Question 1

What is the price to attend the festival?

Accepted Answer

Weekend Passes are available for $215/adult and $90/youth; Friday tickets are $115/adults and $55/youth; Saturday tickets atr $135/adults and $65/youth.

NEW IN 2026: Children ages 12 and under get free admission with an accompanying adult. Ticket prices include all fees for maximum transparency.

Question 2

Where is the festival venue?

Accepted Answer

Big Ponderoo takes place at the Village Green Park in the heart of Sisters, Oregon, with two stages nestled beneath towering ponderosa pines for plenty of shade and natural ambiance. 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.

Question 3

What is the stage set-up?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is the free event on Thursday?

Accepted Answer

We’re proud to kick off Big Ponderoo weekend with a free community show on Thursday, June 25 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm at Village Green Park — 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!

This is an all ages, non-ticketed event. Bring the whole family and explore our interactive art stations open for the young and young-at-heart to enjoy from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. On the Ponderoo Stage, Wolf Jett will kick-off the night with a performance from 6:00 - 6:45 pm, followed by a set from festival performer, The Rumble ft. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr.  from 7:15 - 8:30 pm.  Enjoy food from vendors like Bonta, Gyro Republic, Sen Noodles, Southern Accent, Squeeze Me, True North Coffee Co., and Wrapped, plus beer, cider, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages from the festival bar. Bring your own chairs or small blankets, grab a spot and come hang out in the park with us for a great summer night! Gates open at 5:00 pm.

Question 5

What art experiences are part of the festival?

Accepted Answer

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 with crafts and activities for all ages, and a community quilting wall where everyone can contribute. Find out more here.

Question 6

Where do I get my wristband?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Do I need a wristband for my child?

Accepted Answer

Yes, wristbands are required for children entering the festival. Children age 12 and under do not require a ticket, but parents must pick-up a wristband at the Box Office for them before entering the venue.

Question 8

Where is parking located?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 9

What is the bike valet service?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Is the event accessible?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Can bring my own chair or tarp?

Accepted Answer

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. Please be considerate of space, our venue is small – don't be a space hog!

Question 12

Is there food at the festival?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There will be food vendors on site offering a variety of meal options (including gluten free, dairy free, and vegan options). Vendors include Bonta, Sen Noodles, Southern Accent, Squeeze Me, Wrapped, and more TBA.

Question 13

Is alcohol available at the venue?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 14

What's up with the Bring Your Own Cup thing?

Accepted Answer

As part of our Towards Zero Waste initiative, we do not provide disposable cups for beverages. All adult ticket holders receive a reusable 16 oz 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 a 16 oz cup with SFFP branding. Thanks for understanding — and for helping us stay compliant and cut down on waste!

Question 15

Can I bring in my own food/drinks?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Will the venue be tented?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

What if it rains?

Accepted Answer

This is a rain or shine event! Please come prepared for the elements, with sunscreen and plenty of layers for all weather conditions. Umbrellas are permitted in the venue.

Question 19

Where can I camp?

Accepted Answer

Big Ponderoo camping reservations are available at three convenient locations in Sisters – Sisters High School, Sisters Art Works, and Shepherd of the Hills Church. Additional camping for the festival can be found at Indian Ford Campground, Cold Spring Campground, and Creekside Campground.

Our campgrounds tend to fill quickly. We recommend looking into dispersed camping sites on the plentiful National Forest land surrounding Sisters for alternative camping options.

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.

JUNE 25 & 26, 2027

SISTERS, OREGON

frequently asked questions