MAP 1 – GENERAL AREA | MAP 2- CONCERT AREA
Ticket and entry questions
Where do I buy tickets?
Tickets are available online at this LINK. Tickets will be available at the show (north gate entrance).
Do kids need tickets?
Kids 12 and under get in free and do not require a ticket.
Are bags checked?
All bags are subject to search.
Can I leave and come back?
With a wristband, you can enter and leave.
What time do gates open?
Gates open at 5pm for the concert. No lawn chairs will be allowed in until then, nobody will be permitted inside the gated area until 5pm Saturday.
Where do I enter the concert area?
Concert entry is at the north gate. Follow the signs when you arrive in Chester. The West Gate is open to anyone with a ticket (no ticket sales at the West Gate).
What time does the music start?
Music is scheduled to start at 6:30pm – here is the full schedule.
Do I need to print my ticket?
You can print your ticket(s) or have them available on your phone to scan.
What happens if it rains?
Chesterfest is an outdoor event. Light rain may not stop the show, but heavy rain, lightning, or unsafe conditions could delay or cancel the concert. Final weather decisions are made with the band and sound crew for everyone’s safety. Watch our Facebook page and website for updates.
Seating and comfort questions
Can I bring lawn chairs?
Yes, you can bring your lawn chairs and place them where you like – but we will have a standing room area in front of the stage marked off.
Is seating available?
We have about 20 picnic tables and some bleacher seating. We also have large wooden ‘spools’ for standing. Here is a satellite image of the concert area.
Can I bring a blanket?
Yes – but you may find that lawn chairs are better.
Can I bring a small purse or backpack?
Yes, but bags are subject to search.
Is there reserved seating?
There is no reserved seating.
Will water be available?
Yes, bottled water will be available at the concession stand ($2).
Is there shade?
Shade is quite limited, so prepare for full sun until it starts to set.
Can I bring a pop-up tent or canopy?
No outside tents or canopies are permitted in the gated area.
Can I bring a cooler?
No coolers allowed.
Can I bring outside food or drinks?
No outside food or drink is permitted inside the gated area.
Will there be food vendors?
We will have Red Oak BBQ serving food starting 5:30 until sold out. We’ll have concessions open throughout the night. FOOD INFO.
Will alcohol be available?
We’ll have a beer tent selling a selection of beers and mixed drinks (ID required), as well as a Moscow Mule station.
Is smoking or vaping allowed?
Yes, but please be considerate of those around you.
Parking and getting around
Where do I park?
Free parking is available around the park as well as street parking. SEE MAP
How far is parking from the concert area?
Most parking should be less than a 5-minute walk. We have a drop-off area at the north gate for your convenience.
Is there handicap parking?
We’ll have a limited number of handicap parking spaces just outside the north gate. If that is full, we have a drop off area at the north gate.
What address should I put into the GPS?
930 Croop St, Chester, NE 68327
Will there be signs when I get to town?
We’ll have signs up to direct you to parking and (hopefully) volunteers to guide you.
What to bring
What should I bring with me?
Lawn chairs, sunscreen, hat, bug spray, ID, cash/card, phone, and a light jacket for later.
What should I not bring?
Coolers, outside alcohol, large tents, pets, drones, fireworks, weapons.
Can I bring my dog?
We love dogs, but due to the crowd size, we do not allow dogs or other pets in the gated area.
Should I bring cash?
Cash is welcome at the gate, concession, beer tent, and Cards are accepted for concert tickets and beer tickets. Cash only at the concession. The BBQ meal is a separate vendor, and we do not know if they accept cards. There is an ATM in downtown Chester (a 2-minute drive).
Family and community questions
Is Chesterfest family-friendly?
Yes – we do everything we can to make this a fun event for the whole family. Here is a list of activities and interests for the kids.
What else is happening during the weekend?
Here is the link to our full schedule for the weekend.
Where are the restrooms?
We will have porta-potties throughout the area, and new this year – some will be air-conditioned. The concession stand building also has men’s and women’s restrooms.
Is the event accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most of the event area is loose gravel. The space is usually a parking lot.
Concert-specific questions
Who is playing this year?
Sawyer Brown is our headliner this year. Local favorites “Bourbon Street” open for them. We’ll have Jared ‘Pete’ Gile in the beer garden after the show until we close.
When does Sawyer Brown perform?
Sawyer Brown is scheduled to start at 9:30.
Can I meet the band?
No meet-and-greets are available this year.
Can I take photos or video?
You are welcome to take non-professional photos during the show. No drone photography is allowed. No flash photography is allowed during the concert.
Will merchandise be available?
Sawyer Brown will have a Merch tent open during the evening. We don’t know the hours at this time.
Weekend visitor questions
Are there places to stay nearby?
Chester does not have any accommodations, but check in the nearest towns (Hebron NE, Belleville, KS).
Camping (tents) is allowed in the fenced playground area.
Where can I get gas or supplies?
There is a gas station with limited shopping on the south end of town. MAP
Where can I eat before or after the event?
Chester does not have a restaurant, but we will have Red Oak BBQ serving great food starting at 5:30
What else is there to do in the area?
Not much! 😀 – Chester is a small town of 230 people.
Sponsorship, volunteer, and community questions
How do I volunteer?
If you are interested in helping – just send us an email! 😀
How do I become a sponsor?
Sponsorship information can be found on this page.
Where does the money go?
Money raised goes towards paying the bills (band, sound, etc). Any funds left over go toward community projects. For example, over $20,000 has been used to improve the park playground.
Who puts on Chesterfest?
Chesterfest is hosted by the Chester Community Club – a volunteer group that works to make the show happen.