Photo by Josh Timmermans
Hey folks, it’s me, Elise. I’m quite literally on the road to Werk Out Music Festival at Legend Valley in Thornville, OH, with my road dog Taco (just a heads up – real doggos are not allowed at Legend Valley). It’s been a pleasant trip from our home in West Virginia so far, a cool overcast day and this weekend looks like beautiful weather!
This is our seventh year at Werk Out and our family has a thing about the number 7 – my birthday is 8/7/87, our son Alex’s birthday is September 7th, and we just generally often see lucky things happening around this number. So we know that this weekend is going to be one of the best Werk Out Music and Arts Festivals ever. Since I’m short for time and battery life, I am doing a short mini-guide instead of full guide for this weekend’s festivities. So read up and get on the road! I’ll see you soon.
Photo by Bradford Watkins
1. Tickets
You only have 9 hours left to get your tickets online! They’ll run you $179 for a Thurs-Sun pass, plus $25 extra if you want to arrive early on Wednesday. Buy them online now. Tickets are available at the gate starting 9am Thursday! Prices reduce for 2-day tickets for Fri/Sat and 1-day tickets for Saturday only. All passes include all music, parking, and camping.
Photo by Bradford Watkins
2. Camping
VIP sells out quickly for Werk Out and for good reason – it’s prime real estate for camping, located backstage, with a beautiful lounge hosted by Team Fun. But since it is, yes, SOLD OUT, all I’m doing is teasing you at this point. Maybe next year you’ll use that damn calendar you buy every year January and write a reminder to buy your VIP tix early!
There is a car camping option for $110, which is sure to sell out quickly so don’t wait if you must camp with your car.
The best option, in my opinion, is to bring a wagon and hike your gear in. Get there early on Wednesday to get your spot in the treeline up top for some shade and hammock spots, or find some flat land in the bowl, the perfect place if you have a large group and want to camp with friends.
3. Bring money for merch, art, and food
There are tons of amazing vendors to visit at Werk Out, in addition to the official merch. Owen Murphy always creates a beautiful commemorative poster each year which always sells out, so visit the merch table early. The artists at the art gallery will be showing some special never-before-seen pieces that will wow you, and would make the most special way to remember the weekend and support your community. When you’re done picking out your merch – get yourself a piece of Disc-o Pizza or any of the other delicious food choice on vendor row.
4. Bring school supplies to donate
The Golden Shore foundation is taking school supply donations for local Thornville schools. Stop by the merch tent to donate and “your generous donation will be rewarded with a beautiful limited edition pin PLUS the chance to win exclusive side stage viewing for our closing set on August 4th! Full details and suggested donations at http://bit.ly/GSF2018_SSD”
Photo by Josh Timmermans
5. Practice self-care
It’s all too easy to wook out at the Werk Out, but let me be the first to tell you, it’s a slippery slope on into a sloppy Saturday if you don’t take the time to take care of yourself. There’s a water refill station at the bottom of the path from the treeline where you can fill up your reusable water bottles. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and try to catch some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
There are multiple opportunities to stretch your body and open your mind, with yoga sessions at noon Friday and Saturday at the art gallery, plus more yoga and tons of enriching workshops and lectures at Illumiknation Station. Feed your body and your soul before commencing to rage.
Photo by B. Hockensmith
6. Costume Themes!
If you’re anything like me, you love letting your freak flag fly. I’ve geared up for a couple of costumes this weekend and I hope you do, too. Whether you raid the back of your closet or visit a Party Store on the way, there’s plenty of ways to have fun with this year’s themes.
Thursday – Fairy Tale
Friday – Freaks and Geeks
Saturday – Animal Night
Photo of “Twerkapod” collab by Josh Timmermans
7. Let the music play
You won’t want to miss all of the amazing music going on this weekend, so hold your schedule tight. The iconic Twerkapod set is returning for the third year, at 2AM Saturday at the Big Tent. Headliner Umphrey’s McGee will be playing their 2 sets Saturday night at 9PM, and make sure you slide in for the family photo with The Werks after their 2 sets on Friday night. A lesser known band that we suggest catching if you haven’t before is Knower, at 8PM on side stage Friday night.
Well, guys, I see a rest area coming up so it’s time for my third pee break. I can’t wait to frolic at another Werk Out with you! Come see me at the art gallery and say hi.
