The Fight

The Garage is on land zoned for agricultural use. Despite our inclusion of our market of farm goods, regular interactions with farm animals, educational materials available at every show, and the vast majority of the land being used for agriculture, the Department of Permitting Service has deemed us unfit to proceed operations. We are being singled out amongst other big names in the Ag Reserve due to the 'type' of person we bring in. Other farms have had no issue hosting live music events that cater to older, richer audiences than The Garage brings in. DPS is against us.​

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We value sharing this beautiful land with everyone we can. Not many people in their teens, twenties, or even thirties have access to natural landscapes like this. Not many people in their teens, twenties, and thirties can afford the other activities offered in the Ag Reserve. Not everyone feels safe and welcomed in the high brow breweries, wineries, and wedding venues that the Ag Reserve permits to reside here. While these establishments are important to the preservation of the land, there is a large demographic of individuals that are not being served or welcomed into the Ag Reserve. We think it is important to keep the land accessible to everyone so they can see how amazing the Ag Reserve is and to demonstrate the value of preserving it for generations to come.

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We implore you to consider that similar business model to weddings and parties, that are explicitly permitted activities, and question the differences between their business model and ours. If all the attendees of our events were middle aged individuals in suits and formal gowns, rather than adolescents and young adults in ripped jeans and band t-shirts, would we finally be treated with the same dignity and respect as our neighbors? Aren’t both these business models inviting people out to a farm to enjoy it’s rustic beauty and commune around a common interest?