We recently asked you to help shape the future of Pickathon, and you answered with a resounding call for us to preserve the magic, prioritize sustainability, and foster community. Now, it’s time to come together and make it a reality.
What Is Creative Neighborhoods and How Is It Different from Pickathon?
In 1999 we started designing the festival experience in an unconventional way. What you experience at Pickathon each year is the result of designers, builders, and technical staff pushing the envelope of what is possible at a music festival. This is the Creative Neighborhoods effect. These folks are working with Pickathon to curate, grow, and mentor the next generation of trade and craft professionals. These veteran and youth teams work together to inspire, learn, and expand the possibilities of environment at Pickathon.
Pickathon’s neighborhood mission was formalized in 2022. Two years later, Creative Neighborhoods—built by Pickathon community members for Pickathon community members and beyond—became an independent non-profit entity in 2024.
Pickathon can throw one hell of a party with great music, but it’s so much more. Community is at its core. Our designers, engineers, artists, and trades foster creativity and a thriving community by passing on their valuable knowledge to the next generation. Together, we can build a sustainable and truly transformative future for Pickathon and Creative Neighborhoods.
Want to see Creative Neighborhoods in action? Check out our new mini-documentary!
Here’s How You Can Help.
Our immediate goal is to raise a seed fund to support Pickathon Creative Neighborhoods in 2025 by the end of March 2025! Whether you’ve been a longtime Pickathon attendee, a dedicated volunteer, or simply a fan of our mission, you’re a vital part of this community. Every contribution, big or small, helps us build a brighter future for Pickathon and Creative Neighborhoods.
Once the seed-funding goal is achieved, we will begin building a one-time endowment designed to sustain Pickathon Creative Neighborhoods for the next 25 years. This endowment will ensure ongoing support for its educational programming and all the elements that make Pickathon special
Thank You
We’ve come to you for support in the past. Each time you have stepped up to preserve this unique community for another year. Now we have the opportunity to secure Pickathon for the next 25 years. We appreciate your support.
Want to learn more about Creative Neighborhoods and Pickathon? Tune in to the Pickathon Podcast to hear a frank discussion between Pickathon founder Zale Schoenborn and Creative Neighborhoods executive director Matt Wagner!
See you at Pickathon 2025!
The Pickathon Team