Thu, 02/16/2012 - 6:45 pm

Shoe Fest will be back the weekend of September 7-9, 2012. After the success of last year's festival, we are happy to return to Stonehouse Park in Earlville, IL. Stonehouse Park offers an incredible setting for a music festival and is conveniently located only 90 minutes from Chicago. The first Shoe Fest featured Great American Taxi, the Kyle Hollingsworth Band and Split Lip Rayfield. Keep an eye out for this year's artist announcements.-- Shoe FestSeptember 7, 8, 9, 2012Stonehouse ParkEarlville, IL

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 11:59 am

The schedule for Shoe Fest 2012 is now online. Shoe Fest is a three day outdoor music camping event being held on September 7-9, 2012. The secluded Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see in Manteno, IL, just 50 miles south of Chicago, will host the festival in its second year.Musical highlights include Family Groove Company and festival hosts, Old Shoe, on Friday night, headliner Keller & the Keels along with Strange Arrangement and Ben Miller Band on Saturday night, and Elephant Revival and the Giving Tree Band on Sunday. Attendees can view the full schedule of all 34 bands at the festival’s website and Facebook page.In addition to a weekend packed full of great music, Shoe Fest’s new location of Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see offers some of the most pristine natural beauty in Illinois. The crystal clear Rock Creek with fishing and waterfalls, 100 acres of pine and oak forest, hiking trails, zip lines and arts & crafts centers are just a few of Camp Shaw’s amenities. The festival will also feature on-site activities throughout the weekend, including:

  • Music Performance Workshops
  • Wellness Workshop with Kali
  • Hula Hoop Workshop with Circular Energy Hoops
  • Kung Fu Training
  • Performances by Fire Technicians

3-day passes are currently on sale for $70 and are available through the festival's website, http://www.shoe-fest.com. Shoe Fest is a family friendly event; admission is free for kids 13 and under.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 2:57 pm

Chicago, IL (January 18th, 2013) Shoe Fest will return to Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see in Manteno, IL for September 6-8, 2013. Shoe Fest is a three day outdoor music and camping event featuring live music performances which is entering its third year.Host band Old Shoe welcomed returning acts Family Groove Company and Henhouse Prowlers and newcomers Keller & the Keels, Elephant Revival, Euforquestra and The Giving Tree Band for the 2012 edition of the festival. From bluegrass to jazz and roots to funk, Shoe Fest displays a diverse range of organic music on two stages with non-opposing schedules.Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see provides an exciting home for Shoe Fest. The 100-acre campground is highlighted by a gorge cut by Rock Creek. The grounds feature old growth forest, arts & crafts centers and zip lines.

Fri, 04/26/2013 - 11:54 am

The Travelin' McCourys will bring the Bluegrass Ball to Shoe Fest 2013 over the weekend of September 6-8th. Shoe Fest is a three day outdoor music and camping event featuring live music performances which will take place at Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see in Manteno, IL.This year's installment of the midwest festival will feature bluegrass legends, The Travelin' McCourys, and witness the return of the Ben Miller Band, Ed Anderson, Jaik Willis and more. Additional acts Magic Box, Tyrannosaurus Chicken, E.G.I., Grood, Honest Monday, Pete Jive and Under the Willow fill out the first round of announcements. From bluegrass to jazz and roots to funk, Shoe Fest will showcase a diverse range of organic music on two stages with non-opposing schedules. The festival lineup can be viewed at http://shoe-fest.com/index.php/line-upCamp Shaw-waw-nas-see provides an exciting home for Shoe Fest. The 100-acre campground is highlighted by a gorge cut by Rock Creek. The grounds feature old growth forest, arts & crafts centers and zip lines. Artist Lineup:The Bluegrass Ball with The Travelin' McCourys and moreBen Miller BandMagic BoxEd AndersonJaik WillisTyrannosaurus ChickenE.G.I.GroodHonest MondayPete JiveUnder The Willow

