PlayThink is what you make of it—a truly unique experience that means something different to everyone who attends. It’s a vibrant circus camp, a peaceful yoga class, a thrilling parkour course, an artisan market, and a joyous community gathering. It’s a place to reconnect with yourself and commune with nature.
Whether you’re exploring passions, learning something new, or connecting with like-minded people, PlayThink offers endless opportunities for growth and meaningful connection.
PlayThink is designed with everyone in mind.
There are activities for attendees of all ages, interests & physical ability levels.
Not athletic? We encourage participation & offer a safe environment to explore athletic activities. Yet PlayThinkers are welcome to observe, if they prefer.
PlayThink also offers: a variety of non-physical classes; a marketplace; artworks; and daily music & showcase performances for all PlayThinkers to enjoy.
Yes, PlayThink is definitely family friendly!
PlayThink creates a safe environment for children and adults. A natural space where they may explore, take part in athletic activities, and explore art & music in age & skill level appropriate classes.
You don’t need to buy any props to enjoy PlayThink.
Instructors bring props to class for student use. The PlayThink community embraces sharing, and is often willing to share props in class.
If you find you like a particular prop and want your own, you may buy one from a PlayMarket vendor.
Food vendors will be onsite providing: coffee, crepes, smoothies, and other scrumptious treats.
We suggest bringing healthy food, and plenty of water to nourish your body for this fun weekend.
January 15, 2025 at 12 noon EST, RV Hook ups and Self Sustaining RV spots will be available for purchase in limited supply. They often sell out in minutes, so please be prepared.
Barren River Magic is located at 1696 Edwin Williams Road in Center, Kentucky.
Get customized directions from your location here on Google Maps.
Signs will be posted at intersections, yet are sometimes difficult to see.
Hot showers are free at Barren River Magic
Yes, there are two areas of the Little Barren River - one access point is shallow and perfect for wading. The other access point is a deep swimming hole perfect for paddle boarding and swimming. There is also a hiking trail ending where the 7 springs mee - a truly magical spot. Please swim at your own risk. All children 17 and under must have a legal guardian attending them while swimming.
Yes, you will be able to come and go as you wish. Please note that you will be subject to search each time you enter the festival grounds. This is purely for the safety of our guests. Your wristband must remain on for re-entry.
The closest major airports to Barren River Magic at 1696 Edwin Williams Road, Center, KY, are:
Nashville International Airport (BNA): Approximately 90 miles south, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Louisville International Airport (SDF): About 100 miles northwest, providing various flight options.
Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX): Roughly 120 miles northeast, serving central and eastern Kentucky.
Yes, at the Participation Station/Info Booth
No, we love spontaneity! You may choose to attend any workshop, even moments before it starts. There is no registration required.
Individual campfires are allowed in above-ground devices, like grills or portable fire pits. No ground fires are permitted. There will be a glorious bonfire raging at night for everyone to enjoy.
PlayThink does not allow pets, with the exception of trained service animals. If you plan to bring a trained service animal, please pre-register it using this form to ensure a smooth entry process. Pets or emotional support animals are not permitted, so please make alternative arrangements for them during the event.
Most people do not receive cell service in the area. Our venue does not offer internet service. With everything going on, you won’t miss your cell phone.
It’s absolutely okay. The festival site is set up to accommodate people coming and going. Feel free to come for an afternoon, leave for the evening, and come back!
There are well-maintained porta-potties on site. There are flush toilets and a bathhouse on site with 6 shower stalls. However, we suggest bringing a solar shower for personal use if frequent showers are preferred or if you are not a fan of waiting in line.
Generators are approved but we ask that you not use them between the hours of 12 am - 8 am.
We’ll have a fire circle by the main stage! Fire dancing is ONLY allowed within the designated safe fire circles when the fire safety team is present. Fire performers are required to attend one of the fire safety meetings, have equipment checked for safety, and check in with the fire safety team before performing in the safe fire circle.
Primitive camping next to your vehicle is included within your festival admission. If you want to camp with friends, you must arrive with them. We also host a limited number of RV hook ups and glampsites.
Yes, please.
There is water for sale at the Barren River Magic General Store and at many of our food vendor booths. We encourage you to bring reusable water bottles and at least 1 gallon of water per person per day to supply your camp with water.
Yes, the medics are located at the bathhouse at the crossroads between the main vendor road and the main stage.
Yes, we call it the Participation Station and it is located near the general store between the campground and main stage areas.
Absolutely! To maintain a positive and wholesome atmosphere, we strictly prohibit the presence of alcohol or substances on our event site. Our goal is to provide a sober and uplifting experience for all participants, fostering a vibrant and mindful community.
You can easily transfer your ticket to someone else by logging into Eventbrite. If you need help, email us at info@playthinkfest.com. Tickets are non-refundable.
Due to the increased number of scammers, we cannot approve ticket sale posts on the PlayThink Festival event page. You’re welcome to post your tickets for sale on the PlayThink Community Facebook group.
PlayThink is all ages! Kids 5 & under are free. Kids 6-15 accompanied by an adult can get a Kids Ticket.
Children under age 18 must be accompanied by parents or a responsible adult at all times. The kids area is fun for all ages, but it is not a day care. Please DO NOT leave children unattended.
No, but you must have your tickets accessible on your phone. Please download them or screenshot the QR codes so you don’t have to worry about whether you have service when you arrive!
You can find your tickets by logging into your Eventbrite account with the email address you purchased them under.
If you need help, email us at info@playthinkfest.com
Yes, but there is a possibility that not all options will be available due to demand.
Welcome to Barren River Magic! To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and harmonious experience for all, we kindly ask you to honor the following guidelines:
Safety First:
Respect the Land:
Leave No Trace:
Transportation:
Service Animals Only:
Respect Each Other:
Ticketing and Entry:
Other Notes:
Thank you for helping us maintain the magic and beauty of this space. Together, we’ll create an incredible experience filled with connection, creativity, and joy!
All attendees must wear a PlayThink wristband, issued at greeter station, upon entry. Wristbands must be worn at all times during PlayThink. Anyone without a wristband will be escorted from the event. Anyone possessing a wristband, altered in any way, will be ejected without a refund.
Anyone 17, and under, arriving without an adult will be turned away at the gate. Children 5, and under, are free. Anyone 15, and older, will be charged full admission.
Broken glass & bare feet don’t mix. Please leave all glass at home. We will be doing car searches to keep our community safe.
If you pack it in, pack it out! Be sure to bring extra trash bags. Whatever you bring in, you must take out, including garbage. There will be no garbage receptacles, or dumpster, to dispose of things. It is your responsibility to clean your camp area, and leave it in the same (if not better) condition, as when you arrived. If you see MOOP (matter out of place/litter) kindly pick it up and find a receptacle for it.
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