Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. kicks off this year’s festival with a free concert at 6 p.m., Friday, September 25 in the new MidPoint Indie Craft Village in Washington Park. 

With the festival now operating Friday through Sunday for the first year ever, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. will commence three days of music on 10 stages in the Over-the-Rhine and downtown. This will be an album release show, as the band’s third full-length, JR JR, hits the streets that same day.

Since forming the project in 2010, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. has gained a significant following. So much so, that their name, which was chosen as a witty homage to Dale Earnhardt Jr., has now begun to cause more confusion than desired. The band now wants to be called JR JR.

For the record, the NASCAR driver is a true fan and tweeted this regarding the news: “hate it had to end fellas.” MidPoint launches their fall tour and will be the first show with the new moniker.

Enter HERE to win a pair of 3 day passes to MPMF!

MIDPOINT INDIE CRAFT VILLAGE: ALL THAT’S REQUIRED IS A THIRST FOR GOOD BEER AND ART
After having a successful four-year run with the MidPoint Midway on 12th Street, festival organizers were asked to end that stage and street fair due to track construction for the streetcar. It’s actually a good move for everyone.
 
A new, non-ticketed area on Washington Park’s south end, deemed the MidPoint Indie Craft Village, will feature a variety of food, craft beer sellers and the exhibition and sale of handmade art and crafts from regional artists.

HOURS FOR MIDPOINT INDIE CRAFT VILLAGE
Craft beer will be available each day.
Friday 5–10 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (Craft makers 11 a.m.­–6 p.m.)
Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. (Craft makers 11 a.m.­–6 p.m.)
 
A detailed listing of artists, vendors and craft beers will be announced soon.

MidPoint Indie Craft Village will house the ticket will call and information center. People looking to turn in ticket vouchers for V.I.P., weekend, and single-day wristbands will want to come here.