Fort Desolation Fest brings Amos Lee, Elle King and many more to Torrey for a weekend of music and adventure

Music and adventure seekers gather at the inaugural Fort Desolation Fest, Torrey, Utah, 2021 | Photo by Jess Leonard courtesy of Fort Desolation Fest, St. George News / Cedar City News

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Music lovers and adventure seekers: The second annual Fort Desolation Fest is coming up Aug. 12-14 in the red rocks of Cougar Ridge Resort at the gateway to Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park.

The campground lights up as the sun goes down at the inaugural Fort Desolation Fest, Torrey, Utah, 2021 | Photo by Jess Leonard courtesy of Fort Desolation Fest, St. George News / Cedar City News

Forget about the long lines and massive crowds of the typical music festival. Fort Desolation Fest keeps things small to ensure a great experience for all. It’s three nights of live music and three days to find your own adventures in some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. Performing artists include Amos Lee, Elle King, The Band of Heathens, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Rayland Baxter, Heartless Bastards, Elizabeth Cook, Danielle Ponder, Marty O’Reilly & the Old Soul Orchestra and Jordan Matthew Young & Friends. Weekend passes are on sale now.

“Our goal with the festival was creating a gathering that gets people out of the city and into a world-class outdoor landscape where they can enjoy nature during the day and come together at night for an amazing lineup of live music, food, drinks and more,” said Jeremy Rawle, founder and CEO of Fort Desolation.   

No crushing crowds. No long lines.

Fort Desolation Fest is about the quality of the experience, not the quantity of the attendees. So everyone can relax, get close to the music and enjoy delicious food and drinks without waiting all day. There will be an array of creative food trucks, plus bar areas with craft cocktails and beer for those over age 21.

Explore all the extras.

This year, the fest is offering a limited number of VIP passes, plus unique add-ons like a guided star party and a guest chef dinner prepared by Luke Fowles, whose team beat Bobby Flay on “Iron Chef.” Attendees can also interact with a variety of overland and outdoor brands in the adventure expo area.

Camp on site, or find lodging nearby.

Fort Desolation Fest offers limited-availability camping in a beautiful alfalfa field just a short walk from the stage. There are also plenty of other lodgings in the area, but they’re likely to book up fast. So reserve your spot as soon as possible. 

Closing act Paul Cauthen and his band play at the inaugural Fort Desolation Fest, Torrey, Utah, 2021 | Photo by Jess Leonard courtesy of Fort Desolation Fest, St. George News / Cedar City News

Create your own adventures.

Fort Desolation Fest’s location provides endless opportunities for adventure during the day. Then you can come back to the festival each night to enjoy the music. Whether you’re hiking in Capitol Reef National Park, finding a spot for fly-fishing, mountain biking, off-roading or just hanging out at the gorgeous festival venue by day, there’s something for everyone.  

Make it a luxury escape.

This year, Fort Desolation Fest is also offering the Club 7 package that includes a luxury two-bedroom villa at Cougar Ridge Resort. It overlooks the property and is just a short walk from the festival area. The Club 7 package comes with six VIP passes, six tickets to the guest chef dinner and other extras.

Volunteer at Fort Desolation Fest.

Live nearby and want to volunteer at Fort Desolation Fest in exchange for a free three-day general admission pass? Email [email protected] to be alerted of any open volunteer positions.

“Something magical happens when you experience live music in a breathtaking environment like the red-rock country of Torrey, Utah. It unlocks a deeper connection with the music,” Rawle said. “Our goal is to make sure this festival adds up to one of the best weekends of your life.”

Festival passes, limited remaining camping spots and extras are on sale now at this website.

• S P O N S O R E D   C O N T E N T • 

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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