River and Sky’s 10th edition is just around the corner, and if you’re heading there for the first time, you might be wondering what to expect.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a handy list of 10 things to expect at the music and camping festival that takes place July 19 to 22 at Fishers’ Paradise in Field, Ont., just over an hour east of Sudbury.
Music
River and Sky is a music festival, so it should come as no surprise that the musical performances are one of the highlights of the weekend. Expect a blend of up-and-coming and established out-of-towners and locals. Born Ruffians, the Pack A.D., Chad VanGaalen, and Land of Talk are some big names this year, but attendees are pretty stoked for Daniel Romano (who played the first ever River and Sky with his band at the time), Whoop Szo (who wowed Sudburians at last year’s Up Here Festival), and The Ape-ettes (one of this reporter’s local favourites). These just scratch the surface of this year’s lineup.
Camping (and glamping!)
River and Sky isn’t just any music festival, it’s a music and camping festival, so the camping aspect is huge. Bring your tent and sleeping bag and expect people to have their favourite spots staked out well in advance. Don’t worry, though, no matter where you wind up, your neighbours will be lovely (because it’s River and Sky). There’s a quieter area for families, more central sites with tons of foot traffic, and there’s even a glamping option this year: you can rent their prospector-style tents with twin beds and some “hobo-chic” furniture.
Saunas (and swimming)
If you’re fond of saunaing, you’re in luck, River and Sky has not one, but two saunas. They were built by supporters of the festival, and one of them features a wicked mural by local artist Hobby Rollin. They’re jam-packed dawn till dusk, and dusk until dawn, so you’re bound to make some new friends in them. A sauna would be useless (or at least frustrating) without the option to swim after, so they’re conveniently located right next to the river. Don’t forget to exercise caution when swimming, just like you would anywhere else.
Workshops
Always wanted to learn how to forage? Need some restorative yoga after Friday’s late night? Have a kid who’d like to learn how to make a magic wand? River and Sky has a series of workshops to keep you entertained and engaged all weekend long, no experience required.
Food
It’s always a good idea to come to the festival prepared, but if you run out of food, you’re not going to starve. There are a variety of food vendors slinging grilled cheese, vegan tacos, and wood-fired pizza all weekend long. There’s safe drinking water available for free and fresh, local coffee for sale: bring your own mug for a discount.
Dogs
If you have a dog (or dogs!) bring them along to River and Sky! It’s an incredibly dog-friendly festival, and the campground owners themselves have several sweet hounds that you’ll see running around. Some ground rules do apply though: if your dog is not spayed or neutered, please leave them at home, same goes for any dogs with behavioural issues that could endanger other attendees or their dogs.
Canoeing/kayaking
If all the people (1,000-plus each day) get to be too much for you: you can always escape for a peaceful paddle down the river thanks to the canoes and kayaks on hand for attendees. Make sure to bring a life jacket if you go, and take your time enjoying the stunning scenery. If you get out early enough and you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the haunting mist that hangs over the river some mornings.
Outhouses/porta-potties
Don’t expect to flush a toilet all weekend, you’ll be doing all your business in outhouses and porta-potties strewn throughout the festival. An unexpected place where numerous friendships have been formed at festivals past: there’s nothing like hollering “Can anyone pass me some toilet paper?” to start a conversation.
Bugs
There may be one or two bugs at the festival, but you won’t lose too much of your blood supply to them if you’re smart about it. Bring bug spray, wear light-coloured clothing, and throw on long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk to prevent bites. Chances are you’ll be so busy you won’t notice them, although it’s certainly motivation to head over to the late-night dance party where the crowd and movement somehow repels them.
Sun (and maybe rain)
The forecast for the festival is hinting at rain, but it’s far away so if you’re lucky, all you’ll have to worry about is sun. You’ll spend a lot of time outdoors so bring sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink plenty of water. Even if it does rain (like it did all weekend the very first year), you won’t melt and as long as you bring a rain jacket and plenty of dry clothes you’ll be just fine.
Ultimately what all this adds up to is that you should expect a whole lot of fun and a great community at River and Sky.
In the words of one of River and Sky’s founders, Lara Bradley: "What should campers expect from the whole experience? Days filled with hanging out at the beach swimming and saunaing, or on the grass in front of the main stage. Pushing yourself at least one night to make it to see the dance party stage and walking a path lit by glowing mushrooms to get there.
Conversations and smiles shared with strangers. Petting a lot of dogs. Watching little and big kids dance and perhaps dancing yourself. Wishing the little kids would shut the door to the sauna a little faster. Feeling connected to other people because you are going through the whole experience together — the mosquitoes, the late nights, and walking more than you might normally with a desk job. Feeling tired after the festival but charged up from connecting with people and music and nature.”
For more information on the lineup, tickets, or any other questions head over to their website at www.riverandsky.ca.
Ella Jane Myers is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury. She's fueled by good grub, old sci-fi, and long walks with the dog. Learn more at EllaJaneMyers.com.
