Your Budget

There is now an ATM at the fest, but I'd advise everyone to keep in mind that ATMs at festivals can and do break down and run out of cash. I strongly recommend bringing your funds in both the form of cash and credit/debit cards. Food vendors will always require cash, as will many merchants in the halls, though some will be set up to accept credit cards. Always make sure that you have plenty of available credit and cash for your trip home!

One of the key factors in planning for C-Stone is keeping track of your budget. Without a well-planned budget, you are likely to find your experience at C-Stone disappointing. Every year I notice people who come to the fest without any thought to food, shelter, or transportation, and who somehow expect God or other people to provide for their needs. Don't do this: It is irresponsible and it consumes the resources needed by people who face genuine emergencies!

1. Your budget should take into consideration not only your admission, travel, food, and spending money, but also an emergency fund, in case things don't go as planned.

2. If you are eating all your meals at the fest food court, you will likely need to budget a minimum of $20 per day for food. Cornerstone Festival now has two city water pumps that provide good tasting water, so you won't have to purchase bottled water if you don't want to. However, fussbudgets who insist on bottled water should plan to bring a case for themselves, or spend at least $5 per day on water while at the fest.

3. Don't spend all your money at the merchant tents on the first day. Some vendors may take a personal check, which is a great option providing that you have the funds available to cover the checks, of course! If you see something that you like, but are afraid you can't afford it, speak to the vendor and try and get a catalog, website, or a mailing address so that you can order from them later. You can always order stuff later. Better to miss out on a cool t-shirt than miss out on eating for the last day because you spent all your money.

4. Make sure that someone back home is going to be willing to wire you some cash in case of an emergency or mishap.