Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this event?  The festival is held on a picturesque rural 1800's farm located at 539 Coopertown Road Unionville, TN 37180 which is in northern Bedford County in the southern center of the Middle Grand Division of Tennessee.  Our address readily appears on most GPS systems.  If you get lost, call the property owners at 931-703-9849 or 931-205-1674 for directions.  See the map below.

What is the cost?  The admission price is $10.00 cash collected at the gate on the day of the festival.  Kids 6-12 admission price is $5.00.  There is no charge for pre-school aged children.  There are no additional costs to camp or enter contests.

Is this festival for profit?  No, MaupinFest is produced by the Tennessee Old-Time Music and Dance Association, a non-profit corporation 501(c)(3) public charity run by volunteers.  TOTMADA strives to maintain conservative financial stewardship regarding production costs so as to perpetuate the festival.  Our generous sponsors and volunteers help us keep ticket prices low. The property owners are board members and receive no compensation.

Where will I park?  We have a large, mowed field for free parking that is only a short walk to the festival stage.  Community High School FFA volunteers will be available to assist.  Golf cart assistance may also be available. 

How can I get tickets?  Cash will be accepted for a color-coded wristband at the gate.  Tickets are not available in advance. 

What are the times?  The gate will open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, September 20th, with an opening ceremony just prior to the music and dancing starting at 10:00 a.m. We have a target conclusion time of 8:30 p.m.  Campers may arrive on Friday and stay until Sunday morning. 

Will there be vendors?  Yes, multiple food and craft vendors will be at the festival on Saturday. 

Do I need to bring a chair?  Yes, bring your favorite comfortable lawn chair!  There are a limited number of rustic wooden benches available throughout the festival grounds for those who rather travel light. 

Is there shade?  Yes, concerts and contests will take place on a large stage in a well-shaded lot.  With two or three chair location adjustments, you should be able to stay shaded all day long.  (See Venue)

What if it rains or storms?  This is an outdoor rain-or-shine event without refunds.  Middle Tennessee rainstorms in September are usually infrequent, sporadic, and short in duration but being prepared with rain gear is encouraged.  In the event of weather safety delays, you may seek shelter in your vehicle and then re-enter with your armband when the storm has passed, and activities resume.  Nearby Rover Baptist Church serves as a Bedford County storm shelter, if needed. 

Is this event family-friendly?  Yes, our goal is to have an alcohol-free, drug-free, profanity-free, and debauchery-free event that is enjoyable and wholesome for all folks and generations.  Violators are subject to removal from the festival grounds without reimbursement of admission fees or expenses. 

Are pets welcome?  Yes, if they are quiet, well-behaved, have safe public temperament, are cleaned up after, and do not interfere with others' enjoyment of the festival.  

Is smoking allowed? While we want everyone to enjoy the festival, we request that smokers step to the back of the stage yard downwind from the sitting audience. 

May we bring shade tents?  Yes, small pop-up canopy tents may be erected at the rear of the stage lot within the marked area so as not to obstruct the view of other spectators.

May we bring coolers?  While we want to support our food and beverage vendors who financially support the festival, small coolers are acceptable, but alcohol is prohibited. 

Can we camp?  Yes, free primitive camping is available. You may camp with vehicles in the large parking field.  Tent campers may hike in to the shaded field behind the log barn near the festival facilities. 

Is there an area for dancing?  Yes, we have a large lighted wooden side stage platform for buck dancers and there is ample space for individual dance boards on the stage grounds.  We also have a lighted square dance circle in front of the stage for our evening square dance. Since MaupinFest strives to promote old-time music and dance, we do not have a concreted area for line dancing that you might expect at bluegrass or country music events.  

Are there age categories for contests?  The singing contest and the instrumental contests for old-time banjo, old-time fiddle, and old-time band are ageless.  The buck dancing contests are categorized:  Junior 25 & under, Adult 26-50, and Senior 51 & older. The Buck Dancing National Championship includes all qualified age participants.

Is there anything else to do in Unionville, Tennessee?  Not much - the festival is located in a rural community consisting of homes, farmland, and a Dollar General store.  Just plan to come and spend the day at the festival.  Shelbyville is 14 miles southeast.  Eagleville is about 10 minutes north. Murfreesboro is about 27 miles northeast. Franklin is 30 miles northwest. Lynchburg is 31 miles southeast and Nashville is about an hour north of Unionville.  See the map below.

Who do I contact with questions?  If you can't find your answer on this website, contact Keith Williams at (931) 703-9849 or email at tnoldtimemusicdance@gmail.com