Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a live event? Yes, the festival is live at 539 Coopertown Road Unionville, TN 37180.

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 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. 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.

Where will I park? We have a large mowed field for attended free parking that is only a short walk to the festival stage.

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 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, September 24th. The opening ceremony Saturday will begin at 9:50 a.m. with music and dancing throughout the day and night.

Will there be vendors? Multiple food and craft vendors will be at the festival.

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 just two or three chair location adjustments, you can stay in the shade all day long. (See Venue)

What if it rains or storms? This is an outdoor rain-or-shine event without refunds. Middle Tennessee rain storms 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 and profanity-free event that is enjoyable and wholesome for all generations.

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

Can 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.

Can we camp? Yes, primitive camping is available for $10.

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 concluding 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 ages.

What about Covid-19? This is an outdoor fresh air event. Wearing, or not wearing, a mask is your personal choice. Handwashing stations and sanitizers are on-site.

Is there anything else to do in Unionville Tennessee? Not much - the festival is located in a rural community consisting of homes, farm land, and a Dollar General store. Just plan to come and spend the day at the festival. We do have a special deal with Microtel Inn and Suites in Shelbyville which is about 14 miles away. We are located about 10 minutes from Eagleville, about 27 miles from Murfreesboro, 30 miles from Franklin, 31 miles from Lynchburg, and about an hour from Nashville.

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