This year’s Festival for the Eno will have a “more hip performer line-up,” event organizers say.
“We've got a number of artists that appeal to the young adult crowd,” said Maddiey Straubel, Associate Coordinator for the annual event, which has become a Triangle rite of passage for the July 4th weekend. She pointed to such acts as Hammer No More the Fingers, Girlyman, Orquesta GarDel, Midtown Dickens, Ellis, Mount Moriah, the Sweet Remains, Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands, Birds and Arrows, Lizzy Ross, Bearfoot and Spirit Family Reunion.
“Of course, we've got all the good longtime folk, including two days of blues players and other returning highlights, like African-American Dance Ensemble on the Fourth,” Straubel added.
For newcomers or for those who have managed to not make it to the festival in the 31 years it has been staged, the Festival for the Eno is an extended weekend of eclectic music, food, art and crafts and exhibits. The festival draws thousands to the environmentally sensitive banks of the Eno River, and the event plays out against a backdrop of environmental awareness. There is no parking on site – festival-goers must take shuttle buses from nearby parking lots – and recycling and other environmentally conscious practices are encouraged.
The three-day festival will be held July 2-4 along the Eno River in Durham. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, rain or shine.
Tickets are $15 at the gate (or $35 for a three-day pass) but can be purchased in advance for $13 ($30 for three days). Advance tickets can be purchased online or at locations throughout the Triangle — see the festival’s web site for more information.
Other highlights include canoe and kayak rentals, dance workshops, rain barrel painting, lots of fun and/or educational kids activities, such as henna painting and making make external gill necklaces, a live beekeeping exhibit, and artisans selling everything from candles to clothing.
Attendees would be wise to dress as casually and comfortably as possible – heat is unavoidable, rain is always a possibility and mud or dust can be hazards. While many festival attendees cool off by wading in the Eno River, it should be noted that festival organizers officially discourage such activity due to liability concerns — so wear your bathing suit if you’d like, but prepare for the possibility that authorities might prevent you from entering the river.
If you're looking to save money, here are some tips:
- Be sure to purchase tickets in advance — the deadline for advance sales is July 1.
- Parking is free and, if the lot fills up, there are overflow sites, so do not be fooled into parking in a paying lot.
- Volunteer – volunteers attend the Festival for free on the day they work. Visit the web site for more information.
- Bring your own food — coolers are allowed, as long as you do not bring alcohol.
- Find cheap snacks at the festival, such as the Whole Foods-sponsored watermelon and drink booth in the Meadow which sells a large slice of watermelon or a 16-ounce apple cider for $1 each.
One other tip: More than 20,000 people are expected to attend. The earlier in the day you arrive, the shorter the lines will be.
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