If you love authentic acoustic music and crisp river air, mark your calendar for August 28th and 29th. The Under the Oaks Music Festival delivers a truly magical weekend in Farmington, Maine.
Hosted by beloved indie folk outfit GoldenOak, this two-day gathering brings together world-class musicians along the Sandy River. In addition to live performances, guests enjoy riverside camping, engaging morning workshops, delicious food trucks, and craft saunas.
Now in its fourth year, Under the Oaks stands as an essential summer tradition for folk music lovers.
Why You Cannot Miss Under the Oaks
First, picture spending sunny afternoons on August 28th and 29th listening to soaring sibling harmonies. Meanwhile, river water ripples gently in the background. Next, imagine unwinding in a mobile wood-fired sauna before heading back to the stage for evening headliners.
Moreover, the festival creates an intimate, inclusive space where artists and fans connect effortlessly. Whether you pitch your own tent or relax in a pre-set bell tent, the experience refreshes your spirit.
Essential Festival Highlights
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Stellar Live Lineup: Catch nationally touring singer-songwriters and dynamic indie-folk ensembles on two stages.
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Riverside Camping: Set up camp right beside the beautiful Sandy River with easy access to town amenities.
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Inspiring Morning Workshops: Join community yoga, mushroom foraging, singing circles, and outdoor skills sessions.
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Local Maine Flavors: Savor great local food trucks, craft beer, and regional artisan products all weekend long.
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Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Kids 12 and under attend free, featuring dedicated youth activities and performances.
Meet the 2026 Artist Lineup
Under the Oaks brings together an exceptional roster of heartfelt storytellers and energetic performers.
GoldenOak
GoldenOak crafts music deeply rooted in the natural landscape. Fronted by siblings Zak and Lena Kendall, this Maine band builds an organic sound anchored by rich sibling harmony.
Their latest record, All the Light in Autumn, expands their foundation with subtle synths and drum machines. Lyrically, the album invites listeners to slow down and consider their relationship with the natural world. Furthermore, GoldenOak tours nationally and shares stages with heavyweights like Hiss Golden Messenger, Sierra Hull, and Blitzen Trapper.
In addition, they created Under the Oaks right in their hometown of Farmington. As a result, the festival has grown into a vibrant pillar of their artistic community.
The Ballroom Thieves
Acclaimed indie folk duo The Ballroom Thieves explores tender human connection on their lush album Sundust. Calin Peters and Martin Earley ask tough questions about mental health and personal healing.
Over the past decade, they have earned a passionate following across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Consequently, their performances range from quiet cello-and-guitar moments to roaring, energetic full-band sets. Their heartfelt album Sundust releases on April 12 via Nettwerk.
Additionally, they bring a deep emotional honesty to every stage they grace. Fans can expect an unforgettable performance that moves effortlessly between intimacy and joy.
Oshima Brothers
Hailing from coastal Maine, the Oshima Brothers blend sparkling harmonies with infectious indie-pop grooves. Onstage, Sean and Jamie combine vintage guitars, keyboards, and live loop stations into an irresistible sonic experience.
Offstage, they produce their own music videos and write uplifting songs centered on love and resilience. Maine Public Radio highlights their harmonies as deeply moving and necessary for modern listeners.
Because they arrange and produce every track by hand, their live show feels remarkably fresh and spontaneous.
Alisa Amador
Alisa Amador commands attention with her crystalline vocals and poignant bilingual storytelling. She made history in 2022 by winning the NPR Tiny Desk Contest with a Spanish-language song.
Her full-length debut album, Multitudes, weaves cinematic strings, dreamy guitars, and lush synths together seamlessly. Having shared stages with Hozier, Brandi Carlile, and Lake Street Dive, Amador delivers a mesmerizing live show.
Through her songs, she explores themes of identity, belonging, and emotional resilience with extraordinary grace.
Heather Maloney
With more than 1,000 international concerts completed, Heather Maloney stands among the most celebrated songwriters working today. Her upcoming ninth studio album, Exploding Star (out Jan 2025), precedes a major international release tour.
Maloney has earned critical acclaim from The New York Times, NPR, and The Bluegrass Situation. In addition to her songwriting, she creates handcrafted linocut art prints representing her tracks.
Her rich catalog includes collaborations with Dawes and Darlingside, proving her enduring versatility across genres.
Caroline Cotter
Caroline Cotter sings with honeyed warmth and open-hearted sincerity. Having performed in 46 states and 19 countries, Cotter explores wanderlust, gratitude, and community connection.
Her past records include Dreaming as I Do (2015), Home on the River (2018), and Gently as I Go (2023). In 2025, she toured Germany, Italy, and performed as an artist-in-residence at the Osaka World Expo.
Wherever she travels, her melodies offer comfort, reflection, and an abiding sense of welcome.
High Tea
Folk-punk duo High Tea combines explosive blues guitar work with roaring, emotive vocal harmonies. Isabella DeHerdt and Isaac Eliot explore existential themes, youthful adventures, and healing in community.
