If you had asked me last week what makes The Summit one of the top destinations in all of Scouting, I would have given you three reasons: high adventure, Family Adventure Camp and a little event we call the National Jamboree.
But that was last week.
If you were to ask me that same question today, I’d add a fourth item: Whizzbangers Ball, a music festival that’s being billed as “a harmonious convergence of pulsating rhythms and the untamed beauty of West Virginia.”
Scheduled for June 14-15, Whizzbangers Ball is designed to give families the opportunity to not only see some great musical artists but also to participate in some of the great activities the Summit has to offer.
The event will be headlined by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tyler Childers.
Click here to buy tickets, and read on for more details.
Who is performing at Whizzbangers Ball?
Tyler Childers is known for his eclectic mix of country, bluegrass and folk music. Born and raised in Kentucky, he was named Emerging Artist of the Year in 2018 by Americana Music Honors & Awards and was nominated for four 2024 Grammy Awards: best country song, best music video, best country album and best Americana performance.
In addition to Childers, performers include:
- Abby Hamilton
- Arlo McKinley
- Brad Goodall
- Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle
- Charlie Brown Superstar
- Darrin Hacquard
- El Dorodo
- Jeremy Short
- John R. Miller
- Josyln & The Sweet Compression
- Of The Dell
- Wayne Graham
- William Matheny
What other activities will be offered at Whizzbangers Ball?
“The Whizzbangers Ball looks to embrace nature, camaraderie and adventure by offering an immersive experience unlike any other,” according to a statement from the Summit.
Outdoor activities include a fishing derby, zip lining, rock climbing, archery and more. Scouts and their families will likely recognize these activities as the cornerstone of what makes the Summit such a prime location in the first place.
All activities are offered on an a la carte basis, providing attendees the opportunity to craft an experience that’s uniquely their own.
Interested in testing yourself on the rock climbing walls of Boulder Cove? You can do that!
Intrigued by the idea of trying your hand at the archery range? You can do that, too!
Prefer to spend the days just hanging out with friends and family? Yeah, you can do that, too.
Friday’s musical performances start at 5:30 p.m. Saturday’s start at 2 p.m. Summit activities are available both days from 10 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to camp at the Summit for the weekend. All weekend festival camping includes 10X20 car camping spaces. Attendees should bring their own tents and other camping gear.
RV spaces are available for an additional fee.
You can also request a spot in the designated family/quiet camp if you’re bringing young kids and/or just want to be assured that it’ll get quiet earlier rather than later.
Visitors who don’t want to spend the night on the Summit property can come and go each day.
There will also be food trucks and a merchant market on site.
And oh by the way, June 16 is Father’s Day. If the dad in your life likes music, gorgeous scenery, high adventure or just generally celebrating life with other cool people, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to be that weekend!
Visitors can arrive as early as noon on June 13. Click here for the full schedule.
How much does Whizzbangers Ball cost?
Weekend passes are $150 per person; $65 for kids under 12. That includes your camping/parking spot and full access to all musical performances.
RV spaces are an additional $200.
This all sounds great! Where do I sign up?!?
Click here to purchase your tickets.
Tickets for activities and RV spots can be added to your cart before you check out.
This event will sell out, so get your tickets sooner rather than later.
Because the folks at the Summit are so cool, they’ve offered us an exclusive discount code. Use “SummitON!2024” to get a 10% discount. This code will expire on March 16, so get those tickets now!
Top photo of Tyler Childers by Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
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