Ready for ComFest? Plan ahead with some things you should know before you go
From its humble origins in 1972, when a group of student activists and community organizations linked up to promote creativity, equity and unity, ComFest has burgeoned into an annual tradition that draws tens of thousands of people to Goodale Park each June.
With their tie-dye T-shirts — or no shirts at all — many attendees appear to be throwbacks to the hippie-happy days of free spirits and even freer love. Live music blares from multiple stages as vendors hawk their wares and famished festivalgoers queue up at food trucks.
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But don't be fooled by the festive atmosphere. ComFest is much more than just a party.
An outgrowth of the civil rights movement, the festival remains rooted in community concerns and political activism. A cadre of social justice advocates will champion causes including women's reproductive freedom, affordable housing, environmental protection, capital punishment laws and others.
One thing is certain: There's something for everyone at ComFest. Whatever your reason for attending — partying, politics, people-watching or otherwise — you're sure to find it this weekend in Goodale Park. Even those who can't make it can get in on the fun via daily livestreams at youtube.com/ComFestVideos.
To keep you in the loop, here are some things to know if you plan to go.
What are the hours at ComFest?
The rain-or-shine festival's 150-plus live performances, workshops, speakers and community-oriented programs will begin at noon on Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closing times will be 11 p.m. Friday, 10 p.m. Saturday, and 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
What kinds of entertainment will be offered?
A better question would be, "What won't be offered?" because there's so much to see and do at ComFest.
Musical performances will span four stages, representing countless genres like indie, jazz, funk, punk, reggae, folk, country, ambient, blues, hip-hop, R&B/soul, traditional Irish and all flavors of rock including a Grateful Dead tribute band.
Dance demonstrations will run the gamut of styles from flamenco and Israeli folk to Middle Eastern and Polynesian. There also will be a poetry slam, standup and improv comedy, plus the ever-popular street fair.
Notably, a special drum and poetry tribute to late longtime ComFest participants Charles "Is Said" Lyons and B. "Wahru" Cleveland will be held at 7:05 p.m. Saturday on the Live Arts stage.
What's new at the festival this year?
After a successful pop-up interview event earlier this year in Columbus by the Museum at Bethel Woods — often called "the Woodstock Museum" — ComFest has teamed with the upstate New York-based organization to bring its Oral History Initiative to the festival. The initiative's purpose is to record as many stories as possible from community members who attended Woodstock in 1969, as well as other '60s and '70s festivals including ComFest.
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Curators from the Museum at Bethel Woods will have a mobile oral history studio at ComFest and sign-up sheets at their tent and in the Shelter House each day of the festival.
Is ComFest kid-friendly?
There's tons of fun for young festgoers like the KiDSART area with face-painting, crafts, tie-dying and sidewalk chalk, and Sunday's Kid Rockstar Fantasy Kamp, where they can jam onstage with instruments turned up to "10." (Earplugs will be provided.) No prior musical experience is needed, and if something breaks, no worries — rock stars break their equipment all the time!
Will there be parking nearby?
Because ComFest causes heavy traffic around Goodale Park, organizers suggest walking or riding a bicycle. A bike corral will be located at Dennison and Buttles avenues at the northwest corner of the park, or riders can use the $1 bicycle valet.
Another option is riding the bus, as COTA will be extending services during ComFest. Additional buses will operate between High and Rich streets Downtown and High and Hudson streets from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
If you must drive, it's best to park in the lots and garages south of the park, such as the Goodale parking garage at 66 E. Goodale St., since most parking on neighborhood streets requires a permit. Cars will be towed if they are parked illegally in the neighborhood, at the North Market before 5 p.m., and in the lot at Neil and Buttles avenues.
Also, Park Street and Dennison Avenue will be closed.
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Can I bring alcohol to the park?
ComFest is not BYOB and police may ticket offenders, with potential fines up to $250. (Also, please leave coolers at home.) Buying ComFest beer pays for this year's festival, provides funds for next year's event, and allows ComFest to help with the upkeep of Goodale Park and award grants to other community organizations.
Can I bring my pets?
The definitive word from longtime organizer Marty Stutz is, "Unless your dog's band is playing ComFest this year, please leave them at home. ComFest is not an enjoyable place for dogs."
How do I find out more about ComFest?
For daily schedules and other information, visit comfest.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know about ComFest in Goodale Park if you plan to go
