This past weekend, we spent our days at the glorious Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance in Trumansburg, New York. If I were to imagine what a perfect community would feel like, Grassroots is it. It is friendly to all ages, people are friendly and kind, the music is incredible, and there is room to dance everywhere.
I’ve been going to the Grassroots Festival for many years now. This year, however, we decided to try it with our one year old. We’re talking camping for the entire time, seeing the music, hanging out with friends, and swimming in the creek. All of it we did with our son and we all had a blast.
An All-Inclusive Festival
Grassroots is really a festival like no other. It is all inclusive. If I had any worries about bringing a child to this festival, they were quickly assuaged. There were so many children present including lots of babies. I even saw several babies that were very young, between three and five months. The age range of festival goers ranges from baby to people in their early 80s. There is something to be said for this. Grassroots is not an ageist festival. From contra dancing, to the zydeco dance tent, to face painting, to the Happiness Parade, to the Art Barn, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
At the Grassroots Festival, it’s all about the Music
You will find all sorts of world music at this festival, from African, to folk, Cajun, bluegrass, rock n’ roll, old-timey, electronica, and so much more. One year they even had Tibetan Throat singers. The varied music from multiple continents is what makes this festival so wonderful. Ever want to jam out to Tinariwen and Silversun Pickups? I was able to do it here!
The Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance is the brain child of the band, Donna the Buffalo, who hail from Trumansburg, NY. Every year there are a few staples you can count on. Donna the Buffalo plays three nights; Thursday night, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon with a bunch of other Grassroots performers. They are wonderful live!
Every year, on Saturday night, you can go to the Dance Tent and dance to Zydeco from midnight until the sun comes up. Zydeco is a Cajun Creole style music that hails from New Orleans and southern Louisiana that is all about dancing.
Every year, on Sunday morning, you can go to the Grandstand with your cup of coffee and listen to some classical music from the local orchestra. In addition to the some more popular tunes, they always offer some obscure pieces, and are sometimes accompanied by singers.
The Festival of Music and DANCE
Another wonderful thing about Grassroots is the focus on dancing. I’ve been to many other festivals. Often enough, some festivals have areas where people park their chairs for the entire weekend. Usually, the chairs are right up front at the stage going back quite a ways. I really don’t like this. If you want to dance, you have to dance in the very back so you’re not blocking any sitting person’s view. Grassroots does not do this and I love it even more for that. If you want to sit, you can, but you sit behind the dance floor. This creates a great intimacy between the musicians playing and the dancers right up front, moving their bodies to the rhythm.
Regular Festival Staples
There is an Art Barn located up near the Dance Tent. This barn is exactly what you imagine, filled with art. The art is usually local artists and the barn offers a nice respite from the music and sun.
Every Sunday, the Happiness Parade marches throughout the grounds. People dress up in costume and carry homemade signs to spread love and happiness to everyone.
Now, that I’m a mom, I’m so excited about the kids activity area. They have a mini playground set, face painting, art, games, and music for all the kiddos to participate in.
In between the in-field and the Grandstand, you will find the maze. The borders of the maze are only painted grass, but it really is fun to wind your way through to the center. At the center, people leave offerings for other festival goers to take, or simply to the Grassroots Festival. Bring something fun to share!
Coffee Travel Mugs
Every year, Grassroots has a different coffee travel mug for sale. If you go, be sure to pick up a cup. When you return, bring your old cup with you. The older the cup is that you bring, the cheaper your coffee. Plus, they are always decorated with very cool art and bright colored lids (or black, if you choose).
Where is it located?
You can find the Grassroots Festival at the County fairgrounds in Trumansburg, New York. It usually takes place the second to last weekend in July.
Map
A few lovely maps of the festival grounds can be found here.