Shakedown Jam: A Park Circle Block Party

Join us for the Shakedown Jam: A Park Circle Block Party on Sunday, October 19th from 12–5pm. Enjoy FREE shows from The Reckoning playing Grateful Dead tunes on the courtyard stage plus Robert Corbett's Just Groove. We’re closing the alley and street in front of Commonhouse Aleworks for a full-on Shakedown Street experience with heady vendors, fairy hair, face painting and other kids' activities. Grab your friends, enjoy the music, shop the scene, enjoy craft brews and soak up the good vibes.

MUSIC:
The Reckoning (1-4pm)
Just Groove (12-1 & 4-5pm)

FOOD:
Swig and Swine

DRINKS:
Commonhouse Aleworks brews, wine, cider, frosé, canned cocktails, and non-alcoholic options: soda, kombucha, and cold brew.

VENDORS:
Drifter Merch, Grateful Fred, Reba's Dancing Dyes, Shamelessly Alive, Grateful Seams Shambles Boutique, Arnie’s Tie Dyes, Homeys Head Vibes The Sparkle Bar, Kids Garden, Lizard Glass Design, Untamed Altar, The Mixing Bowl, Surfer Betty, The Paint Pixie, This is me Vinyl, LoftinLoaded, Infinity Energy Spa & Crystal Shop, and Bright Star Designs

Patches vs. Embroidery on Hats: Which Is Best for Your Needs?

When it comes to customizing hats for your business, event, or brand, two of the most popular options are embroidered logos and patches. Both offer a polished look, but they have distinct differences that can affect style, cost, and durability.

Embroidery

What It Is: Your logo or design is stitched directly into the hat using colored thread.

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting as embroidery holds up to wear and washing.

• Clean, traditional look that works well for simple, bold designs.

• No additional attachment process as everything is part of the hat.

Cons:

• Complex, tiny details don’t always translate well with thread.

• Large designs can feel bulky or distort the hat’s shape.

• Color gradients and photographic designs are difficult to reproduce.

Patches

What It Is: A design is printed, woven, or embroidered on a separate piece of fabric and then sewn or heat-pressed onto the hat.

Pros:

• Allows for highly detailed, colorful designs.

• Adds a trendy, modern look popular with outdoor and streetwear styles.

• Flexible as various patch types (leather, woven, PVC) are available for different textures and looks.

Cons:

• Slightly less integrated look since it sits on top of the hat.

• Quality depends on how the patch is applied. Stitched patches are more durable than heat-pressed.

• Costs can be higher and production can be longer as patches are made separately.

Which Should You Choose?

If your design is simple and classic (like a single-color logo), embroidery might be your best bet. If you have more intricate detail, a unique material (like leather), or a fashion-forward look, patches are the way to go.

For brands, both methods can create a professional finish as it just depends on your style and how you want your customers to experience your hat.

Charlotte Flodown: A Goose Pre-Party and Vendor Market

Join us for the Charlotte Flodown: A Goose Pre-Party and Vendor Market on Saturday, September 27th, from 12PM to 6PM at Triple C Brewing Co. This FREE event coincides with Triple C's 13th Anniversary Celebration, promising an afternoon filled with talented vendors, live music, delicious food trucks, and a selection of heady brews including a specialty Flodown Festbier just for the event!​ There will also be shuttles to the show at PNC.

MUSIC:
12PM: Live DJ
1:30PM: Mojo Ruckus
3PM: Eternally Grateful

VENDORS:
Drifter Merch
Brass Earth
Zosh Gift Shop
Reba's Dancing Dyes
Golden Goddess Expressions
HoneyCreekPottery
Solutions
Untamed Altar
Blue Ridge Gems
Mountain Family Glass
New World Glass
Bean Dyes
Rippled Remnants
Jennifer Barrineau Art
Recuerdo Lane
Type 2 Designs
Shaun’s Show Shirts
Jamily Chick Podcast

SHUTTLE INFO:
Grab a $30 seat to PNC leaving the brewery around 5:30 and arrive back at Triple C around 30 minutes after the last song. Book here.

Don't miss out. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable day before Goose takes the stage!

If you are interested in vending, please fill out the form here.

Foam vs. Neoprene Koozies: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Whether you’re stocking your merch table, planning a festival, or creating branded swag for your business, koozies are always a crowd favorite. But not all koozies are created equal. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between regular foam and neoprene koozies, we’re here to break it down.

Foam Koozies: Budget-Friendly and Classic

Scuba foam koozies are made from lightweight polyurethane foam. They’re the traditional choice you’ve probably seen at tailgates, weddings, and giveaways.

