Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Boston Folk Festival?

The Boston Folk Festival is in two parts: the Songwriting Contest Finals, on Saturday, September 13 from 6pm - 9pm and the two stages of music on Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 11am-7pm. The Sunday activities will also include a children's activities area, as well as food and crafts vendors.

Where is the Boston Folk Festival?

The Festival will be held at the UMass Boston Campus. Directions

The Songwriting Contest on Saturday will be held in Lipke Auditorium, 2nd floor, Science Building. The two stages of music on Sunday will be held in two separate locations on the UMass Boston Campus (see details below on the venues).

Where do I purchase tickets?

You can purchase advance tickets for the Festival and/or the Songwriting Contest Finals online or by phone. More information on purchasing tickets can be found by clicking the "Buy Tickets" link at left, or by phoning 617-287-6911. Advance purchase guarantees you a seat at the lowest price. Tickets will be available at the gate, if the event is not yet sold out.

Can I get to the festival by public transportation?

Yes. Take the Red Line to the JFK/UMass stop. Included in the cost of your ticket is a free UMass Boston shuttle bus that will take you directly to the campus and to a special bus stop for the festival. The buses will run until 10PM on Saturday and 8PM on Sunday.

Can I park at UMass Boston?

Yes. You will be directed to the proper area by signs and/or personnel. The parking situation will be improved this year because a number of new lots have been constructed. Parking is free on both Saturday (for the Songwriting contest Finals) and Sunday (for the Festival). Valet parking is not available. You park your own car and will have direct access to it at all times. Please try to remember where you parked. Please obey all "No Parking" and "Handicapped Parking" rules and signs. Parking rules are enforced.

Can you describe the venues?

There are two festival venues on Sunday: The Field Stage and the Coffeehouse Stage.

The Field Stage

The Field Stage hosts music from 11AM to 7PM. This year, the Field Stage will feature several artists at a time doing song swaps. This stage will be in the same location as last year -- on the soccer field near the entrance to the campus. The field is not shaded or covered by a tent, so be prepared for sun or rain. GENERAL SEATING: The Field Stage has unreserved field-seating. Chairs are not provided. Some camp chairs are for sale at the Folk Store. You may bring your own chair or blanket; however, only low chairs (25" or less) will be permitted closest to the stage. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis (gates open 10AM). PATRON SEATING: There is also a reserved patron-level tickets area where chairs will be provided for your use while at the Festival. These patrons will also have access to a tent with free refreshments. To upgrade in advance of the festival to Patron Seating, call 617-287-6900. Or, at the festival, go to the Box Office. Food and craft vendors will be nearby, as are outdoor porta-johns. Indoor bathrooms are also available in the Quinn Building. A handicapped-accessible area and a handicapped-accessible porta-john will be available at the Field Stage. The Folk Store will offer artists' CDs and festival merchandise for sale.

The Coffeehouse Stage

The Coffeehouse Stage will have music from 11:00AM to 5:00PM. This stage is located outdoors under the Gazebo near the boat dock. The Coffeehouse Stage has chairs and the seats are general admission (unreserved). Outdoor bathrooms are available nearby. Snacks will be available.

SAMW Showcase

What are the children's activities?

A children's area will be open from 11AM to 4PM in the rear of the Field Stage field. It will consist of music-related arts and crafts. This area is designed for children accompanied by adults. Children may not be dropped off. There are no childcare services at the festival.

What will happen in the case of rain?

In the event of moderate or heavy rains predicted 24 hours in advance of the festival, all activities will move indoors. Please note that even without rain, it can be chilly and windy on the UMass Boston campus because of its location next to the ocean, so come prepared!

I've paid for my tickets in advance. Where do I pick them up?

If you have not been mailed your tickets, you can pick up your advance-purchase tickets at the festival Box Office, which will be located near the entrance to the Field Stage.

May I tape or photograph performances?

We're sorry, but video taping, audio taping, and photography of any events at the Boston Folk Festival are strictly prohibited as a result of contractual agreements with the performers. Your recording/photo equipment will be confiscated. Media assigned to cover the festival must obtain clearances, in advance of the festival.

Is smoking allowed?

No. There is no smoking in any area designated as a festival venue. There is also no smoking inside any campus building.

Will alcoholic beverages be sold or allowed?

No. Alcoholic beverages will neither be sold nor allowed anywhere on campus

What type of food will be for sale at the festival?

A variety of dishes will be offered by festival vendors, including international fare, hot dogs, burgers, salads, vegetarian burgers, and other items.

Can I bring my own food or beverage cooler?

You are also welcome to bring a cooler with food and drinks, but please plan to dispose of all waste materials properly or take them with you when you leave. Look for recycling and trash bins at the Field Stage area.

Can I purchase music by festival performers?

The Folk Store by the Field Stage will sell performers' CDs and festival merchandise (tee shirts, hats, and other items). The store accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.

Are pets allowed on campus?

No pets are allowed at any of the stages or on campus, except as required for disabled persons

What kind of accommodations are at the festival for the handicapped and/or hearing- or vision-impaired festival goers?

All sites are fully wheelchair-accessible. If you have a problem with accessibility at the festival, please check with the nearest festival staff person or volunteer for help. All stages will have an area designated for handicapped seating. Cars with handicapped stickers should park in designated "Handicapped Parking." If you require an interpreter or other special assistance, please contact us no later than September 1, 2007, so that the festival can try to accommodate your needs. We do not expect to have unassigned interpreters available the day of the festival. For information on any accessibility issues, contact UMass Boston Customer Service at 617-287-4000.

What type of restroom facilities will be available?

Porta-Johns, including a handicapped-accessible unit, will be the most accessible facilities near the Field Stage. Indoor restrooms will also be available inside the Quinn Building, which is adjacent to the Field Stage.

Is camping permitted on site? Is lodging available?

Camping is not allowed at UMass Boston or on any adjoining property. Check the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Web site (www.mass-vacation.com) or call (800) 227-MASS for nearby camping sites or lodging. Hotel-ticket packages are available through the festival. Check the Boston Folk Festival website for more information on these, or call 617-287-6911.

Food for the homeless collections

Please bring canned edibles, pasta, rice, or other items with you to the festival. The UMass Boston Golden Key Society will be collecting donations for area food banks. The collection site will be at the Information Booth near the entrance to the Field Stage.

Children under 16 must be with their parents or guardians at all time. There are no childcare services.
There are Bank of America ATMs in the Quinn Building.
Motorcycles must be parked in campus parking areas.
No open fires, grills or stoves are allowed.
No amplified music is allowed (acoustic jam sessions in out-of-the-way locations are great though!).
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated!
Unauthorized selling, distributing or leafleting is prohibited.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets for any reason.