frequently asked questions

We’re proud to kick off Big Ponderoo weekend with a free community celebration — a gift from SFF Presents, our nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community and transforming lives through music and art. The event is designed to remove financial barriers and share fantastic live music with everyone!

Join us Thursday, June 25, from 5:30 - 8:00 pm at Village Green Park. Performer lineup and event details will be announced closer to the date, stay tuned!

2026 ticket prices will be available in November 2026. Check back for updates!

The 2026 performance schedule will be released alongside single-day tickets in early winter 2026. Stay tuned for updates!

Big Ponderoo takes place at the Village Green Park in the heart of Sisters, Oregon. Set beneath the Sisters' iconic ponderosa pines, the parks offers plenty of shade atop and a spacious lawn for relaxing and enjoying the festival. Facilities include clean port-a-johns, limited flush toilets and public showers, a filtered water refill station, plus a playground for families looking for kid-friendly fun.

Big Ponderoo is a two-stage, single-venue music festival. Music will ping-pong between the larger Ponderoo Stage and the more intimate Pinecone Stage on both days, with only short breaks between sets so you can enjoy live music all day long.

When the schedule drops this spring, you’ll be able to see which stage your favorite artists will perform on.

Big Ponderoo combines live music with interactive art for an immersive celebration of creativity! Enjoy giant handmade puppets wandering the crowd, a hands-on art zone for with crafts and activities for all ages, and a community quilting wall where everyone can contribute. Find out more here.

Patrons who have pre-purchased tickets can check-in at the box office location at the venue (305 S Fir St). Look out for the "Check In" flags upon arrival.

P.S. Wristbands will be placed on wrists at the box office and not given out loose; all individual ticket holders must pick up their own wristband at the box office.

Wristbands are required for children ages 6-17 with tickets available at discounted youth pricing. Children age 5 and under do not require a ticket or festival wristband.

There is free parking along all city streets and overflow parking is available at the Sisters School District Building, 525 E. Cascade Ave. We strongly encourage patrons to bring their bikes and take advantage of our FREE bike valet!

Our friends at Blazin’ Saddle help us run a free bike valet just outside the venue at Village Green Park. It’s the easiest (and greenest) way to get to Big Ponderoo with no parking stress and no bike theft worries. Just roll up, hand your bike to a volunteer, grab your claim ticket, and head into the fest!

Please don’t leave your bike before volunteers arrive, and remember — the valet doesn’t operate overnight, so be sure to pick up your bike before closing time.

Yes, Big Ponderoo is accessible for those with physical disabilities and we have volunteers ready to help those who need and request assistance. Keep in mind, much of the venue is grass and the ground may be uneven.

We have designated ADA seating areas within the venue. If you find these areas full when you arrive, the venue is relatively small and you'll find that you can see the stage(s) from nearly everywhere. Find more Accessibility information here.

Yes, the venue is festival-style with a wide open park-like setting. Patrons may bring their own low-back chairs, small blankets or tarps. If the seat is higher than 9" from the ground, your chair must be set-up along the sides of the venues so as not to block sightlines.

Yes! There will be food vendors on site offering a variety of meal options (including gluten free, dairy free, and vegan options).

Yes, we will be operating a bar selling beer, cider, cocktails and a selection of wines in addition to non-alcoholic offerings.

P.S. As part of our Towards Zero Waste initiative, we do not provide disposable cups for beverages. All adult ticket holders receive a free Silipint cup at check-in. Bring your own SFFP-branded pint in lieu of a new one to receive a $5 credit toward purchase of drink tokens. This will be your drinking vessel for the weekend if you plan to purchase an alcoholic beverage -- don't lose it!

As part of our Towards Zero Waste initiative, we do not provide disposable cups for beverages. All adult ticket holders receive a free Silipint cup at check-in. You can also opt to bring your own 16 oz SFFP-branded pint in lieu of a new one to receive a $5 credit toward purchase of drink tokens. This will be your drinking vessel for the weekend if you plan to purchase an alcoholic beverage -- don't lose it!

But why can’t I just use my water bottle / Hydro Flask / Big Gulp cup?!

Great question and we totally get it! To serve alcohol at the festival, we’re required to follow specific OLCC (Oregon Liquor Control Commission) rules. Our permit specifies exactly what kind of cup alcohol can be served in, and once it’s approved, we have to stick to it. That means drinks can only be poured into 16 oz Silipint or Steely cups with SFFP branding. Thanks for understanding — and for helping us stay compliant and cut down on waste!

No, outside food and beverages are not permitted at Village Green. Patrons may bring their own empty water bottles into the venue to be filled at a free filtered water station.

Properly trained service animals under the care and supervision of their owners are permitted in the venue, but this does not include emotional support animals, therapy animals, companion animals, or pets. Owners should be able to describe the service that the animal performs and the training it has received; no one will inquire about the nature of an owner’s disability or medical condition. The animal must remain by the handler’s side at all times, harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability, in which case the animal should be controlled through voice, signal, or other effective methods. Anyone bringing an animal is responsible and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal, and the owner or someone accompanying the service animal is responsible for bagging and disposing of solid waste.

No, Big Ponderoo is an open-air, hacky-sackin’, low chair sittin’, get-your-boogie-on outdoor music festival!

This is a rain or shine event! Please come prepared for the elements, with sunscreen and plenty of layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons.

A limited number of camping reservations for Weekend Pass holders are available at the Sisters High School (1750 McKinney Butte Rd). Reserve your spot at https://aftontickets.com/BigPonderoo

Attendees may also camp at Indian Ford Campground and on the plentiful National Forest land surrounding Sisters.

Please note: Overnight camping is not allowed on city property, including parks and the “right-of-way” – defined as the space between the street and property line, often seen around Sisters as the gravel shoulders where a sidewalk may be built. Specific signed RV parking spots exist around town, but overnight camping inside the parked vehicle is prohibited.