ANNOUNCING MAGNABALL: A 3-DAY FESTIVAL, AUGUST 21ST-23RD, 2015
MON, AUGUST 17 , 2015
SHUTTLE INFO
For those who want to get off site during the weekend, we've engaged the local public transportation company to run a limited schedule on Friday and Saturday using 18 passenger buses, departing from Gate 4A. To ride a shuttle, you will need to purchase a $10 round-trip ticket in advance. The tickets will limit the specific hour you will depart and the hour you will return. There is a 2-round trip ticket per person limit. Tickets will go on sale Friday at 8:30am at the Merch Check tent (next to the Info Booth in the Cluster F at the back of the concert field. Cash only. Tickets are very limited. If tickets remain, they may be purchased at the box office, which is located across from Gate 4A.
The 40-minute-long loop (20 minutes out and 20 minutes back) will being at 10am on Friday and Saturday and will run continuously stopping at each stop approximately every 20 minutes. Friday's last shuttle returns at 6p, Saturday's last shuttle returns at 4pm. The shuttle will take will depart from Gate 4A at Watkins Glen International, stopping in Watkins Glen at 9th & Decatur (1 block from the State Park Entrance); Senaca Harbor Park & Downtown; Walmart; Shequaga Falls & Historic District; and then back to Watkins Glen International. The shuttle may make a detour to the hospital on the way back to Watkins Glen to pick up fans returning from the hospital but only by request. Please note that this is a public transportation option and as will all modes of public transportation, it is subject to delays due to traffic, construction and other unforeseen circumstances.
We ask riders to pay close attention to the time on your ticket as space is very limited on the buses.
THE GLURT INSTITUTE, THE LABORATORY & THE DRIVE-IN
A few steps from the concert field, aspiring scientists are invited to visit the campus of the Glurt Institute, a campus of laboratories devoted to the ultra-terrestrial sciences. Look for the tubular interconnectors, a high pressure system that delivers energy to each lab (please report any leaking splurtage).
Here you can observe the workings of the Gravity Harmonograph, monitor the growth of cubical crystallization and participate directly with experiments on perception-impaired primates.
In 1977, starry-eyed dropouts from the Institute broke off and built their own far-flung annex, The Laboratory, in (what is now) the back of the concert field. These radicals explore magnaphysics with experiments in fractal tunneling, memory-scape trips and tintype exposures in makeshift facilities that encircle their own power source: the vortex pendulum. Carve out some time during your weekend for a proper visit to the Glurt Institute and the Lab.
Adjacent to the Glurt campus, you'll find The Drive-In. There's really no way to miss it – it's a 175-foot widescreen cinematic beauty that will come to life from sundown to sunrise. Be sure to pop your head in now and again – there are a lot of different visual delights on tap. On Thursday, it's Movie Night! Join us for a few classics from the golden age of Drive-In cinema.
Thursday
10 pm: The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953)
Midnight: First Men in the Moon (1964)
2 am: The Time Machine (1960)
Late Night Friday
3:45 am: Sullivan's Travels (1942)
LIVEPHISH.COM WEBCASTS & THE BUNNY
For those of you unable to join us on site this weekend, there are several ways for you to experience Magnaball from afar. First, LivePhish.com will be webcasting a multi-cam shoot each night. A 3-night Webcast pass is available for pre-order now at http://livephi.sh/Magnaball.
We're also excited to announce that The Bunny is BACK! Phish's festival radio station returns and will be broadcast on SiriusXM's Jam On, locally on WNGZ 104.9 FM and also at LivePhish.com. In addition to airing all of Phish's sets at Magnaball, The Bunny will be broadcasting their full mix of killer cuts, festival reports, archival Phish audio and much much more. The Bunny will begin broadcasting on 104.9 FM and at livephish.com at 10 am on Thursday, August 20 – be sure to tune in as you approach Watkins Glen. SiriusXM will join the party on Thursday at 9PM.
FRI, AUGUST 14 , 2015
UPDATE: Magnaball is SOLD OUT! Unfortunately, we will NOT be selling any tickets onsite at the festival. If you do not have a ticket, you will be turned away.
