Will there be an Aestival Festival in 2024?

After a good amount of hard work and research into local permitting questions, our team decided to keep the first iteration of the festival small as an invite-only crowd. If you’re interested in attending this year or in the future, please reach out or join our mailing list!

So what kinda festival is this anyway?

Aestival (Merriam-Webster: of or relating to summer), in it’s first year, is an opportunity to camp out on a beautiful piece of land and have a good time with good people who are all invited to create something new with us. There will be a few rad activations, some classes and DJ sets, as well as an awesome bonfire/effigy. Expect plenty of downtime for swimming, strolls through the woods and sprawls in the grass.

If you are seeking non-stop stimulation in a cushy environment with loads of amenities, this is not be the festival for you! There will definitely be some thumping dance parties and a few dazzling art installations, and we aspire to provide more robust programming and comforts in future iterations, but for now we are excited to provide a low-stakes environment with plenty of whimsy and fun throughout.

What’s included in my festival ticket?

Along with access to our idyllic site for three days, all ticket holders will have access to fresh mountain spring water delivered to central camping areas. There will also be lots of firewood available for your cook or campfire. We will have bags of ice available for purchase for $5 each.

Theme camps will be able to arrive a day early to set up and make production requests for their community offerings. They will also have the opportunity to purchase dinners, which will be delivered to central camping areas, on Friday and Saturday night.

Is there a theme this year?

Yes! The theme is Summer Spirits. Aestival (es•ti•val: of summer) is calling all nymphs, sprites and mythical echoes of the season. Franklin Chthonics is built on the belief that every tree, rock and spring is inhabited by a spirit. How do you want to represent your spirit of summer? Bring your rollicking, your splashing, your hot-sticky, your starry-eyed warm night, your afternoon thunder shower. Think downy leaves, cool rivulets, rowdy flowers, birds & bees, thirsty trees, gentle winds and an atmosphere bursting with electricity. Be the lamb of spring in turbulent adolescence, the giggle of lazy children on school break, the salty ocean spray, a frosty soft serve on hot asphalt, a shady front porch.

Pssst…you don’t need to sign up in advance to Do a Thing. All fun ideas are welcome, big or small. Show up with your enthusiasm and share it around. Here’s some simple jumping off points:

  • Ideas on what to share

  • A snack that makes your heart smile in the summer

  • A weird sculpture or project that you dont mind showing off

  • A tradition you enjoy (e.g., tea in the morning, a sunset stretch)

  • A self-care habit (e.g., hair-and-nail accessories, a massage gun)

  • A group costume concept (and extras to share!)

  • A plan to illuminate some beautiful part of the land

  • An instrument to jam with

  • A lawn game or crafting activity

  • Extra makeup!

  • A cocktail party

  • A fireside tale

What should I pack?

  • Tent

  • Sleeping bag

  • Sleeping pad

  • Pillows

  • Warm clothes

  • Waterproof boots or shoes

  • Swimsuit & towel

  • Drinks

  • Ready-to-eat food

  • Easy-to-cook food

  • Camping stove

  • Snacks

  • Camping chair

  • Cooler

  • Rain Tarp

  • Lighter or matches

  • Headlamp

  • Lantern

  • Sunscreen

  • Bugspray

  • Plate, Cup, Utensils

  • Garbage bags

  • Picnic Blanket

  • Coffee Mug & Cup

  • Crafting equipment

  • Games and activities

  • Gifts

  • Cash

Can I drive right up to my campsite?

Parking spaces adjacent to the campsites will be limited to theme camp early arrivals. Any vehicles that drive to their camp site must have a high carriage and all-wheel drive. Due to our narrow one-way road, vehicles parked at the campsite once the gate opens on Friday will have to stay in place until the end of the festival on Sunday.

All other vehicles are limited to our parking lots. Once you’re done unloading your car we will have shuttles available to assist you in getting to your camping area. If you decide that you need to drive into town (5 minutes away) or into the city of Oneonta (15 minutes away), you will be able to do so.

Is Aestival kid-friendly?

Yes! We will be sure to isolate late-night DJ sets and parties so you and your family can get a good night’s sleep under the stars. We highly encourage self-expression amongst theme camp activations so there may be some rowdy and raunchy daytime activities, but we will be sure to highlight that information in our programming pamphlet so you can decide how and where you and your little ones can enjoy your time.