Goose Flodowns in Charleston and Raleigh

Join fellow fans at the Chucktown Flodown: Goose Pre-Party & Vendor Market on Tuesday, June 23th and Wednesday the 24th. Browse Goose-inspired artists and local makers, enjoy live music, learn more about Western Sun Foundation, grab some comfort food, and sip craft brews and other beverages while connecting with fans before heading across the street for the Goose shows.

Live Music:
Tuesday from 3–6 PM: Music by Skycats Trio
Wednesday from 2–6 PM: Music from The Porterboys

Vendors: Drifter Merch, Type 2 Designs, Cats Under The Stitch, Hippy Do Da, Zosh Gift Shop, Reba's Dancing Dyes, Solutions, Bright Star Designs, Abigail’s Tie Dye & More, Grateful Fred, Arnie’s Tie Dyes, Hippies for Jesus, Rock 'n Roll Wall Wood, HoneyCreek Pottery, Brass Earth, The Street Rat, Kellen Rattigan Art, Shambles Boutique, The Stono Soul, Mountain Family Glass, New World Glass

Non Profit: Western Sun Foundation, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 organization that provides charitable support to local non profits in the communities Goose fans travel through.

Get ready as there’s another Flodown in Raleigh on Saturday, June 27th! Crank Arm Brewing is hosting the pre-party. Just two blocks up from Red Hat Ampitheater, the brewery also within the designated Sip-n-Stroll area downtown. Kick the night off with fresh brews, a small vendor set-up, Mexican eats, and community vibes right before the show.

Vendors:
Drifter Merch
Zosh Gift Shop
Solutions
Type 2 Designs
Abigail’s Tie Dye & More
Cats Under The Stitch

Food Truck:
Taco Neza provides authentic Mexican food with fresh ingredients & delicious taste

Whether you're heading to the show or just looking to connect with fellow Goose fans, this is a convenient spot in downtown Raleigh to gather before the music starts.

Your Ultimate 2026 Jam Band Summer Guide

Get ready for a high-energy summer of music. The 2026 Summer tour circuit is shaping up to be a legendary run, stretching from MSG to Red Rocks and beyond. Here is your ultimate guide to some of the heavy hitting jam bands going down the road.

1. Phish

Phish are back to turn Summer into a beautiful blur of parking lots, inside jokes, and monster jams.

• Don't Miss: Deer Creek on July 10-12, MSG July 22-29 plus Dick’s Labor Day shows.

2. Widespread Panic

It’s a full tour for Panic out West this Summer and the fans are already packing coolers and chasing setlists.

• Don't Miss: Jackson Hole on July 5, followed by Montana on the 7th and 8th and the rest of the West Coast run in July.

3. Goose

Goose have officially graduated from breakout act to full-blown touring force, and the 2026 dates prove it.

• Don't Miss: MSG dates on June 19-20 and Red Rocks on August 27-28.

4. Billy Strings

Billy Strings is recovering from a skateboard injury now, but with the tour starting in July, the countdown is officially on.

• Don't Miss: The Portland, ME run on July 24-25 and Bethel Woods on July 31-August 1.

5. Joe Russo's Almost Dead

JRAD will be bringing enough energy to make even the calmest Dead groove feel like a sprint.

• Don't Miss: Stone Pony on August 8 and Mission Ballroom on August 20.

6. Umphrey’s McGee & moe.

This joint tour is basically a summer-long invitation to get delightfully lost in the weeds.

• Don't Miss: Their joint summer tour and the return of moe.down on July 16-18.

7. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

PPPP are back on the summer circuit, still proving that funk can be both infectious and mildly exhausting.

• Don't Miss: Their festival circuit plus Northeast summer stops, including Levitate on July 18-19, Flood City on July 24-25, and Domefest on August 6-8.

8. String Cheese Incident

On String Cheese Summer tour, every night unfolds less like a setlist and more like a guided improvisation.

• Don't Miss: Colorado mountain shows including Red Rocks July 17-18 and Campout in the Pines on August 14-15.

9. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard pick up in August, where predictability goes to disappear.

• Don't Miss: Field of Vision II on August 14-16 and the Forest Hills residency on August 20-22.

10. Eggy

Eggy keep sounding like a band that’s about five minutes away from becoming everybody’s next favorite band.

• Don't Miss: Cathead Jam on June 5-6 and Electric Forest on June 25-28.

11. The Disco Biscuits

The Biscuits are still in the business of bending time, space, and your sleep schedule.

• Don't Miss: SPAC on July 3, Atlantic City on July 4, and King of Prussia on July 25-26.