Thu, 05/30/2013 - 11:15 am

Jeff Austin will join The Travelin' McCourys for The Bluegrass Ball at Shoe Fest this year. Shoe Fest is a three day outdoor music and camping event, featuring live music performances, which will take place September 6-8, 2013 at Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see in Manteno, IL.The Giving Tree Band, Henhouse Prowlers, This Must Be the Band, Old Shoe and Chicago Farmer will also be joining the Shoe Fest lineup this year. Additional acts Zmick, Brainchild, Afternoon Moon and Genome fill out the second round of announcements. From bluegrass to jazz and roots to funk, Shoe Fest will showcase a diverse range of organic music on two stages with non-opposing schedules. The festival lineup can be viewed at http://shoe-fest.com/index.php/line-upCamp Shaw-waw-nas-see provides an exciting home for Shoe Fest. The 100-acre campground is highlighted by a gorge cut by Rock Creek. The grounds feature old growth forest, arts & crafts centers and zip lines.Artist Lineup:The Bluegrass Ball with The Travelin' McCourys, Jeff Austin and moreThe Giving Tree BandHenhouse ProwlersThis Must Be the BandOld ShoeBen Miller BandChicago FarmerZmickBrainchildMagic BoxTyrannosaurus ChickenEd AndersonJaik WillisAfternoon MoonGroodHonest MondayGenomeE.G.I.Pete JiveUnder The Willow

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 9:40 am

Drew Emmitt of Leftover Salmon will bring The Drew Emmitt Band to Shoe Fest over the weekend of September 6th-8th. Shoe Fest is a three day outdoor music and camping event, featuring live music performances, which will take place at Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see in Manteno, IL.Floodwood, featuring Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of moe. will also make their way to the Midwest fest, as will Allie Kral, who will be an Artist at Large for the weekend. Additional acts Family Groove Company, Blotto Acoustic, Bonzo Terks, Copecetic, Catch A Fire and Frank F Sidney's Western Bandit Volunteers fill out the third round of announcements. From bluegrass to jazz and roots to funk, Shoe Fest will showcase a diverse range of organic music on two stages with non-opposing schedules. The festival line up can be viewed at http://shoe-fest.com/index.php/line-upCamp Shaw-waw-nas-see provides an exciting home for Shoe Fest. The 100-acre campground is highlighted by a gorge cut by Rock Creek. The grounds feature old growth forest, arts & crafts centers and zip lines.Artist Line-up:The Drew Emmitt Band of Leftover SalmonFloodwood featuring Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of moe.Allie Kral (Artist at Large)The Giving Tree BandFamily Groove CompanyHenhouse ProwlersThis Must Be The BandOld ShoeBlotto Acoustic featuring Paul Bolger and Mark HagueBen Miller BandChicago FarmerZmickBrainchildMagic BoxTyrannosaurus ChickenEd AndersonJaik WillisAfternoon MoonBonzo TerksGroodHonest Monday

Sat, 07/20/2013 - 7:22 am

Shoe Fest 2013 will be headlined by Chicago's own Cornmeal. The lineup also features The Drew Emmitt Band of Leftover Salmon, Floodwood with Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of moe. and Artist at Large Allie Kral. Shoe Fest is in its 3rd year and it will take place on September 6-8, 2013 at Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see in Manteno, IL. There will be two stages of music with an emphasis on roots music.The full festival line up includes some of Chicago's finest bands, The Giving Tree Band, Family Groove Company, Henhouse Prowlers and many more. Old Shoe, an up and coming Chicago rock band, hosts the three day festival. The line up can be viewed at http://shoe-fest.com/index.php/line-upOfficial Shoe Fest 2013 Promotional Video: http://youtu.be/4B-Ak8W12_gCamp Shaw-waw-nas-see provides an exciting home for Shoe Fest. The 100-acre campground is highlighted by a gorge cut by Rock Creek. The grounds feature old growth forest, arts & crafts centers and zip lines.Final Addition:CornmealSoapEric Lambert & FriendsSean ShielThinner TeedJoe Marcinek BandEvergreenGoose DoctorTodd HazelriggJack Avery's KinTraveling Broke and Out of GasBone Jugs N HarmonyThe Hayfield Concept 2013 Artist Line-up:CornmealThe Drew Emmitt Band of Leftover SalmonFloodwood featuring Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of moe.Allie Kral (Artist at Large)The Giving Tree BandFamily Groove CompanyHenhouse ProwlersThis Must Be The BandOld ShoeBlotto Acoustic featuring Paul Bolger and Mark HagueBen Miller BandChicago FarmerZmickBrainchildSoapMagic BoxTyrannosaurus ChickenEd AndersonJaik WillisAfternoon MoonEric Lambert & FriendsSean ShielThinner TeedBonzo TerksGroodHonest MondayGenomeE.G.iJoe Marcinek BandEvergreenGoose DoctorPete JiveTodd HazelriggCopeceticUnder The WillowCatch A FireFrank F. Sidney's Western Bandit VolunteersJack Avery's KinTraveling Broke and Out of GasBone Jugs N HarmonyThe Hayfield Concept

Sat, 01/04/2014 - 9:17 am

The fourth installment of Shoe Fest will be held on Labor Day weekend. The festival offers three days of music, camping and fun at the magical Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see in Manteno, IL, just 1 hour from downtown Chicago. Shoe Fest will showcase a diverse range of organic music on two stages with non-opposing schedules on August 29-31, 2014.Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see is a 100-acre campground highlighted by a gorge cut by Rock Creek and old growth forest. Shoe Fest is a family friendly event, admission is free for kids 13 and under.

