For the Star Journal

RHINELANDER – Billed as more than just a music festival, the Project North Festival will be held downtown Rhinelander Sept. 20-21. The collaborative music, art and sustainability festival offers a diverse music line up, interactive art experiences, sustainable and eco-friendly practices, family friendly events, food trucks and more.

Headliners include Dessa, Old Shoe, Sunny War, Them Coulee Boys and the Milbillies. A total of 23 musical acts will perform during the two-day festival on three stages. Tickets at the gate are $80 for a two-day adult pass and $50 for one day; kids age 16 and younger are free.

In addition to musical acts, the festival hosts a Kids Zone with youth activities and welcomes a variety of immersive art experiences. The event is also a certified near-zero waste festival.

Now in its fourth year, Project North was first held in 2019. 

“It’s exciting to see the growth and evolution of the festival,” Jessie Dick, WXPR station manager said. WXPR is an event co-sponsor. “At its core it has always been about music, art, and sustainability, but each year we up our game – and our schedule of events this year is testament to that. Project North 2024 is going to be unforgettable.”

Visitors to Project North will be asked to contribute to its sustainable methods by complying with a single-use plastic ban, using biodegradable food containers and utensils, properly disposing of food and drink waste to prepare for composting and refilling reusable water bottles. 

“We are proud of our near-zero waste status,” Ashley McLaughlin, ArtStart program and operations director said. “Here in the Northwoods we love our lakes and our forests.  We value protecting them.  It’s part of our culture and naturally became an important aspect of the festival.”  

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, on King Street in downtown Rhinelander.  

“Our mission for Project North is to bring artists and audiences together to play, explore and connect around music, art and the environment,” Melinda Childs, ArtStart community cultural development director.  “This year’s festival is certainly paved to do exactly that.” In addition to ArtStart and WXPR, supporting partners are Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce, Nicolet College and Holiday Acres Resort. For more information, visit projectnorth.org.