Summer 2026 is about more than just the music as it’s also about the adventure. It’s about the long drives, the lot hangs, and the feeling of community you only get when the lights go down and the first note hits. Whether you’re looking for lot shirts, custom band merchandise, or just a new favorite hat to keep the sun off your face, we’ve got you covered. Check out our On the Road page and look for our blue tent at concerts and festivals across the country. Come say hello, share a story about your favorite show, and grab some gear that was made by fans, for fans.

Lineup Announced for the 6th Annual Drifter Fest in Charleston

The 6th Annual Drifter Fest returns to Charleston September 11-12th for a weekend of live music, community and celebration honoring the memory of Bert Griggs. The festival’s main event takes place Saturday, September 12 at The Refinery featuring performances by nationally touring local artists The Psycodelics and Dangermuffin plus Just Groove in between sets. Tickets are available here for $30 in advance and $40 day of show for general admission, with VIP tickets priced at $60 in advance and $70 day of show. Drifter Fest weekend kicks off with a free show on Friday, September 11 at Home Team BBQ with live music from The Blackwater Brothers. 

“This festival is built on love, memory, and music, said festival founder Lorrie Griggs. “Bert believed in bringing people together, and Drifter Fest is my way of continuing that energy in his honor.”

Continuing the fest’s mission of supporting community causes through music and connection, This year’s nonprofit benefactor is Rock ’n Roll Rescue. This Lowcountry nonprofit is dedicated to providing children access to music education by supplying instruments and resources that foster creativity. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at various levels for businesses and community partners interested in supporting the event.

Drifter Fest celebrates the life of the late Bert Griggs, whose love of live music inspired the creation of Drifter Merch, an apparel and accessories brand influenced by his favorite bands. Beyond music, Bert was a devoted father, husband, son, brother and friend known for his kind heart, infectious smile and ability to make everyone feel welcome. He never met a stranger and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

For more information about the 6th Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam or to purchase tickets, visit www.drifterfest.com. 

Birmingham Moontime Market, A Widespread Panic Pre-Party

Join us for Moontime Market, a free Widespread Panic Pre-Party on Saturday, April 18th from 12-4:30pm at Avondale Brewing. Enjoy cold drinks, great company and all the Panic energy. Whether you’re heading to the show or just soaking up the scene, bring your crew and connect with fellow fans. A curated lineup of vendors will be on-site, along with live music and a full day of good vibes.

Food and drinks will be available from Avondale Brewing and Cosmic Charlie’s Grateful Grill. Local Favorite band T.U.B. will provide the soundtrack for the day. The high-energy jam band blends funk, rock and improvisation into groove-driven live performances.

Vendors include Drifter Merch, HoneyCreekPottery, High Vibe Sentiments, A Buck Short, Reba’s Dancing Dyes, Library Street Productions, Golden Goddess Expressions, Shell-e Show, Blue Skies Merch, Glass Art by Nicola, End 1 Designs, Hanging in the Light, Type 2 Designs, Magic & Glory, Toadstool Tiedye, Blue Girl Show Shades, Sharpe Merch, Yard Sale, Big River Dry Goods, Bastille Candles, Miss Brown’s Tee House, Butterflies and Bombs, Sacred Sloth, Have A Good Show, Zosh Gift Shop, Happy Mountain Tie Dye, SoulShakingLifeShop, FoleyArts, Nefertiti Crystals and Identiprints, Shalla Wista Studio, Stonehawker Imports and Forever Lot By Girl Tour.

Conscious Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger through food relief and grassroots programs, will also be on-site. The event’s media partner, We Are the Lucky Ones, will be documenting live music experiences from fans.

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 about Embroidering Hats

At Drifter Merch embroidery is a great way to elevate custom merch. Whether you’re creating merch for a band, brand, event, or business, embroidery adds texture, durability, and a premium feel that stands the test of time. From dad/golf to trucker style hats, the right embroidery can turn a simple item into standout headwear that people actually want to wear.

To ensure every embroidered item looks clean, balanced, and professional, there are a few key guidelines we follow throughout the production process. Proper placement, stitch density, thread selection, and machine setup all play a role in achieving high-quality results. Below are some general hat embroidery best practices that help us deliver consistent, polished headwear for our clients.

1. Hooping: Use a hat hoop or a special frame to secure the piece in place while embroidering. This helps maintain the proper tension and prevents the fabric from shifting during the embroidery process.

2. Placement: Decide on the placement of the embroidery design. Common placements include the front center, side, or back. Make sure to center the design properly and consider the size and shape of the hat's crown.

3. Design Size: Consider the size of the embroidery design in relation to the garment or product. Designs that are too large may overwhelm the piece or lose detail, while designs that are too small may not be easily visible or have the desired impact. Proper scaling ensures the embroidery looks balanced and intentional.

