GREENFIELD, NH (MyKeeneNow) As summer peaks, the Barefoot Music and Arts Festival is set to return for its third year—bigger, bolder, and more intentional than ever. Festival organizer Jenn Bakalar joined Abbie Tromby and Nicole Colson on a recent episode of My Keene Now and Next on WKBK Radio to talk about the evolution of the festival and this year’s theme, “Metamorphosis.”

“It’s a labor of love,” Bakalar said of the one-day, family-friendly event, which will take place Saturday, August 2, at Oak Park in Greenfield. The festival, which began in 2017 at Bethel Farm in Hillsborough, is moving to the larger venue to accommodate growing interest while staying true to its roots of inclusivity, sustainability, and local creativity.

This year’s music lineup spans folk, funk, indie rock and more, with performances by Hilltop, Brook Jordan, Party of the Sun, The Evocatives (Bakalar’s band), Princess Kikou, Deep Seize, Yoni Gordon and the Goods, Superbug, Faith Ann, Isness Ensemble, Claire Bridgewater, and Eyes of Age.

Two stages—set up to allow continuous music throughout the day—are just part of the immersive experience. Attendees can also participate in drop-in yoga and movement workshops, experience live visual art, and even meet “VIP Caterpillar Guests” from the Caterpillar Lab, thanks to the festival’s growing emphasis on hands-on engagement.

The move to Oak Park, Bakalar explained on the air, was a practical and symbolic step. “We want to stretch out, invite everybody, and not worry about how we’re going to park all the cars,” she said. “This year is about transformation—but without losing the heart of what made the first two years so special.”

In keeping with the “Leave No Trace” principle, the festival encourages environmental mindfulness. Organizers are working with vendors to reduce waste and use compostable materials. The event is also intentionally inclusive, offering volunteer opportunities in exchange for free admission.

Food and drink will be available from 21 Bar and Grill, including a mobile bar.

Early bird tickets are on sale now via www.barefootmusicandarts.com. Day-of tickets will be available at a higher price. Children ages 6–17 pay just $5 in advance, while kids under 6 attend free.

Listen to the full interview: