One of the things that makes the Festival for the Eno so special is its ability to showcase a wide variety of musical talent from North Carolina and beyond.

This year, we feel extremely lucky to have a talented and dynamic lineup, sure to please Festival-goers of all musical tastes. From pop to gospel, bluegrass to folk to blues there is something that everyone will want to dance to. More than 65 musical acts will perform non-stop over the two days, across three different stages.

We are excited to announce that the lineup also includes internationally acclaimed recording artist the Mountain Goats, who will be joining us on Saturday, July 6th on the Meadow Stage.

Other great acts include: Bombadil, Mipso, Dark Water Rising, Chris Stamey and the Fellow Travelers, Lakota John and Family, Lightnin’ Wells, John Dee Holeman, Ellis, Loamlands, the Morning Brigade, and so many more.

You can view the complete lineup and two-day schedule by heading on over to our Festival website.

Tickets are still on pre-sale online. Single day adult passes are a steal at just $15 per day or $25 for both days. This price will go up to $20 per day and $30 for both days when pre-sale ends on June 29th.

See you at the Festival!

Crowd grooves to music on the Meadow Stage

Springtime is in full swing on the beautiful banks of the Eno, which means that planning is in high gear for our annual Festival for the Eno! Tickets are now on sale, and we’re encouraging everyone to get theirs early to take advantage of discount pricing.

Every 4th of July weekend, we bring together our vibrant community of friends and families, neighbors and advocates for a good old fashioned party at West Point on the Eno City Park in Durham. The point of the Festival is to not only celebrate the natural beauty of the Eno River and Watershed, but also to ensure its protection for future generations - all proceeds of ticket sales will go towards funding important conservation and educational work.

Festival Goers Cool Off in the Eno

This year, we’ll have a little something for everyone – from great music and beautiful craft arts, to hands on demonstrations and activities, to local food trucks and vendors, a brand new Beer Garden, and, of course, lots of opportunities to splash in the river.

For more details, as well as updates to the schedule, stay tuned to www.enoriver.org/festival or find us on Facebook. Most of all, we hope you’ll join us for the fun July 4th and 6th at the West Point on the Eno!

Watercolor by Freeman Beard

The Eno River Association has teamed up with celebrated Durham artist Freeman Beard on “Just Around the Bend”, a watercolor series highlighting the beauty of the Eno River. Limited edition giclee prints of Sennett Hole, the first in the series, will be available under the Big Top at Festival for the Eno July 4 and 6. Pre-orders can also be made through Freeman at his Golden Belt studio during Durham’s Third Friday event. Freeman will donate 20% of sales to the Eno, and invites the Eno community to suggest the subject of his next painting in the series. They can post them on Freeman’s blog at http://fbeardart.wordpress.com/, come to his studio on Durham’s Third Friday, or visit his booth at the Festival. Freeman’s studio is located in Building 3 of Golden Belt at 807 East Main Street in Durham (across the parking lot from The Scrap Exchange).

May 11 from noon to three, the Eno River Association will host it’s Big Splash on the Eno spring river day.  We will have hikes to explore the area, music to enjoy, activities for all ages, boats to roam the river, and food trucks to fill your bellies.  The event is free and open to the public.  Bring a blanket or chair to sit on & hiking boots or water shoes for splashing, pack a picnic lunch or buy some edibles from the food trucks, and meet your friends and neighbors for some fun on the Eno!  Big Splash will be held at West Point on the Eno Durham City Park by the mill.

We have a special hike coming up as part of our Spring Hike Series. The Confluence Natural Area of the East and West forks of the Eno River north of Hillsborough will be accessible to the public for a hike to visit the ruins of an old mill, and we will be blazing a trail to see where the forks of the river join. The hike will be on rough ground, as there are no established trails. Reservations are required for this hike and we will limit the number of participants. Email liz@enoriver.org to register and receive a map and driving directions to this location.

The annual Festival for the Eno is taking shape- mark your calendars for July 4th & 6th! The Festival is a great way to share your love of the Eno with friends, family, and neighbors. Whether you want to volunteer, shop at the fine craft booths, chow down on yummy Festival food, splash in the Eno with your kids, dance in the Meadow, or just relax with some great music, the Festival for the Eno has always provided a great place to connect with nature and help support the Eno River Association. Spread the word and Save the Date!

We can’t do it without you! Volunteers make the Eno River Association who we are and our projects and programs would not be possible without the strong support of the community.  Want to help?  Sign up for a monthly workday, come out and join us for a Sunday hike, make plans to volunteer at the Festival for the Eno, or send an email to liz@enoriver.org to keep updated on future opportunities to lend a hand with education programs. We Need YOU to protect the Eno!

photo by Larry Lamb

Yes, you can be part of the next Eno calendar! We are accepting submissions for the 2014 calendar. Our theme is Hidden Gems of the Eno. Show us your favorite photos, write a poem, or send a short piece of writing about a place you love on the Eno. A lovely view, interesting rock, historical site, or favorite swimming hole that you love to visit would be a great gem to feature in next year’s calendar. Email liz@enoriver.org for a calendar submission form and guidelines for submitting a piece of writing or photo.

Each Sunday at 2:00 pm we explore an area of the Eno River with our friendly and knowledgeable guides.  For a full Schedule of hikes and descriptions visit our Winter Hikes Page.