• Affordable: Great for bulk orders or events with tighter budgets

• Good insulation: Keeps drinks cool for casual use

• Customizable: Easy to print your logo or event design

• Less durable: May wear out faster with frequent use

**Best for: One-time events, large giveaways, or casual merch options

Neoprene Koozies: Sleek, Durable, and Premium

Neoprene is the same flexible material used in wetsuits — which means it’s made to last. These koozies fit tighter, feel smoother, and offer better performance.

• Durable and flexible: Holds up through repeated use

• Better insulation: Keeps drinks colder, longer

• Tighter fit: Looks and feels more professional

• Higher-end: Slightly more expensive, but worth it for resale or brand impact

**Best for: Merch tables, boutique products, band branding, or elevated swag

Which One Should You Choose?

If you're looking for something cost-effective to hand out in large numbers, foam koozies are a solid choice. However, if you want something that fans will keep using long after the event or if you’re selling them, neoprene is the clear winner.

At Drifter Merch, we’ve worked with both, and are happy to create either for your brand or event to stand out.

Bouncing Around the Brews

Phish is coming to the Lowcountry so we planned a party! Join us in Park Circle for Bouncing Around the Brews, Charleston Phish Pre-Party and Vendor Market. We're setting the vibe at Commonhouse Aleworks with an afternoon full of live music, craft brews, awesome BBQ and a varied collection of talented vendors. This is a free event!

The creatives showcasing wares include Drifter Merch, HoneyCreekPottery, Homeys Head Vibes, Grateful Fred, Zosh Gift Shop, Om Grown Art, Golden Goddess Expressions, Reba's Dancing Dyes, Brass Earth, Type 2 Designs, The Stono Soul, Keeva's Krafts, Charleston Dye Lab, Mind Music Tarot, Sacred Sloth Jewelry, Lost Girls Creations, Wilson Wood, Ashley M Graphics and Little Daddy’s Art.

Catch live music from Guilt Ridden Troubadour, bringing their signature sound to get you in the groove before the Phish's last show of the run.

Whether you're pregaming with friends or just looking for a chill Sunday hang, expect ice-cold beer, tasty BBQ, heady shopping finds, and plenty of good energy.

Moontime Markets: Widespread Panic Pre-Parties Planned

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the Moontime Markets make their way to four iconic cities: Nashville, Charleston, Asheville and Richmond! These vibrant markets are more than just a place to shop but also a full-on celebration of music, art, and community, bringing together incredible vendors, live music, delicious food, and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Moontime Markets for the first time, you won’t want to miss these high-energy events leading up to Panic’s shows!

📍 Nashville: April 26th from 12-5pm at New Heights Brewing

📍 Charleston: May 17th from 12-6pm at New Realm Brewing

📍 Asheville: July 26th from 12-5pm at The Grey Eagle at Hatch Amphitheater

📍Richmond, September 14th from 12-4:30 at Main Line Brewing

Each Moontime Market is a pre-show gathering designed to get you in the festival spirit before Widespread Panic takes the stage. Expect a curated selection of 25-40 artisan vendors offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and lot tees to unique art pieces and specialty goods. It’s the perfect chance to shop small, discover local talent, and pick up exclusive items you won’t find anywhere else.

Of course, no Moontime Market is complete without live music! Each event will feature talented bands, setting the tone with a mix of jam, rock, and funk vibes. Pair that with an exclusive beer releases at select locations, food trucks serving up tasty eats, and even a cannabis bus in Nashville for those looking to explore alternative wellness options.

More than just a place to shop, Moontime Markets are a hub for music lovers, creatives, and the Widespread Panic community. Whether you’re grabbing cool finds, supporting small businesses or just soaking in the good vibes before the show, this is the ultimate way to elevate your concert experience.

Learn more and listen to our interview on the True Conversation podcast.

5th Annual Drifter Fest

The 5th Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam returns to Charleston on September 5th–7th with a dynamic lineup of live music, celebrating the life and legacy of the late Drifter Merch founder Bert Griggs.

The main event takes place on Saturday at the Refinery Amphitheater with a lineup that includes progressive improvisational rock/jam band Big Something headlining along with soulful powerhouse Kanika Moore & The Brown Eyed Bois plus Just Groove. Doors open at 5 p.m. with music starting at 6 p.m.

Tickets are on sale at DrifterFest.com/tickets. General Admission is $30 in advance, $40 on the day of show. With limited availability, $60 VIP tickets are 21 and older only and include GA access, second-level rooftop viewing area overlooking the event with private VIP bar, inside bathrooms, seating, VIP parking, and commemorative laminate.

