Astoria, Ore. – The waterfront of Pier 39 in Astoria was abuzz with activity as approximately 100 van enthusiasts gathered for the third annual Rigs and Reggae festival. The four-day event, which ran from August 27 to August 30, was a celebration of the nomadic lifestyle and the vibrant reggae music scene.
Co-hosted by Pino's Adventures and founded by Christine Coleman and Peter Perales, the festival brought together a diverse group of van enthusiasts, from those who use their vans as a weekend retreat to those who live in them full-time. The event was a testament to the growing popularity of van life, a movement that emphasizes simplicity, freedom, and connection with nature.
The festival offered a blend of reggae music and camping, with attendees setting up tents and vans in the parking lot adjacent to the pier. Local businesses supplied food and drinks, ensuring that everyone had a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
One of the standout figures at the event was Babba Gi, a 75-year-old van dweller who has spent the last 10 years living in a Sprinter van. Gi, who hails from Ealing, an area near London, England, shared his passion for the nomadic lifestyle and his choice of vehicle. "The Sprinter is the best vehicle I could buy for the price I could afford, and Mercedes appealed to me," he said.
Gi's story is one of many that illustrate the appeal of van life. For some, it's a way to break free from the constraints of traditional living, while for others, it's a means of exploring the world and connecting with like-minded individuals.
The festival was organized by Coleman and Perales, who have been attending van-centric events for a decade. They decided to host their own event after realizing the need for organized gatherings that cater to the van community. "We wanted to show people that if you have a van, there are safe places to go, organized events," said Perales.
The event attracted a wide range of attendees, from their 20s to 70s and beyond. Many came to enjoy the music, while others sought out the camaraderie and sense of community that the festival offered. "People are most excited to be together and have that community feeling of being together, but having that around music," said Coleman.
The festival also highlighted the inclusive nature of the van community. "In our community, there's a lot of single females, and they feel a comfort and support being able to attend an event like this—and they're gonna feel safe," said Perales.
The event was made possible by a team of 12 volunteers who worked tirelessly to set up the camp area and the main stage. The organizers were thrilled with the response from attendees and the local community. "We're really happy with how everything turned out," said Coleman. "It's been a great success."
As the sun set over the Columbia River, the festivalgoers gathered around the stage to enjoy the final night of music. The Rigs and Reggae festival was more than just a celebration of music and van life; it was a reminder of the power of community and the joy of living life on the road.
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