By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
The award-winning fall festival, MumFest, is kicking off a month-long celebration in historic Downtown New Bern, beginning the weekend of October 8 and 9! Throughout MumMonth, Swiss Bear is welcoming over 200 hundred vendors, including 30 food vendors, nearly 20 musical acts, spectacular entertainment from BMX, Dog Shows, Trampoline and Ariel performers, exciting displays and entertainment from the police and fire department and city organizations—as well as carnival rides and games!
The layout for MumFest has also been freshened up, adding not only one stage, but TWO for bands on Pollock Street and Middle, as well as Pollock and Craven, inside the Miller Lite Beer Garden. This year you can enjoy great drinks and listen to music right in the heart of downtown—then shop until you drop!
The dynamic opening weekend is going to be followed by the WRNS MumFest Concert featuring CMA award-winning country singer, Jimmie Allen, on October 14 at Lawson Creek Park! Opening acts include George Birge, Justin West and more! Tickets are available on the website at Mumfest.com or Etix.com. VIP tickets are available again this year and include an incredible front and center view, a delicious buffet, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and private bathrooms.
The month wraps up with a triumvirate of fun at MumFeast! On October 21 and 22, there will be not only restaurant dining and artisans in the streets, food trucks, shopping and seven musical performers, but also Ghost Walk and Artwalk! In addition, for the first time, MumFeast! will be offering a wine garden located near the Pepsi stage on Middle and Pollock Street.
The organizers of the festival are keeping us all safe with hand sanitizing units and a touchless festival program using QR codes found on signs throughout the festival.
Free remote parking and shuttle service is provided by the City of New Bern from Lawson Creek Park to the MumFest entrance at Broad and Hancock. The shuttle runs Saturday October 8 from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm and Sunday October 9 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Downtown streets close at 5pm on Friday, October 7 through 8pm Sunday, October 9. All cars must be off the streets before 5pm Friday (10/7).
Visit MumFest.com or social media platforms for more information on MumFest, MumFeast! and the WRNS MumFest Concert.
MumFest is an award-winning city-sponsored event produced by Swiss Bear, Inc. and brought to you by six-time Title Sponsor Riverside Auto Group.
Cover art by Ni Zhang – Lightsandlines.art