The 8th annual TOCO Family Festival & Camp Out will be Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois.

TOCO stands for Tapestry of Community Offerings and organizes family-themed events for charitable and educational purposes. Proceeds from this year’s festival benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants special wishes for children with serious illness.

The event begins at 3 p.m. Friday at Camp Ondessonk, a retreat near Ozark in the Shawnee National Forest. Camping is available, or patrons may upgrade to bunks inside the retreat center, which has air conditioning and private baths.

Activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, an artist caravan, food and drink, pony rides and music by 34 local and regional acts. The diverse lineup includes Aaron Kamm & the One Drops, Vitamen A, Bottoms Up Blues Gang, EarthSol, Pepperland Beatles tribute and BootiGrabbers Delight.

Tickets are $45 for adults, children 12 and under are free. Advanced reservations are required for camping. Get tickets and directions online at tocofestival.com or by calling 1-618-580-0303.