Valley of the Seven Stars: A Cosmic Campout Happening October 9th- 11th, 2026

Valley of the Seven Stars: A Cosmic Campout Happening October 9th- 11th, 2026

By: Aryonna Richard 

Blackspy invites you to three days in the open Virginia sky, surrounded by good people, great music, and a landscape that feels magical. Save the date for Valley of the Seven Stars, happening October 9–11, 2026, where the fields of Arrington, VA, will transform into an experience unlike any other. 

Seven Stars is a weekend devoted to community, connection, and shared experiences, with three days of music taking place in an outdoor area set up for wandering, dancing, and meeting your new favorite people. The festival embraces the idea of camping. Instead of heading home after the final performance, you stay, you rest, and then you wake up, ready to go again. 

GRiZ will be performing as the headliner at the 2026 event with three sets! He has a reputation for combining electronic funk, EDM, and future funk into a unique sound of his own. What distinguishes him is that he uses a live saxophone, incorporating it directly into his electronic productions so that each track has a soulful and human touch. His concerts are vibrant, high-energy occasions, featuring powerful bass, impressive visuals, and a crowd that feels like a family. 

Artists like Clozee, Ganja White Night, Gramatik (Street Bangers Set), Late Night Radio, A Hundred Drums, A Little Sound, Avello, Casey Club, Flamingosis, Flozone, Frankly Dope, G Jones, Honeycomb, Jilli, Know Good, Mocha, Never Dull, Probcause, Richard Finger, Sully, The Sponges, Two Guys and many more will also perform. Click here to view the full lineup. 

Every festival pass gives you three days of music, community, and adventure. It also includes access to the Seven Stars Campground, so your basic camping spot is covered from the start. GA is your all-access ticket to the music and the grounds. You get the full three-day experience plus campground access.

Experience Seven Stars as the weekend you talk about all year by taking the 3-Day VIP Festival Pass, which includes early arrival on Thursday, entry to the official Welcome Party, a private VIP lounge with indoor seating, charging stations and views of the outdoor stage, free refreshments, air-conditioned restrooms, express entry lanes, daily early access to the venue, early shopping for merchandise and on-site pickup, a merchandise concierge service, an exclusive VIP gift, and a dedicated event host. To learn more about either pass option click here. 

 

Yahn Dawn at Meadow Creek: Pretty Lights in the Colorado Mountains

Yahn Dawn at Meadow Creek: Pretty Lights in the Colorado Mountains

By: Aryonna Richard 

Blackspy invites you to Yahn Dawn, returning September 18 to 20, 2026. Celebrate the end of summer in Buena Vista’s meadows with three nights of Pretty Lights plus a stacked lineup of legends and emerging artists. With sunny days by the creek, relaxed beach time, and a one-of-a-kind community, this weekend is all about making memories.

Pretty Lights is the musical project of Derek Vincent Smith, who has changed the way people think about electronic music. Starting in Colorado, this Grammy-nominated producer and DJ created a unique sound by mixing hip-hop, funk, soul, and blues with electronic layers. His music feels both nostalgic and modern, with each track blending vintage sounds, deep bass, and soulful melodies to tell a story. With eye-catching visuals, live instruments, and a lively atmosphere, Pretty Lights makes every concert unforgettable. 

Gramatik joins the lineup, blending live instruments with energetic electronic sounds to give his music a human feel that many digital tracks miss. Soulful guitar riffs and vintage samples, mixed with sharp, glitchy beats create music that feels rich, layered, and full of emotion. LP Giobbi is a DJ, producer, and pianist recognized for mixing house music with live instruments and upbeat dancefloor energy. She is known for bringing together musical skill and club culture, making her sets and tracks both uplifting and immersive.

Emancipator is an electronic music producer who mixes downtempo beats with live instruments like violin, guitar, and piano. His mellow, atmospheric sound blends trip-hop, ambient, and chill electronic styles. Completing the lineup is RJD2, MADHAUS, Thought Process, pheel., Saturna, TF Marz, Homemade Spaceship, Paul Basic, and many more! 

With a GA wristband, you get three nights of Pretty Lights shows (Friday to Sunday), plus full access to the beach, creek, and all the campgrounds. It’s simple, fun, and has everything you need for a great weekend. 

Looking for more comfort? The VIP wristband gives you everything in GA, plus a long list of extra perks: an exclusive festival poster, a commemorative gift bag, early access to merchandise, first entry to the venue so you can grab the perfect spot, a VIP fast-lane at both venue entrances, and dedicated VIP restrooms and a bar inside the venue.

Looking for the best experience? The VIP Total Fascination 2-Person Package is designed for two; this package lets you skip the setup and get comfortable right away. You’ll arrive at a ready 16-foot Bell tent in a special VIP campground, nestled among the Pinion Pines and closest to the venue.

Camping is at the heart of Yahn Dawn, so picking your setup is part of the fun. Keep in mind that camping and parking passes are sold separately from admission wristbands (except for the Total Fascination package), and they’re priced per campsite or vehicle, not per person.

Want to get even more from your weekend? Buy a Thursday Early Arrival pass and come to the campgrounds starting Thursday, September 17 at noon. It’s a great way to set up camp, settle in, and enjoy the calm before everyone else arrives. Flying in or coming from the city? You can let someone else do the driving. Official Meadow Creek shuttles run to and from Denver International Airport and Downtown Denver. 

Whether you’re rolling in with a tent, gliding into a glamping dome, or going all out with Total Fascination, now’s the time to make it official. Grab your wristband, claim your campsite, and get ready for three magical nights of Pretty Lights in the Colorado mountains.

Rocky Mountain Folks Festival

Rocky Mountain Folks Festival

By: Aryonna Richard 

For more than thirty years, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival has brought together music lovers and nature enthusiasts for an unforgettable weekend. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado, this beloved event, taking place August 7th-9th, features three days filled with music, camping, and inspiration.

 

With a great lineup of artists, including Jesse Welles, a musician recognized for his soulful voice and heartfelt guitar riffs. He mixes folk, rock, and indie styles, creating music that feels honest and tells real stories. Big Richard is an all-female bluegrass group celebrated for their high-energy shows, tight harmonies, and unique sound. The band started in Colorado and blends classic bluegrass with modern styles. Ani DiFranco is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and activist recognized for her independent approach and unique mix of musical styles. She combines folk, rock, punk, and jazz in her songs and has released more than twenty albums on her own label, Righteous Babe Records. 

 

Junior Brown, Valerie June, Steve Poltz, The Strumbellas, S.G. Goodman, Bobby Alu, Tommy Prine, and John McCutcheon add to the mainstage lineup with a mystery artist being revealed soon. Read more about the 2026 lineup here. There’s something for everyone, whether you love folk, bluegrass, or anything in between. 

 

Camping at the Folks Festival in Colorado is laid-back and welcoming, making it easy to enjoy the late summer. You can join song circles, meet new friends, and start your day with music or the calming sounds of the nearby creek. Each camper needs a camping pass, and you’ll need a vehicle pass if you plan to camp with your car. The festival also promotes eco-friendly habits with its Sustainable Campsite Challenge, where you could win free passes for next year. Camping here is a fun way to connect with the festival community and take in the beautiful scenery. Plan your camping experience here.

 

No matter if you have been to the festival before or are coming for the first time, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival is an experience you should not miss. Mark your calendar, get your tickets here, and prepare to be part of something special!