Festival FAQs
Where is parking located for the festival?
There is limited FREE parking throughout Downtown Manteo. Park & Ride is available for $5.00 a day from the Manteo Elementary School parking lot. The Shuttle will drop you off at the festival gate. If you have a VIP pass you will be given access to park on Bluegrass Island at the venue.
What time do the gates open?
The festival gates open at 11:30 a.m. each day of the festival.
What is the earliest I can set up my chairs at the festival?
If you have a 3-Day festival pass you are granted early entry on Wednesday as soon as 2PM. All others may enter when gates open each day. Chairs may be left over night during the 3 days.
Can I bring ‘outside food and drinks’ inside the festival?
No, you may not. However, we have plenty of food vendors located within festival park (and local restaurants within walking distance)
A variety of Beer & Wine is sold on site.
If the festival is canceled for any reason or we just can't make it this year, can we get a refund on our tickets?
No, we do not give refunds for any reason. However, our ticket policy says "If you cannot attend for any reason you will receive credit towards the following year's festival". If the credit is not used the following year from which it was purchased it then becomes void.
Can I bring my pets inside for the festival?
No outside animals are allowed UNLESS it is a service animal with proper documentation.
Are there bathrooms located on-site?
There are indoor bathrooms located at the back of Roanoke Island Festival Park, in the museum building and there are portable toilets within the festival area.
Can I bring an umbrella/ pop-up tent/ canopy chair?
Umbrellas, pop up tents, and canopy chairs are not allowed inside the festival. If you do have a canopy chair (one with an attached, overhanging sun shade above your head) you must sit in the back – be mindful of the people behind you. There are shade-providing trees on the back of the lawn.
Where is the FREE Wednesay event located?
The festival kick-off event is located at the Bluegrass Island Trading Company at 107 Budleigh Street in Downtown Manteo. FREE parking will be located just a short walk away at Roanoke Island Festival Park on this day only for all attendees. You are welcome to bring chairs and coolers. Please keep in mind that the town of Manteo allows alcohol on the streets but it must be in a cup. This FREE day of the event always draws a crowd so we recommend you arrive early to put your chairs out.