Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets

How much do tickets cost?
If purchased before the festival, two-day passes are $45.00, one-day passes are $20.00, and Evening Concert only is $12.00. If purchased at the gate/on the day of the festival, two-day passes are $50.00, one-day passes are $25.00, and Evening Concert only is $15.00. See the Tickets page for more information and to purchase tickets.

How do I buy tickets?
The quickest and easiest way to buy tickets is to buy online. You can also buy tickets by mail, by phone, at the festival gate, or at Roanoke locations of Wachovia Bank, Stellar One Bank, and Williamson Road Service Center. See the Tickets page for more information on how to buy tickets by mail and phone.

When can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available for sale beginning March 1. See the Tickets page for more information and to purchase tickets.

When should I purchase tickets to get the advance-purchase discount?
Advance-purchase ticket prices are available from March 1 to the day before the festival. Once the festival has started you must pay full price for tickets (even if you purchase them by phone or online instead of at the gate). See the Tickets page for more information and to purchase tickets.

I bought my tickets online or by phone. How do I clam them once I arrive?
Your name and tickets will be placed in will call and can be picked up at the festival gate. Please have your I.D. to confirm your name. If you bought your tickets online, please print and bring your ticketleap voucher. If you bought your tickets by phone, you can pick up your receipt with your tickets also.

I work at Hollins University. Can I attend for free?
Hollins University faculty and staff will be admitted free with valid Hollins University I.D. Your spouse is also eligible for a free ticket. All other members of your party must purchase tickets.

What's the difference between day passes and concert tickets?
Day passes (both two-day and one-day) admit the ticket-holder to all events in a festival day beginning at 10:00 A.M. and ending after the Evening Concert (usually around 12:00 A.M.). Day passes allow admission to workshops, jam sessions, mini concerts, evening concerts and other festival events. Both kinds of day passes also include camping. Evening Concert tickets admit the ticket-holder to the Evening Concert only, which usually starts at 6:00 P.M. See the Schedule page for exact start/end times for events at this year's festival.

Are children admitted free?
All children under 12 are admitted free if accompanied by one paying adult.

Which tickets include camping?
Camping is included free in all two-day and one-day passes. See the Tickets page to purchase tickets.

I lost my wristband. Can I get a new one without buying another ticket?
You cannot get a new wristband if you lose it. Don't remove your wristband!

Can I get a refund on my tickets if it rains or I cannot attend?
FiddleFest will take place rain or shine - the show goes on, so bring your umbrellas or ponchos for the Evening Concert if you think it's going to rain! Refunds will not be issued for FiddleFest tickets.

How can I get free tickets?
FiddleFest Volunteers receive free passes for the day of their shift! Visit the Volunteers page to learn more about volunteering at FiddleFest.

Entering the Festival Grounds

What should I bring with me to FiddleFest?

If you are attending a workshop or open jam, bring your instrument!
If you are attending an Evening Concert, bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
If it looks like rain, bring umbrellas or ponchos to Evening Concerts.
Bring your camera - you might meet some of your favorite musicians!
A copy of the Festival Schedule
A valid I.D. if you plan to buy beer in the Beer Garden

What should I not bring with me?
Please do not bring the following things to FiddleFest:

Alcoholic beverages in festival events - our ABC license only allows alcohol to be sold and consumed in the FiddleFest Beer Garden in the concert area.
Firearms or weapons
Pets - service animals excluded
Coolers in the concert area (food and beverages are fine - but no coolers!)

How do I get to Hollins University?
Hollins University where FiddleFest takes place is accessible via exit 146 on US Interstate 81. See the Directions page for more details.

Where do I go once I arrive on the Hollins campus?
After turning into the campus from Route 11, take a left on West Campus Drive. Signs will be posted to direct you to festival parking. If you are coming for daytime events (day pass holders), you will need to check in at Moody Center on Fishburn Drive (see map). If you are coming for Evening Concerts, the concert gate is located at Tinker Hall (see map). Follow signs to parking; the FiddleFest Express Shuttle Bus will take you to where you need to go.

Where do I park my car?
After turning into the campus from Route 11, take a left on West Campus Drive. Signs will be posted to direct you to festival parking. The FiddleFest Express Shuttle Bus will take you from the parking area to the festival area. The walking distance from the parking area to the Evening Concert Tinker Beach gate is about .3 miles. The walking distance from the parking area to Moody Center (daytime events) is about .4 miles. It's not far, but if you're carrying your instrument or chairs (or even if you're not) the FiddleFest Express Shuttle Bus is there for you!

Where does the FiddleFest Express Shuttle Bus go?
The shuttle stops at the camping and parking area during all festival hours. During the day, the shuttle runs from camping/parking to Moody Center on Fishburn drive for Workshops and other daytime events. During the evening, the shuttle runs from camping/parking to the Tinker Beach gate (the walk from the stop to the gate is about 500 feet). Volunteers are available to assist you in getting on and off the shuttle if you need them.

