FAQ

After purchasing, how will I receive my tickets?

Within 24 hours of your purchase, you should receive your ticket via email. Your ticket can be printed at home or shown on your mobile device to gain entry. Should you not receive your ticket email within 24 hours of your purchase, reach out to tickets@tryon.com and we will be happy to assist you.

 

What is the cost of a child’s ticket?

Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult to all General Admission areas (entry to festival grounds, GA Viewing Areas, Kid Zone, and Tryon Resort offerings.) However, for parents with Grand Stand, Scruggs Patron VIP, Blue Ridge VIPX, or Cabana access (guaranteed seated ticket types) please note that only children 3 and under may join you in those special access areas for free. If your child will need their own seat (4 and up), they will need their own ticket to have access to those special areas (Grand Stand, Scruggs Patron VIP, Blue Ridge VIPX, or Cabana.)

What’s the best way to stay up to date on festival happenings?

Festival Attendees: Text “ESMF” to 40691 to get the Scruggs Scoop for official festival updates. These texts will be the best way to keep up to date on the festival schedule, stay informed on festival happenings & surprise performances throughout the weekend.

Where do I park?

Free Daily GA Parking will be available with Earl Express shuttle service provided throughout the day. PLEASE NOTE: Reserved Weekend VIP Parking in the main lot IS NOT included with any ticket type. You must purchase this separately here.

 

Can I bring a water bottle into the festival?

Empty water bottles are allowed into the festival. There are several places to refill your water bottle around the festival grounds, including all restaurants on-site, the General Store, and public water fountains. If you aren’t sure please ask a volunteer or look at our welcome guides. 

Can I bring my camera?

Point-and-Shoot cameras are permitted, but only for personal use. Commercial photographers must request a media credential by clicking here Please note that we reserve the right to not issue media credentials for every request.

What kind of bag can I bring?

No bags or purses will be allowed in the festival venue gates unless they are made of a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. Please note, all guests will be subject to search upon arrival via our security check-point. To expedite the entry process, our overall suggestion – less is more! 

✅ YES -Clear bags made of clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear pvc which do not exceed 14″ x 17″ x 6″

✅ YES Instruments in cases will be allowed in to be used in the Jamming Area at the Silo Bar, but will be subject to a thorough search. 

🚫 NO backpacks or bags that are not clear

🚫 Single pocket drawstring bags that are not clear

We will have clear bags available for purchase on-site at the festival merch booth.

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Can I bring my cooler and/or my own food & drink?

Coolers and outside food and drink are not permitted inside the Earl Scruggs Music Festival performance venues, except for medical reasons (dietary restrictions, glucose intolerance, etc.). One pint-sized zip-lock bag per person can be brought into the performance venues for medical reasons.

Are dogs allowed at the festival?

Dogs are not permitted on the festival site where the Earl Scruggs Music Festival is being held; however, dogs on leash are welcome onsite at Tryon Resort and in the camping areas.

Is the festival indoors?

The Festival is an outdoor event, however, there are covered areas available at the Flint Hill Stage seating area and the Legends Workshop Stage is in a covered area.  

Is the festival rain or shine?

Yes, but the festival will have safe practices in place for severe weather situations. In case of a weather emergency, please follow instructions from our staff.

Will there be opportunities for jamming?

Yes! We encourage all patrons to bring their instruments and join us at the IBMA Jammin’ Area: Earl’s Pickin’ Pavilion. BYO Instrument! All instrument cases will be subject to search at the festival gate. Lets celebrate Scruggs the best way we know how!

Friday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Sunday from 10:00am – 1:00pm.

Will there be any childrenʼs activities?

The legacy lives on! Our Land of Rhythm Kid Zone offers kid-friendly activities, including face painting, games, an instrument “petting zoo”, and more! Thanks to our friends at @uptownshelby and @landofrhythm: Home of Earl Scruggs for hosting the Kid Zone as a way to celebrate Earl’s legacy and honor his commitment to teaching kids. We are excited to share his story and passion for music with the next generation! Click the link in our bio for more details. Remember: Children 12 and under are admitted free to the festival with an adult with a General Admission pass! HOURS: Friday, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Saturday , 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

How can my band be considered to play the festival?

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival lineup is carefully curated by our festival committee and does not accept unsolicited materials from bands/artists.

What time does the festival open each day?

Gate times 8am-9pm

What time does the music start and end each day?

