If a weekend of groovy bell bottoms, drums circles, campfire jams, live music, potlucks and games sounds like your kind of party, this Hillsboro festival is for you.
Hippiefest takes place on the "Back Room Paradise" campground and event space in Hillsboro, a small town located a little over an hour east of Cincinnati.
The idea for the nonprofit festival began in 2010, when a group of friends sat around a bonfire and made plans for a camping get together before winter, where they would all wear their favorite '60s and '70s clothes — "Bell bottoms, halter tops, miniskirts, tie dye and a few other things we won't mention..." the website explains.
The inaugural event ended up gathering 45 attendees, with more and more each passing year.
Now celebrating its 10th year, the event takes place Sept. 20-22 and invites guests on a weekend-long campout.
Attendees can look forward to nightly campfires where musical instruments are encouraged, a drum circle featuring a special guest from the original Woodstock, live music on Saturday evening, DJs, scavenger hunts, poker, trash can beer bong and a big Saturday pork roast potluck dinner.
There is no alcohol available for purchase at the festival, however all guests are welcome to bring their own.
Attendees are advised to bring a tent, sleeping bag, folding chair, food, a covered dish for the Saturday evening potluck (with at least 10 servings), beverages, water, sunscreen, a flash light, chargers, tarps, hippie outfit, etc.
Dogs are welcome, as long as they are well behaved.
Weekend tickets to the festival cost $55 in advance and $70 at the door, but according to Mary Baker, a promoter of the event, if you mention this CityBeat write-up, you will receive a discounted price of $55 at the door. The weekend ticket includes camping, hot showers, Saturday's pork roast dinner, live entertainment and games.
The Overnighter Pass costs $40 and includes camping for one night, plus the potluck dinner and a Saturday live music performance. Saturday Day Passes cost $25 and do not include camping. Tickets are available online or at the festival.
Expect a best dressed hippie contest and best hippie themed campsite contest.
For more info, visit hippiefestohio.com.
