If you are one of the many avid jam band fans in the Dayton area, no doubt you have heard of The Werk Out. In it’s 9th year, this major music and arts festival is one of the “don’t miss” events of the summer. It takes place on the historic grounds at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, just east of Columbus, where the Grateful Dead, among others, took the stage many times. The venue’s storied past is why Dayton’s homegrown heroes, The Werks, chose to host their yearly musical extravaganza there.

The natural valley serves as an ideal spot for viewing multiple stages and comfortably camping all weekend long. You pull in right off of I-70, get parked, put your tent set up, then wander down the tree lined path, which is peppered with hammocks, vendors, food on your way to the massive stage set up. There you’ll get to see some of the most exciting national jam and rock bands touring today, including: Umphrey’s McGee (2 sets), Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (2 sets), Lettuce, Papadosio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (2 nights), Twiddle, Turkuaz, Spafford, The Marcus King Band, KNOWER (full band), Zach Deputy, Steady Flow, ekoostik hookah, TWERKAPOD: A Tribute to the 90s,, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Octave Cat, Ghost Light featuring Holly Bowling, Tom Hamilton, Steve Lyons, Raina Mullen, Scotty Zwang Music, Mungion, Mom and Dad (featuring Chuck Jones & Neal Evans of Dopapod), Mike Perkins, Electric Orange Peel, and Conscious Pilot.

When I think of seeing all that great music individually, it would be so expensive. That’s what makes this festival a real value for music fans like me! Plus, it’s not just music that you can take part in, as there are tons of cool classes and “Werkshops” happening as well. From yoga and classes on tarot reading, to ecological leadership classes (yeah!) and kids activities, there is something for everyone. Or just kick it at your camp site with all the new friends you are bound to make!

How to Go?

Legend Valley Music Center and Campground: 7585 Kindle Rd, Thornville, OH 43076

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 6:00 PM –Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

NOTE: Wednesday “early bird” admission is an extra fee.

Click here for ticketing information.

It’s incredibly exciting when one of our own home grown Dayton bands makes it big. Many Daytonians are not aware of the incredible national following The Werks have created. After ten years of touring, most recently from an adventurous Alaskan tour, they are back to their native Ohio to throw their biggest party yet, the 7th annual Werk Out Music and Arts Festival.

The festival started closer to Dayton, but as it has skyrocketed in popularity, it found it’s home at the Grateful Dead’s old stomping grounds, Legend Valley Concert Venue in Thornville, Ohio (formerly known as Buckeye Lake Music Center). This year’s festival is the biggest and boldest yet. Music fans were thrilled to see the amazing line-up of both national and regional acts, which include some of the top names in the jam and electronica scene, including STS9, Lettuce, and Greensky Bluegrass.

This year’s festival includes special collaboration sets that are certain to be unforgettable:a daytime memorial set dedicated to the memory of beloved former Werks member Norman Dimitrouleas; Twerkapod, which is a late night 90’s music tribute set with members of Twiddle, The Werks, and Dopapod; Daft Funk, a tribute to Daft Punk by Earphunk; and an appearance by Everyone Orchestra with special guest Todd Stoops.

This is one of the premiere music festivals in Ohio, and Dayton Ohio couldn’t be prouder of our home town boys making it big! Congratulations to the Werks family, and for fans, don’t miss this highly anticipated summer festival!

How to Go?

General admission festival passes are available now for $139.99, Additional ticketing options are also available. The Werk Out Festival tickets are available now at http://www.thewerkoutfestival.com/site/get-tickets.

The Werks @ The Werk Out Festival 2014 | B.Hockensmith Photography

Gates open on Thursday, August 4th 2016 at 12:00 noon for those with full event passes. They will remain open until Sunday, August 7th at 12:00 noon. Music begins around 4:00 PM on Thursday, and Friday before Noon. The festival ends at 11:00 AM on Sunday. It is a rain or shine event. Please pack for possible inclement weather.