FARMER'S MARKET ON SITE & GENERAL FOOD INFO
In case you're already planning your big grocery stock up, take heed: we've seriously upgraded our food offerings significantly from previous Phish festivals (you will be fondly missed, Mr. Sausage). In addition to the amazing local and regional beer and wine, as well as our full-service restaurant Festival Ate, there is a downright outstanding collection of food-makers at Magnaball, throughout the concert field, amidst the art and attractions and deep into the campgrounds (24 hour cafes!). Highlights include revolutionary tamales from Chicago's Dia De Los Tamales, Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co.'s, scratch baked biscuit sandwiches, legit Sicilian rice balls from NYC's Arancini Bros, pillowy and overstuffed parathas from Roti Rolls, Chickpea and Olive's hearty vegan comfort food, Pizza Pie on the Fly's wood fired pizza, and Peace Love and Tacos thunder and lightning tacos...and many, many more. For a full list of food vendors, please click here
And for those of you who want to augment your campsite cuisine with the bounty of the Finger Lakes and beyond, we'll once again have a Farmer's Market on site at Magnaball on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10AM-2PM. Lots of fresh and pre-made goods will be available. Some of the items offered include: salad greens, carrots, cukes, onion, garlic, corn, cabbage, herbs, meats (salami, bacon, ham, breakfast sausage, hot dogs), eggs, yogurt, avocado, watermelon, bananas, live cultured fermented food and drink, pickles, breads, cookies, pies, coffee, fresh lemonade, organic blueberries, smoothies and milkshakes.
WED, AUGUST 12 , 2015
FESTIVAL ATE: A Special Dining Experience at Magnaball
Amidst the panoply of food offerings at Magnaball is Festival Ate, a full-service restaurant (china! glass! linens!) serving breakfast, lunch and each night of the festival (including Thursday), a unique Phish lyrics-inspired farm-to-table dinner. Tickets are available at http://j.mp/festate.
These dinners will be 5-course prix-fixe culinary journeys, with different menus each night, reflective of the Finger Lakes seasonal bounty and paired with local beers or wines. Vegan, vegetarian and omnivore options will be available and the dinners are on the early side so you won't miss a minute of the shows. To view menus and for more information about the team in the kitchen and to buy advance tickets for these dinners visit http://j.mp/festate. Seating for Festival Ate dinners is very limited. We strongly suggest buying tickets in advance to ensure your seat for these very special experiences.
In addition to the prix fixe dinners, Festival Ate will also open from 10AM to 1AM each day, with an attached bar and and courtyard where you can grab a light bite or drink or a coffee.
MON, AUGUST 10 , 2015
POST OFFICE
We'll have an official USPS Post Office station on site at Magnaball on Friday, Saturday & Sunday (11AM-6PM). Pack up your posters, merch, vinyl (please bring your own packaging materials) and don't worry about them for the rest of the weekend.
THE BALL STREET JOURNAL
Following in the tradition of All About It, The Coventry Courier, The Festival 8 Express and Ball Things Reconsidered, our friends at Relix Magazine will once again distribute a daily newspaper on site at Magnaball. The Ball Street Journal will feature news, reviews, activities schedules and other pertinent festiva info. It will also feature in-depth essays, fun games and interviews with members of the Phish community. You can pick up The Ball Street Journal at the Relix booth and throughout the Magnaball site.
THE WATERWHEEL FOUNDATION
Stop by the WaterWheel Foundation tent in the venue to check out their collection of autographed, limited edition show posters from the past and current tours. Posters and other Phish memorabilia will be available for premiums in exchange for donation. Jim Pollock will be creating a themed die-cut set for WaterWheel at Magnaball. These exclusive Pollock-designed sets always sell out quickly so get yours while they last.
WaterWheel has also teamed up with Ben & Jerry's to create a Limited Edition commemorative Phish Food T-shirt. We'll have a limited quantity to sell each day. Get 'em while you can! Available only from the WaterWheel Tent.
FRI, AUGUST 7, 2015
BEFORE YOU SLIP INTO THE NIGHT
... you'll want something to drink.
We are pleased to announce our first ever Phish festival cocktail program. The Genius Bar will feature a handful of inventive drinks using the best locally-sourced supplies and crafted by a crack team of NYC professionals down for the cause. Cocktails include Satan on the Beach, Coconuts & Chloroform, Mule Duel, and The Red, Red Worm, just for starters. Come by before the show, between sets or stop by for a nightcap - the Genius Bar will be open until 1AM each night.
