The Truth About Pickathon’s Future
Entering our 25th Anniversary, we’re incredibly grateful for the resilient community that makes Pickathon so special and unique.
However, the world is changing rapidly. As we enter 2025, it feels like so much of what we love, both locally and beyond, is at risk. The things we value most – community, creativity, and the “force of good” – are increasingly at odds with the realities of escalating expenses and the need for financial stability.
We’ve had to say goodbye to so many great music festivals in recent years. The truth is, Pickathon is facing similar financial pressures. A shifting economic landscape, coupled with the increasing costs of realizing our vision, requires us to make some tough choices to ensure we can continue for the next 25 years and beyond.
Community & Neighborhoods: The Heart of Pickathon
Our values and unwavering commitment to building a thriving community, even when it means higher costs and increased financial risk, have always been at the core of Pickathon. If you have attended, you know the incredible amount of love and heart that our community puts into the experience. This is made possible through the kindness and generosity of so many who share a simple idea: to create a festival experience that is more than just music. We wanted to build a world where art, nature, and community thrive and inspire.
Every year, our community builds a pop-up city that lasts just 4 days, a microcosm of a real city with distinct neighborhoods, essential services, and a vibrant cultural life. These vibrant “Neighborhoods” form the colorful fabric and backbone of this unique experience. They engage community partners who mentor the next generation of creatives, tradespeople, and professionals through hands-on learning. This creates a lasting impact as we give back to the community. In the festival world, we stand alone in this ethos. It is our greatest strength… and our greatest challenge.
Pulling Back the Curtain 🗣️
You might be asking yourself, “Why are we discussing these things with our community and the public?” The simple fact is that we are now faced with having to make choices we’ve avoided for 25 years.
What Matters Most? What is worth fighting for? ♻️
Over the last 25 years, at key crossroads we have always come to you to decide which pathway to take to shape the future of Pickathon.. No plastics? No single use? Ticket price versus capacity? Our ten year permit? Your voice has shaped us and here we are again.
We trust you. We need to hear from you. 🙏
This Saturday your opinion is going to shape the future of Pickathon once again. Thank you for being with us on this magical journey.
♥️ Pickathon HQ