Now that we’re finally getting over the Bonna-flu, contracted annually at Bonnaroo, we’re looking forward to a full season of festivals to enjoy.
When we polled you for your favorite festivals earlier this season in advance of our collaboration with RELIX on their festival guide, a huge chunk of you recommended the bluegrass festival ROMP, which is coming up on June 24-27. Tickets are still available, and kids twelve and under are free!
We can’t help but admire their owl logo and stylish website, and among many, this year’s line up includes John Prine, Punch Brothers, Del & Dawg, Sam Bush, Hot Rize, Leftover Salmon and from the Rock my Soul Tour, The McCrary Sisters and The Fairfield Four.
The festival is produced by the International Bluegrass Music Museum and takes place at Yellow Creek Park in Owensboro, Kentucky where the museum is located. For those interested in the cultural heritage of the form, stop in and experience their collection of 100 posters, which includes “one of the original posters from the first multi-day bluegrass music festival, held in Fincastle, Virginia in 1965 and an audio/visual recording of some of the performances.” New exhibition openings coincide with opening night of ROMP.
Here is what you, our dear readers, told us about your experiences at ROMP.
“Great atmosphere, family friendly, and beautiful location. Kidz zone with workshops is awesome, as is the giant slip n slide. Park has two great playgrounds, as well as a ‘spray park.'”
“Hands-down fav: ROMP…Awesome aspect: the early hours on the last day of the fest include performances by literally hundreds of beginning music students. Another awesome aspect: kids can’t wait til it’s ROMP time every year. They love it as much as their parents love it. And that’s a lot. By about Day 3 of this 4-day fest every year, people walk around in a glow saying things like, “This is fantastic!” or “This is fn awesome, omg.” Out of dozens of festivals we go to every year, ROMP is the best. By far. The staff and volunteers help you with EVERYthing, with a big smile, and the line-up is ridiculous. Best line-ups in the country, every year. Tickets are affordable, and kids 12 and under get in FREE. All levels of yoga, free. Instrument and dance workshops by pros, free. Nature trails, water spray park, playgrounds, raptor center, tennis, volleyball, fishing, dancing, late night after parties, and jamming everywhere. The food vendors don’t serve carney food – it’s all delicious, made by chefs (lots of local involvement), with ample veggie and vegan options for us grown-up hippies (thank you, ROMP!). The arts and crafts are juried, gorgeous, all original, and very affordable. ROMP even allows dogs, if kept on a leash. We love to watch the dogs playing – they obviously pick up on the vibe, love the music and get high on the experience of romping outdoors with thousands of people all having a blast together.
Extra tips: “If you have an RV that is the way to go!” and “Bring sunscreen and water toys. Have fun!!”
Are you going to ROMP? Let us know what you’re excited to see at the festival in the comments below, or share what your experience was like after you get home. Have fun and stay safe!
Here are some more shots from the 2014 festival.
