There’s a brand new reason to anticipate autumn in the mountains. In addition to crisp air, colorful leaves, and pumpkin + apple everything, your new favorite fest will take place this fall. The inaugural The Gathering at Paint Rock Farm is coming to WNC Sept. 24-26, and today we’re bringing you the scoop.

Spanning 160 acres at Paint Rock Farm in Hot Springs (about an hour northwest of town), the event will feature 2 nights of camping and 3 days of live music, arts, camping + more. Created by Chris Nelson + Tama Dickerson (co-owners of Paint Rock Farm) to help folks unplug from the digital world and get in touch with nature, the fest will highlight a slew of active and outdoor events, including foraging, guided nature hikes, yoga, and outdoor education classes.

Nelson and Dickerson took inspiration from the pandemic, seeing it as an opportunity to help folks re-envision how they want to live. “We’ve carefully curated a family-friendly experience that blends music, nature, and spirit and transcends beyond just another music festival,” Nelson says.

As part of this vision, the fest will include some of Asheville’s finest musicians, including West African-infused instrumentalist band Toubab Krewe, steel pan-centric quartet Jonathan Scales Fourchesta, and jazz artist Adi the Monk, among others. It will also feature off-grid systems + nomadic lifestyle workshops (think: van builds, living on the road, solar, and more), as well as art classes and Bigfoot storytelling sessions.

Wanna get in on the action? Tickets go on sale today at 12 p.m. Even sweeter? Our readers can use the code AVLTODAY through 11:59 p.m. on Sun., July 25 to get advance General Admission passes for $99.