Do you offer maps and schedules, or should I print my own?
Complimentary souvenir programs are available while supplies last. Programs contain a festival grounds map, schedules, and other festival information. We ask that each group take only one program, so if you would like every member of your party to have a schedule it may benefit you to print some and bring them with you. A printable version of the schedule is provided for this purpose. A printable PDF map is also available. You can also see the Schedule page for more information about schedules and the Directions page for maps.

Is handicap parking available?
Several Hollins University lots adjacent to festival events offer handicap parking. A valid I.D. must be displayed in/on the vehicle. See the Interactive Google Map for lots marked with the accessible parking icon

to find lots closest to events you are attending.

Workshops

What are workshops?
Workshops are sessions focusing on an instrument or topic and led by the musicians performing at FiddleFest. In a workshop you have the opportunity to learn from the professional players as they teach and demonstrate their talent, tips, and styles. All skill levels may attend and benefit from workshops. FiddleFest usually offers workshops in fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and banjo. Other topics have been added during certain years according to demand. FiddleFest has also hosted vocal, dobro, and bass workshops. See the Workshops page for more information about this year's offerings.

How much does it cost to attend workshops?
Admission to workshops is included in all one-day and two-day passes. These passes allow you to attend any workshop you choose - or all of them!

Do I need to register to attend a workshop?
Registration is not necessary. Seating in workshops is provided on a first-come, first served basis.

Do I need to bring an instrument to attend a workshop?
Instruments are not required (especially in the vocal workshop!) - but they are encouraged. If you do decide to bring yours you'll get to play along and jam with the artists and other workshop participants. Non-players can still attend and enjoy workshops, though!

When are workshops held?
Workshops are the first event in the festival day and usually begin at 10:00 A.M. Workshops will break at noon for lunch. Use this time to visit the vendors area or check out restaurants in the Hollins area! See the Schedule page for more information.

Where are workshops held?
Workshops are held inside classrooms and meeting halls in Moody Center (the same building that handles daytime ticket sales). See the Festival Grounds Map for help in locating Moody Center, and check the Workshops page to find out what room your workshop is in. Workshop room assignments vary by year, but they are usually held in the following rooms in Moody Center:

» Rathskeller - downstairs
» Janney Lounge - main floor
» Goodwin PDR - main floor
» Wrobel Dining Room - main floor
» Main Cafeteria - main floor
» Mary Rowlands Room - upstairs
» Ballator Gallery - upstairs

Can I attend more than one workshop?
You can attend all the workshops if you like, but remember that all workshops are held simultaneously and if you are in one workshop, you are missing the other workshops. Your one- or two-day pass grants you access to all workshops at any time.

Who leads workshops?
This is the best part! Workshops are led by the musicians performing at FiddleFest. You'll get to learn from and jam with them in the morning and watch them on stage at night!

How are workshops structured?
Workshop structures vary by the artist(s) leading them, but generally participants in instrument workshops are broken into groups by skill level. Workshops usually contain some one-on-one instruction, a question/answer session, and jamming. Some performers choose to lead structured workshops, and others like to let the session go casually. Thus the workshops differ greatly from year to year - this year's guitar workshop could be very different from last year's.

Why don't you offer a workshop in ...
If we don't offer a workshop in your instrument or topic of choice, let us know!

Jams

What are jams?
A jam is simply an informal playing session. FiddleFest hosts two kinds of scheduled jams: pro jams and open jams.

How much does it cost to attend jams?
Admission to FiddleFest's scheduled jams is included in all one-day and two-day passes. These passes allow you to attend any jam session you choose - or all of them!

Do I need to register to attend jams?
Registration is not necessary. Seating in jam sessions is provided on a first-come, first served basis. Arrive early! Demand for seats in both pro and open jams is high.

What is the difference between pro jams and open jams?
Pro jams are "closed" jams designed to be informal concerts. Pro jams are held in concert halls on the festival grounds. Pro jams offer a unique blend of professionals from different groups and styles. This is a great time to make requests! Open jams are massive whole-festival jam sessions wherein everyone is encouraged to play along. Bring your instrument and join in!

When are jams held?
Jams are usually held in the early afternoon on Fridays. See the Schedule page for more information about this year's jam schedule.

Where are jams held?
Pro jams are held in concert/lecture halls. Open jams are usually held in the "Rathskeller" downstairs in Moody Hall. See the Schedule page for more information about this year's jam locations; check the Festival Grounds Map to find these locations.

Can my friends and I jam on the festival grounds?
Unscheduled impromptu jamming is most encouraged! Hollins University offers many casual gathering areas perfect for jamming.

