FESTIVAL 411
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
THE BIG WHAT? IS LOCATED AT:
Shakori Hills COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER
1439 Henderson Tanyard Rd Pittsboro, NC 27312
DIRECTIONS
CAMPING
Tent camping (or hammock camping) is encouraged and included in the ticket price. General admission camping will require a short walk from the parking area. Please camp in designated areas only. Personal campfires are strictly prohibited. Wooded campsites are claimed on a first-come first-serve basis. Please come fully prepared for an outdoor summer environment with hot days and cool nights.
PARKING
General Parking is free and included in the ticket price. Please carpool with as many people as possible to help us make room for everyone and limit our carbon footprint.
CAR CAMPING PASSES – $75
purchase here
This is a pass for your vehicle only and does not include a ticket to the event. This pass grants access for 1 vehicle to a reserved car camping area where you will be allotted a standard 10×18 camping space to set up camp next to your car. Small campers/popups that fit within these general measurements will be permitted with a car camping pass.
RV CAMPING – $160
purchase here
All RVs on site will require an RV CAMPING PASS. This applies to all ticket holders including VIPs. This is a pass for your RV only and does not include a ticket to the event. Only 1 pass needed per RV (the cost can be shared by all passengers in the RV). This pass grants access to the RV camping area where you will be permitted to use a small generator and set up a campsite next to your RV. Please note: we do not provide any septic, water or power hook ups. all ga rvs in addition to any via rvs over 30ft in length will park in the main parking field close to the site entrance. rvs exceeding 30ft in length will not be permitted past the box office due to the tight, wooded turns leading through the property. Any questions please contact: thebigwhatnc@gmail.com
KIDS POLICY
Kids 12 and under are $30 each at the gate. Please Note: a Parent or Legal Guardian must accompany anyone under 18 at all times. While we do welcome families with children, please keep in mind we do not provide a daycare service and The Big What? is generally a party meant for adults. An outdoor summer festival is not always a great environment for young children and babies. Please use your best judgment when deciding to bring the kids or not. If you do, please look after them at all times and use extra caution with them in the heat and after dark. We also suggest ear plugs for your kids’ ears (and yours!)
ARRIVAL
The Big What? does not open until NOON on Thursday 8/21. Please do not arrive early. You will not be able to park and wait in line. Also please do not attempt to arrive on any day prior to the festival.
GATE HOURS
Thursday: Noon – 10 pm
Friday: 9 am – 10 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 10 pm
Sunday: Please depart festival grounds by Noon
volunteer/work exchange program:
accepting submissions now
ABSOLUTELY NO FIREARMS
No firearms are to be permitted at the big what. Do not bring them on site for any reason. violating this rule is grounds for removal from the property.
ABSOLUTELY NO FIREWORKS
PLEASE NO FIREWORKS. Anyone found using fireworks – big or small – of any kind will be asked to leave the festival without a refund. This is something we must strictly enforce for a number of different reasons. We can’t stress this enough! Thanks for your understanding.
ABSOLUTELY NO PETS
We love our animal friends, but we ask that you please leave them at home for this event. Please do not bring your dog or cat or squirrel on a leash or any other pet. We cannot make any exceptions. Any vehicle that arrives with a pet will not be allowed to enter the festival. Please make other arrangements for your animals while you are gone for the weekend. Thank you!
FOOD/BEVERAGE INFO
We will have a variety of food available on site. CHECK BELOW FOR A FULL LIST OF VENDORS to be added in july. Feel free to prepare meals at your campsite as well. SHAKORI HILLS HAS SEVERAL FREE WATER FILLING STATIONS LOCATED AROUND THE VENUE. Bring a reusable bottle!
PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO VENUE POLICY Outside alcohol is not allowed at SHAKORI HILLS. AS A RESULT WE HAVE PARTNERED WITH A LOCAL NON-PROFIT VENDOR TO PROVIDE BEER, WINE & FESTIVE COCKTAILS AT REASONABLE PRICES for those aged 21 years or older with valid identification. Public intoxication and drug abuse are not acceptable, and we reserve the right to intervene if we believe anyone is acting inappropriate and/or disrespectful.
TUMBLEWEED TAVERN
As part of our commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees, TUMBLEWEED TAVERN will offer a variety of alcoholic beverages for purchase from a licensed non-profit partner on-site, trained to responsibly serve and monitor alcohol consumption AND ADHERE TO SHAKORI HILLS COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER POLICY.
Festivaliens are encouraged to explore the unique beverage options AT Tumbleweed Tavern where ICE, COFFEE AND A NUMBER OF OTHER GOODS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ALONG WITH a wide selection of craft beers, seltzers, wines, and special themed cocktails each night.
Please drink responsibly and be mindful of others while enjoying the festival. We appreciate your understanding and support. Together, we can create a safe, fun, and memorable experience for everyone at The Big What?
CELL PHONE SERVICE
PLEASE NOTE: Cell Phone Service is not great at the venue but can be accessed in certain areas.
ATM AVAILABLE ON SITE
There will be two ATMs available on site. Please Note: Standard Fees apply.
ALSO AVAILABLE ON SITE
SHOWER HOUSE
PERMANENT RESTROOM (LIMITED HOURS OF OPERATION)
Water Stations - bring refillable containers for free drinking water
BagGED ICE & COFFEE
Festival & Band Merchandise
Art Gallery, Live Painters & Flow Performance
Headspace Sober Tent with meetings Friday and Saturday
Conscious Soul Healing Arts Village - Yoga, breathwork, sound healing, Agnihotra, cacao ceremonies, and a harm reduction tent
THEME NIGHTS
Help us bring The Big What? to life by participating in our audience "Theme Nights." Get creative and show us what you got! Decorations, Costumes, all things that GLOW, and self-expression are highly encouraged!
night 1: color therapy - a celebration of color, any colour you like!
night 2: science fiction - a sci-fi journey through the big something space time continuum
night 3: peace, love & mystery - a whatfam celebration of 60s & 70s counterculture big something style. bring on the question marks!
