Calling All Campers
New VIP music festival emerges as a haute Hill Country escape
Looking to escape the madness of SXSW? Even better if the getaway includes an exclusive music festival complemented by great food and drink and serene surroundings. Called Campfire Gathering, an inaugural "adult summer camp for music lovers" that's happening at Camp Lucy Resort in Dripping Springs, March 16-17.
And this isn't your typical grungy festival, either. Campfire Gathering promises a boutique experience where every single ticket-holder is a VIP, with a star-studded lineup, luxurious accommodations, and chef-driven, complimentary cuisine.
Intrigued? Two-day tickets have already gone on sale, and single-day tickets are being released today. Here's what else you need to know:
The lineup
Austin's own Shakey Graves headlines along with Nashville star Margo Price, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Delta Spirit (and its frontman, Matthew Logan Vasquez, performing a solo set), White Denim, Colter Wall, Canadian masked singer Orville Peck, rock group Deer Tick, Sir Woman, and Israel Nash.
You can also sit in on intimate chapel sessions, which will be curated by renowned Austin singer/songwriter/producer Bruce Robison and his creative music collective, The Next Waltz. Expect up-close-and-personal music performances from artists set against the backdrop of a fully-restored, 19th-century French Colonial chapel from Vietnam.
South Carolina's Nikki Lane leads these sessions, along with David Wax Museum, Austin-based collective Western Fidelity, Joe Ely, David Ramirez, Thomas Csorba, and Carson McHone. You can see the entire lineup here.
Lodging options
While you might be too late to secure an onsite, creekside cabin (sorry), there are still some glamping-like accommodations available. Think sleek RVs from Outdoorsy and chic yurts outfitted with real beds and A/C.
These each come with a parking pass and shuttle service to the festival, along with exclusive access to Monday night's Founders Dinner and Wednesday morning's Gospel Brunch (available only to overnight guests). Remember: You must purchase your lodging separately from your festival ticket.
Eat and drink
Your ticket not only grants unlimited music access but also complimentary meals from morning to night. Chefs will be sourcing local products to prepare a mix of Texas-inspired dishes and classic camping favorites — no charred hot dogs here. Instead, get ready for wine tastings, charcuterie boards, campfire s'mores, Frito pies, and more.
Tillie's, the resort's award-winning restaurant, will also be open during the festival should you want to purchase a meal from there instead.
Camp activities
Forget making lanyards — how about hatchet throwing, CBD massages, archery, and shopping instead? In addition to the nonstop music you'll also find plenty to keep you busy over 48-plus hours.
From relaxing at the Camp Lucy pool to going on guided hikes, learning how to fish to browsing handcrafted and vintage items at the Pavilion Marketplace, there's no shortage of fun things to do.
Visit the Campfire Gathering website to learn more and find updates, as well as purchase tickets and lodging packages.