The weather is getting warmer, which means festival season is officially kicking off! As we prepare to gather as a community at various events this year, there is one New England-based festival that is taking that idea to new heights as it sets the proverbial stage for an epic comeback. That festival is Fam Fest, which is making its long-awaited return to Central Maine next month (June 6th – 9th).
Fam Fest ran into some hurdles right before last September’s scheduled event as a result of unpredictable weather. With an impending storm in Hurricane Lee, the festival made a difficult decision to postpone the event until 2024. Ultimately, this was the best choice for all involved as the storm ravaged through the festival grounds that weekend, with tens of thousands losing power throughout Maine.
Now in its sixth year since inception, Fam Fest is gearing up to take things to a new level with its largest gathering to date. The festival is run by The Family Agency, in collaboration with Charlotte, N.C.-based Kouch Kollective. Kouch Kollective has become quite the resourceful partner in the local homegrown festival scene, having played a big part in supporting events such as Sound Haven and Autumn Revival.
“By The Fam, For The Fam” is the festival’s motto, and that’s certainly a good description of these brilliant minds coming together to put on a spectacular event. Let’s take a look at what this year’s Fam Fest has in store!
A Stacked Lineup Featuring Bass Music Stardom
Fam Fest is bringing an action-packed bass music lineup to Freedom Park next month, featuring HIHF-favorites as well as several notable up-and-comers. Taking a look at the Phase Two announcement, you’ll notice some heavy hitters right off the bat like Barclay Crenshaw, EAZYBAKED, Ternion Sound, kLL sMTH, DMVU, Potions, and Toadface.
Moving down the lineup, attendees will have a chance to check out some of the scene’s most promising, “next up” artists, including HIHF guest mix alum Criso, crawdad sniper, Rafeeki, Mikayli, DeemZoo, Sol Good, and many others. There will also be a couple of takeovers courtesy of Kouch Kollective and Rhythm Rollers. Highlighting Rhythm Rollers, specifically, this will be the first time that Fam Fest is bringing over artists from the UK. Rounding out the rest of the lineup is a plethora of local and regional talent, ready to share their sounds with the Fam Fest attendees.
Stage designer and VJ, v.Kash, will be providing a custom-built Maine Stage for Fam Fest next month, while also supplying some tasty visuals to accompany this insane lineup. The other stage, Space Stage, will feature more local/regional talent, including an Infra Takeover. Visuals will be provided all weekend via Black Tourmaline.
World-class sound will be provided via Subculture Soundsystem. Both the Maine Stage and Space Stage will feature a punishing Hennessey deployment of 24” Sherman subs coupled with haymakers and war hammers.
A Dazzling Display Of Art
Fam Fest is more than just a music festival. They are putting a huge emphasis on the art this year. PNLZ, a visual art gallery, will be setting up an epic selection of mural art from acclaimed visionary and street artists from around the world throughout the festival grounds. On top of that, PNLZ will have a live painter gallery set up during the music.
Fam Fest will also have an experienced fire team at the festival. The Fire Fam consists of about 20 of New England’s finest fire manipulators, most of which have been performing and practicing together for about eight years. There will be a ton of skills on display throughout the weekend, including fire breathing and eating, different styles of dancing with fire, sword fighting and other props used, and much more.
Community, Community, Community
Fam Fest is one of the only festivals in Maine that actually gives back to the local community in Harmony, ME. The festival takes a lot of pride in helping the local fire and police departments.
One aspect of Fam Fest that really stands out is their availability of sober options. Fam Fest is really looking out for everyone this year, providing options that are inclusive of everyone in the community. An experienced harm reduction team will also be on-site all weekend, creating a fun and safe environment for all.
Check out what The Family Agency & Fam Fest Founder, Amelia Staber, had to say about next month’s gathering:
“I’m adopted, so family, to me, doesn’t necessarily mean through blood, but those who choose to support and love you unconditionally. The symbol for Fam Fest represents adoption, and we aim to create a place that brings the musical family together every year!”
Make no mistake about it, this is going to be a very special event. Tickets for Fam Fest can be found here.
Let us know in the comments below or on our social media if you’ll be attending Fam Fest next month and who you’re most excited to see!
Keep Up With Fam Fest/The Family Agency On Socials: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website