Big News: New Date, New Location!

For the past several years, Black Bear Music Fest has called the Goshen Fairgrounds in October home. But as we look ahead to the future, we’re making an exciting change—one that will make the festival even better for our entire community.

Starting in 2025, Black Bear Music Fest will be at

• ‍‍📍 Harwinton Fairgrounds - 150 Locust RoadHarwinton, CT 06791 (Map it)
• 🗓️ August 22nd - 24th, 2025

This move isn’t just about changing dates and locations; it’s about creating a better, more comfortable, and more immersive festival experience for everyone who joins us each year.‍

Why the Move? A Better Festival Experience for Everyone‍

After listening to feedback and reflecting on past festivals, we knew that a shift in both season and venue would allow us to enhance what makes Black Bear so special. Here’s why we’re excited about this change:‍

Warmer, More Comfortable Weather‍

We’ve had some incredible festival moments in October, but we also know that cold nights and unpredictable weather haven’t always made for the most comfortable experience—especially for campers.

By moving to August, we’re giving ourselves a much better chance of warm, enjoyable weather throughout the weekend. That means more time spent enjoying the music, the community, and the outdoor festival atmosphere without worrying about layering up.

‍A More Walkable, Community-Focused Layout‍

The Harwinton Fairgrounds offers a flatter, more centralized layout, making it easier to get around and enjoy everything the festival has to offer.

• Stages, vendors, and campsites are closer together, so you’ll spend less time walking and more time soaking in the music.
• The space allows for a tighter sense of community, making it easier to connect with fellow festival-goers while still having plenty of room to enjoy the weekend.
• With this move, we also have room to grow, giving us more opportunities to expand and improve the festival experience in future years.
  

What’s Staying the Same?

While the time and place are changing, everything that makes Black Bear Music Fest special remains the same:

• ‍Incredible bands performing across multiple stages‍
• A vibrant mix of vendors, food trucks, and festival activities
• Tent and RV camping for those who want the full weekend experience‍
• The same welcoming, community-driven atmosphere that makes Black Bear feel like home
  

Already Have Tickets? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve already purchased tickets for Black Bear Music Fest 2024, they are still valid for the new dates and location. You don’t need to do anything if you plan to attend. However, if you can’t make it in August, check out this article for full details on your options.

Looking Ahead to an Exciting New Chapter

This move marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Black Bear Music Fest. While we’ve loved our time in Goshen, Harwinton Fairgrounds and the summer season will allow us to create an even better festival experience for years to come.

We’re so grateful for the support of the Black Bear community, and we can’t wait to welcome you to Harwinton in August 2025. Stay tuned for lineup announcements and everything else you need to know to plan for an unforgettable weekend.

See you this summer!