Frequently Asked
Questions

Yes, but follow all rules that you would at any Birmingham City Public Park (i.e. no glass, no alcohol, etc.).

Yes, and no. The Birmingham Folk Fest, like all festivals, is by no means free to put on--but our sponsors have generously made it so that this festival can be free to the public. Thank them!!!!

You do not! Because it is a free event, we do encourage you to thoughtfully engage with how you might pay it forward through purchasing from local vendors, or donating to a local non-profit. We have some recommended non-profits listed in our program.

Parking is just city parking, first come-first serve. We will work to partner with other entities around the park to secure parking, if we can find a beneficial arrangement together. So please check back for more info.

It is a public park, so all public park rules apply. Pick up after your pet, and bring water for them. We do not have watering stations for pets (though we'd one day love to). 

We work with a permitted third party vendor to sell/serve alcohol in the park. No alcohol purchased or served within the park is allowed outside of the park boundaries. No one under 21 may consume or handle alcoholic beverages.

Consuming alcoholic beverages in Avondale Park not purchased from a vendor permitted and licensed to sell alcohol in Avondale Park may get you into a good 'ol sit down with Birmingham Police Department.

We are Rain or SHINE!!!! And, in case of major storms, we have a contingency date set for 5/18. Our board member Barry Johnson recommends to "just look forward to good weather."

There will be ADA porta potties, and most of the park is accessible via ramps and sidewalks. Most vendors will be along the sidewalks for easy access. The Amphitheater is also handicap accessible. 

Birmingham Police Officers will patrol prior to, during, and after the festival to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, artists, and volunteers.

Please do and tag us! @birminghamfolkfest 

While it is a public event, the park is also rented by the entity The Birmingham Folk Festival for the express permission of putting on a festival. Other entities promoting activities incongruent to that end will be asked to vacate the premises by Birmingham Police. 

Such a dreamy amphitheater. Yes, make yourself at home, but be aware that crowds wax and wane, so be a pal and scoot over, if someone needs a spot to sit. 

Absolutely, but be mindful to contribute to the vibe. Some of the old-time jams especially have traditional ways songs are played; so, if you are uncertain your full drum kit is a good fit, just ask a neighbor to get the lay of the land. 

The Birmingham Folk Festival works to collectively curate this festival with other arts/music initiatives in the city. There is also a committee of individuals that help to keep up with music/art related programming, but largely "who gets to play" is determined by a consortium of individuals, other non-profits that are doing work in arts year round, and the accompanying vision that the festival remain diverse and representative of Birmingham, Alabama, and the Deep South. 

May 17th from 11am-7pm. Usually it is held in the first half of May. 

We recommend Cahaba Brewing Company if you want to keep the candle burning after the last act:)