4. Stitch Density: Pay close attention to stitch density when preparing an embroidery design. Too many stitches in a small area can cause the fabric to pucker or distort, while too few stitches may result in a thin or uneven appearance. Adjust stitch density as needed to achieve a clean, crisp finish.

5. Thread Selection: Choose the appropriate type and weight of thread for the material and design. Thicker threads work well for bold logos and lettering, while finer threads are better suited for detailed or intricate artwork. Thread color should complement the fabric to ensure strong contrast and visual clarity.

6. Stabilizer: Use the proper stabilizer to support the fabric during embroidery. Stabilizers help prevent stretching, puckering, or distortion and ensure the final stitches are smooth, even, and long-lasting. The type of stabilizer used will vary depending on the fabric and design.

7. Embroidery Machine Settings: Adjust embroidery machine settings including tension, speed, and needle type based on the material and complexity of the design. Testing on a scrap or sample piece before production helps ensure optimal results and consistency across all items.

8. Finishing: Once embroidery is complete, trim any excess threads and carefully remove the stabilizer. Inspect and clean the finished piece as needed to remove markings or residue, ensuring a polished, professional final product.

By following these embroidery guidelines, we’re able to create hats that not only look great but also wear well over time. Thoughtful design planning and attention to detail ensure each piece feels intentional, comfortable, and built to last. If you’re considering embroidered head ware for an upcoming project, Drifter Merch is here to help guide you through the process from design refinement and hat selection to production and finishing touches. Reach out anytime to start a new project or explore ideas. We’re always happy to help bring your vision to life.

Meet The Owner as Drifter Merch Celebrates 10 Years in Business

As 2026 is in full gear and we celebrate Drifter Merch’s 10th year in business, I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce myself. I’m the owner, Lorrie Dixson Griggs. Originally from Winston-Salem, NC, I now live in beautiful Charleston, SC with my daughter Harper and my boyfriend Josh, who many of you recognize helping out in the tent at shows and markets.

When I’m not fulfilling online orders or selling merch at events, I spend my weekdays running custom merchandise and event advertising orders for businesses, bands, festivals, and events all over the country. I also operate Eskimo Advertising, which I’ve proudly owned for the past 24 years. Additionally, I enjoy producing and promoting pre-show parties, partnering to organize Moontime Markets, and serving as a founding board member of Home Team FM.

One of the projects closest to my heart is Drifter Fest, an annual memorial music festival I started to honor my late husband and Drifter Merch co-founder Bert Griggs. What began as a way to celebrate his life, love of music, and community has grown into a meaningful gathering that brings people together through the same spirit that built this business.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me with friends and family, on the water, or somewhere with live music playing. I’m excited to see what this year brings and incredibly grateful for all the love and support over the past 10 years. Please give Drifter Merch a follow if you haven’t already. Let’s keep drifting together and see where the music takes us next.

Custom Gear That Crushes: What to Look for in a Custom Merch Partner

Let's be real, your merch says a lot about you. Whether you're a touring band, a business owners, or a brand trying to make waves, the gear you put out there represents your identity. It's not just fabric and ink. It's a walking billboard, a conversation starter, and for your fans, a wearable piece of the culture they love.

So when it comes to creating custom merchandise, who you partner with matters. A lot. The right merch partner can elevate your vision, deliver quality that makes people proud to rock your designs, and actually make the whole process enjoyable. The wrong one? Well, that's a recipe for faded prints, missed deadlines, and a whole lot of stress.

If you're searching for a custom merch partner who truly gets it, below is what you should look for in a collaborator.

Quality and Consistency: The Foundation of Everything

This one seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how often it gets overlooked. Quality isn't just about using decent materials. It's about maintaining that standard across every single order, whether you're printing 50 tees for a local store or 5,000 pieces for a summer tour.

Your fans are investing in your merch because they believe in what you're creating. Nothing kills that vibe faster than a shirt that cracks after one wash or colors that fade before the tour even ends. A great custom merch partner uses quality blanks from trusted brands and employs printing techniques that are built to last.

Consistency is the other half of this equation. If someone buys your company’s logo shirt at one event and their friend grabs the same design three months later, those shirts should look and feel identical. Your partner should have quality control processes in place to ensure every piece that goes out the door meets the same standard. No surprises, no excuses.

Design Expertise: More Than Just Technical Know-How

Here's where things get interesting. Sure, any print shop can slap ink on a shirt. But do they have years of experience and can they actually understand your needs? Can they take your rough concept and help refine it into something that pops? Can they advise you on color choices, placement, and sizing that'll work best for your specific audience?

A great custom merch partner brings real design expertise to the table. They know the difference between a good idea and a great execution. They understand Pantone color matching, proper logo placement, and how different printing methods will affect the final look. They'll review proofs with you before production and catch potential issues before they become expensive mistakes.

But here's the another thing that separates good partners from great ones: cultural understanding.

