Covered Bridge Festival FAQ

Planning your visit to the Covered Bridge Festival? We have gathered answers to some of the most common questions to help you make the most of your festival experience.

Festival Hours

Saturday, October 10: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sunday, October 11: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Covered Bridge Festival Parade: Sunday at 3:00 PM

Tickets & Admission

Where do I enter the festival?

Festival admission is $3 for 12 and up. Admission Gates available at the Intersections of:

John Wayne and Jefferson
Jefferson and 2nd
John Wayne and Court
Court and 2nd

Can I pay with a credit or debit card?

Cash is accepted at all festival gates. Card readers are also available at Gates 5.

Do I need cash once I am inside the festival?

Individual vendors and activities may have different payment options. We recommend bringing cash with you, just in case.

What Can I Bring?

Are pets allowed at the festival?

For the safety and comfort of all visitors and participants, only service animals are permitted on festival grounds. Emotional support animals and therapy animals are not considered service animals for purposes of festival access.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not permitted inside the festival grounds.

Festival Grounds & Accessibility

Are the festival grounds accessible?

Handicap Parking will be on 1st Avenue between Green and Jefferson. Limited Handicap spaces at Charlotte Spear State Farm on Green.

Where can I park?

Parking is located at Remmington Seeds (10th and East Lane). You can catch the FREE Shuttle to Gates 5. Two shuttles will run during the festival by HURTA both days.

Are restrooms available?

Restrooms (Kybo) will be around the festival. The Visitor Center has public restrooms available. Moms have access to quiet rooms to nurse at the Madison County Music Company, changing tables available as well. Family Restrooms are available at the Warehouse on 2nd.

Food & Vendors

Will food be available at the festival?

Yes! A variety of food vendors will be available throughout the festival grounds.

What types of vendors will be at the festival?

The festival features a variety of vendors. Please visit our page, Covered Bridge Festival, for the full list of vendors.

Can vendors accept credit cards?

Payment methods vary by vendor. Bringing cash is recommended.

Parade

When is the Covered Bridge Festival Parade?

The parade takes place Sunday, October 11 at 3:00 PM.

Where is the parade route?

The parade route starts at the high school and heads north on 8th Ave. then east on Court St. to 2nd Ave. for one block and then turns south on 2nd. It then turns east onto Washington St. makes a left onto 4th St. then continues east on Court St. and goes just past 10th St.

What time should I arrive for the parade?

Set up your chairs along the route and enjoy the festival. Parade starts at 3:00 PM.

Events & Activities

Where can I find the festival schedule?

Please visit our page, Covered Bridge Festival, to view the full festival schedule.

Are activities available for children?

There will be tons of options. The Warehouse on 2nd will have video games, pickle ball, board games, & puzzles. Corn Bin, walk inside a Hot Air Balloon, yard games on the courthouse lawn, and cornhole bags to play on John Wayne Dr. and Court.

Where can I find live music and entertainment schedules?

To view the live music and entertainment schedule, please visit our Covered Bridge Festival page.

Weather

What happens if it rains?

The festival is held rain or shine unless weather conditions create an unsafe environment.

What should I wear?

Festival weather can vary in October, so we recommend checking the forecast and dressing in layers. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended.

Getting Around

Can I walk between festival areas?

Yes, Gate 5 catch a shuttle to the Historical Complex, and take a tour of the Bridges. You can walk to the Car Show on Sunday or pitch your chairs for the parade and come back to enjoy the festival.

Will there be a shuttle?

Parking is located at Remmington Seeds (10th and East Lane). You can catch the free Shuttle to Gates 5. Two shuttles will run during the festival by HURTA both days.

Still Have Questions?

We are happy to help! Contact the Covered Bridge Festival Welcome Center, Madison County Chamber of Commerce by sending an email to chamber@madisoncounty.com or give us a call at 515-462-1185.