Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bring food and beverages to the Balktoberfest?
A: Attendees may bring their own non-alcoholic beverages. Unless you have a dietary restriction, please do not bring your own food to the event.
Q: Do I need special dance shoes?
A: No, special shoes are not required but you should consider wearing shoes that are both comfortable and stable.
Q: What things should I consider bringing to the event?
A: If you have sensitive hearing, you might want to bring a pair of ear plugs just in case. We try to keep volumes down while still making it possible to hear things well throughout the whole room but everybody has their own opinion about what they consider to be too loud.
Q: Is it a problem that I've never done these dances before?
A: Absolutely not, most of the dances that you will see are easy to pick up just by joining the line.
Q: Why is there an admission charge and what happens to the money that is taken in?
A: Our event doesn't receive, at this time, corporate sponsorship or grant assistance so we must charge an admission fee to cover costs including hall rental, food, beverage, supplies, sound reinforcement and publicity. Our profit margin is very small but we do commit to donating a portion of our profits to the non-profit organization Search for Common Ground to support their conflict resolution program in Macedonia. For our first 2 festivals, performers have graciously played without payment. This year we have earmarked some money to compensate out-of-town performers for their travel expenses. Any monies that remain after covering costs and our donation commitments go to support other cultural programs run by our 501c-3 organization, the World Music Folklife Center.
Q: Is swimming or fishing permitted in the pond?
A: No, neither swimming nor fishing are permitted in the pond. Additionally, parents are responsible to monitor their children at all times. Festival staff are not responsible for the safety of people attending the event.
Q: How can I volunteer and what are the benefits of doing so?
A: You can volunteer by emailing our volunteer coordinator at volunteers@balktoberfest.com. Working a two-hour shift is rewarded by getting into the entire event for free.
Q: Can I pay less than the full admission fee if I plan to leave the evening party early?
A: No, full admission is required to participate in any part of the event that happens in the hall after 6:30pm. If the admission fee poses a financial hardship for you, consider either coming to just the free afternoon portion or working a two-hour volunteer shift.
Q: How will weather effect the afternoon program?
A: If there is only light rain, low winds and temperatures above 65F, we will still hold the afternoon's program outside under the tent. If the weather is any worse, we will hold the afternoon's program inside the hall. This will have no effect on admission prices, food offerings or music program. Dress accordingly.
