. One of the more popular interactive vendors from previous years is Mim’s Ukes’ learn-to-play the ukulele. Mim’s Ukes is the nation’s largest ukulele store located right in Floyd, Virginia. Mim’s Ukes will be joined by special guest ukulele super-star Narcisso “Seeso” Lobo, coined “The Human Jukebox.”

Along with a taekwonDo workshop, there is a “Teen Scene” Tent consisting of couches and snacks for those who wish to relax outside of the sun, indulge in morning meditation, and experience mixed media workshops and a series of healing arts workshops. 2014 Hooper of the year voted by youtube viewers, Rachel Lust, will be teaching classes and will have a choreographed performance djed by Baltimore, MD’s Dope Solo.

Spectacular folk, blues, rock, jam and country artists aren’t the only features that make up the Floydfest experience. With headlines like Grace Potter, Trampled by Turtles and Keller Williams, this 5-day festival may just be the epitome of a Virginia’s summer. Offering craft beer, local restaurant vendors and merchandise that will have veteran rock lovers reminisce the 70s, Floydfest is a fest that you don’t want to miss.

For more information about outdoor activities, artists, vendors and food, check out floydfest.com

Becky Ingram

Becky Ingram

Becky Ingram was with RVA Mag in the Summer of 2015 and has continued writing for RVAMag.com and GayRVA.com ever since, mainly submitting festival coverage. She has recently relocated to Berlin, Germany where she works as a photo-journalist for a fashion photographer. She hopes that her B.S. in Economics from VCU and her international journalism experience will help her acquire a content manager position for VICE Video some day. Her interests include surf cinematography, gonzo journalism, and funky bass lines.




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