Having been fortunate enough to attend Pickathon back in 2009, I can safely say that Portland’s indie roots festival is a welcome antithesis to your more typical modern indie festival. Where some festivals might be overcrowded and hot and may only offer terrible corporate beer at a high price, Pickathon is intimate, friendly, and offers cheaply priced microbrews and delicious food from local vendors. All the while, Pickathon has managed to grow in terms of lineup – this year’s headliners include Neko Case, for instance.

Additionally, 2012’s lineup will feature a variety of artists with Bay Area roots: Thee Oh Sees, Sonny & the Sunsets, Alela Diane, THEESatisfaction, and more. Consider this extra incentive to make the trip up north and set up camp for the Pickathon weekend, August 3rd-5th, 2012 – get your tickets here.