Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fern Fest like?
Fern Fest 2024 is going to be an amazing and transformative year. We're at a new venue and have another diverse lineup of fantastic stage performances. The week will be filled with opportunities to connect with each other though music, camping, learning, activities and so much more. See About section for more information.
How long is Fern Fest and where is it?
Fern Fest is almost a full week! 6 days and 5 nights. The gates will open on Tuesday, July 9th at 9am and everyone must exit no later than 4pm on Sunday, July 14th.
The venue for Fern Fest 2024 is located an hour northeast of Grand Rapids near Trufant, MI.
What are the accommodations?
Rustic camping! You are welcome to tent camp, car camp or bring an RV. If you're not into camping, you're welcome to find a local hotel or Airbnb in the area and come and go during open gate hours.
What's the water, bathroom and shower situation?
There are multiple fresh water spigots and hydration stations. There will be a two stall shower trailer available for a small fee. Bringing a solar shower for personal bathing at your campsite is encouraged!
There are portable toilets located in all main community and camping areas of the festival. Hand sanitizer is available in each toilet and there are multiple hand washing stations.
What about electricity?
Electricity is not available in camping areas. A limited capacity charging station will be available. Attendees are responsible for bringing their own battery power source for any medical or assistive devices such as CPAP machines.
Quiet generators under 65db or less are allowed as long as the exhaust doesn't interfere with other campsites. Generators can only be run for an hour at a time between 11am and 9pm.
How about cell service? Is there Wi-Fi?
Cell service is limited in the area depending on your carrier and we are exploring options for limited Wi-fi access. As of now, please be prepared to be off-grid. If you need to be connected, Trufant, MI is 5 miles away. We encourage everyone to embrace being unplugged and immersed in the festival experience!
Are children welcome?
Yes! All children MUST be accompanied by a parent/caregiver. Childcare will not be available however there have been attendee organized activities and/or workshops for kids attending Fern Fest. Please note that Fern Fest includes performances and workshops that may not be appropriate for certain ages.
Children 8yrs. and under are welcome regardless of gender. Parents and caregivers of children 9yrs-17yrs., should consider their alignment with the curated community inclusive of women/girls, nonbinary and trans folks and those that live on the spectrum of the feminine spirit.
Children 6yrs.-17yrs. must purchase a Child Ticket, 0-5yrs. must be registered under the Infant/Toddler Free Ticket.
What is the food situation?
There will be a catered meal plan available for purchase providing dinners Wednesday through Saturday. Stay tuned for more information on pricing and menu from Lake Effect Kitchen in Grand Haven, Michigan. We aim to have a variety of food vendor options available as well.
There will be a community kitchen available for attendees to prepare food. The community kitchen has tables for food prep, shared coolers and dry bins, propane grills and stoves, coffee and hot water urns and a bleach bucket for sanitation. Fern Fest stocks the community kitchen with FREE COFFEE! If you are an early bird and enjoy supporting others’ caffeine needs, sign up for a volunteer work shift in the community kitchen to help with the morning brew. Reminder, please bring your own reusable mug.
If you've never camped before, we recommend simple meals and snacks that are easy to prepare or assemble in rustic conditions. Sandwiches, granola bars, pre-assembled salads, fruit, cans of soup and other meals that are easy to reheat or enjoy cold or at room temp are great choices. Hop onto the Fern Fest Community Forum on Facebook to tap into others' go-to camping meals and ideas.
Will there be ice for purchase and other provisions?
Yes, bagged ice will be available for purchase. The Fern Fest booth in the vendor area will have a variety of official Fern Fest gear (t-shirt sizes XS – 5XL). We will also carry some limited supplies such as batteries, toiletries, packaged snacks, band aids etc.
Even though most vendors will be able to accept credit cards, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand. Please note there is not an ATM at the venue.
Are pets allowed?
We love animals but pets and emotional support animals are not allowed. If you arrive with a pet or emotional support animal, you will not be allowed to enter.
What will the weather be like?
The weather in mid-Michigan in July can vary. Expect days to be hot and humid and the nights to be cool and sometimes cold. We always hope to avoid rain but it is common this time of year to have showers and passing storms. Please prepare for the full spectrum of temperatures and inclement weather. This festival goes on rain or shine including stage performances unless there is extreme weather in which case schedules may be delayed or rescheduled.