Shoe Fest newcomers Krasno / Moore Project and Sierra Hull join returning artists Kitchen Dwellers, Oliver Wood Trio who was at the fest in 2014 with the Wood Brothers, Allie Kral, host band Old Shoe, Henhouse Prowlers, Chicago Farmer & the Fieldnotes, Dead Horses, Mr. Blotto, Strange Arrangement, Armchair Boogie and more. Past artists who have performed at the fest include heavy hitters like David Grisman, Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Jeff Austin, Melvin Seals, The Travelin’ McCourys, Fruition, Elephant Revival and many more.
The 12th annual Shoe Fest will be held on Labor Day weekend (September 1 - 3) at Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See in Manteno, IL. Camp Shaw is a 200 acre venue with beautiful big tree shade, a crystal clear creek, showers and bathrooms and family camping. This three-day camping event celebrates community and the creativity spirit that brings us together through art, nature, and world renowned and local live music.
Shoe Fest is very family friendly and has expanded their morning family activities to include sets of music by Mr. Dave and the Shoe Fam Band, Painting With the Shoe Kids by Jon Griffin, The 3rd Annual Shoe Duck Race, Kung Fu for Kids, Joyfullbubbles, and more. They have also created a “kids tribe” each morning, where each child gets to meet other kids and participate in activities such as hikes, face painting, crafts etc. Another creative event for families is a workshop in which attendees can build their own percussive instruments.
Shoe Fest began in 2011 and continues to grow each year in size and spirit. The festival has two stages of music with no overlapping sets with an emphasis on roots music; such as folk, folk rock, bluegrass, and jamband. Shoe Fest is about providing a space where every attendee, including the plants and animals who share the grounds, are respected and well accounted for, as well as a place where even the eldest of patrons can feel like a kid again.
Here is what lies in store for Shoe Fest attendees:
“One More Dance before Summer turns to Fall.”
ART
Art installations throughout the festival grounds range from live painting, vinyl record art, decorative art, and innovative lighting on the grounds.
MUSIC
Krasno / Moore Project, Kitchen Dwellers, Sierra Hull, Oliver Wood Trio (of The Wood Brothers), Old Shoe, Allie Kral*, Henhouse Prowlers, Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes, Dead Horses, Mr. Blotto, Armchair Boogie, Strange Arrangement, Backyard Tire Fire, The Grateful String Band, MK Ultra, Fresh Hops, Jaik Willis, Lunar Ticks, Carrie Sue & The Wood Burners, Alabaster, John Till, The Civil Engineers, Wheels North, Here Nor There, and Mr. Dave Music**
* Artist at Large - Artist that plays with many of the artists throughout the weekend
** Music For Kids
HISTORY
The area of Rock Creek that flows through our beautiful Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See was once the home of Potawatomi Chief Shaw-Waw-Nas-See for which Camp Shaw is named. Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See sits on the site where one of the oldest Potawatomi villages was located. In 1830, there was a great tribal council, Chief Shaw-Waw-Nas-See who was not only respected by his tribe, but many others in the area advised his people to make a treaty with settlers, in order to maintain their friendship. This eventually led to the mass exodus of the Indians of the Rock Creek area to the reservations in the West.
COMMUNITY
Not only does Shoe Fest bring revenue to community treasured Camp Shaw but they have also partnered up with Not For Profits, Illinois Native Plant Society and the Special Olympics.
VENDORS
Shoe Fest offers an eclectic array of vendors. From handmade clothing and jewelry to breakfast to dinner, including vegetarian and vegan options
Venue Address:
Camp Shaw Waw Nas See
6641 N 6000W Rd
Manteno IL 60950
Event dates:
September 1 – September 3, 2023
Event prices:
GA 3-Day Passes are $180 (Presale)
Cabins and RV’s are SOLD OUT
Shoe Fest 2023 Ticket Info & To Purchase
Shoe Fest Gates open at 10AM CST on Friday, September 1, 2023
Children under the age of 12 may enter Shoe Fest free of charge
