How much does the Festival cost?

A full festival wristband is $40 and will get you into all festival venues and activities both days. Individual evening wristbands are $20 for all venues.

Single venue admission per night is as follows:

• Robbie Fulks admission is wristband or $20.
• Dances in the lower level of the Methodist Church are $10.
• Evening shows in the sanctuary of the Methodist Church are $5.
• All other single venue admissions (except for the Robbie Fulks show) are each $15.
• All jams are free, and spectators are welcome.

Credit cards accepted at Festival Central, the Iron Post, and the Rose Bowl. At other venues please pay with cash or check.

Many events are FREE! Children 12 and under get in FREE to all events (excluding the Rose Bowl, which is a 21-and-over only venue). All evening workshops, jams, singalongs AND EVERYTHING ON SATURDAY BEFORE 5pm are FREE to all ages. No registration is necessary.

Where can I buy a wristband?

Prior to the festival, full-weekend and 4-pack wristbands can be purchased online or at the the Iron Post, the Rose Bowl, the Upper Bout, and Techline. To allow time for shipping, online purchases must be made by October 10, 2018.

During the festival, wristbands for the full festival and for single evening entry can be purchased starting Friday, October 19, at 5:00pm at Festival Central (located in the Cohen Building, 136 W. Main St., Urbana) and during the festival at most venues. Single venue admission can be purchased at the individual venues. We will also be selling wristbands Thursday night, October 18, at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts event.

I made a donation – where do I pick up my complimentary wristband(s)?

You’ll find your wristband(s) waiting for you at Festival Central, located in the Cohen Building, 136 W. Main St., Urbana beginning at 5:00pm on Friday, October 19. The Sponsorship Levels page indicates the number of wristbands you receive based on the amount of your donation. 

Where is the festival held?

The festival takes place in various places within in downtown Urbana. Our schedule, venue, and map pages indicate exact locations. Venues this year are:

• Blackbird
• Cohen Building (Festival Central)
• Community Center for the Arts
• Iron Post
• First United Methodist Church
• Rose Bowl
• Sipyard
• Urbana Free Library

Please note that some locations, like the Iron Post, fill up quickly. Arrive early if you want to be sure to get in!

Is the festival open to all ages?

Most of our venues are all-ages with the exception of the Rose Bowl and the late night shows at the Iron Post. The Rose Bowl is a 21-and-over only venue at all times.

Where can we jam?

Check the Jams page on the website for information about the festival’s organized jams and the schedule for the exact time folks will be playing your favorite style. Spectators (and dancers!) are welcome at all jams. Did we mention that jams are FREE?

What about food and drink and places to stay?

We encourage festival goers to patronize the many fine food and drink establishments in and around downtown Urbana. Many are just a few steps away! We’ve reserved a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn on University in Urbana. Act quickly to reserve a  room. When you call be sure to say you are coming to the C-U Folk and Roots Festival to get the special rate.

Parking

Parking is available in the City of Urbana parking deck on the corner of Main and Broadway, as well as other locations (see MAP). Plentiful street parking is available as well, but DO NOT park in the Landmark Hotel parking lot. Bike racks can be found near the Urbana Free Library, and on the north side of the parking deck.

Festival and artist merchandise

T-shirts are available and Festival Central in the Cohen Building at 136 W. Main St. Many individual artists will have CDs available at the time of their shows. Thanks to Brad Olson for this year’s fabulous design! Brad is also a local musician. Show your love for the Festival by buying this year’s t-shirt for only $15

How many hours do I need to volunteer to receive a festival t-shirt and wristband?

Volunteers only need to work four hours to get this incredible benefit. Find out all you need to know on this year’s volunteer page.

Lost and Found/First Aid 

Lost and found and a first aid kit will be located at Festival Central in the Cohen Building

Who puts on this festival?

The C-U Folk and Roots Festival is an event organized and run entirely by local volunteers. Steering and Booking Committees meet throughout the year to plan the festival, with the assistance of many other individuals and organizations. We welcome you to join the fun by liking us on Facebook and participating in our planning operation.

The CU Folk and Roots Festival is a Not-for-Profit organization (501C3). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.