Years of marketing research and focus groups have revealed that Phish fans, given a choice of a wide variety of beverage options, often choose a fermented concoction made from cereal grains. Were excited to be bringing a few of the best Vermont breweries to Magnaball as well as the return of a few friends from further afield.
Located in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, Hill Farmstead Brewery will be on hand and will have their Citra Pale Ale and Mary, a German-style Pilz. Lawson's Finest Liquids will be joining us form Warren, Vermont and will have two brews on top, the Sip of Sunshine IPA and Super Session #2 ale. Brooklyn's Sixpoint Brewery will be featuring the Bengali IPA and you can also find their Crisp Pilz lager as well. Of note is the return of Sierra Nevada's FOAM, a special pilsner brewed specially for Phish. True fact: After Festival 8, FOAM went on to win the Gold Medal at the 2010 World Beer Championship as the world's best Pilsner. It sold out in a hurry at its debut. They'll also have their classic Pale Ale and Hop Hunter on hand.
STUDIO X
How well do you know Phish? Stop by daily (Fri-Sun) in Studio X and put your knowledge to the test. The action will start at 11AM with a variety of hosted game shows taking place throughout the day, including two listed below (more are coming).
FRIDAY & SUNDAY: SURVEY SAYS
Teams of four will register beginning at 11AM on Friday and Sunday to compete in this take on the classic TV game show. Teams will answer general knowledge Phish survey questions. We need your help! Give us your best one-word answer to the survey questions here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Magnaball2015
SATURDAY: SUBTLE SOUNDS - NAME THAT PHISH
On Saturday from 11am-2pm in Studio X, join us for Subtle Sounds - A Name That Phish Gameshow taking place in Studio X. Watch as fans battle it out identifying a Phish song just by a few notes. Think you can tell the difference between Bowie and Maze in a split second?
We're looking for 54 (curiously obsessive) knowledgeable contestants to battle it out for a cavalcade of Phish prizes and, for one lucky fan, ultimate bragging rights. Contestant registration starts at 11:00AM at Studio X. It's free to play but spots are limited to 54 contestants, so please arrive early if you're interested in securing a spot. The game will start at 11:30AM.
YOGA
Swing by Studio X for daily (and totally free) yoga sessions on Fri, Sat, Sun from 9:30am-10:45am. We'll have trained yoga instructors on hand, but bring your mat. Space is limited and will be first come, first served.
FRI, JULY 24, 2015
OFFICIAL MAGNABALL SET TIMES
Friday, August 21 - Two Sets beginning at 7:30PM
Saturday, August 22 - Three Sets beginning at 3PM
Sunday, August 23 - Two Sets beginning at 7:30PM
MON, JULY 20, 2015
Here's the second wave of info for you all.
JEMP RECORDS STORE & RIFT VINYL RELEASE
The JEMP Records Store will return to Magnaball and will feature a vast array of vinyl releases from the band's catalog from years past including repressings of The White Tape, Junta, Lawn Boy and A Picture of Nectar and side project pressings. Original pressings of Phish's first live box set, New Year's Eve 1995, will also be available. The store will be equipped with vinyl listening stations and copies to pick up, open, read, feel and smell (they mostly smell waxy).
In addition (and the part we're most excited for), the JEMP Records Store will also feature an exclusive, brand new Phish vinyl release. Yep, that's right. Phish's 1993 album Rift will be available for the first time on vinyl at Magnaball. The festival version will be pressed on 180-gram water-blue vinyl and is packaged with a Limited Edition screen print (a Rift continuation) by David Welker.
The remainder of the limited run of "Rift" will be made available at Phish Dry Goods and in Stores (this won't be on blue vinyl, however) in the middle of September.
MAGNAWATER PROGRAM
In an effort to reduce waste, Magnaball will have several water options available. Free water will be offered in many locations around the campgrounds and festival grounds. In addition we will have a filtered water option at two locations in the festival grounds; if you bring your own bottle (please, no glass, camelback or other personal hydration systems) it can be filled with cold, filtered water for $1 per filling (32 oz max). That $1 will be donated to the WaterWheel Foundation.
