Frequently Asked Questions
I’m camping, when should I arrive and check-in?
Arrival details Wednesday through Friday
The Summergrass gate opens on Wednesday at 4pm
Due to the Museum’s proximity to an adjoining school, it is in your best interest to plan to arrive at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum after 4pm Wednesday, before 3pm or after 4pm Thursday or before 12 or after 1pm, Friday.
Check-in at the gate, where you’ll receive stickers for you vehicle(s) and wristbands for yourself. If you have pre-purchased your tickets and/or camping, please bring verification of purchase on your mobile device, or the verification letter, and a photo ID, just in case.
If you’re part of a group of campers who wish to be placed together, please try to arrive together, and let the gate volunteers know.
If you require assistance getting to the audience area, please check with the gate volunteers for the best option for you.
I’m not camping, when should I arrive?
Please check the stage schedule (when it’s available) to be sure you arrive in time for each day’s activities.
Friday
Stage performances are from 3:00 – 10:00 pm – Includes a dinner break
Saturday
Stage performances are from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm – Includes a lunch and dinner break
Sunday
Stage performances are from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Includes a lunch break
Due to the Museum’s proximity to an adjoining school, it is in your best interest to arrive at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum before 12 or after 1pm Friday.
Check-in at the gate, where each person will a receive wristband. If you have pre-purchased your tickets, please bring verification of purchase on your mobile device or the verification letter, and a photo ID, just in case.
If you require assistance getting to the audience area, please check with the gate volunteers for the best option for you.
Is there seating and shade?
Seating at Summergrass is festival style. Bring a blanket for the ground or low-backed chairs for the area closest to the stage. You can place your chair(s) in any open space and expect to find it there when you come back. If you see open chairs in the audience area, you’re free to occupy them until the owner(s) return to claim it.
Taller chairs and individual umbrellas can be placed to the sides and rear of the audience area. If you’re unsure, find a festival volunteer (they have a badge) and ask. We’re happy to answer questions.
It does get hot during the daytime and there are several areas of shade – both man made and from a few trees on the fringe of the main seating area. These fill up quickly, so plan accordingly.
Can I bring in an ice chest?
Yes you can, No outside alcohol is allowed
Rustic terrain is difficult. How can I get around?
We’re happy to help. Special motorized carts and experienced drivers are available to move you and your equipment from the parking lot to the audience area. In limited instances, a driver may be able to drop off handicapped guests in the audience area. Please check with the gate volunteers for the best option for you.
Why should I stay in the campground?
In a word, jamming. It’s great. Year after year, Summergrass folk say the jams that start once the bands leave the stage are as enjoyable as the stage show. For any die-hard bluegrass lover, it’s a not-to-be-missed event.
What are my camping area options?
MAIN
Closest to restrooms, food service, and the entrance/exit to the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, the Main campground is also the busiest and most crowded and has the only electric hook-ups available during the festival.
WEST
Much more spacious, this campground provides easy access to the audience area. There are no hook-ups in this area.
QUIET
Spacious, quiet camping, as the name suggests. This is a generator-free area with no hook-ups.
TENT
One section of the Main campground is specifically for tents and car/van campers. Spaces are limited, so arrive early! You can also tent camp in other areas, but you’ll be further from restrooms and food service.
Showers available for all campers: $5.00 per use.
Who can stay at my campsite?
All campground guests, that is anyone in the campground at any time, must have proof of paid festival admittance for that specific day or a 3-day pass. All overnight guests must have paid festival admittance for both days of their overnight stay. A Summergrass issued wristband is the only valid proof of paid admittance and must be worn by anyone 10 years or older.
Are there hotels or other campgrounds nearby?
Camping
Guajome Regional Park
3000 Guajome Lake Rd, Oceanside, CA 92057
Phone: (760) 724-4489
is approximately 2.1 mi from the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum
South Carlsbad State Beach
7201 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92008
San Onofre State Beach
The beach is three miles south of San Clemente on I-5 (Basilone Road.)
Call Reserve America for either site: (800) 444-7275
Both are beautiful oceanfront campgrounds are less than half an hour away
For the nearest RV Resorts, try this guide, or use your favorite resort directory to choose one of the many RV resorts in Vista, Oceanside, and nearby San Marcos.
Hotels & Inns
The La Quinta Inn in Vista
630 Sycamore Ave, Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 1-760-727-8180
This the (un)official hotel of Summergrass San Diego and is located just over 6 mi from the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum.
There are many other hotels within a fifteen minute drive. Check out reviews and other information here.
Oh no! Life happened. Can I get a refund?
Resources are tight for Summergrass Festival. We are entirely volunteer operated, revenue from each season is the sole funding for the following festival, therefore we cannot offer a refund for any reason. However, we do understand that things change, sometimes drastically, and will do what we can to help.