Fri, 04/17/2015 - 8:25 am

Shoe Fest is proud to announce the lineup for the 5th annual festival.  Shoe Fest will once again be held at the beautiful and scenic Camp Shaw Waw Nas See in Manteno, IL (less than 1 hour south of Chicago), Labor Day weekend (September 4, 5 & 6).  Jam packed with events for both adults and kids, Shoe Fest will be loaded with family friendly and kids activities, special music sets for the kids, family camping and more – so bring the kids along or take them to Grandma’s and set out on your own, there is something for everyone!  In addition to the great music and activities, Shoe Fest once again encourages you to enjoy the amazing surroundings; swim in the creek, dance among the water fall, and enjoy nature walks along the Kankakee State Park.

Tier 2 3 day passes are on sale now at http://shoe-fest.com/tickets, RV spots are still available although cabin rentals are already SOLD OUT.  Tier 2 will sell out quickly!  We encourage you to be a part of the festival and volunteer! Be sure to connect with us on Facebook to keep in line with lineup additions, news, and our usual antics.

With 2015 being the 5th year of Shoe Fest, we are going big with a lineup that brings you old favorites and newbies who you’re sure to be excited about.  More artists to be announced soon!

How to find out more:

shoe-fest.com

facebook.com/shoefestpage

twitter.com/shoe_fest

instagram.com/shoe_fest

#shoefest15

Second lineup announcement includes

2 nights of Old Shoe
David Grisman's Bluegrass Experience 
Allie Kral (artist at large) 
Cornmeal 
Ben Miller Band
Henhouse Prowlers
Mr Blotto
Family Groove Company
Chicago Farmer
Lowdown Brass Band
Brainchild
Soap
Way Down Wanderers
EGi
Under the Willow
Aaron Kamm and the One Drops
Tyrannosaurus Chicken
Ernie Hendrickson Duo
Jaik Willis
Miles over Mountains
Thinner Teed
Prichard Harter
Frank F Sidney's Western Bandit Volunteers
River Valley Rangers
John Till

Sun, 08/25/2019 - 12:40 pm

Unlike larger festivals, Shoe Fest is a unique festival, in that it offers patrons folk-rooted music with multiple interactive experiences. The main focus of the festival is on bringing people of all ages together to relish in a carefree community where they can leave their busy lives behind and actually have a good time.

The 9th annual Shoe Fest will be held on Labor Day weekend (August 30 - September 1) at Camp Shaw Waw Nas See in Manteno, IL. This three-day camping event is a creative community festival that celebrates the body, mind, and spirit through art installations, yoga, and world-renowned and local live music.

Shoe Fest began in 2011 and continues to grow each year. The festival has three stages of music, with an emphasis on roots music; such as folk, folk-rock, bluegrass, and jam band. 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.

Shoe Fest is also very family-friendly and has activities each morning for families and their kids. They have created a “kids tribe” where each child gets to meet other kids and participate in activities such as hikes, face painting, etc. Another creative event for families is a workshop in which attendees can build their own percussive instruments. To top it all off, Shoe Fest provides a kids concert each morning for children to dance, play and most importantly feel included in the fun.

To keep with tradition, Shoe Fest welcomes yet another Grammy Winner to the bill this year, Sam Bush. A multi-instrumentalist & hailed as the King of Newgrass, Sam Bush Band promises to bring innovative bluegrass music to the festival. Past Grammy winners who have played the fest include heavy hitters like Jerry Douglas, Jeremy Garrett, and six-time nominated David Grisman. 