The festival kicks off on Friday with a free pre-jam event featuring Machine Funk “A Tribute to Widespread Panic” at Home Team BBQ downtown starting at 6 p.m. After-parties will follow on Friday and Saturday at The Commodore from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Then on Sunday, the weekend wraps up with a free show featuring Junco Partner at Vickery’s on Shem Creek from 4-7 p.m.

Drifter Fest is an annual event in Charleston, SC that celebrates the life of the late Bert Griggs, co-founder of Drifter Merch. It has grown into a must-attend community celebration of live music, art, local eats, and specialty drinks. This year, a portion of proceeds will benefit Rock ‘n Roll Rescue, a non profit that allows children access to instruments and music education programs. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting Drifter Fest and its mission.

For more information, tickets, sponsorship and other FAQ, go to www.drifterfest.com

The Art of Music-Inspired Merch: How Drifter Merch Blends Style and Sound

At Drifter Merch, we believe that music is more than just sound. It's a lifestyle, an identity, and a way to connect with something bigger than ourselves. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to create music-inspired apparel and accessories that speak to the heart of every fan. Whether you’re chasing the next festival, following your favorite band on tour, or listening to classic tunes at home, Drifter Merch lets you wear your soundtrack.

Designs That Tell a Story

Our designs don’t just feature a band’s name — they capture the essence of the music. Take our Smokestack Lightning shirt, a nod to the legendary Howlin’ Wolf, blending vintage blues roots with bold graphics. Or the tributes to Warren Zevon who left an undeniable mark on the music scene with his sharp wit, dark humor, and poetic songwriting.. Each piece is crafted to honor the music while keeping your style on point.

Quality Meets Creativity

We know that a great design means nothing without quality materials. That’s why we use premium fabrics and the top-tier printing method of screen printing. Whether it’s a soft vintage tee, a cozy hoodie, or a hat with just the right fit, you can count on Drifter Merch to deliver comfort and durability.

Custom Merch for Bands and Events

In addition to our own collections, we specialize in custom screen printing and embroidery. Bands, businesses, festivals, and music events count on us to bring their ideas to life, from standout tour shirts to exclusive corporate merch. Whatever design you have in mind, we are here to make it a reality.

Join the Drifter Merch Movement

Music moves us, and we follow it. Follow us on social media @driftermerch and check out our On the Road vending calendar to see where we’ll pop up next. Can’t make it to a show? No worries as our online shop is always open, ready to ship your next favorite merch straight to your door.

Let’s keep the music alive — one stitch, one print, one moment at a time.

Peaches and Strings II: Billy Strings Atlanta Pre-Party and Vendor Market

We had such a good time last year at Peaches and Strings that we’re bringing it back! Join us for another free Billy Strings Atlanta Pre-Party and Vendor Market on February 22nd, from 12-4 PM. Head over to Westside Motor Lounge for brews, specialty drinks, comfort food, live music, and a variety of creative vendors displaying heady goods. Don't miss out on the good times!

Non-Profit: A portion of proceeds will benefit Crawfish for a Cause that is dedicated to raising funds and promoting mental health and suicide awareness in local communities.

Live Music: Dusty Roads: high energy Georgia-grown Americana with echoes of the legends of bluegrass and country music.

Vendors:
Keeva's Krafts
StitchinTab By Tabitha Martin
Grateful Sweats
Corner of the Creek
HoneyCreekPottery
Art by C &S
Rising Tide Art Studio
Shaun’s Show Shirts
The Horti-Culture
Croshier Designs
Shell-e Show
Fiddle and Feather

Daffodil Daydream Designs
Zosh Gift Shop
Hillbilly Tie Dyes
Widespread Love Design
Grateful Fred
Soul Shaking Life Shop
Star Holler
Tie Dyed Twice
Tharps Threads
Fennario Thunder
Definitely Not Los Angeles

Chucktown Flodown: A Goosemas Pre-Party in the Low Country

Rising Tide Art Studio and Drifter Merch present the Chucktown Flodown: A Goosemas Pre-Party in the Low Country on Saturday, December 14 from 12-4pm at Commonhouse Aleworks located at 4831 O’Hear Ave. in North Charleston.

Join us for a vibrant market event celebrating fan artists with live music from Just Groove with Rob Corbett playing funky jams for the Goose and local community ahead of Goosemas N2!

The event is free to attend and will showcase Goose-inspired artists and local artisans while giving back to the local Park Circle neighborhood & support for the Goose’s non-profit Western Sun Foundation.