It depends on what you're looking for in a festival experience. The last few times I've been there has been pretty much no jamming going on. The old-time fans have abandoned it except for the hard-core dance crowd. The rest of the attendance seems to be more of the new-age persuasion. Not making any judgements here, but it really is not what some people may be expecting, so if it's a long drive for you and you do love to play all night with people you don't know you might want to consider another one. Like the Mt. Airy festival in June or the Clifftop gathering in Virginia, I believe, a little later. I had some great times at the Black Mtn. festival. Didn't miss one for about the first 20 or so. Met my wife there. Sure is in a beautiful place.

Hope this helps, Chet