Following celebrated releases like The Wick And The Flame, they recently unveiled their powerful new record A Small Notion. Their intense songwriting makes their live performances completely unforgettable.
Therefore, festival attendees can look forward to a dynamic set filled with raw energy and honest emotion.
Randy Miles
New England songwriter Randy Miles offers intimate, lyric-driven folk music grounded in working-class life. After years of touring with major rock and alternative bands, Miles turned toward quieter acoustic reflections.
His thoughtful songs explore personal growth, emotional endurance, and everyday human beauty. He is currently preparing his debut full-length solo album, releasing as monthly singles starting in May.
As a result, his upcoming festival performance provides a rare look into these brand-new acoustic arrangements.
Bee Parks and the Hornets
Bee Parks and the Hornets creates upbeat, indie-pop family music with serious musical chops. Founded in 2018 by Maine theatre artist Brittany Parker, the band brings horns, guitars, and harmonies together.
Parker also serves as the Education Director for the historic Strand Theatre in Rockland. Her energetic band empowers kids and adults through joyful, interactive songs and puppet performances.
Thus, families attending the festival will find an uplifting show designed specifically for younger audiences.
Daily Schedule and Weekend Flow
To help you navigate your weekend smoothly, here is how the festival unfolds across both days.
Friday: Opening Night and VIP Showcase
First, campers arrive in the early afternoon to secure their riverside spots and set up their gear. Later in the evening, VIP ticket holders gather under the main tent for exclusive acoustic sets.
Furthermore, local food vendors open their windows to serve fresh Maine bites and cool beverages. Guests mingle by the water as the sunset settles over the western hills.
Saturday: Full Day of Music, Workshops, and Wellness
Next, Saturday starts bright and early with morning wellness sessions right on the riverbank. You can participate in guided yoga, learn local mushroom identification, or join a community singing circle.
Afterward, the main stage lights up with continuous performances spanning indie folk, roots, and Americana. In between sets, you can take a dip in the Sandy River or warm up in the craft sauna. Finally, evening headliners bring the entire crowd together for an exhilarating musical finish.
Plan Your Festival Experience
To make the most of your weekend on August 28th and 29th, review these key festival details and amenities before you travel.
UNDER THE OAKS FESTIVAL MAP & HUB
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| [ Sandy River - Swimming & Morning Workshop Areas ] |
| |
| +--------------------+ +--------------------+ |
| | RIVERSIDE CAMPING | | MAIN STAGE TENT | |
| | BYO & Bell Tents | | & VIP PERFORMANCES| |
| +--------------------+ +--------------------+ |
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| [ Mobile Sauna Zone ] [ Food Truck Rally ] [ Beer/Wine ]
| |
| [ Kids Play Zone - Sponsored by Twice Sold Tales ] |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| Entrance Gate: 123 Narrow Gauge Sq |
Ticket Options and Passes
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VIP Weekend Pass: Includes Friday evening VIP performances, full Saturday access, and all morning workshops.
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General Admission Pass ($35 Advance / $40 Day-of): Grants entry to all shows, food vendors, and workshops on August 28th and 29th.
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Kids Admission: Children 12 and under enter completely free.
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Kids Zone Partner: Stop by the kids area sponsored by downtown bookstore Twice Sold Tales.
On-Site Camping Options
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BYO Tent Camping ($35 per site): Pitch your own tent right on the grassy festival grounds.
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BYO Camper / RV ($40 per site): Bring your camper or van for riverside convenience.
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2-Person Rental Bell Tent ($75 per site): Arrive to a pre-pitched 4-meter canvas bell tent.
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4-Person Rental Bell Tent ($125 per site): Enjoy a spacious 5-meter bell tent ready upon arrival.
What to Bring to Farmington
Before heading out on your journey, packing the right items ensures a comfortable weekend outdoors.
First, pack sturdy camp chairs and picnic blankets for comfortable stage seating on the lawn. Next, bring reusable water bottles, sun protection, and eco-friendly bug spray for daytime outdoor comfort.
In addition, consider packing warm layers and a light jacket, because Maine evenings near the river turn cool. If you plan to use the mobile wood-fired sauna or swim in the Sandy River, remember your swimsuit and a quick-drying towel. Finally, bring a small flashlight or headlamp to guide your walk back to camp at night.
Location, URLs, and Contact Details
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Festival Venue: Whistle Stop Concert Series Amphitheater
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General Festival Address: 123 Narrow Gauge Square, Farmington, ME 04938
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Campground GPS Entrance: 107 Pleasant St, Farmington, ME 04938
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Official Festival Website: GoldenOak Band Official Site
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Ticket Reservations: Under the Oaks Tickets on SimpleTix
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Inquiries and Accommodations: Contact organizers at
[email protected]or through the Whistle Stop Contact Page.
Pack your gear, gather your travel companions, and get ready for an unforgettable riverside weekend in Western Maine!
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