Alabaster CityFest FAQ
Q: Can I bring a cooler to CityFest?
A: No. Coolers are prohibited. Vendors are available all day who can provide a wide variety of food and drinks.
Q: Can I bring my pet to CityFest?
A: No. As cute and sweet as they might be, pets are prohibited.
Q: Is smoking allowed at CityFest?
A: No. Smoking is prohibited by City Ordinance.
Q: Are firearms allowed at the event?
A: No firearms or weapons allowed at CityFest.
Q: How can I purchase VIP passes?
A: VIP passes are reserved for sponsors only. We do not sell VIP passes to the general public. If you are interested in supporting CityFest, visit our sponsor benefits page and review the sponsor application. Sponsorship levels start at $500. On occasion, we do offer VIP passes within promotional campaigns. These are generally announced on our Facebook page. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to catch these opportunities.
Q: What is Alabaster CityFest?
A: Alabaster CityFest is one of the state’s premier FREE family music festivals. Each year, our festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors, not only from our local community, but from all across the southeast. Our festival grows larger every year and is 100% volunteer operated and funded by our sponsors.
Q: Where is Alabaster CityFest?
A: Alabaster Cityfest takes place at Thompson High School (1921 Warrior Parkway) in Alabaster, AL, a suburb of Birmingham. Get directions.
Q: Where do I park?
A: There are several places to park during this event. We have FREE Public Parking, special VIP Parking, and allocated parking for our Vendors. Go to our Directions page for the details.
Q: How much are CityFest tickets?
A: Alabaster CityFest is a FREE event – no ticket required – just show up at the gate! There is never a charge for parking, shuttles, admission or entrance to the KidsFest area.
Q: Can I bring a tent?
A: You are welcome to bring a tent or umbrella to shield the sun throughout the day. We just ask you to be respectful of other attendees. You can’t block the view of the stage. All tents and umbrellas must come down by 5PM. You are also welcome to bring chairs and blankets.
Q. Nothing is free — What’s the catch?
A. There’s no catch. And you are right, nothing is free (except maybe air.) But this event is truly free…to you! This fun-filled day of entertainment is made possible by hundreds of volunteers donating their skills and time, and by generous sponsors donating 100% of the cost, equipment, advertising, VIP food and services needed to entertain tens of thousands of loyal patrons. So be sure you thank each Alabaster CityFest Sponsor who made this day possible. Let them know you love Alabaster CityFest and you appreciate their generosity! Here’s the BUT…we will have hundreds of vendors, so it would be wise to bring some cash to shop for unique merchandise and food.
Q: Do you recommend children at the festival?
A: Absolutely! Alabaster CityFest is one of the state’s premier family festivals. We are proud of our KidsFest area (sponsored by Vic Smith, CPA) that includes inflatables, rides, healthy eating demonstrations, Lowe’s Build-it Workshop, hands-on arts & crafts and various activities.
Q: Is the event handicap accessible?
A: The venue does have a parking area dedicated to those in wheelchairs, but the main event is in a grassy area with normal terrain variations. We recommend those with a handicap to park in the public parking areas where handicap-friendly shuttle buses pick-up. The shuttle buses will drop you off at the main entrance of CityFest, which is on pavement and is flat. Please understand that this event is located outdoors — there is gravel, grass and slight elevations. There are several obstacles to work around and spread out over an 8 acre field.
Q: Are pets or coolers allowed?
A: No. Both are prohibited.
Q: Since the event is free, do I need to bring money?
A: Although there is no fee to park, use the shuttle buses, enter CityFest, play in the KidsFest area, or enjoy music all-day…we do recommend bringing money to shop with our vendors. There are lots of food vendors, arts & craft vendors, and vendors selling unique merchandise in the vendor area.
Q: Will there be an ATM at the event?
A: Yes. Central State Bank will provide an ATM on-site.
Q: What do I need to bring for the concert?
A: Bring a chair or blanket. Tents and umbrellas may be used for shade during the early portion of the day, but must come down before the concerts begin. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen — and maybe bug spray (this is the deep South)!!!
Q: Are restrooms available?
A: Yes. Portable restrooms are provided on-site.
Q: Will there be security or medical personnel on-site?
A: Absolutely! The Alabaster Police Department will have several officers on duty for the event as well as the Alabaster Fire Department for any emergency.
Q: Will may bag be searched?
A: The Alabaster Police Department may do random bag searches at various entrance points.
Q: Are there special rates at local hotels?
A: Yes. Candlewood Suites in Alabaster has special rates for CityFest attendees.
Q: Is this event organized by the City of Alabaster?
A: No. Although we are very thankful for the City of Alabaster and their generous sponsorship, which helps us acquire nationally recognized performers, Alabaster CityFest is organized by the Alabaster Arts Council.