Honcho Campout
Honcho Campout, set in Artemas, Pennsylvania, is a dynamic celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a special focus on people of colour and transgender experiences.
This annual festival is lauded for its inclusive atmosphere and an array of activities that embody community, joy and care. The heart of its ethos is the Queer Fam Fund (QFF), a donor-funded initiative aimed towards breaking down financial and cultural barriers. It’s designed to support LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly people of colour and the trans community, covering costs like entry, meals, travel and camping gear.
With a predominantly queer lineup of DJs, drag performers and speakers – including talents like Berlin's CCL, drag artist JayBella Banks and Belizean-American producer Ariel Zetina – Honcho Campout stands out for its celebratory, warm atmosphere. It’s become a space which artists relish playing in, connecting with the region’s community and its sense of fun. Or, as CCL puts it, “The music, the people, the dancers, the workers, the organisers [have] made something like nothing I have ever seen, and I have seen my fair share of shit y’all.”
Honcho Campout is one of the finalists for Trippin 50, a cultural calendar featuring the best events around the world. Check out the Trippin 50 hub here.
Date and Location
Details of the 2024 edition are yet to be announced.
Weather
August in Artemas means moderately hot weather, with temperatures typically ranging between highs of 28.3°C and lows of 15.8°C, under a humidity level of around 76 percent. We recommend light, breathable attire, additional layers for evenings and a raincoat.
Price
Honcho Campout's pricing structure is designed to be inclusive, often providing different tiers to accommodate various communities and budgets with special initiatives like the Queer Fam Fund (QFF). Details of this year’s ticket prices are yet to be announced.
Transport
As the festival is located relatively remote, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, there are options to drive, car pool or take an Uber/taxi 20-30 mins from the nearest train station Cumberland, MD. If you’re coming from Pittsburg or NYC, the festival also offers charter bus round trips to and from the festival.
Accommodation
Accommodation options at Honcho Campout include on-site camping, allowing attendees to fully engage with the festival's natural setting and communal spirit. For those seeking different comforts, there are alternative accommodations in the form of hotels and hostels in the vicinity of the festival.
Accessibility
One of the core aims of the festival is to be more accessible for black people, people of colour, and trans and non-binary people through the Queer Fam Fund’s initiatives.
