LEARNING
SUSTAINABILITY FAIR
Interactive workshops and presentations, hosted by Farm Where You Live, reflect over 50 regional practitioners in the areas of health and wellness, regenerative agriculture, energy & the environment, and arts & community amidst a fun upbeat festival atmosphere!
In support of our mycelium theme, Rytas Vilgalys kicks off the Sustainability Fair on Saturday, August 19th at 10 AM with the presentation, Mushrooms, Fungi & the Mycelium World Around Us, which includes a forest walk. This walk & talk focuses on local mushrooms (edible and not-so-edible) found fruiting around the grounds at The Music Camp.
Automotive engineer and EV (electric vehicle) enthusiast Dave Erb has been involved with EV development since the ’80s. He’ll explore the intersection between EVs and solar during his talk, Solar Power Your Electric Vehicle, on Saturday, August 19th at 2:30 PM.
MODERATED PANELS:
Clean Energy Policy: Making Strides Toward a Greener Future
Saturday, August 19th | 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Moderator: Mike Rufo | Muisc Decales Emergency
- Dave Erb | EV Engineer & Professor
- Jon Ruth | United Solar Initiative
- Susanne Tuttle | North Carolina Council of Churches Eco-Justice Connection Program
Let’s Talk Climate Change: Bringing All Folks into the Conversation
Sunday, August 20th | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Moderator: Glenn Carroll | Nuclear Watch South
- Mike Rufo | Music Declares Emergency
- Jamie Swezey | Footprint Project
Reverend Jenny Phillips | United Methodist Committee on Relief & Global Ministries EarthKeepers
The full schedule will be posted soon!
Gnome zone
Sustainability starts with sparking wonder and stewardship in the hearts of the smallest members of our community. All sizes are welcome to join Ms. Ladybug, Giant Jelly and whimsical friends for entertaining and eco-conscious programming in our family fun hub, the Gnome Zone. Experience puppet shows, interactive storytelling and activities celebrating our connection to nature. Gnomes of all ages will enjoy roaming performers, solar-powered toys, hands-on learning, stellar performances, curated play areas, and joyful learning adventures shared in a mindful and safe space.
SATURDAY
10 AM Interactive Storybook Reading: Storm Bugs
Storm Bugs Rejoice! Learning through Play and Literacy!
Join author and educator Andrea Zoppo, fondly known as Ms. Ladybug, for a fun-filled time learning about our pollinator friends and what happens to them and other crawlies during a storm! With her new book Storm Bugs, Ms. Ladybug will guide you through the story with puppets, sound effects, and interactive play. Come find out what happens during a storm, you might be quite surprised.
11 AM Inner Child Play
Join the Gnome Zone, Emit Arts, and Follow Ladybug Friends for a playful movement session with unique props. We will explore the elements of nature with laughter, play, and creative expression.
12 PM Origami Mami
Play with the Gnome Zone Crew at the Elderberry Jam Stage as we celebrate the Origami Mami! Kelsey Leahy travels the region freelancing as the exceedingly useful vagabond oboist while folding tiny origami and offering spoken word. She shares faeral folk songs and stories from her years living in community while playing music, doing service, working on farms, work trading at Earthskills, and otherwise showing up for herself, her tribe, and most importantly for Mother Earth.
12:30 PM Chrystal’s Bubble Kingdom
Chrystal, of Crystalline Entertainment, brings the bubble kingdom to our all-ages music and play area! Sure to dazzle and amaze, expect unique bubble contraptions and rainbow visions of spherical proportions!
1:30 PM A Very Merry Un-Birthday
All around the Gnome Zone and into the Festival the characters and playful beings adventure and wish and wish many unbirthday blessings to festival goers. Surprises abound!
2:30 PM Weather the Weather Theater Playshop!
HERE YE HERE YE! YOU have been cast to forecast the weather! All are welcome to join the troubadour parade of elements as we prepare and celebrate the possibilities of play in the most extreme conditions! You are wanted and needed to come and play with the Weather the Weather players. Giant puppets will come to life!
3 PM Weather the Weather in Action
Interactive emergent experimental theater on the loose! With the help of festival goers, we will bring the whirlwind of Weather the Weather to all that venture and play!
SUNDAY
10 AM Interactive Storybook Reading: Storm Bugs
Storm Bugs Rejoice! Learning through Play and Literacy!
Join author and educator Andrea Zoppo, fondly known as Ms. Ladybug, for a fun-filled time learning about our pollinator friends and what happens to them and other crawlies during a storm! With her new book Storm Bugs, Ms. Ladybug will guide you through the story with puppets, sound effects, and interactive play. Come find out what happens during a storm, you might be quite surprised. Learn more about the book and Ms. Ladybug at Followladybug.com
11:30 AM Family Fun Talent Show
Join us on the Elderberry Jam Stage and SHOW OFF! We want to see you shine whether you have a song, a joke, or a special talent – we want to applaud you with all our hearts. Expect the loudest claps and hollers in all of the Festival!
12 PM Poi Play & Learn with Ophelia!
Explore traditions and movement with dance artist and instructor, Ophelia (Amy Williams). Ophelia performs and teaches belly dance, and folkloric dances of the MENAT, with many props such as fan veils using bamboo silk and finger cymbals. All ages are invited to this introduction to poi and making your own poi. Ophelia loves to educate on the cultures and places where these dances and props originate.
1:30 PM Recycled Arts Costume Party
With everyday items we often do not use again, we shall craft crowns, necklaces, masks, or hats that are sure to bring smiles, giggles, and enchantment to the hearts of festival-goers and show-ers! Get your milk jug trey chic fashion tips and tricks with the Gnome Zone crew. Who needs a red carpet when we got grass?
3 PM Weather the Weather Theater Playshop Part DEUX!
HERE YE HERE YE! YOU have been cast to forecast the weather in our part 2 Sunday edition! All are welcome to join the troubadour parade of elements as we prepare and celebrate the possibilities of play in the most extreme conditions! You are wanted and needed to come and play with the Weather the Weather players. Giant puppets will come to life.
3:30 PM Weather the Weather in Action x 2
Interactive emergent experimental theater on the loose! With the help of festival goers, we will bring the whirlwind of Weather the Weather to all that venture and play on a Sunday at GOTGF!
Ages 15 and under attend GOTGF for FREE when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
We’re pleased to welcome Glenn Carroll of Nuclear Watch South as the 2023 keynote speaker! As an artist and longtime activist, Glenn has been involved with GET OFF THE GRID FEST since its inception in 2017. She joined the safe energy movement in the aftermath of the Chernobyl meltdown by contributing graphics and illustrations. Glenn soon found herself confronting Georgia Tech about their campus nuclear reactor before the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission when Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics. The effort led to the permanent shutdown of the reactor. Upon reflecting upon her artist turned activist life path Glenn says, “What finer creative medium is there than social change?”
EDUFEST
On the morning of Friday, August 18, qualified students 15 years old and up will get an exclusive VIP backstage tour of GET OFF THE GRID FEST before the gates open! Meet our team, attend workshops, and discover the power of the sun like never before! All participating students receive a 3-day Festival pass (must be accompanied by a paid adult).
If your high school, homeschool group or college is interested in participating in EDUfest, email hello@getoffthegridfest.com.