One of South County’s most highly-anticipated summertime events is always the Rhythm and Roots Festival. Although this annual music fest was thought to be coming to an end a few years ago, it’s still going strong, and 2024 looks to be one of the best lineups yet.
Charlestown’s Ninigret Park is the ideal location for a music festival, as it’s just off Route 1 and overlooks Ninigret Pond. It’s also home to a wildlife refuge, making it the perfect spot to go for a hike or do some birdwatching.
The festival takes place on Labor Day Weekend, which will be August 30 and 31 and September 1 in 2024. It’s a great way to end your summer, especially if you’ll already be in South County.
You’ll want to book your tickets early because parking passes tend to sell out. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Rhythm and Roots Festival in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
The Lineup
The 2024 festival starts on Friday, August 30, a date featuring shows by Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Yarn, and Will Edwards. Rose & The Bros, Nathan and The Zydeco Cha Chas, and Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole will also make appearances on opening night.
Saturday, August 31, will likely be the festival’s busiest day, as it’s headlined by 13-time Grammy Award Winner Emmylou Harris. Other well-known acts on that date include Larkin Poe, the Rebirth Brass Band, Glen David Andrews, and Ruthie Foster. There will be shows by Cousin Curtiss, Julia Pratt, Cajun 4 Avec Steve Riley, the Pine Leaf Boys, and the Paul Gabriel Blues Band, too.
Sunday will be another full day of music, headlined by renowned string band Old Crow Medicine Show. Other big acts will include the Drive-By Truckers and The Strumbellas. Billy Keane, Shemekia Copeland, GA-20, and Grady Spencer and the Work will perform at various times throughout the day, as well.
If you love live music, this lineup has something for everyone and is sure to become the most memorable part of your South County vacation.
Festival Grounds
Like any good music festival, there’s a lot happening around the Rhythm and Roots venue. To start, there are two stages, so you can choose where you want to hang out based on the band playing at a particular moment.
The main Rhyme Stage is lined with craft vendors, so you can grab some souvenirs to take home with you. You can also take your kids to the playground, buy some merchandise from your favorite artist, or head to the bar for a beer or glass of wine.
When things get a little hot, you can take a short walk to the on-site beach and swim in Little Ninigret Pond. There are free water fill stations at the park, too, making it easy to stay hydrated.
Food Vendors
If you get hungry, you should know there are plenty of food vendors at the festival, along with a picnic area where you can enjoy your meal.
The vendors at this festival are a little higher end than you’d expect at a music festival, as you can grab seafood, crepes, kimchi, tacos, smoked meats, and chicken, depending on your mood. There isn’t much in the way of fried food, but you can find a little if that’s what you’re craving.
On-Site Camping
Some visitors choose to camp on the grounds during the festival. These campsites are convenient if you’ll be checking out the entire festival, although there are some things you should know about them.
First, you have to purchase camping for the entire three days, as single-day camping isn’t available. You’ll also have to pay extra if you plan to use the showers.
Second, you can’t have open alcohol in the campground because it’s in a city park. The festival has a special license to sell beer and wine at the venue, but it doesn’t extend to campers.
Third, there aren’t many trees in the camping area. The lack of shade could make for an incredibly hot weekend, especially if you’re staying in a tent.
Many festival attendees simply travel back and forth from their vacation rentals because it provides a comfortable spot to relax between shows and prevents you from roasting in the sun.
The Perfect Labor Day Weekend Event
South County has many events throughout the summer, but the 2024 Rhythm and Roots Festival might just top the list. It’s an epic time and something that you’ll want to return to year after year once you check it out.
Book your vacation rental early because spots near the venue fill up fast.