Outdoor Christian Music Festivals – Is It Summer Yet?
This blog post summarizes the benefits of Christian music festivals, including opportunities to commune with nature, engage in thoughtful commentary, and participate in outdoor activities with other music fans.
Music lovers returned to festivals in large numbers this past summer after their Covid-induced pause. Live entertainment trade publication Pollstar anticipates the summer 2023 season will be even larger, especially for travelers eager to attend music events worldwide. They'll be so many Christian music festivals available to attend...
Many Christian music festivals offer opportunities for attendees to attend inspirational workshops and seminars, as well as enjoy Christian arts. These events provide activities such as ministry opportunities and outdoor activities, with arts and kids activities. At New England's largest festival, Soulfest, for instance, there is a suicide prevention panel as well as thoughtful commentary from guest speakers. There are no denominational boundaries at these festivals, and it does not matter what part of the world you are from.
Christian music festivals are designed to make a positive change in individuals' lives. Their goal is to have an impact on individuals from all over the world. With the same top notch headliners at each festival, these events bridge the gap between those who are churched and those who may not be.
Many of these family friendly Christian festivals offer attendees more than just music from Christian rock, contemporary, and worship bands. Also featured are Christian speakers and authors, a fringe stage (hosting mostly up-and-coming and/or harder Christian rock bands), children's stage (kids' entertainers geared towards smaller children), camping, petting zoo, baptisms, communion, fireworks, extreme sports, volleyball, giveaways, candlelight service, prayer tent, youth pastor VIP tent, skate park, dance parties and other experience-based activities.
These faith-based events provide an ideal destination for those wishing to travel in groups, such as church youth clubs. For those looking to travel a little further from home, their Creation Fest UK also offers a completely free attendance to its two day festival held in August at the picturesque Cornwall Events Centre. Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the event, making it one of the most celebrated Christian music festivals in Europe.
Many music festivals offer camping and a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking. For example, when I attended Alive Music Festival, which has been going strong on the faith-based music scene for 30 years, we set up camp at nearby Atwood Lake Park in Mineral City, OH. Camping options range from basic tent camping to large RV spots suitable for luxurious glamping, although hotels, cabins and other lodging choices are also available.
No matter where you're located, music festivals remain a tradition for devoted music enthusiasts and one of the best ways to see a jam-packed day full of exciting up-and-coming and legacy acts. Many of these festivals are free, yet some do charge for admission.
There are over 25 Christian music festivals that occur annually throughout the US. Here's a listing of some of the confirmed festivals happening this year:
January 2023
- ROCK THE UNIVERSE, Orlando, FL, Jan 27-28
May 2023
- GREATER KLAMATH CITYFEST, Klamath Falls, OR, May 27
June 2023
- RISEFEST, Sheldon, IA, June 9-10
- RESOUND FESTIVAL, Bethany, MO, June 9-10
- CREATION FESTIVAL, Shirleysburg, PA, June 21-24
- BIG TICKET FESTIVAL, Gaylord, MI, June 23-24
- CONNECT FEST, Brookfield, MA, June 25
July 2023
- LIFEST OSHKOSH, Oshkosh, WI, July 6-9
- LIGHT THE WAY, Springfield, MO, July 7-8
- ALIVE, Mineral City, OH, July 13-15
- HILLFEST, New Ipswich, NH, July 15
- HILLS ALIVE, Rapid City, SD, July 15-16
- ONEFEST, Chippewa Falls, WI, July 28-30
- KINGDOM BOUND, Buffalo, NY, July 24-26
August 2023
- 40 DAYS & 40 NIGHTS, Williamstown, KY, Aug 1-Sept 9
- SOULFEST, Northfield, MA, Aug 3-5
- CREATION FEST UK, Wadebridge, UK, Aug 3-6
- UNITY FESTIVAL, Muskegon, MI, Aug 9-12
- LIVIN OUT LOUD, Gothenburg, NE, Aug 19-20
- RURAL MUSIC FEST, Isle, MN, Aug 25
Sept 2023
- LIFELIGHT FESTIVAL, Sioux Falls, SD Sept 3
- UPRISE FESTIVAL, Shippensburg, PA, Sept 15-16
- FAITHFEST, Wilkesboro, NC, Sept 16
- ICHTHUS MUSIC FESTIVAL, Wilmore, KY, Sept 16
- SONRISE, Virginia Beach, VA, Sept 22-24
Oct 2023
- CONNECT FEST, Jaffrey, NH, Oct 7
[Source: DOC Radio - Christian Music Festivals]
Hopefully this gives you a glimpse into what makes music festivals so special. If you end up attending one this summer, leave a comment below and tell me what you loved the most or a memory that will make you smile for years to come.
--Michelle
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