Thursday, free & open to the public: Music starts at 6p, ends at 9p. Tickets must be purchased for Friday through Sunday events. Friday, music starts at 10:00am, ends at 11:30p; Saturday, music starts at 10:00a, ends at 12:30a; Sunday, music starts at 10:30a, ends at 7:30p  

Can I be a vendor?

Food vendor applications open through July 15, 2023; craft vendor applications open through July 1, 2023

FOOD VENDORS APPLY HERE

MERCHANT VENDORS APPLY HERE

I wanna help! Do you need volunteers?

All Volunteer positions are filled

What kind of chair can I bring into the GA area?

Portable, collapsible chairs (nothing taller than a standard camping chair) are permitted inside the GA area.

Chairs are not allowed to remain at Flint Hill or Foggy Mountain Stages overnight. If chairs are left overnight, the festival does not guarantee that they will be there the following day.

What about sunshades and blankets?

Sunshades and tents are not permitted. Blankets must not exceed 10’ x 10’.

What SHOULD I NOT bring to ESMF?

• Weapons of any kind
• Any glass containers
• Golf Carts
• Large backpacks, purses, or any bag over 12″ x 12″ x 6″ in size
• Bags that are not clear
• Food and drink
• Alcohol
• Illegal substances of any kind
• Umbrellas
• Coolers or picnic baskets
• Lasers
• Glow Sticks
• Stickers
• Silly string
• Confetti
• Glitter
• Spray paint
• Pets (Service dogs will be permitted)
• Glass containers and metal aerosol cans, including sunscreen in aerosol cans
• Detachable lens cameras
• Recording devices of any kind including professional recording equipment, GoPros, audio recording equipment, and video recording equipment
• No unauthorized vendors will be permitted
• No solicitations, handbills, sampling, giveaways, etc.
• Remote-controlled vehicles or aircraft, including drones
• Sunshades and tents
• Blankets over 10’ x 10’.

What is your refund policy?

Tickets to the Earl Scruggs Music Festival are non-refundable. Should the event be postponed or cancelled, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the rescheduled date or the following year’s festival.

Is the festival accessible for persons with disabilities?

The Music Venue at TIEC is ADA accessible. Designated sections are available for handicap seating in the general admission seating, the stands, or in the floor seating. Ramps are available for access to all handicap seating sections. ADA parking will also be available. Attendees requiring ADA parking will need to hang their ADA-approved parking tag in their car for access to this area.

Will there be food options onsite?

Food trucks and the Tryon Resort restaurants will be serving a variety of food (including options for those with dietary restrictions) for purchase. Outside food and drink is not permitted.

Tryon International Equestrian Center offers world class restaurants, which are located in Legends Plaza.

What drink options will be available?

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

What Craft Vendors will be onsite?

More details to come for 2023. Stay tuned.

Will a shuttle be available?

Yes! We will offer a free on-site shuttle service – the Earl Express – between the parking areas, tent/RV camping, and entrance to the festival. The shuttle will stop at two locations on the festival grounds. We will have two shuttles cycling continuously to better serve festival attendees. Please no drinking and driving. The state troopers and local law enforcement will be out making sure everyone is safe! Check back after the line-up is released for shuttle times

What else is there to do in the region?

There are a wide range of activities for individuals and families to explore in the beautiful Tri-County area while here for the festival.

Stop by & visit the place where the legend lives on, Shelby, NC! Our partners have highlighted a list of what to Know Before You Go Guide for your journey to our neck of the woods. Stop by during the festival weekend or come back later to soak it all in.

To make the most of your visit, check what’s available at the Tryon Resort and the surrounding counties of Cleveland, Polk and Rutherford.

Tryon Resort has multiple shops and restaurants located in the Legends Plaza area to enjoy while at the festival. Kids’ activities will also be available in this area for attendees to enjoy.

Earl Scruggs Center located at 103 S Lafayette Street in Shelby, NC, about 30 minutes from the festival grounds at TIEC.

Cleveland County, NC Visitor’s Guide (Shelby)

Polk County, NC Visitor’s Guide (Saluda, Tryon, Columbus)

Rutherford County, NC Visitor’s Guide (Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Blue Ridge Foothills)

Will Wi-Fi be available?

Yes! Tryon Resort offers complimentary Wi-Fi services to all of its onsite visitors. Select “Tryon Resort Guest” to access the free Wi-Fi.