Mini Concerts

What are Mini Concerts?
Mini Concerts are short preview concerts of acts performing during the Evening Concert. Mini Concert attendees have the unique opportunity to experience the show in an intimate concert-hall venue.

How much does it cost to attend Mini Concerts?
Admission to Mini Concerts is included in all one-day and two-day passes. See the Tickets page for more information about day passes.

Do I need to register to attend Mini Concerts?
Registration is not necessary. Seating in Mini Concerts is provided on a first-come, first served basis. Arrive early! Demand for seats is high.

Should I bring my instrument to Mini Concerts?
Seating in the Mini Concert venue is limited and there probably won't be room for your instrument - especially if it's a bass! You'll have the opportunity to return your instrument to your vehicle or other safe place and lock it after workshops. The FiddleFest Express Shuttle Bus will return you to the festival area quickly.

When are Mini Concerts held?
Mini Concerts usually begin in the early afternoon on Saturdays. See the Schedule page for more information about this year's Mini Concert schedule.

Where are Mini Concerts held?
Mini Concerts are usually held in Babcock Auditorium in the Dana Science Building. See the Schedule page for more information about this year's Mini Concert locations; check the Festival Grounds Map to find these locations.

Evening Concerts

What are Evening Concerts?
Evening Concerts are the festival's main event! Evening Concerts usually consist of about five or six performing groups back to back. They are held outside in a grassy area.

How much does it cost to attend Evening Concerts?
Evening Concert admission is included in all one- and two-day passes. You can also buy tickets for one night's concert only. See the Tickets page for more information about Evening Concert tickets.

When are Evening Concerts held?
Evening Concerts are held at the end of each festival day, usually beginning around 6:00 P.M. and ending around 12:00 P.M. See the Schedule page for this year's specific concert times.

Where are Evening Concerts held?
Evening Concerts are held on the Tinker Beach Stage behind Tinker Hall. See the Festival Grounds Map for more information about Tinker Hall and how to access the concert area gate.

Where do I park my car?
After turning into the campus from Route 11, take a left on West Campus Drive. Signs will be posted to direct you to festival parking. The FiddleFest Express Shuttle Bus will take you from the parking area to the concert area. There is a short walk (less than 500 feet) from the shuttle stop and the concert gate. The walking distance from the parking area to the gate is about .3 miles. It's not far, but if you're carrying your chairs (or even if you're not) the FiddleFest Express Shuttle Bus is there for you!

What should I bring to the Evening Concert?

The concert area is open grass - bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
If it looks like rain, bring umbrellas or ponchos.
Bring your camera - you might meet some of your favorite musicians!
A copy of the Festival Schedule
A valid I.D. if you plan to buy beer in the Beer Garden

What should I not bring?

Alcoholic beverages - our ABC license only allows alcohol to be sold and consumed in the FiddleFest Beer Garden in the concert area.
Firearms or weapons
Pets - service animals excluded
Your instrument - unless you want to carry it around!
Coolers (food and beverages are fine, but no coolers!)

Can I leave the concert area and come back later?
You may reenter the concert area as long as you are still wearing your wristband. Don't lose your wristband!

How late does the FiddleFest Express Shuttle Bus run?
The shuttle generally runs one half-hour after the concert has ended, will run later if necessary.

What kind of restroom facilities are available in the concert area?
Several portable restrooms are available in the concert area, including an accessible restroom and a wash station.

Are there food vendors in the concert area?
Yes! There are lots of great vendors at FiddleFest. In recent years vendors at FiddleFest have sold funnel cakes, ice cream, hot dogs, sandwiches, fried fish, smoothies, cheeseburgers, and (in 2009) deep fried Oreo cookies. Vendors vary by year, but you can always expect something delicious! Some vendors also sell CDs, tapes, tee shirts, jewelry, and instruments. FiddleFest merchandise is also available, including tee shirts, art prints, can coolers, and more!

Are alcoholic beverages allowed at FiddleFest?
Our ABC license only allows alcohol to be sold and consumed only in the FiddleFest Beer Garden in the concert area. You must be 21 to purchase alcohol. See the Beer Garden page for more information about the Beer Garden.

Can I go backstage to meet the artists?
Backstage at Tinker Beach is a secure area to allow our performers to warm up and give you a great show! Unauthorized persons discovered backstage will be escorted back to the concert area. If you want to meet the artists, purchase a day pass and jam with them all day long!

Camping

How much does it cost to camp at FiddleFest?
Camping is included in all one- and two-day passes. See the Tickets page for more information about day passes.

Where is the camping area?
The camping area is through the parking area in a field. Signs will be posted to direct you to camping. Check in at Moody Center to get directions and a camping pass for your vehicle.

How early can campers arrive and set up?
The camping area is usually ready by the day before the festival, but you will not be able to check in and obtain your wristbands and parking pass until 10:00 A.M. on the first festival day. Check in at Moody Center (see map).

