The Dirty Grass Players performing at the 2016 Brokedown Floatdown music festival. (Submitted photo)

BERKELEY SPRINGS Sleepy Creek will host its third Brokedown Floatdown Music Festival at on the Potomac River in Berkeley Springs from July 21-23.

The family friendly event will feature free camping, live music, river floating, movie night, a bonfire and more.

Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday for those looking to arrive early, and on Saturday at 8 a.m. for those holding the Saturday-Sunday passes.

The events on Friday include a movie night under the stars and a bonfire jam session, where those who attend will have the chance to enjoy quality time with family in a relaxing environment.

An important and fun aspect of the festival is the ability to bring an impressive and unique flotation device as the Saturday events kick off with a float on the Potomac and a competition for the best float.

There will also be live music by the river during the afternoon and on the stage on Saturday night. The lineup includes Brokedown Hustlers, Primate Fiasco, Still Hand String Band, The Dirty Grass Players, Black Muddy River Band and Whiskey Stache.

Incorporating the amenities at the campground/venue such as the river was the original inspiration behind the event, but further inspiration came from the desire to create a more slow-paced, laid-back alternative to your standard music festival, something more similar to a weekend camping out with friends, said Danny Moore, director of operations at Sleepy Creek.

Moore said the main goal of the event is to make the festival as memorable as possible for patrons and families.

We believe one aspect that sets us apart from other festivals is that our events really focus on fun for all ages, Moore said. We have found if we focus on keeping the kids happy, we can never lose.

Sleepy Creek focuses on keeping the whole family happy, providing playground areas, parades and workshops for the children.

Brokedown Floatdown is all about inclusivity, according to Moore.

A unique aspect of the festival that demonstrates this theme is the campfire jam session.

As an attendee of festivals myself, playing acoustic instruments around a campfire was always some of the most fun I had, Moore said. We made it a point at Sleepy Creek to encourage this as well.

Attendees are encouraged to bring instruments and play along at the jam session, and all skill levels are welcome.

Local arts and crafts and food vendors will also make an appearance at the festival.

Families that attend will have the chance to camp out through the weekend. RVs are permitted and for a $10 fee. Pets are also allowed for $10.

Tickets for Friday to Sunday are $40 in advance and $50 at the gate. Tickets for Saturday to Sunday are $30 in advance and $40 at the gate. Children 15 and under are free.

According to Moore, Sleepy Creek is determined to make the festival experience as warm and welcoming as possible.

One unique thing I have found with Sleepy Creek, is the large amount of people that consider it home during the festival season, Moore said. It has such a warm and welcoming vibe that has kept people coming back from day one. We certainly intend to keep it that way.

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Weekend Float: River music festival is July 21-23 - Martinsburg Journal