Photo courtesy of The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority
Postponed from last year, Barefoot Country Music Fest (BCMF) is back in a big way for 2021. The festival will be taking over the beautiful beaches of Wildwood in just a few short days, bringing with it more than 30 of the hottest acts in country music today.
“Wildwood is ready!” according to mayor Pete Byron. If you’re one of the eager BCMF’ers planning to attend, we’re sure you are, too. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know before you go.
The Schedule
Gates open 1 pm every day except Thursday. Afterwards, keep the fun going at the official BCMF after-party, taking place every night from 11:30 pm–3 am at Seaport Pier.
Here’s who’s headlining. Keep in mind that the lineup is subject to change without notice:
Thursday, August 19: Lee Brice
This nighttime concert starts things off on a high note at 6 pm.
Friday, August 20: Dan + Shay
Saturday, August 21: Carrie Underwood
Saturday’s theme is Stars + Stripes, so wear your best red, white and blue getup. They’ll be “searching the crowds for the most patriotic folks out there” to award meet-and-greets, prize packs, upgrades and more.
Sunday, August 22: Zac Brown Band; Lynyrd Skynyrd
The Grounds
BCMF will encompass an approximately 30-acre span of sand at 3601 Boardwalk between Morey’s Mariner’s and Adventure Piers. The site is ADA-compliant, and service animals are permitted.
There will be two stages: the main Bud Light Seltzer Stage and the secondary Blue Moon Stage, which will showcase up-and-coming acts.
Tickets
Ticket prices range from $39 (for the Thursday Night Kick-Off Concert) to $1,529 (the cost of a four-day Super VIP ticket). Three-day general admission tickets cost $219; pay $30 more to attend Thursday’s show as well. Children 10 and under get in for free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Ticket holders will receive a wristband that can be used for more than just getting into the festival. These wristbands are RFID-enabled, meaning that you can use them to make purchases throughout the festival—all you need to do is connect your credit card.
Parking
Beach parking will be available from Thursday to Sunday; three- and four-day passes can be purchased online. The beach lot will be located near the main gate between the Wildwoods Convention Center and Morey’s Adventure Pier. It can be accessed from E. Baker Avenue. All- and four-wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended.
Of course, Wildwood has plenty of other options for lot and metered parking, but keep in mind that rates may be subject to change for the duration of the event.
What to Bring
Those who have been to festivals before know the drill. Stick to the essentials (phone, sunscreen, blankets, etc.), and keep everything in a clear bag that meets BCMF’s requirements:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
- One-gallon, clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or smaller)
- Small clutch bags can be taken into the fest with one of the clear plastic bags
Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection. For more on what you can and can’t bring, check the festival’s FAQ page.
Food & Drink
Here are some of the vendors who will be feeding hungry folks during the event:
- Brotherly Love Cheesesteak Spring Roll Co. (started by a husband-and-wife team from South Jersey)
- The Original Hot Spot #1 (a family-run Wildwood institution founded in 1962)
- FitChicks (a woman-owned food truck based out of Toms River)
- Golden Gate
- Ribeye’s
- T&N Homemade Kitchen
For dessert, there’s:
- SnoBar
- Scoop Ó Dough
- Rita’s Italian Ice
And here’s where you can get your drink on:
- Beach Brew USA
- Beach Whiskey
- Captain Morgan
- Terrapin Beer Co.
Remember, you can use your BCMF wristband to make purchases at all onsite food, drink and merchandise vendors.
BCMF App
Download the BCMF 2021 app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to make the most of your experience. It’s user-friendly and full of useful information, so you’ll be glad to have it on hand as you explore the festival. Features include a performance schedule, a festival map, artist and vendor info, FAQs and more.
Happy festing, BCMF’ers!