After 30 years, Ohio jam band institution ekoostik hookah is introducing some big changes to its beloved bi-annual Hookahville. For the 60th iteration from June 5th–7th, 2025, Hookahville will leave its longtime home of Thornville’s Legend Valley and host its inaugural gathering at Roost on the River in nearby Newark, OH an 11-minute drive down the road.
Roost on the River is a 26-acre concert venue and campground which organizers noted has “the potential to be the permanent home for Hookahville.” This announcement follows hookah’s Harvest Daze event at Roost on the River last month with Zoo Trippin’ and Austin and the SYD Experience.
The other big change coming to Hookahville 60 is that, for the first time in the festival’s 30-year run, the host band will perform two sets each night. Each evening will honor distinct eras in the band’s music, starting with two sets from the “1.0 era” (1991–1996, 2006–2009) featuring songs by late founding guitarist John Mullins which will be sung by Nat Reeb. Just like at the first Hookahville in 1994, Ed McGee will open the show with a solo, acoustic set. Then on Friday, June 6th, McGee will join hookah for two sets celebrating the “2.0 era” (1996–2006). Finally, spring Hookahville will close on Saturday with two sets by the band’s current lineup. More bands will be announced soon.
Tickets for Hookahville 60 are on sale now with 3-Day GA tickets starting at $149 plus fees, with camping included. Find tickets, RV passes, car camping add-ons, and more here.
Through four decades, Hookahville has become a pillar of the Midwest jam band calendar. Over the years, the festival has hosted such luminaries as Bob Weir and RatDog, Willie Nelson, Billy Strings, Gov’t Mule, and many more, while also giving a platform to the scene’s rising acts. A longtime staple of Legend Valley, in recent years the festival has bounced around to various concert venues/campgrounds in central Ohio including J&M Ranch and Brushy Fork Phamily Ranch.
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Gov’t Mule, Steve Sweney — “Breaking Up Somebody’s Home” — Hookahville 33
[Video: feetickeys]