FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

​​What does it cost to attend?

There is no fee to attend, no cover, and no drink minimum.  Our festival is community-driven and community-focused. We don't even charge for the shuttle (although we're sure tips are appreciated). 
 

If you enjoy the festival and want it to continue, we would greatly appreciate a contribution. We use revenues to pay the performers, so if you would consider making a donation, or buying that extra beverage from a festival bar, we’d appreciate it! 
 

It costs a lot to run the festival, and we like to pay performers as much as possible, so please consider donating a few dollars. All donations go directly to the performers!

​

What about parking?

Parking is extremely limited in Millvale, but there are some options. Street parking is available on a 1st come, 1st served basis.  We highly recommend alternatives.
Alternatives to parking in Millvale:

• Park in the lots we announce just before the festival, and take the FREE shuttle to the festival

• Park at lots in Lawrenceville and walk across the 40th St Bridge

• Ride your bike using the river trail (Bike parking provided by Bike Pgh)

• Take PRT to Millvale or Lawrenceville and walk the bridge 

• Use a ride share service
   

​

Is this event all-ages? 

Yes, more than half of our venues are all-ages. Some of our venues are 21+ only and they will be marked on the event schedule/map brochure and on the mobile app. 

​​

What happens if it rains?

MMF is a rain or shine event! In the event of severe weather we will make announcements from stages for folks to move indoors. 20+ of our stages have at least some indoor space where you can stay dry until the weather passes.

 

Is there any place to sit? 

Most of our venues are standing room only during the festival, but you are welcome to bring a folding chair with you to our outdoor mainstages. Please be thoughtful about not blocking thoroughfares, especially as crowds get denser later into the evening. We want everyone to stay safe! 

​

Can I bring my pet?

All of our venues welcome service animals in accordance with ADA guidelines. However, we don’t encourage you to bring pets to the festival. There will be a lot of loud music, big crowds that might not see them near your feet, and very few places for them to get a break. They probably won’t enjoy the festival as much as you will. 

​

Are outside drinks allowed?

Non-alcoholic drinks may be brought into the festival.  Alcoholic beverages must be purchased at the festival. 

​​

Where can I get something to eat? 

In addition to the great eateries that call Millvale home, there will be food trucks scattered throughout the footprint. Check the map and app for locations.

​

​Someone in my group gets overwhelmed occasionally. Is there a quiet spot to set away and reset? 

Our wellness hub at the Library is a great spot for this! It will be open on Saturday during the day and has some great orgs as well as some quiet space. 

​

How can I find where my favorite band/act is playing? 

Shortly before the festival, we release the full schedule on our website and our mobile app, including venue/stage and times for each performance. You can also find photos and bios of each act.

​

Is there a way to check out bands I’m unfamiliar with before the festival?

We release a playlist with a couple of songs from almost every band performing that year shortly before the festival. 

​

FOR PERFORMERS:

Where do I find the details for my set?

You will receive a production email in the lead up to the festival with all of the load in/load out, backlining, and parking details. If you have specific questions, please contact your booking contact.

 

Do you pay performers?​

Yes, we guarantee pay. We cannot guarantee an exact amount though. We pay performers out of the festival revenue and that amount varies each year. We will always include the pay range from the year before in the directions above the application. 

​

How and when are performers paid?

It can take about three months for checks to go out. Each venue pays a percentage of its profits, and we combine that with the festival income and calculate each performer's share based on the size of the act. It takes a while to collect all the shares, calculate the payments, and print and sign hundreds of checks, so we appreciate your patience.

​

How do we apply to play?

Band/Act applications close Jan 1 each year. THANK YOU to the over 850 acts that submitted this year!

​

FOR VOLUNTEERS/STAFF:

Volunteers' and staff submissions are open here.

How do I know my assignment?

You will receive an email from our volunteer team several weeks before the festival with details. 

​

Is there training?

We hold two volunteer training sessions in the lead-up to the festival. You will need to attend one of those sessions to make sure you have all of the details. 

​

FOR SPONSORS & VENDORS:

Volunteers' and staff submissions are open here.

How do I sign up as a vendor?

All spots are filled for this year, but in the future...

 

If you're an artist, you can apply as a visual artist during application season.

 

If you are a food truck, you can apply as a food vendor during application season.

 

If you are a business, you can apply to be a commercial vendor during application season, or sign up to be a sponsor if you'd like to table at the event. Due to limited space, only higher-level sponsors ($3K+) are allowed to table.

 

If you are a non-profit looking to partner with us, please email info@millvalemusic.org