Get tickets now for SIU’s Little Grassy Get Down music fest Oct. 11-13

August 29, 2024

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Little Grassy Get Down, a premier music festival featuring predominately original acoustic Americana music and activities for all ages, is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Touch of Naure Outdoor Education Center Oct. 11-13, and tickets are on sale now.

The third annual festival's all-star lineup features such popular performers as the Woodbox Gang, Chain Station, Chicago Farmer, Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Gang, Missy Jenny and the Howdy Boys, Carter and Connelley, Taylor Steele and the Love Preachers, The People vs. Hugh DeNeal, Giant City Slickers, Mark Stoffel and the Usual Suspects, Will Maring and Robert Bowlin, and many other notable artists.

Fun for all

The Little Grassy Get Down happens at Touch of Nature's beautiful outdoor locale, set along the Shawnee National Forest about 8 miles south of Carbondale off Giant City Road. The festival features amenities and activities to appeal to all ages.

"It has been great to watch the evolution of this festival," said Brian Croft, director of Touch of Nature. "Going into our third year, it's now officially becoming a tradition for families from all over the country to come back to SIU and Southern Illinois to experience great music and the beauty of our region. This year is going to be extra special because it coincides with homecoming. It's going to be a bonus for alumni in particular traveling here for homecoming to be able to hear the Woodbox Gang at Little Grassy Get Down. Go see the parade, tailgate, go to the game and then come out and see some amazing music. We also have a lot of people lodging with us and mixing the homecoming festivities and the music festival."

The Kids Zone will be in operation with a variety of activities for children, including arts and crafts, story walks, Mr. Bill Kids Show and more. Vendor Alley will feature assorted arts, crafts, décor and other merchandise. At scheduled times, visitors can try the Giant Swing and the mobile rock-climbing wall. The popular multipurpose trails will be open for running, biking and hiking, too.

Participants who stay on the grounds can choose from a wide variety of overnight accommodation options, including lodges, cabins, tent camping or even car camping. Various meal packages are available as well.

Buy tickets now and save

A variety of ticket options are available, from a limited number of day passes to weekend general admission tickets. Purchase tickets early because prices are higher at the door. Children under the age of 15 will be admitted free with a paid adult.

A general admission weekend pass, good for Oct. 11-13, is $110 in advance and $125 at the door. Early bird pricing for day passes, available until 11:59 p.m. Oct. 10, is as follows:

• Oct. 11 - $35
• Oct. 12 - $65
• Oct. 13 - $35
• Oct. 12/13 combo - $90

Since this year's fest takes place on SIU's homecoming weekend, promoters are offering a homecoming special. Anyone who attends the SIU homecoming football game on Oct. 12 can bring their football game ticket stub to the TON box office on Saturday evening and get in for the discount price of $35.

In addition, Touch of Nature and the SIU Alumni Association have partnered to provide discount tickets for the festival for alumni.

For additional details

For more information, visit the festival website. Call 618-453-1121 or email [email protected] with questions.

Volunteers from campus or the community are also needed to help with the event.

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