Fiction in the Forest Festival
August 4-6, 2023 | Head Waters, VA
They say that stories are make-believe, and fairy tales aren't true. But they don't know what we know, that it all depends on you.
Bring the whole family to a place where stories come to life through imaginative experiences and interactive environments. Enjoy great food, guest storytellers, and inspiring moments when you least expect it.
Stories at the Festival
We'll share the list of stories we plan to celebrate with attendees before the event so you can brush-up on the stories and even prepare costumes! In the meantime, here are some of the ways we plan to celebrate these stories:
- Guided storytelling hikes
- Music under the stars
- Story-themed food and treats
- Scavenger hunts through the forest
- Stories around the bonfire
- Story-themed activities, crafts, and games
Wild + Free Teens
One of the unexpected surprises of the Farm Village is the way that our teens have found community and freedom on the property.
With 200 acres of forests, creeks, and hiking trails, it's the perfect place for them to spread their wings and build lasting friendships with each other.
Wild + Free started with mostly mothers of young children, but it's quickly growing into a community of families with teens as well. We'll have activities specifically for teens where they can connect with each other.
Festival Pricing
You are invited to pitch your tent in one of our designated camping areas on the grounds of the Wild + Free Farm Village.
Meals are included from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast. And we'll have our newly-built heated bathhouses ready for your comfort.
- $249 per adult (18+)
- $199 per child (3-17)
- Free for toddlers (0-2)
Cancellation Policy: Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be deferred to any other event. This event will be held rain or shine.
Wild + Free Farm Village
The Wild + Free Farm Village is located about an hour and a half west of Charlottesville, VA. One thing is for sure - there is no getting to Head Waters, Virginia without stunning views of the Allegheny Mountains!
Wild + Free Farm Village
6983 Cowpasture Road N
Head Waters, VA 24442
Once you arrive in Head Waters, we are located seven miles north of 250 on Cowpasture Road, and you’ll see the Wild + Free sign on the road. Please be aware that your cell phone service will drop-out within a half hour from the Farm Village. We encourage you to print-out directions or save them to your phone. We'll have WiFi access and phone lines when you get here.
Festival Schedule
Friday, August 4
1:00 PM - Check-in and set-up camp
5:00 PM - Welcome gathering
6:00 PM - Dinner
7:00 PM - Story adventure 1
8:30 PM - Bards around the bonfire
Saturday, August 5
8:30 AM - Breakfast
9:30 AM - Story adventure 2
11:00 AM - Free time
12:00 PM - Lunch
1:30 PM - Story adventure 3
3:00 PM - Free time
6:00 PM - Dinner
7:30 PM - Evening activity
8:30 PM - Bards around the bonfire
Sunday, August 6
8:30 AM - Breakfast
9:30 AM - Story conclusion
11:00 AM - Depart for home
Cancellation Policy: Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be deferred to any other event. Unfortunately, we are not able to make exceptions, even with last-minute emergencies. The event will be held rain or shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are meals included?
Yes, we'll provide meals starting with dinner on Friday night and ending with breakfast on Sunday morning. We'll have water and snacks for sale as well.
Can we bring an RV?
Due to the limitations of our zoning permit, we regret that we cannot accommodate RVs on the property. This event is intended to serve tent-camping only in our village. However, small, pop-up campers are fine.
Do you offer refunds?
Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be deferred to any other event. Unfortunately, we're not able to make exceptions, even with last-minute emergencies. The event will be held rain or shine.
Are pets allowed?
Outside pets are not permitted on the property. Please see our additional guidelines at bewildandfree.org/guidelines.
What amenities available?
We'll have electrical outlets available in a central location near the campsites for charging phones and blowing up air mattresses. We'll have water bottles and snacks for sale in our shop.
What about restroom facilities?
We just finished building new, state-of-the-art heated bathhouses near the camping village outfitted with private showers. We think you'll love them!
Please note:
We require all guests to sign liability waivers and photo release forms in order to participate. Here are some additional policies at the Farm Village.
If you have any other questions, please email us.
