Piggin’ & Grinnin’ FAQs

1. What day is the event?

• Saturday, September 2nd

2. What time does it start and when is the last music set?

• There are two stages the day of the event:
  • The “Local Stage” is free to the public and is on Bate Commons at the North Carolina History Center. Music there will begin at 9 am and the last set will begin at approximately 4:15 pm. Sets are roughly thirty (30) minutes long.
  • The “Main Stage” is in a ticketed area on the South Lawn of the palace grounds. The entrance gate is located near the intersection of South Front Street and Metcalf Street. The gate will open at 10:30 am. The first set begins at 11:15 am and the last set will begin at approximately 8 pm. Set lengths vary.

3. Where do I buy tickets?

• You purchase tickets online at www.tryonpalace.org/bluegrass or by calling Tryon Palace at 252-639-3524

4. Can I pick up my tickets in advance? If so, where?

• Yes. You can pick up your tickets in advance at the North Carolina History Center at 529 South Front Street, New Bern, NC 28562.

5. I have my tickets. What do I do the day of the concert?

• For General Admission:
  • Once you’ve parked, you will need to show your ticket to the staff or volunteers at the entrance gate. They will be sure you have everything you need and will direct you to the right place.
• For VIP:
  • In the email sent to you by Tryon Palace, you will find a VIP parking pass. Please print this pass and present it and the ticket-purchaser’s name to the VIP parking lot attendant upon your arrival. Once parked, please enter the North Carolina History to pick up your VIP lanyard, which will grant you access to the main stage area and VIP section. If you have not picked up your tickets, yet, simply pick up your lanyard at the Will Call desk in the lobby. If you have tickets, please exchange them for the lanyard at the Will call desk. Please be prepared to show your ID.

6. I have purchased tickets, but don’t have them yet. What do I do the day of the concert?

• Once you’ve parked, you please visit the Will Call desk in the North Carolina History Center and pick up your General Admission tickets or VIP lanyard.

7. I plan to buy tickets at the event. What do I do the day of the concert?

• Once you have parked, you will need to purchase your tickets inside the Gateway Gallery in the North Carolina History Center. Signage and staff will direct you to the ticket sellers.

8. What’s included in the VIP ticket?

• If you purchase a VIP ticket, benefits include:
  • Two free drink tickets for alcoholic beverages only
  • A private bar and restrooms
  • Two tents with tables and benches where you may eat, drink, or get out of the sun (please do not remove tables and benches from the tents)
  • Chairs that you may move anywhere within the VIP area, as well as under the tents. Please do not remove the chairs from the VIP area. You may also bring your own lawn chairs to use instead.

9. Can I leave and come back?

• Yes. Please keep your general admission and VIP lanyard on you at all times. Without them, readmission will not be permitted.

10. Is this a family friendly event and, if so, are there children’s prices?

• While we welcome you to bring your children, unlike other events at Tryon Palace, this event is geared toward adults. Tickets are a flat fee for General Admission and VIP and do not differentiate between adults and youth.

11. Where do I park?

• VIP parking is available in the main parking lot at the North Carolina History Center. General Admission ticket-holders and same-day ticket-holders can utilize street parking, as well as neighboring lots where there is permission to park.

12. Can I bring my own chair?

• Yes, you can. Chairs will be provided in the VIP section only, but VIP and General Admission ticket-holders are welcome to bring their own. Make yourself comfortable!

13. Is there anything I am not allowed to bring?

• The following items are not permitted in either stage area:
  • Open containers
  • Pets
  • Coolers and picnic baskets
  • Outside food and beverages
  • Alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, or electronic cigarettes

14. If I can’t bring a cooler or picnic, where do I get drinks and food?

• There will be a food truck rodeo on Palace Point Commons, between the entrance gate and the North Carolina History Center. Alcoholic beverages are only permitted inside the ticketed area, while non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in both locations.

15. Do I need cash?

• Cash is accepted at all drink-ticket tables and food trucks. Use of credit cards is limited. Please plan accordingly.

16. What else can we do during our visit to the palace that day?

• Unfortunately, tours of Tryon Palace and historic buildings will not be offered the day of the event. The gardens will also be closed, as well as the galleries, museum and Pepsi Family Center in the North Carolina History Center.