Do I need to buy a ticket to enter UnCaged?
Leelanau UnCaged is free, and has always been free from Day One. Its expenses, which approach $60,000 a year, are paid by donors, merchants, foundations and individuals like you.

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What time does the festival get started and end?

It is always on the last Saturday in September. A Native American water blessing occurs on the bay at 11 a.m., followed by a short procession into town. Music begins at noon. The festival ends at 10 pm.

Is there food for sale?
Northport’s eight bars and restaurants offer food and drink well into the night, along with more than a dozen food trucks brought in for the day.

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What are the Social District rules during the festival?

Guests 21+ may drink on the streets within marked Social District areas if they follow these rules:

• Official Cups Only: Buy drinks in official Social District cups from licensed Northport establishments. No outside alcohol. Do not bring your own booze, beer, wine, or liquor.

• Stay in the Zone: Street drinking is allowed, but only inside marked Social District boundaries (see map).

• Business Courtesy: Do not take cups from one place into other bars, restaurants, or retail stores.

• Drink Responsibly: Dispose of cups before leaving the district.

May I bring my dog?
Your dog (on a leash) will have lots of canine company at UnCaged! Please note that pets are not allowed under the performance tents unless they are licensed service animals.

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Will I be photographed or recorded at the festival?

By attending Leelanau UnCaged, you consent to photography, video, and audio recording at this public event. Your image or voice may be used in promotional materials, news releases, website media, and social media without compensation.

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Prefer not to be photographed? We respect your privacy. If an official photographer with a credentialed lanyard is nearby, let them know or step out of the frame. We’ll make every effort to honor your request but cannot guarantee exclusion from wide-angle stage or crowd photos.

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How are photos handled in the Kids Tent?

We take extra care with young festival-goers. An official photographer will seek verbal approval from a parent or guardian before taking close-up or featured photos of individual children. Wide-angle Kids Tent photos may be included in crowd photography. If you prefer a photo of your child not be used, please tell the photographer onsite.

Can I bring a bike or my golf cart?
For safety reasons, bikes and golf carts are prohibited on the grounds of the festival.

Is the festival family-friendly?

Absolutely! Years ago, one of our goals in creating Leelanau UnCaged was to demonstrate to all generations the power of music, dance and art – and without a hefty (or any!) charge. It spans only a few blocks and offers many places to sit or rest. Food comes in all sizes and prices. A Kids’ Tent in the afternoon stimulates the creativity of the next generation of artists. And most festivals have been attended by stilt walkers and a mermaid.

What about parking and handicap parking for festival goers?
A special handicapped lot is available near the action. The street crew can direct you. Otherwise, parking lots include Northport School, the marina, and churches; there’s also parking along the village streets.

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Will BATA be running a shuttle from TC to Northport?
Yes! Check this website for the schedule.

Is WIFI service provided?
Yes! Spectrum is providing complimentary WIFI services for vendors and festival goers.

How’s cell service in Northport?
Cell service is generally good throughout the village, but cannot be guaranteed.

Is the Northport Marina open?
Yes, the marina is open but can be busy with transient boaters who love to spend the UnCaged weekend on the water. Make reservations early.

Will the festival go on if the weather is crummy?
Yes! Some music venues and vendors are covered, and merchants welcome everyone inside their shops. So far our luck with weather has been excellent, with only one wettish event.

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How do I learn about other events that take place in Northport?

You can visit https://www.northportomenacalendar.com/ to learn about events in the villages of Northport and Omena. The Northport Omena Calendar is managed by local volunteers.

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Are political candidates, religious groups, or outside solicitations allowed?

No. To keep the festival a neutral, welcoming space for everyone, we maintain a strict policy against political campaigning, religious outreach/proselytizing, petitioning, and unauthorized booth setups or solicitations of any kind. As a nonpartisan, nonsectarian 501(c)(3) nonprofit, only pre-approved festival vendors and sponsors are permitted to distribute materials on the festival footprint.