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:

• The Iron Post and the Rose Bowl are $15 each
• Pizza M back room, Community Center for the Arts (C4A), and the Independent Media Center (including dances) are $10 each
• All jams are free, and spectators are welcome.

At Festival Central, the Iron Post, and the Rose Bowl we can take credit or debit cards; 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. To receive them by mail in time for the festival, online purchases must be made by October 25, 2017.

Wristbands for the full festival and for single evening entry can be purchased starting Friday, November 3, at 5:00pm at Festival Central (located in the [co][lab], 206 W. Main St.) 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, November 2, 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, in the [co][lab] space at 206 W. Main St. (between Pizza M and the Community Center for the Arts), starting at 5:00pm on Friday, November 4. 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 a several block radius in downtown Urbana. Our schedule, venue, and map pages indicate exact locations. 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 printed schedule for the exact time folks will be playing your favorite style. If the weather agrees with you, you can also jam anytime at the outdoor Sipyard, 204 W. Main St. 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 Wyndham Garden Hotel in Urbana. Act quickly to reserve a double room at $89 – a Festival rate that includes breakfast, onsite restaurant and bar, swimming pool, complimentary wifi, and a shuttle from the hotel to the festival! When you call (217-328-7900), be sure to say you are coming to the C-U Folk and Roots Festival.

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

Festival “swag” and participating artist merchandise (CDs, etc.) will be available at Festival Central (206 W. Main St.) all weekend.

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.

Lost and found/First aid 

Lost and found and a first aid kit will be located at Festival Central (206 W. Main St.).

Who designed this year’s T-shirt?

Thanks to Brad Olson for this year’s fabulous design! Brad is also a local musician, a member of Neoga Blacksmith. Show your love for the Festival by buying this year’s t-shirt. They’ll be available for $15 each at Festival Central.

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.