If you're in the music world, especially the jam band, festival, and lot culture scene, you need a partner who speaks your language. Someone who knows the aesthetic, respects the traditions, and understands why a certain font or color palette just feels right for your audience. This isn't something you can fake. Either your merch partner lives and breathes this culture, or they don't.

When your partner genuinely understands the art of music-inspired merch, the collaboration becomes effortless. You're not explaining every little detail or fighting for a vision they don't see. You're building something together. That's the kind of synergy that shows up in the final product and your fans will notice.

Reliability and Timely Delivery: Because Deadlines Are Real

We get it. Things happen. But when you've got a tour kicking off, a new restaurant opening, or a release date you've been promoting for months, you need a swag partner who delivers. On time. Every time.

Reliability means more than just hitting deadlines. It means clear communication throughout the process. It means realistic timelines upfront, not promises that fall apart when production actually starts. It means having systems in place to handle rush orders when necessary, without sacrificing quality.

The best partners will advise you to start conversations 4–6 weeks before you need your gear. This gives you the widest product selection, avoids rush fees, and allows time for design revisions and proofing. But they'll also have your back when plans change and you need something faster.

Ask potential partners about their production timelines, their communication process, and what happens if something goes wrong. The answers will tell you a lot about whether they're the kind of partner you can count on when it matters most.

More Than a Printer: The Collaborator Mindset

This might be the most important point of all. A great custom merch partner isn't just a vendor but they're a collaborator in building your brand's image.

Think about it. Your merch is often the first physical touchpoint someone has with your band or brand. It's what they wear around town, what they post on social media, what they keep in their closet for years. That's a powerful opportunity, and you want a partner who treats it that way.

A true collaborator brings ideas to the table. They might suggest a different garment style that fits your aesthetic better. They might recommend a printing technique you hadn't considered such as like patches versus embroidery on hats or the pros and cons of direct-to-film versus screen printing. They'll push back (respectfully) when they think something won't work and offer alternatives that serve your vision better.

This collaborative approach extends beyond individual orders too. The right partner grows with you. They understand your evolving needs as your audience expands, help you explore new product categories, and become a trusted resource you can rely on year after year.

Finding Your People

At the end of the day, custom merch is personal. It's an extension of your art, your message, and your community. You deserve a partner who treats it with the same care and passion you bring to everything else you create.

The best partnerships feel less like transactions and more like teamwork. When you find a merch partner who shares your values, understands your culture, and consistently delivers quality work, hold onto them. That relationship becomes a competitive advantage as one that shows up in every piece of gear your fans and customers proudly wear.

Ready to start a conversation about your next custom project? We'd love to hear what you're working on. Head over to Drifter Merch and let's create something that crushes.

Spotlight on Bella Canvas

At Drifter Merch, we don’t just recommend Bella Canvas, we use it often in our own offerings because it consistently delivers what our customers expect. Whether we’re creating merch for our brand or bands, events, or businesses, we need blanks that feel great, hold up over time, and print beautifully. Bella Canvas checks all those boxes, which is why it’s one of our most trusted go-to brands.

1. Quality: Known for the high quality of its products, Bella Canvas’ shirts and other apparel are made from high-grade materials that are soft, comfortable, and durable. The construction of its products is also excellent, with attention to detail.

2. Sustainability: Bella Canvas is committed to sustainable business practices as it has a USA-strong approach to production. This means that it dyes its clothes in California, which has some of the strictest environmental regulations in the world. It also use solar power to run their sewing and cutting facilities, recycle almost everything the company can't use, and strive to minimize it’s ecological footprint.

3. Variety: The brand offers a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes. This makes it easy for customers to find exactly what they're looking for, whether they're buying for themselves or for a brand.

4. Inclusivity: Bella Canvas offers a broad range of sizes and is committed to representing diverse body types in their marketing. This inclusivity is a strong selling point for many customers.

5. Price-point: While Bella Canvas is not the cheapest option on the market, their pricing is very competitive given the high quality of tits products. Customers find good value for money, which is a major factor in its popularity.

6. Fashion-forward: Known for staying on top of trends in the fashion industry, Bella Canvas frequently release new styles and colors in line with current trends, making the brand a popular choice for fashion-conscious consumers and businesses.

7. Printing-friendly: Bella Canvas's products are known to be great for printing. It is a preferred choice for many print businesses due to smooth, high-quality fabric that holds up well under various printing methods.

Since we work hands-on with custom apparel every day, we’ve seen firsthand how much Bella Canvas elevates the final product. From soft, fashion-forward fits to reliable print results and sustainable production, it aligns perfectly with Drifter Merch’s commitment to quality and creativity. Using Bella Canvas allows us to confidently deliver merchandise that people actually want to wear again and again.

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.