New Community-Driven Music, Arts Festival Is Extension Of Werk Force Brewing Mission

PLAINFIELD, IL — Something new has been brewing at Werk Force Brewing, and it's not a beer — it's a party.

The owners of the popular Plainfield brewery, through their new nonprofit, are hosting The Great Get Together Music and Arts Festival, a community-driven, volunteer-powered event will celebrate the local artists, makers, chefs and people who make Plainfield a great place to live.

Amanda and Brandon Wright, the owners of Werk Force, and Plainfield resident Katie Carrier formed The Common Ground Cooperative, which is hosting the festival that has “been a long time dreamin.’”

The day-long event is taking over Settlers' Park from noon to 10 p.m. Oct. 3.

“The Great Get Together Music and Arts Festival is an extension of what Brando and I have created here at Werk Force — our love for music and community,” Amanda Wright told Patch in an email. “Bringing together friends and families to enjoy music, art and the outdoors. (and great beer!) We've formed a non-profit and our main goal (along with super fun events) is to create a community initiative that empowers music education, live music experiences and immersive events to our home community of Plainfield.”

"This really is a festival made by the community, for the community," Wright said in a news release. "There's no big production company behind this. It's neighbors, volunteers, local businesses, musicians, artists and community members all pitching in to make something special happen right here in Plainfield."

The Great Get Together will feature a lineup of live bluegrass, folk and Americana music, interactive art experiences and other fun family-friendly experiences. The Plainfield Area Public Library, Forest Preserve District of Will County and Plainfield Public Arts Council are just a few of the organizations participating.

The purpose of the festival extends beyond just music and arts. Proceeds from The Great Get Together will benefit The Common Ground's mission to expand access to free music experiences and mentorship for the Plainfield area's youth.

"Music has an incredible ability to bring people together," Amanda said, per a news release. "We want to create more opportunities for young people to experience that firsthand — whether they want to pick up an instrument, join a drum circle, or simply find their place in a creative community."

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased on the festival's website. A full schedule of events is also published online.