We will also be offering Magnaball Nalgene Bottles for sale at our merchandise stands and several other locations. If you purchase one of the bottles, you will receive free refills from any water station, including potable filtered water, for the entire weekend. Proceeds from the sale of the bottles will benefit The WaterWheel Foundation and REVERB.
BEN & JERRY'S
Ben & Jerry's will be on site with their "Save Our Swirled" activation, dishing out free samples of Phish Food and Save Our Swirled and recruiting climate activists. While you're enjoying your ice cream… sign the Avaaz "100% Clean" petition, joining Ben & Jerry's and millions of citizens from around the world who are calling on leaders of the developed nations to tackle climate change at the upcoming United Nations summit in Paris. The goal is for international leaders to work towards 100% Clean Energy by 2050. Visit benjerrys.com/climate for more information.
WIN A MAGNABUG
The folks at HippieShop.com have created a custom vehicle which will be raffled off at Magnaball. On deck will be a pristine 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible, inspired by Phish's Rift album. The vehicle has been donated to The WaterWheel Foundation as the grand prize for the Magnaball Charity Raffle. The proceeds will benefit many local non-profits in each community that Phish visits while on tour. Your $20 (6 for $100) donation will enter you in the drawing for a chance to win this one-of-a-kind piece.
Some info about the car: the classic Beetle looks and drives like it just rolled off the showroom floor. The rumble of it's air-cooled, four-cylinder, fuel-injected, overhead cam engine. World famous airbrush artist Javier Soto will recreate Welker's album cover art on the front end of this beauty. A custom painted WaterWheel logo was added on the rear engine cover, custom emblems, chrome wheels and all four members of Phish have autographed the glove box door.
See the Beetle in person at Magnaball Festival in Watkins Glen, NY. Enter the raffle online at http://www.HippieShop.com/Magnaball.
LET THE LAWN GAMES BEGIN!
First there was Horseshoes, then Wiffle Ball, and now it's Cornhole! Two-person teams will compete in daily tournaments for prizes including a pair of tickets to your choice of future Phish concert.
Sign up your team in advance by sending Team Name, Team Member's Names (2) and a cell # to reach you at during the festival to magnatourney@phish.com We'll be selling the cornhole boards and score towers for pick up at the festival, with a portion proceeds going to The WaterWheel Foundation. Pre-orders will be taken via email at magnatourney@phish.com
The tournament will take place at various locations within the concert field area. Look for the Cornhole Tourney Tent located at the crossroads in the festival grounds. 256 Teams will compete daily beginning Friday.
Register today! (magnatourney@phish.com)
1 team = 2 players. If competitions aren't your thing, cornhole sets will be available throughout the festival for casual game play for 2 - 4 players. The folks from Ward Boards will get you set up and teach you how to play.
FRI, MARCH 20, 2015
Just a reminder: tickets for Magnaball are ON SALE NOW at magnaball.shop.ticketstoday.com. Onsite camping is included in the price of admission. Like previous Phish festivals, the event will include numerous activities, attractions and art installations in addition to a series of performances by the band. Camping and travel packages are available here.
WED, MARCH 18, 2015
Magnaball, Phish's tenth festival, will take place August 21-23, 2015 at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, NY. Located amidst the rolling hills of central New York's Finger Lakes region, the site offers an abundance of campsites and is just a short drive from numerous Northeastern cities, and a much longer drive from New Mexico.
Tickets for Magnaball go on sale this Friday, March 20th at Noon ET at magnaball.shop.ticketstoday.com. Onsite camping is included in the price of admission. Like previous Phish festivals, the event will include numerous activities, attractions and art installations in addition to a series of performances by the band. Camping and travel packages are available here.
Magnaball continues a tradition that began with The Clifford Ball in August of 1996. Rolling Stone observed, "It was definitely groundbreaking...there was a real story; that in an age of corporate sponsorship, this completely home-grown thing happened that was different from any other concert."
We've posted the first wave of information about the festival and will continue to update with Travel info, FAQs, Guidelines, Event Info, the hottest celebrity recipes, and much much more, so keep checking back. Camping opens on Thursday, August 20th at noon and will remain open continuously throughout the festival, closing on Monday, August 24th at noon.
