Kick off summer and kick up your heels at the third annual Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival. SFF Presents newest music event will take place on June 28 and 29, 2025, in the heart of Sisters, Oregon. Big Ponderoo brings fresh energy to SFF Presents’ mission of “strengthening community and transforming lives through music and art.” With an impressive 16-act lineup performing at two outdoor stages, a free community art walk and celebration, plus room for camping, Big Ponderoo has all the ingredients for a true festival experience. Bring your picnic blankets, dancing boots, or bare feet and get ready for an intimate music experience filled with an incredible lineup of Americana, alt-country, blues, and bluegrass talent with the soul of Sisters.
How Big Ponderoo Was Born
The creation of Big Ponderoo has been a long-time dream at SFF Presents (producers of the long-running Sisters Folk Festival). It was born out of a collective vision and desire to create something new and fresh early in the summer that would widen the festival’s audience base, Communication Manager Erin Pihl explained. The light-hearted name reflects the energy that inspired the creation of the festival. Ponderoo is a play on the word ponderosa, said Pihl.
“Our creative director Brad Tisdel wanted to celebrate the massive ponderosas that characterize Central Oregon, as well as a sense of place, and the fun, fresh feel we envisioned for the festival,” she said.
At Big Ponderoo, taking place under the sun, moon, and stars, music lovers are invited to bring their tarps and chairs, tents and sandwiches, and camp out. Big Ponderoo camping reservations are now open at three convenient locations in Sisters. Additional camping for the festival can be found at Indian Ford Campground, Cold Spring Campground and dispersed camping on the plentiful National Forest land surrounding Sisters.
Where to Watch
Musical performances will take place at Village Green Park, conveniently located in the center of town under Central Oregon’s trademark ponderosa pines. The lineup for Big Ponderoo is filled with vibrant talent sure to get you grooving. See bands like Quattlebaum, a harmony-driven bluegrass band with a hypnotic blend of vintage folk and raw, gritty vocals. Portland, Oregon-based John Craigie rallies a closeness around music anchored by his expressive and stirring songcraft and emotionally charged vocals. Be sure to also check out the Fireside Collective, a newgrass turned eclectic jam band on stage on Sunday. Enhancing the festival’s music scene, Big Ponderoo is also hosting the Ponderoo Arts Experience throughout the week, exploring self-expression through the visual arts, including a dynamic Art Stroll complete with more live music at 13 galleries around Sisters.
Why Attend Big Ponderoo
Big Ponderoo brings a different energy to the myriad music festivals in Central Oregon. Since it is an independent, nonprofit event, attending Big Ponderoo is an investment in the community, and festival goers will feel that friendly, close-knit community energy.
“We are offering something very intimate where you’re up close and personal with the artists,” said Pihl. “Going to Sisters makes you feel transported back in time, to a quieter pace. The festival will have that laid back, getaway feeling.”
The Weekend Lineup
SUNDAY, June 29
Visit BigPonderoo.com for all the details.
