Old Settler's Music Festival : Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Feel free to contact us for any questions you have. However, we may have already answered your questions below-have a look!

What happens if it rains?

Our show goes on rain or shine. If there’s a possibility the weather conditions are dangerous, some events may be canceled-but this is up to the discretion of Old Settler’s and artist management, and any cancellations may be short-notice. Be prepared for any weather, and bring a raincoat!

Can I get a refund on my ticket?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds-even for bad weather. Once tickets are purchased, they are non-refundable. So before you buy, be sure.

Can I come to Camp Ben McCulloch early?

It’s not unusual for people to come to the campground early to grab their favorite camping spots and set up-some of our regulars have been doing it for several years.

However, Old Settler’s doesn’t own Camp Ben McCulloch. We rent it only for the four-day festival period, Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon. If you’d like to come early, you’ll need to pay Camp Ben a per-night fee.

They will charge you for the days you’re planning to camp before the festival; your camping wristband will cover the rest of the time. At this writing, the rates are $15 per night for tents and $20 per night for campers and RV’s.

Contact Camp Ben McCulloch to find out more about rates.

What can I bring in-and what’s off limits?

You can bring any food or drinks you’d like into the campground. We also have food, coffee, and ice available for purchase there.

You won’t be permitted to bring your own food or drinks (except two sealed bottles of water) into the Salt Lick Pavilion grounds. But you won’t go hungry or thirsty. You’ll find a wide variety of food and beverage options inside-including gourmet fare, good wines, and craft beer.

Please bring low-backed chairs or blankets.

Please leave your pets at home or in one of these convenient dog camps . Really, they’ll be much happier.

We don’t allow weapons at the festival. So as attached as you may be to your hunting rifle, Bowie knife, or ninja throwing stars, we ask you to leave them at home.

Are the campgrounds and festival handicapped-accessible?

Our staff is dedicated to making sure the camp and festival grounds are accessible to all. Contact us [link to contact page] if you have specific questions or requirements regarding accessibility.

Can I light a fire at the campground?

Yes, but the fire must be contained-in a fire pit, grill, or another safe place. If the weather is dangerously dry, there may be a burn ban.

Can I chop down trees in the campground for firewood?

Camp Ben McCulloch asks that you don’t do anything to change the landscape of the campground-including chopping down trees. Please bring your own firewood and other fuel with you.

Are there showers at the campground?

There are both heated and unheated showers at the campground. The unheated showers are free; the heated showers are available for a small fee.

Our Suggestions for Enjoying the Festival:

Stay hydrated. It’s hard work having this much fun. We sell bottled water at the festival, but we also allow you to bring your own. You can bring two factory-sealed drinking bottles of water.

Be prepared for weather. We encourage you to bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses-the Texas sun can be strong, even in April. The Hill Country can also get cold at night, so bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring rain gear, just in case.

Bring a bathing suit. Swimming at Onion Creek is a big part of the camping experience!

Respect the campsite. Part of maintaining the friendly ambience includes keeping the campsite in great shape. We ask that all campers take everything they bring-and leave their campsites cleaner than when they arrived.

Be prepared to play. If you’re a musician, bring your instrument! From late-night campground jam sessions to workshops led by our performers, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to share your music.