Where is the festival held?
Most of the festival takes place in various places within a several block radius in downtown Urbana. Our venue listing and map indicate exact locations. Please note that some locations fill up quickly. Arrive early if you want to be sure to get in!
How much does the festival cost?
A full festival wristband is $60 at the festival and gets you into all festival venues and activities both days. A one-night wristband (Friday or Saturday) is $35.
Single-venue admissions per venue per day:
- Rose Bowl and Gallery: $25
- C4A and Hotel Royer: $15
- Contra dance at Phillips Recreation Center: $10
- Milonga at Hotel Royer: $30 for dancers, $15 for non-dancers and students
Much of the festival is free! Children 12 and under get in FREE to all events.
All workshops and jams are FREE to everyone.
EVERYTHING ON THURSDAY and ALL DAYTIME EVENTS ON SATURDAY (before 5:00pm) are FREE. All outdoor events (Rose Bowl Tavern and Fusion Festival stage) are also FREE!
When can I purchase wristbands and tickets?
Festival wristbands will be sold at Krannert on Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm, and at the Festival Central (Cohen Building, 136 W. Main St) throughout the festival.
Here are the hours for Festival Central:
- Thursday, 10/2 5:00 – 10:30 PM
- Friday, 10/3 5:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday, 10/4 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Single-venue admission locations will also be selling wristbands.
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 inside shows and Gallery Art Bar.
Where can we jam?
Check 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 the map). Plentiful street parking is available as well. 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?
T-shirts are available at Festival Central (136 W. Main St.) for $25 each. Thanks to JP Goguen for this year’s fabulous design!
Who puts on this festival?
The CU Folk & Roots Festival is organized and run by local volunteers and a part-time director, Carrie Chandler. 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 & Roots Festival is a Not-for-Profit organization (501C3). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.