The first festival dedicated to creativity—In the MKNG—is coming to the famous Bethel Woods September 29-30 and, if you’re into making things and want to meet and learn from some of the creatives who inspire you, this is can’t miss.
In the MKNG is the brainchild of the Association For Creative Industries (AFCI), the premier trade association for the global creative arts products industries. Hosting the first-ever gathering for the general public at the iconic site of the original 1969 Woodstock Festival fits their focus on fun, creativity and getting inspired through crafting and other creative activities.
“Bethel Woods checked all the boxes for our theme. It was a perfect natural fit because there’s a large artisan community in the surrounding areas and we can play on the Woodstock theme—especially the live music component,” says Andria Gibbon, CEM, VP of Events and Education for the AFCI.
Though the AFCI has held numerous trade shows for professionals and businesses working in the creative industry, this is the first gathering designed for people who like to make their own crafts and follow the work of their favorite creatives.
“This is all about inspiration and activation in creativity,” says Gibbon.
Learn, Connect, Discover, Have Fun and Succeed
Organizers expect that In the MKNG will attract about 10,000 people over the weekend, offering countless opportunities to learn new skills while having a great time. There will be more than 150 vendors, 16 hands-on workshops and two stages. One stage will be devoted to live music with four bands each day; the other is the Creator Stage, where four creative craft challenges with audience participation will be staged, along with live demos, talks by Creator VIPs, appearances by some of your favorite social media influencers and much more. Some of your favorite YouTubers and Instagrammers will broadcast live from the event too.
Celebrity appearances will be announced in early August along with a schedule of demos and events.
“This is a star-studded event for the DIY crowd,” Gibbon enthuses. “All of us at the AFCI are avid crafters ourselves, so we’re super excited. People will learn new crafts, improve their skills and be able to buy their favorite products direct from the manufacturers and makers.”
You’ll find all your favorites from Crayola, PaperHouse, Brother and Lion Brand Yarns to Creations & Libations, Design Master, Essex Studio Painted Glass Art and Gorilla Rose Greetings as well as regional craft shops and independent artists too!
Craft beer and wine, local artisans and food vendors and lots of finished goods for sale in the artisan pavilion featuring regional retailers and artists add to the shop-local mix of fun and festivity.
Music at Bethel Woods? Yes, of course! Kids & puppies too!
Headliner Sister Hazel performs on Saturday (4:30 – 6 p.m.). You’ve heard the chart-topping hit, “All For You” from this influential indie rock band (named one of the Top 100 by Performing Songwriter Magazine), and they’ve got a new album out now, Lighter In The Dark. The rest of the lineup for the two-day festival includes country artist Lauren Davidson; singer-songwriter Zach Matari and the After Parti; NYC pop/rock band Wild Planes; local singer/songwriter Emma Bilyou; and alt-rock band from NYC, Don’t Believe In Ghosts.
The kids pavilion is a great place to get the young ones started early too! Kids will explore their creative instincts and have a lot of fun making crafting projects with their friends. And, not only will you go home with a few DIY ideas to create things for your pet, if you’re looking to adopt a dog or cat, there will be some irresistible cuties onsite to tug at your heart strings. Pets Alive is a no-kill animal rescue located in Middletown, and they will have companion animals to adopt at the festival. And, if you love animals but aren’t able to take one home, Pets Alive will accept donations to support their important rescue and rehabilitation work here in the Catskills.
Come for the Festival, Enjoy a Weekend in the Catskills
The website includes a travel and lodging page with recommended hotels and camping areas in Sullivan County and nearby, as well as suggestions for local attractions. “It’s a beautiful time to visit the area. There are plenty of things to do off-grounds, such as apple picking, and the leaves may be starting to change too,” says Gibbon.
Parking is free, compliments of A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts.
Tickets are $15 (adults 18+), $10 (ages 3-17), free (kids age 2 and under) and $40 (family 4-pack). Purchase tickets online, and use the discount promotional code PRMKNG8 to get $2 off.
If you’d like to be a vendor, registration forms are available onsite for suppliers/wholesalers, retailers and designer/makers. Registration is limited, so don’t delay!
For more information, please visit http://inthemkng.com, write to info@inthemkng.com or call (201) 835-1200.
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Date and Time September 29-30, 2018 Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
Location The Bethel Woods Center For The Arts 200 Hurd Road Bethel, New York 12720 |