When must campers leave the camping area after the Festival is over?
Campers must be packed up and clear of the camping area by Sunday. Please leave your campsite clean and free of trash! See the Camping page for more information about camping rules.

Do I need to register my camping space in advance?
Registration is not necessary, but camping spots are available on a first come, first served basis.

Does FiddleFest allow both tent and RV camping?
Yes! Both RVs and tents are welcome in the FiddleFest campground. All camping is "in the rough" and there are no hookups for power, water, or sewage.

Are there RV hookups available?
RV hookups are not available in the campground. All camping is "in the rough" and there are no hookups for power, water, or sewage.

What kind of bathrooms are available on the camping site?
Portable restroom facilities are available at the campsite.

What kind of showers are available on the camping site?
Showers in Hollins University's Tayloe Gym are available to campers. The showers are open from 9 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 5 PM. See the Festival Grounds Map for more information.

Is there a shuttle service to the camping area?
The FiddleFest Express Shuttle Bus provides service to the camping area during all festival hours.

Volunteers

How do I become a FiddleFest Volunteer?
Fill out an online application! Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you about setting up your shift.

I've submitted my volunteer application. What do I do now?
Our Volunteer Coordinator should be in touch with you soon. If you haven't heard from us, check your email program's spam filter. If it's been over a week and you haven't had any contact with us after submitting your application, please email our Volunteer Coordinator and let us know!

I made a mistake on my volunteer application. What should I do?
Email our Volunteer Coordinator - be sure to include your name, contact info, and what the error was.

What jobs to FiddleFest Volunteers do?
There are lots of jobs available to volunteers! Check out the Volunteer page to see a complete list.

What shifts are available to volunteers?
Each festival day is usually broken down into four shifts - two daytime and two evening. Setup/tear down days have only one shift. See the Volunteer page for more information on this year's available shifts.

When I arrive at FiddleFest, where do I check in to begin my shift?
If you are working a daytime shift (usually before 5:00 P.M.), check in at Moody Center (see map). If you are working an evening shift (usually after 5:00 P.M.), check in at the Tinker Beach Concert Gate (see map).

Do I need to wear a wristband and "Volunteer" name tag?
Everyone must wear a wristband - even volunteers. Your wristband will admit you to events for the day of your shift. The "Volunteer" nametag does not admit you to festival events - it serves only as a way for festival attendees to identify volunteers if they need help.

How do I redeem my "free tickets" from volunteering?
When you check in, you'll be issued a wristband for the day of your shift. When your shift is over, your wristband is still valid. Evening volunteers are welcome to check in before their shift starts to enjoy that day's events.

Do volunteers get to go backstage?
Some jobs do require backstage access, but most do not. Volunteering is not a free pass to access the backstage Tinker area. Unauthorized persons discovered backstage will be escorted back to the concert area.

I want to help, but I can't work during the shifts listed. What should I do?
Email our Volunteer Coordinator - there may be something else you can do!

Vendors

How do I sign up to vend at FiddleFest?
You must fill out the Vendor's application, agree to the vending rules, and pay a non-refundable deposit. See the Vendor page for more information.

How much does it cost to be a vendor at FiddleFest
A nonrefundable deposit of $200.00 is required to reserve your vending space. Tents, tables, and chairs may be rented from FiddleFest for an additional fee. See the Vendor page for more information.

Where do vendors set up on the FiddleFest grounds?
Vendors may set up at the Tinker Beach concert area, in Moody Center (where daytime events are located), or both if you have the facilities and staff. See the Festival Grounds Map to find these locations; the Interactive Google Map shows specifically where Vendors set up in the concert area.

Are there electric hookups available for vendors?
Power and water supply for outdoor food vendors is available. A maximum of 3 twenty amp, 120 volt circuits may be used by each vendor in the concert area. 220 volt power is NOT available. Power and water are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to avoid disruptions.

Are there water hookups available for vendors?
Power and water supply for outdoor food vendors is available. Power and water are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to avoid disruptions.

When should vendors arrive to set up for the festival?
Vendors should arrive the day before the festival. FiddleFest Staff and Volunteers will be on campus to direct you to your setup space.

When should vendors tear down/pack up equipment after the festival?
To avoid disruption of festival events and concerts, vendors should not tear down during the last night's evening concert. Vendors should pack up and leave the festival grounds the morning after the festival is over.

I have decided not to vend at FiddleFest. Can I have my deposit back?
FiddleFest does not offer refunds on vending deposits.

I have other questions about vending. How can I contact you?
Be sure to check the Vendor page for more information. Contact information for FiddleFest is available on the Contact page.

Artists

I'm performing at FiddleFest this year and have a question about...
Artists performing at FiddleFest should receive an info packet directly or from their booking agents. Feel free to contact us if you have questions. See the Contact page for contact information.