Welcome back, neighbors.
Check out this week's show in the video below. I'm just back from my trip to the Billy Strings Renewal Music Festival at Cottonwood Meadows in Buena Vista, CO. This was truly one for the books, and there was so much to cover that this is a two-parter. Watch this episode, filled with stunning scenery, travel tips and unforgettable neighbors! And then, tune in next week to see Part 2. I'll get into some of the twists and turns as well as stellar and unique performances that made this festival a truly special and unforgettable experience! If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe while you're here.
What's inside Episode 08 of Music Festivals Podcast
The 2024 Billy Strings Renewal Festival took place this past week form September 27, 2024 - September 28, 2024. I arrived in Denver Wednesday, September 26th and made the 2.5 hour drive into the Rocky Mountains towards Buena Vista, CO (or "BV" as the locals call it...)
Photo Credit: @NeighborN8Fests
The view leaving Denver on State Route 70 and heading into the Rocky Mountains...
Photo Credit: @NeighborN8Fests
I was fortunate to have enough time to make a stop at Kenosha Pass, about halfway between Denver and Buena Vista, CO. It also happened to be peak leaf-peeping season (again, what the Colorado locals call it...) and the Aspens were a stunning golden yellow.
Photo Credit: @NeighborN8Fests
Kenosha Pass is an excellent stop on the way, but be cautious when you leave Renewal on Sunday as this popular area gets pretty busy during Leaf-Peeping Season - and for good reason. it's gorgeous!
Photo Credit: @NeighborN8Fests
Once I arrived in Buena Vista, I stopped for the night at Snowy Peaks RV Park for a sleepover and shower before 3 days off grid at Cottonwood Meadows. This was the view directly across road from the campground.
Nestled in the heart of Buena Vista, Colorado, Cottonwood Meadows is a stunning venue that has been hosting concerts for over a decade. Known for its pristine views of the Collegiate Peaks and nearby outdoor recreational activities like White Water Rafting, Hot Springs, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, and the obvious ski-resorts nearby, this venue is one of the most picturesque festival venues I have ever visited. The 277-acre property is surrounded by tall cottonwood trees, golden Aspens on the mountainsides and plenty of open meadow spaces, It's truly an amazing place.
Photo Credit: Festival Venue Map for Cottonwood Meadows - Bonfire Entertainment
Photo Credit: @NeighborN8Fests
Photo Credit: @NeighborN8Fests
Cottonwood Meadows has managed to host big names in the music industry, including the Vertex and Seven Peaks music festivals. Despite some initial opposition from the local community, the venue has now firmly established itself as a prime spot for music festivals, even winning a lawsuit that attempted to put and end to the venue playing host Renewal.
For those who prefer the freedom to explore, renting a vehicle is a great choice. For this trip, I opted for a 2015 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van that I found on Outdoorsy.com This great mobile app and website was the perfect place to find a place to stay that already has all the conveniences I needed—cookware, onboard generator, and even a bathroom. If you're flying to camp, Outdoorsy is your app. But if camping is not your brand of nugs, the Cottonwood Meadows folks, along with festival producer Bonfire Entertainment offers shuttle services to and from local hotels.
Billy Strings Renewal 2024 simply had to much to cover in one episode, so make sure to visit back next Friday for Part 2 of the recap, where we'll get inside the venue, see a massive herd of Yogis do there thing. I'll also share some clips from live performances as well as footage from the stellar campfire jams up at the Sturgeon Moon section of camp.
Photo Credit: @NeighborN8Fests
Don’t forget to subscribe to to the YouTube channel to get on-site footage of the venue and festival as well as campfire jams, conversations with neighbors and so much more from my trip. If you like the show, please go ahead and rate the podcast. And while your here, subscribe. I hope to be your neighbor at the next music festival!
Neighbor N8