Program Costs Food and Lodging A complete food and lodging package is available from the Historic Hilltop House starting at $97/person (plus tax) for food and lodging in a double-occupancy room, $107 (plus tax) for a single, which includes all 4 meals with beverage, tax and gratuity. The meal package is available separately for $59.50, allowing those staying elsewhere to spend as much time as possible at the festival site. Single meals can be purchased individually. Register directly through Hilltop House for lodging and meals since several room variations are possible. Special family rates are available, ask when making reservations. Their phone number is (800)338-8319, and their web page at www.hilltophouse.com describes the hotel rooms more fully. Additional lodging options are posted on the Upper Potomac web page at www.dulcimerfest.org Program Tuition Fees A full weekend tuition fee of $140 covers all program events including the Saturday evening contra dance and jam sessions and over 10 hours of instruction in classes and workshops. We offer an "Early Bird Discount" on the weekend to those signing up before December 15. We will open classes up for one day registration or for single classes as space permits. Contra Dance admission for non-registered participants is $5. Two $100 performance scholarships are available to advanced students who are willing to come early and perform in a school, hospital or nursing home to expand the reach of the festival.
Please call or email the festival right away if you are interested in one of these opportunities.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel before December 15, we can refund half of your deposit. If you cancel later we will keep the entire deposit, after January 1, we keep the entire tuition. Phone cancellations must be followed by written notice of cancellation. Students canceling after December 15 due to unavoidable circumstances may send written documentation of their reason for canceling and request a partial refund. These requests will be considered following the end of the program.
If Upper Potomac is forced to cancel ALL classes due to inclement weather, we will refund your entire tuition.
Payment checks for the Festival Tuition can be made to Upper Potomac Fiddle Retreat or UPDF.
All Weekend Food and Lodging Fees MUST be handled by Hilltop House Hotel.
Fest Store A festival store containing teachers and students recordings, books and instruction-related supplies will be open during the weekend between classes and for a set time during our Saturday evening activities. Cash or checks only are accepted for purchases!
Left: Steve Hickman demonstrates the finer points of hambone artistry.
Right: The price to be paid for a weekend of fun...