Lineup:

Sam Bush Band**, Todd Snider, Soule Monde (feat. Ray & Russ of Trey Anastasio Band), Old Shoe, Allie Kral** Jon Stickley Trio, Chicago Farmer, The Way Down Wanderers, Sun Beard, The Mighty Pines, Miles Over Mountains, Bill Grady Band, The Bashful Youngens, Lunar Ticks, River Valley Rangers, Trevor Clark and the Current Situation, Mr. Blotto, Black Dirt Revival, Ernie Hendrickson & Citizens of Love, Althea Grace, Feed the Dog, The Candymakers, Bashful Youngens, Kara Cavanugh, Jaik Willis, Arbor Creek, The Spirit: A Wood Brothers Tribute, Zoofunkyou, Mr. Dave*** and The Big Lagniappe

*Grammy Winner

** Artist at Large - Artist that plays with many of the artists throughout the weekend

*** Music For Kids

Fri, 05/07/2021 - 2:42 pm

SHOE FEST has announced their hopeful return on September 3-5, 2021 after taking 2020 off due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Festival organizers are releasing limited amounts of GA tickets, as well as RV Spots and Cabin Reservations. Tickets are on sale now at www.shoe-fest.com.

Organizers are diligently following local, state, and CDC guidelines and opening measures while preparing to host the festival in September and will make decisions regarding Covid-19 protocols as the festival approaches.

Read the full statement from Shoe Fest organizers:

“What a year and some it’s been. We’ve all been through a whole lot and we’re grateful to start seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.

As guidelines and pandemic cases have started to ease, we have decided to put tickets on sale for Shoe Fest 2021. It is our highest hope that we can hold a safe AND FUN festival to celebrate our 10th year together.

We’ll be releasing 3-Day Passes, RV Spot Reservations and Cabin Reservations on Friday, May 7th at 10am CT. Of course, we do not know what the future holds, so we are currently limiting the amount of 3-Day Passes in order to maintain the best event we can. In the coming months, if we find that we can increase our capacity, we will release more tickets. We will be operating 100% within Local and CDC recommended guidelines. In the case the festival is not able to happen, we will offer refunds. Volunteer applications will be released at a later date as we continue to figure out what options and need there will be for volunteers this year.

Unfortunately, we have encountered a growing problem of scammers in the event world. Please know that if you are not buying a ticket directly from Shoe Fest’s ticketing page (www.shoe-fest.com/tickets), you may be purchasing a fake ticket. We are always here to help if you have questions. Please email [email protected] and we’ll respond in as timely a manner as we are able to.

We’re holding on to hope for 2021 to be our best year together. One way or another, we will see your smiling faces and dance around the fire together at the beautiful Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See again.…

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 11:12 am

Shoe Fest has announced its triumphant return on September 3-5, 2021, after taking 2020 off due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a hard-hitting lineup that all will enjoy.

Shoe Fest hosts, Chicago roots rock quintet Old Shoe, welcome a lineup that features Melvin Seals & JGB (of Jerry Garcia Band fame) and Fruition, west coast rising folk stars with a blissfully eclectic sound. Jennifer Hartswick & Natalie Cressman of Trey Anastasio Band, Nick Cassarino of The Nth Power will all be featured as Artists at Large, sure to present some once-in-a-lifetime collaborations you won’t experience anywhere else. Joining the powerhouse of artistry are Chicago family bands Henhouse Prowlers, Chicago Farmer & the Fieldnotes, Cornmeal, Mr. Blotto, Mungion, Family Groove Company, and more.

This three-day music and camping event is a community-based festival that also proudly presents family and kid activities each morning along with child-centric concerts from Mr. Dave Music, as well as live painting, art installations, morning yoga, leisure olympics, and the annual Kung Fu classes.

Volunteer information will be released this Friday, July 2. Family activities for friends of all ages will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets and info available at shoe-fest.com. Full lineup below.

Old Shoe (2 Nights) • Melvin Seals & JGB • Fruition

Artists at Large:
Jennifer Hartswick (of Trey Anastasio Band)
Natalie Cressman (of Trey Anastasio Band) 
Nick Cassarino (of The Nth Power)

Henhouse Prowlers
Chicago Farmer & the Fieldnotes (full band & solo sets)
Cornmeal • Mr. Blotto • Mungion
Family Groove Company
Jennifer Hartswick & Nick Cassarino Duo

Sun Beard • The Althea Grace Band • The Claudettes
Miles Over Mountains • Midnight Canyon
Afternoon Moon • Zoofunkyou • Still Shine
The Dawn • River Valley Rangers • Arbor Creek
Fox Crossing Stringband • Pete Jive • Dearie
Mr. Dave Music

Fri, 08/25/2023 - 11:57 am

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