I bought tickets but now I can’t come. Can I get a refund?

No, all ticket sales are final. The group that puts on the Sugar Maple Music Festival is a nonprofit and we encourage you to give them away, donate, or resell them so more people can access and enjoy roots music.

Are kids free?

Yes, kids 17 and under are FREE when accompanied by a paid adult.

Do you offer discounted ticket prices?

Yes. Our deepest discounted tickets are sold on Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving). After this one-day sale, early-bird ticket prices are in effect until June 1, when tickets become available at ticket outlets around Madison (tickets may also be purchased year-round on EventBrite). Ticket prices go up again on the day of the festival. Check our website for details about ticket sales and to purchase tickets. If you sign up to volunteer at the festival, you get free entry on the day of your shift.

What type of food and drink is available?

We always have a wide variety of food cart vendors at the festival. Check back on our website and/or Facebook page as the date approaches to see who’s coming this year. Tyranena is our beer vendor and we will have Bos Mead, wine and cider also available.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

We encourage you to patronize the local food and beverage vendors at the festival, but you are free to bring your own food, beverages and snacks.

How early can I set up my camping spot on Friday?

You can begin setting up your rustic camping spot after 3:00 p.m. The first act starts at 5:00, so there’s plenty of time to set up your tent at the site. Before 3:00, campers from the previous night may still be packing up to leave and our volunteers will be setting up the site for festival campers.

Can I bring my car into the rustic camping area?

You can drive your vehicle to the rustic camping area for unloading purposes only. Once your camping gear is unloaded, please park your car in the designated parking area to keep the campsite clear and campers safe.

How early can I park my RV in the RV parking area?

We will be ready to assist you in parking your RV after 1 p.m. on Friday.

I bought an RV spot but I am traveling with friends who have a tent. Can they pitch their tent in my RV spot so we can be together?

Yes, there is room in each RV spot for one tent if you have family or friends you would like to camp with.

Where do I park?

There is ample parking very close to the festival. Follow signage to easily locate it.

I’d like to volunteer.

Awesome! Click here for more information.

I’d like to help plan next year’s festival.

Again, awesome! Please send an email to fourlakesmusic@gmail.com and let us know what you would like to help with.

How can I become a sponsor or a raffle donor?

We would be thrilled to have you as a sponsor or raffle donor! Please send us an email at fourlakesmusic@gmail.com and we can get you the information you need.

Are dogs allowed?

For the safety of your pet and festival attendees, no pets are allowed. Assistance/service animals are allowed only when in service.

Should I bring my own chair?

We always have some folding chairs inside the big tent and at the Roots & Reasons stage, but you are free to bring your own chair if you’d like.

Why do dancers block my view of the musicians?

There is a dance floor in front of the main stage with seating beyond inside the tent. When there are a lot of dancers, they can block the view of the stage for people sitting close to the dance floor. If you want to see the musicians for these performances, we recommend that you sit further back or along the sides of the tent.

Can I bring a pop-up tent to set up outside the main tent?

Tents and pop-ups on the main festival grounds are allowed only in a designated pop-up area and cannot be left overnight. Tents must be properly secured to avoid injuring others. Tents left overnight will be confiscated and will not be returned.

Are there any kid’s activities during the festival?

Yes. We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly festival that roots music fans of all ages can enjoy. We will have music, art, workshops and other creative opportunities for kids. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please supervise your children during the festival.

Is smoking allowed?

For the enjoyment of all festival goers, cigarette smoking is not allowed within 40 feet of the main stage big tent or other festival stages and tents.

Can I come and go, or do you have to stay inside the grounds?

As long as you wear the required wristband that identifies you as a paid festival attendee, you can come and go as needed. We encourage you to explore the beautiful Dane County park on the shore of Lake Waubesa.

Can I bring an instrument?

We encourage you to bring your instrument and jam with other roots music fans! Scheduled jams of many genres are a regular part of the festival, including jams for beginners. Informal jams also spontaneously occur.

Can I bike to the fest?

We encourage you to bike to the festival! The festival grounds are located near two paved bicycle/pedestrian trails, the Capital City State Trail and the Lower Yahara River Trail. There are bike racks at the festival near the ticket booth where you can secure your bike.