FAQs

How is the festival free?

The purpose of North Liberty Blues & BBQ presented by Veridian Credit Union is to bring the community together for a free, family-friendly event under the umbrella of live, Iowa blues music and remarkable food. The festival is coordinated by the North Liberty Community Betterment Group with the goal of providing North Liberty residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the area without spending money. The festival is paid for by local business sponsorship and donations.

What time do things happen?

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.                    
Inflatables
10 a.m.                                   
Food vendors open
11 a.m.                                   
Beverage garden opens
11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.             
Live music
9:45 p.m.                                       
Last pours in the beverage garden
10 p.m.                                       
Food vendors close
11 p.m.                                       
Grounds close

Where do I park?

♿ Hard-surface ADA parking will be available at Centennial Park.
🚗 Grass parking will be available at Centennial Park. Once the park is full, overflow hard-surface and grass parking will be available at North Bend Elementary just 1/2 mile away. All parking is free.
🚴‍♀️ 🚶‍♂️ Sidewalks make getting to Centennial Park on foot or by bike a snap. Bike parking will be available in the park.

Can I bring in a lawn chair? Cooler? Water?

Certainly, bring a chair, bring a blanket, bring friends. However, our license prevents us from allowing outside alcohol at North Liberty Blues & BBQ. Alcohol is not allowed outside the beverage garden. Guests are encouraged to bring along a water that can be refilled at our free ice water stations. 

Can I bring a personal tent?

We recognize that shade is limited in the park. Even with over 16,000 sq feet of tents erected for the event, many guests still choose to bring personal shade. Small umbrellas and portable shades are welcome, but pop up tents are not permitted. 

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately no. As much as we love dogs, the number of people who attend each year means we need to ask your dog, no matter how well behaved, to stay home.

It’s a free event, but purchasing barbecue and beverages is part of the fun. What forms of payment are acceptable?

Of course we’ll take cash. There will be an ATM at the festival. The beverage garden is cash only. Some food vendors may accept credit card. 

Is smoking permitted?

The use of tobacco, nicotine, vape and other electronic smoking devices are prohibited in North Liberty parks, trails and public recreation areas.

Where’s Blues & BBQ?


View Centennial Park in a larger map

We’ll be at Centennial Park, a 40-acre park on North Liberty’s west side at 1565 St Andrews Drive.