VENDORS
Alternatives Boutique
We believe the market can be a source of life and happiness. For centuries, markets have united people in exchange networks that sustain life. We are creating an economy that meets the needs of people and is ecologically, culturally, and spiritually sustaining.
CornDog Dyes
From eye-catching t-shirts and tank tops to flowy dresses, skirts, and comfy yoga pants, we have something for everyone. Explore our unique tapestries and other sundries to add a splash of color to your life. Stop by, say hi, buy a dye!
Earth and Iron Pottery
Danielle and Todd are a husband and wife team, located in the heart of NC. We collaborate on every piece that comes through our home studio. Our goal is to create your favorite coffee mug, the one you look for every morning. We like to think we have coffee mugs for every personality.
Night Owl Creations & Gifts From The Earth
A large variety of handmade necklaces, rings, bracelets and other handmade jewelry. Also many types of crystals and minerals from the southeast and around the world.
Mooxie Art
Experience the energy and flow of Mooxie's vibrant channeled paintings. She's a lifelong Florida artist who blends her connection with nature, cosmic healing and the empowered feminine perspective to create works that activate the soul. Through 15 years of painting, she has built a large collection of fine art prints, stickers, and other merchandise using her work - including a custom oracle card deck to help guide your own cosmic journey. Come experience the magic for yourself!
Resonate Crystals
Handmade natural crystal bracelets in custom sizes for the perfect fit, and raw crystals with description cards for your collection.
Rustic Relics
Old junk, new funk! Vintage finds, musical relics, and upcycled décor that keep the festival vibes alive.
Step into our tent and get lost in a swirl of Grateful Dead goodness, fun license plate art, beer candles, funky clothes, and quirky Scrabble tile creations that say exactly what you’re thinking. We’ve got something for every free spirit — whether you’re hunting for a statement piece, a cozy flannel, or a one-of-a-kind keepsake to keep the good times rolling.
Got a Big What tee? Let’s make it legendary! We’ll stitch it onto a flannel for a one-of-a-kind souvenir you’ll rock for years. Stop by, get weird, and take home something that screams Big What forever!
The Swayambhu
The Swayambhu, based in Raleigh, NC, was founded by RAJ, a native of Nepal. Our mission is to support local artisans and craftspeople in Nepal, preserving the traditions of Ancient Nepal living. The artisans including Raj (the founder) crafting our products are not just skilled individuals but also friends of Raj, creating a close-knit community.
In an era of globalization where ancient art, culture, and tradition face extinction, TheSwayambhu stands as a small but sincere effort to keep these traditions alive. We are dedicated to providing sustainable livelihoods to local artisans. Our traditional product range includes seed, wood, and stone jewelry, as well as Tibetan and Nepalese singing bowls, chimes, and bells – all crafted in Nepal. We bring these authentic creations to seekers in the United States, bridging cultures and promoting the rich heritage of Nepal.
We act as a front face to sell those items for them to provide them a sustainable living and by selling them we raise funds for our Non- profit Mental Health and Awareness programs.
Thunder Dyes
Thunder creates unique hand tied and dyed ice dyes. Thunder Dyes offers various styles in women, men, children, and pet fashions. We strive to be body inclusive and create a safe and welcoming environment. A lot of our pieces can be curated together to create full outfits. Known for quality, vibrancy, and color combinations Thunder Dyes is not an artist to miss.
Twisted Goddess Crystals
Twisted Goddess Crystals provides consciously sourced crystals, handmade crystal macrame jewelry, and hand knotted crystal mala necklaces from the heart space of Certified Crystal Practitioner and Reiki Master, Sarah Nicole.
SpiritFinds
SpiritFinds brings you reasonably priced hand made organic jewelry. Knobcone Pincones/ Seashells. Features one of a kind pieces along with spiritual/festival accessories
Unearthly Consciousness
"Beamed in from the edges of the imagination, Unearthly Consciousness is a North Carolina-based maker of wearable folk art for humans and aliens alike. Blending upcycled materials with cosmic creativity, Unearthly Robin transforms discarded fabrics into one-of-a-kind pieces that radiate story, soul, and intergalactic flair. Come find your next sacred statement piece—fashion that honors the the Earth and the creative spirit of those who live here."
The Golden Ratio
The Golden Ratio can’t wait to serve out fresh and healthy Vegetarian and Vegan Salads, Wraps, Bowls and Sides at The Big What this year. Our salads and bowls are served cold so they’re perfect on a hot summer’s day, and our wraps are served warm for those cool evening nights. Our goal is to keep The Big What attendees feeling light and energetic with our highly nutritious options. We also have a tap system that offers Booda Kombucha to keep guts happy and Dynamite Nitro Cold Brew to keep brains awake, as well as house made Yerba Mate and Ginger Lemonade.
Risin' Vibes Kitchen
Our mission is to create world inspired street food made with love and served with gratitude. Our festival menus feature offerings best described as ‘Tropical Soul Food.’ We blend our passion and attention to detail with the personalities of our audience to create a unique dining experience in a wide variety of venues and events. We pride ourselves on ‘dietary inclusivity’ and aim to be able to feed as many people as possible in regard to all dietary lifestyles and medical opportunities.
Cosmic Charlie's Grateful Grill
We are a concert and festival based traveling food operation that specializes in providing quality meals for all you hungry kids coast to coast.
Third Eye Coffee
https://www.thirdeye.coffee/
