FESTIVAL FAQ

Will the festival be free again this year?
Yes, thanks to our sponsors!

But if you want more access, more music and more BBQ, purchase the Whole Hog package. For more details, click here.Return to Top

What’s the BBQ situation this year?
Again, there will be a Kansas City Barbeque Society State Champion BBQ Contest. Contestants will be located near the Flat Branch area. The public is welcome to watch the cooks and judges, and smell the aromas of championship BBQ, but unfortunately it is against policy to allow contestants to offer their wares to the public at a competition.Return to Top

So where can I get some BBQ to eat?
There will be many BBQ vendors (separate from the contest) and other tasty food, sodas, water and treats along the main thoroughfares of the festival: Cherry Street from Flat Branch Park all the way to the Cherry Street Stage at Eighth Street; and on Seventh Street from Cherry all the way down to Peace Park. Each vendor will be pricing their own food, therefore prices will vary. And, remember, we’re in the heart of The District, which means you can find any kind of food you could possibly want at local restaurants.

Unlimited food and drinks are available to Whole Hog guests all weekend long in the Whole Hog Lounge located in the historic Tiger Hotel Ballroom. Whole Hog guests also have access to the Whole Hog Roast, a private pre-party held on Thursday, October 2 at the newly renovated Missouri Theatre. For more information regarding the Whole Hog package, click here.Return to Top

What about the Blues Bucks?
There will be no Blues Bucks this year…your money is good at any of the vendors throughout the festival.Return to Top

Where should I park?
The Mizzou Sports Complex parking lot on Mick Deaver Drive, right off of Stadium Boulevard. With the exception of the garage at Eighth and Cherry, every public parking garage will be accessible, those nearest to the festival include Sixth & Cherry, Hitt & Cherry, and Walnut & Eighth. While designated streets will be closed to thru traffic, parking garages will still be accessible.

Professional valet services will be available to those individuals who purchase the Whole Hog package. For more details on Whole Hog Parking, click here.Return to Top

What are the hours of the festival?
Friday, Oct. 3 from 5p.m. to 10p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 11p.m.

Just can't get enough of the blues? Whole Hog guests will be granted free admission to the October 2 pre-party and to the late night blues jams at The Blue Note each night after the festival shuts down. Complimentary Whole Hog Cocktails will be offered here as well. For more details, click here.Return to Top

Where will public portable restrooms be located?
On Locust between Sixth & Seventh, on Eighth between Locust & Elm, and near Flat Branch Park. Each of these locations will offer ADA restrooms as well.

Whole Hog guests will have access to clean, private restrooms at the historic Tiger Hotel located on 8th Street. For additional information, click here. Return to Top

Will alcoholic beverages be sold?
Yes, beer and other alcoholic beverages will be sold in plastic recyclable containers. The city has allowed the purchasing and consuming of alcoholic beverages during the festival in 5 city blocks all of which will offer stage views. Two blocks of cherry between Ninth & Seventh on either side of the Cherry Street stage and one block of Eighth facing the stage from Cherry up to (but not including) the intersection at Broadway; and two blocks on Elm from Sixth to Eighth adjacent to Peace Park. You must be age 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages, please have a current photo ID with you if you plan to purchase or consume alcohol.

Whole Hog guests have no need to stand in lines or run to the nearest ATM for cash to satisfy their hunger or thirst. Guests can enjoy unlimited Whole Hog Cocktails all weekend long in the Whole Hog Lounge. Beverages will also be available in the 'Whole Hog Tents', located near each of the stages at Peace Park and Flat Branch Park. Click here for more information. Return to Top

Where will the stages be located?

Two stages will remain in the same locations as last year, one in Flat Branch Park near the intersection of Fourth and Cherry Streets, and one in Peace Park near the intersection of Sixth and Elm Streets. A third stage will sit in the street at Eighth and Cherry just one block south of last year’s Broadway stage.

If the crowds meet the anticipated totals, the streets of Columbia will be packed! Why not catch your favorite acts from the comfort of the Whole Hog Lounge? Flat screen TVs will be positioned in the Tiger Hotel Ballroom complete with a live video feed of the three stages, all of the highlights from the Mizzou v. Nebraska football game and other action from the wide world of sports. For more details regarding the Whole Hog Lounge, click right here.Return to Top

Should I bring a lawn chair or blanket?
Blankets are welcome in Peace Park and Flat Branch Park. Most likely people will be primarily standing at the Eighth and Cherry stage. If you wish to bring a chair with you to the Cherry Street stage, we would ask that you carry it with you when you leave the stage. Unattended furniture in the street will be removed, as it creates difficulties for emergency vehicles, should there be a need for them to enter the area.Return to Top

Where and when will the BBQ contest winners be announced?
Saturday, Oct. 4 at 4pm at Flat Branch Park.Return to Top

What emergency assistance will be available on site?
There will be three care stations on site for minor medical treatment in the festival area; additionally, police, fire officials and EMTs will be on site. We will also have volunteer security staff throughout the grounds, so ask any of these personnel if you need assistance.Return to Top

Is there a Lost & Found?
Yes, Lost and Found will be located at the three care stations. If you lose something, or someone, check at any care station.Return to Top

What kind of handicap access will be provided?
The City of Columbia is highly accessible to those with special needs. Each of the City’s parking garages offers handicapped parking, and there will be accessible restroom facilities. Be sure to arrive early as parking is at a premium.Return to Top

Can I bring my pets?
NO PETS! Please leave your pets at home. The festival is in a downtown area, with limited grassy areas. The ONLY exception is for licensed therapy dogs.Return to Top

Can I bring a cooler into the festival grounds?
No. Because of the numbers of people expected at the festival, we prefer that neither coolers nor pets be brought into the festival grounds. There will be ample opportunities to purchase food and drink.Return to Top

What about cameras and taping?
Personal cameras will be allowed. Professional cameras are prohibited without Press Credentials. Artists request that audio and video-taping will not be allowed.Return to Top

Anything else I should leave at home?
Glass containers are not allowed. No drugs or illegal substances. No firearms or fireworks.Return to Top

What is the weather like in Columbia in early October?
It’s very pleasant, with highs in the low-70s to lows in the low-50s. October is typically a month of lower-than-average rainfall and a great time to be outside in Missouri.Return to Top

Will there be arts and crafts?
No, this festival is about music and food and there will be an abundance of great offerings of both. We recommend you visit the District, the prior weekend, Sept. 27-28 for Columbia’s Fall Festival of the Arts if you’re shopping for art.Return to Top

Will merchandise be sold at the festival?
Yes, we will have souvenir t-shirts, hats, posters and other items for sale throughout the festival.

Each Whole Hog guest will receive a Whole Hog Gift Bag which includes: a personalized lanyard; gifts from all Roots 'N Blues 'N BBQ sponsors; a detailed itinerary and map of the festival and special Whole Hog events; a menu from the Whole Hog Lounge; all in a special limited edition souvenir Whole Hog VIP canvas bag. Click here for more details on the Whole Hog experience.Return to Top

How can I become a sponsor or vendor at the festival?
Please email vendors@rootsnbluesnbbq.com or sponsors@rootsnbluesnbbq.com to make an inquiry.Return to Top