Where is the Festival held?

The festival takes place in various places within a several block radius in downtown Urbana. Our map and venue page indicates exact locations. Please note that some locations fill up quickly. Arrive early if you want to be sure to get in!

What is the COVID-19 Policy?
While vaccinations are not required this year, the use of masks at all indoor venues is strongly encouraged, and masks will be required for the contra dance.

How much does the festival cost?

A full festival wristband is $40 in advance and $50 at the festival and gets you into all festival venues and activities both days. A one-night wristband is $30. All events at the Rose Bowl Tent are free.

Single-venue admissions per venue per day:
Rose Bowl and Nola’s: $20
C4A, Cohen Building, Contra Dance: $10

Much of the festival is free! Children 12 and under get in FREE to all events. All workshops, jams, and singalongs are FREE to everyone. AND EVERYTHING ON THURSDAY and on SATURDAY BEFORE 5:00pm is FREE.

Festival wristbands will be sold at Krannert on Thursday night and at the Cohen Building, 136 W. Main St., starting at 3:00pm on Friday.

Where can I buy a wristband?

Prior to the festival, wristbands can be purchased online and at the Urbana farmer’s market on October 15, 8:00am-noon. During the festival, you can purchase wristbands at Festival Central or at the single-venue admissions locations.

I made a donation. Where do I pick up my complimentary wristbands?

Your wristbands will be waiting for you at Festival Central in the Cohen Building.

Is the festival open to all ages?

Most of our venues are all-ages. Festival-goers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for entry to the Rose Bowl Tavern and NOLA’s Rock Bar. 

Where can we jam?

Check the organized Jams listing or the schedule for the exact time folks will be playing your favorite style. Spectators are welcome at all jams.

What about food and drink ?

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!

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 former Landmark Hotel parking lot. Bike racks can be found near the Urbana Free Library, and on the north side of the parking deck.

Lost and found/First aid

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

Love this year’s T-shirt and poster?

T-shirts are available at Festival Central (136 W. Main St.) for $20 each. Thanks to Erica Stark for this year’s fabulous design! 

Who puts on this festival?

The CU folk and Roots Festival is an event organized and run by local volunteers and a part-time director, Cody Jensen. Steering and Booking Committees meet throughout the year to plan the festival, with the assistance of many other individuals and organizations. New help is always welcome. The CU Folk and Roots Festival is a Not-for-Profit organization (501C3). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.