5 Things You Need To Know About The 2018 Clearwater Festival

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — The oldest and largest annual environmental celebration in the United States — the first Great Hudson River Revival took place in 1978 —always takes place on Father's Day Weekend. It's the second year the festival is back at Croton Point after a hiatus to deal with financial issues and repair the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater.

Inspired by Pete Seeger’s desire to clean up the river more than 40 years ago, Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival initially helped raise the funds to build the sloop Clearwater, which has since become a world-renowned floating classroom and a symbol of effective grassroots action.

Now it's one of the biggest summer events in the Hudson Valley.

Here's what you need to know:

1. The music line-up. Incredible as always, it includes Jeff Tweedy, Ani DiFranco, The Willy Nile Band, Tom Chapin, Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore, They Might Be Giants, David Amram, and many, many, many more. See the list here.
2. Take the kids. The Revival is a family friendly event (children 11 and under are free), features seven sustainably powered stages with diverse music, dance, storytelling and family-oriented programming as well as a juried Handcrafters’ Village, the Green Living Expo, the Working Waterfront with small boat exhibits and rides, the Artisanal Food & Farm Market, environmental education displays and exhibits, and the Circle of Song where audience participation is the focus.
3. What else to bring. There's a long list on the festival website, but you really need to carry cash (no ATMs), an extra pair of shoes and maybe even socks; small folding chairs and blanket for seating; sunscreen. Also remember, this is an environmental event, so make sure your bug spray is without DEET and you have biodegradable plastic bags with you for trash, compost, and recyclable materials.
4. Getting there. Take mass transportation - Metro-North even has a special package. Must drive? Parking is very limited in Croton Point Park. Parking is available at the Croton-Harmon train station and the Village of Croton-on-Hudson charges $5. A FREE shuttle service to the Clearwater Festival at the Croton-Harmon train station is available all weekend.
5. Tickets. Members get a discount. It's a good cause — Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. is a non-profit organization. The revenue raised by the Revival goes to support Clearwater’s numerous educational programs and its work toward environmental and social justice—as well as keeping the sloop Clearwater afloat — so consider it! For the first time, the festival is offering a special Youth Ticket for 12-17 year olds. All 11-year-olds and under are free but still need to have a ticket. Buy tickets online here.

PHOTO/ Clearwater Festival