The Little Grassy Get Down, a popular premier, family-friendly music festival, returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center Oct. 10-12, and tickets are available now.
The weekend features an impressive lineup of live music along with fun activities for all ages. Performers for the fourth annual festival include the Woodbox Gang, Browyn Keith-Hines, Chain Station Chicago Farmer, the Hooten Hallers, the Swamp Tigers, Lucas Wayne & the Cottonmouths and many other notable artists performing primarily original acoustic Americana music.
Something for everyone
Touch of Nature’s beautiful outdoor locale, along the Shawnee National Forest about 8 miles south of Carbondale off Giant City Road, sets the stage for a fest that’s appealing for all ages. The center offers a variety of amenities including food, fun and games and much more. Participants can even join jam classes and sessions.
“The Little Grassy Get Down has quickly become one of Southern Illinois’ premier events, bringing families together from across the region and beyond,” said Brian Croft, director of Touch of Nature. “At Touch of Nature, we believe it’s essential to provide community-oriented, family-friendly outdoor experiences where people of all ages can connect, learn, and celebrate through music and nature. Each year, we’re honored to welcome guests not only from Southern Illinois but from across the United States, and it’s inspiring to see this festival grow into a tradition that showcases the very best of our community spirit.”
Families can enjoy a host of special activities designed just for them at the Kids Zone, including arts and crafts, story walks, the Mr. Bill Kids Show and more. Archery and the Giant Swing will be open during scheduled times. As a bonus, youth passes for ages 15 and younger are free with a paying adult.
All new this year, the festival’s outdoor vibe will expand to include Move and Groove Kids Yoga sessions at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Bring a yoga mat, blanket or towel. Vendor Alley will be filled with a variety of arts, crafts, décor and goodies of all kinds. And of course, everyone can enjoy guided bike tours; bring a helmet or grab one on site (a limited number of adult bikes will be available). Or take advantage of the center’s multi-purpose trails for running, biking and hiking.
Get Down participants who stay onsite can choose from various overnight accommodation options, including lodges, cabins, or camping in a tent or even a car. While some sites are fully booked, there are still good options open.
Get tickets now
Myriad ticket options allow participants to attend part or all of the fest. Get tickets early and save money. Advance ticket prices for the public are:
- Weekend pass – $110 ($125 at the gate).
- Friday only pass – $35 ($45 at the gate).
- Saturday only pass – $65 ($75 at the gate).
- Sunday only pass – $35 ($45 at the gate).
Purchase tickets online.
For the first time, in 2025 SIU students can get an admission ticket for the entire weekend for just $75, and the price includes tent camping; they can get a pass for Saturday only for $35. Prices go up to $85 and $45 at the door.
Check out the details
For more information, visit the festival website. Call 618-453-1122 or email ton@siu.edu with questions.
Volunteers from campus or the community are also welcome to help with the fest and will get free admission to all or part of the event, depending on how long they help.
