It's In Your Nature
Free The Music
Gathering
Spring 2026
All are welcome to come join us for five days of Musical Bliss, Incredible Musicianship, Movement Medicine, Nature Connection, Inspired Creativity, and Authentic Expression.
Proudly Supported By
About the Gathering
We invite you to join us for a weekend of music, connection, and community in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This gathering brings together musicians, facilitators, and families to share, learn, and create in a natural and supportive environment.
What to Expect
- Live music and collaborative jam spaces
- Interactive workshops (songwriting, rhythm, production, and more)
- Movement practices (yoga, dance, qi gong)
- Song circles, campfires, and open sharing opportunities
- Kids and youth programming
- Healing arts and bodywork offerings
The Venue
- 260-acre mountain setting with nature trails
- Freshwater swimming
- Hot tubs and sauna
- Indoor lodge for workshops and gatherings
Food & Accommodations
- 1 organic community dinner provided daily
- Food vendors and community kitchen access
- Camping included
- Limited lodging available (Lodge & Farmhouse)
This is a space to participate, rest, and connect through music in a meaningful way.
A Ticket · 1 Daily Meal · Camping Space · All Experiences & Activities
Note: Tickets do not include car/van camping or RV Camping Passes. Those are purchased separately below.
Choose Your Experience
Five days of Musical Bliss, Nature Connection, Inspired Creativity, and Authentic Expression. Secure your spot at the Family Gathering.
General
Adult Admission
- Full 5-day gathering access
- All workshops & performances
- Community meals & circles
- Access to sacred land & waters
Youth
Ages 13–17
- Full gathering access
- Youth-focused programming
- All workshops & performances
- Community meals included
Kids
Ages 3–12
- Full gathering access
- Kid-friendly activities
- Family-centered programming
- Community meals included
Camping
Primitive Walk-In
- Walk-in tent camping
- Close to the land & waters
- No vehicle access to site
- Most immersive nature option
Camping Add-Ons
Car / Van Camping Pass
Park & camp beside your vehicle in the designated car camping area.
Add-ons require a ticket purchase. Questions? Reach out to the FTM team.
Headlining Artists and Facilitators
Meet our Incredible Headliners
Shylah Ray Sunshine
Max Ribner
The Freedom Family
Brielle Aguila
Our Beautiful Venue
Nestled in the rolling hills of Marshall, North Carolina, Sacred Mountain Waters is a breathtaking sanctuary designed for deep connection, creativity, and rejuvenation. Surrounded by lush forests and sweeping mountain views, this sacred land offers a perfect blend of nature and luxury — the ideal setting for our Free The Music Family Gathering.
You'll experience spacious camping under the stars, along with amenities like bathrooms, showers, cedar-barrel hot tubs, and a wood-fire sauna. A freshwater swimming pond, a flowing creek, and a spring water station add to the magic — so you stay refreshed and inspired.
Workshops and activities will take place outdoors in nature, inside the 3-story mountain lodge, and around the fire in the evenings, fostering a truly immersive experience. With stunning mountain trails and open spaces, Sacred Mountain Waters is more than a venue — it's a Sanctuary for the Soul.
This is where music, nature, and community come together. We can't wait to share this beautiful space with you.
Our Sponsors
We're proud to gather alongside communities who share our love for music, movement, and meaningful connection. Meet the partners helping bring this year's gathering to life.
Plant Medicine Path
Educate · Elevate · Evolve
The Plant Medicine Path (PMP) is a preparation and integration community supporting individuals on their psychedelic and plant medicine journeys. Through weekly live calls, educational resources, and a global network of experienced guides and peers, PMP helps people approach these experiences responsibly and integrate the insights into everyday life.
Visit Website
Sweet Jane's Mad Co
Creative Healing Space
Sweet Jane's Mad Co is a 60-acre eco-conscious retreat and creative sanctuary nestled in the mountains of Madison County, North Carolina. This off-grid village features thoughtfully designed cabins, communal spaces, and natural gathering areas that invite guests to unplug, reconnect with nature, and experience meaningful community.
Visit Website
StarTribe
Together In The Spirit Of Dance
StarTribe is a community at heart — bringing people together through the power of live music and conscious, intentional gatherings. Based in Asheville, NC, their culture is rooted in togetherness. Through StarTribe Pro Sound, they also bring world-class audio to festivals, concerts, and live events of all sizes, supporting crowds up to 3,000 with exceptional quality.
Visit WebsiteBecome a Sponsor of the Gathering
Align your brand with a community that celebrates music, movement, and meaningful connection. We'd love to hear how your mission fits into the 2026 Family Gathering.
Apply to SponsorFTM Fest 2025 Flyers
A look back at last year's gathering. Tap either flyer to view it in full.
Pictures of past retreats
Inquire About the Gathering
Curious about the festival, bringing a group, or have something else on your mind? Drop us a note and we'll get back to you shortly.
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