April 16, 2024 4 min read

 

The 3rd annual HESTIVAL is just around the corner!! The “official kickoff weekend to camping season” is coming to  Big B’s Delicious Orchard in Hotchkiss, Colorado  on April 26-28, 2024. We have a fun-filled weekend planned so we put together a guide with all the information you need to know.

A HESTIVAL pass (All Access, Weekend, Camping + Music or just Music Only)  is required for entry. All Access Pass Sales will end on Friday, April 19th, rest of passes are available up until the event HERE.


Map & Schedule

Get a lay of the land and all the happenings for the weekend with the map and schedule below. Please note that camping rigs such as vans, trucks, ground tents and smaller campers will go in the orchard. Any larger tow-behind campers ( longer than 25 feet) will go in the field camping.


Hot tips!

  • We are very proud to be a Pet/Dog Friendly event, but don’t be that dog owner! Pick up after your dog, and note that NO DOGS ALLOWED in Basecamp after 5pm on Saturday during dinner and live music.
  • To Reduce Single Use Plastic, we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE bringing your own drinking vessel for morning coffee and happy hours.
  • Looking for local tips? Visit the Western Slope Conservation Center booth to learn more about Paonia and the surrounding areas.

IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Check-In

Friday, April 26th from 3-6pm: (you will not be allowed in BEFORE 3pm!)  When you arrive at Big B’s Delicious Orchards  (address for Google Maps 39126 CO-133, Hotchkiss, CO 81419 ) we have a NEW entrance + check in area down in the field, so check out map for details. 

Late Friday Arrivals: For anyone arriving after 9pm, please find a camp spot and check in with us in the morning to get your wristband. 

Saturday Only Campers:  For those camping with us on just Saturday,, please check in before 4:30pm so we can get you settled before the live music begins. 

Music Only Passes:  Gates open at 5pm. Music starts at 6:15pm.

ACTIVITIES (HESTIVAL ALL-ACCESS or Weekend Passes Required) 

Check out the schedule for all the weekend's activities but be sure not to miss the following as there is limited room.

Yoga in the Orchard:Both mornings from 8:15-8:45, BYO mat—limited demo mats available!

Group Mountain Bike Ride: Paonia has some great trails to ride! Meet at Wild Rye Booth at 10:30 am on Saturday for a group ride from the orchard or hop the FREE Shuttle to the trailhead. See information about local trails in infographic.

Nature Walk with Western Slope Conservation Center (Shuttle Provided!): Join our local nonprofit partner for an educational nature walk at the Paonia River—meet at the WSSC booth at 11am.

Rivian Electric Vehicle Demo Drives + Four Wheel Camper Tours: Swing by their booths on Saturday from 10am=4pm in the Basecamp to learn more!

Lawn Games + Ombraz Tug-O-War Competition:Grab your friends and head to Basecamp- Games in the Basecamp kick off at 3;15pm on Saturday at Ombraz tent.

Karaoke Party with Turtlebox: Keep the party going after Saturday's headliner live music performance on Saturday at the Turtlebox booth!


MEALS (For ALL ACCESS PASSES ONLY!)

4/26:  

Happy Hour including Big B’s Cider

4/27:   

Camp Coffee with Bivouac  

Breakfast  

Happy Hour including Big B’s Cider  

Dinner Buffet (vegetarian options available)

4/28:   

Camp Coffee with Bivouac  

Breakfast

DRINKS:  Support our local nonprofit by purchasing a limited edition HESTIVAL mug for $10 ( includes a pour of cider + discounted cider all weekend long!)  All proceeds will benefit the Western Slope Conservation Center


Packing List

Colorado in the springtime is highly unpredictable—here's how to pack accordingly! 

Recommended Gear:  

 

  • Camping Rig/Setup (Tent, Camper, RV, Van, Truck)  
  • Sleeping Bag (may we recommend a HEST Comforter?)  
  • Camping Pad ( a HEST Mattress, perhaps?)  
  • Pillow (HEST Pillows are dreamy!)  
  • Drinking Vessel—for hot and cold drinks!
  • Camp Chair 
  • Headlamp  
  • Clothing- appropriate for spring conditions predicted above! 
  • Sturdy footwear for walking around orchard  
  • Rain Jacket  
  • Personal Toiletries   
  • Sunscreen 
  • Sunglasses  
  • Hiking &/or Biking Gear  
  • Water Bottle  
  • Camp Towel  
  • Food: In case you didn’t purchase an ALL ACCESS HESTIVAL pass, Big B’s full service cafe will be open, but bringing snacks is recommended!
  • Personal Drinks: HESTIVAL will be providing free Big B’s Cider both days from 4-5pm, bring any additional drinks on your own.  

Optional Gear:   

 

  • Camp Table    
  • Spare batteries 
  • Solar Charger    
  • Utensils (help us reduce waste where possible!)      
  • Camp Games    
  • Yoga Mat
  • Standup Paddle Board—there's a pond on site

 

Campground Amenities

Camping at Big B’s is “rustic” and dreamy at the same time, here are the amenities available on the property throughout the weekend:  

  • Potable Water Spigots
  • Toilets
  • Coin Showers
  • Joolca will be offering FREE Hot Showers from 8-9:30am on Sat/Sun and 2-4pm on Sat.
  • Fire Pit
  • No Hookups! We welcome solar panels, and generators are ok to run until 10PM.

kids/dogs

Yes, your little ones and fur babies are welcomed to attend HESTIVAL, however each parent/guardian is responsible for their children and pets throughout the entire weekend. Please clean up after your dog and we keep them on the leash in group zones like Basecamp. We have plenty of kid friendly activities planned. Recommend bringing your kids extra snacks and food depending on their eating habits. 

other area activities

You are free to come and go as you please from HESTIVAL, and if you prefer to do other activities outside of our organized activities, here are some suggestions on fun things to do in the area: 

Questions?

Check out our HESTIVAL FAQ page or ping us at info@hest.com and we will do our best to get back to you as soon as we can!

Thank you!

Thanks for attending our 3rd annual #HESTIVAL in Colorado! We are grateful to be gathering again in such a beautiful place and can’t wait to share an epic weekend together! We ask that you please be kind to one another and respectful of the gorgeous Big B’s property. See ya soon.

P.S. Thank you to our brand partners who helped make this event possible, feel free to tag them in any #HESTIVAL posts: @hestoutdoors  @turtleboxaudio  @fourwheelcampers @ombraz @rivianofficial @pactoutdoors @ignikoutdoors @kuhl @drinksbigbs @westernslopecenter @bivouac.coffee @wild_rye_ @kampgroundsofamerica