Directions & Parking

New parking areas,
Traffic control & shuttles

This year our fun family festival is even more accessible with the addition of large parking areas, traffic control, and shuttles to and from our grand event so, mark your calendar to join us the last full weekend in April in beautiful South Pittsburg, TN for the National Cornbread Festival.

3rd STREET closed for parking

Once you have entered the festival VISIT THE LODGE FACTORY STORE and purchase an item for pickup to get a 3rd street entry pass. The entry pass can only be used to pick up your item when leaving the festival. Festival Parking at 3rd street is strictly prohibited.

TIPS

Come Early! Most festival-goers don’t know the gates are open at 8 a.m. The festival starts at 9 a.m. Get there early to avoid traffic. Peak traffic hours are 9:30 a.m. until about 2 p.m. Keep in mind, the festival closes at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Visit the festival on Sunday morning. You can enjoy a pancake breakfast and church service. After your belly is full you’ll be able to enjoy all the sites and sounds without the large crowds.
Check out our new app for the most updated parking information.
Keep moving. The helpful parking volunteers and TDOT signs will direct you to the best parking. Please note, that traffic patterns are dictated by the State of Tennessee Department of Transportation. If traffic becomes heavy on 72 heading west (from Interstate 24, traffic will be diverted just 2 miles down Highway 72 and to the Bridgeport, AL exit. Follow signs to return to South Pittsburg. Parking attendants will be in every lot to answer your questions.
Remember to relax. Yes, we are a large festival and that’s because festival-goers have a great time! We’re always voted one of the best festivals in the South. So, if you decide not to come early or on Sunday just relax and know it will take a little longer to park. Either way, you’re sure to have a grand time!

Directions

From Interstate 24 Exit 152A and 152B
To arrive safely at South Pittsburg, follow Interstate 24 to Exit 152A or 152B, approximately 25 mi. west of Chattanooga. Proceed to Highway 72 west. After approximately 1.5 mi., bear right and follow the sign towards downtown South Pittsburg, unless otherwise directed by traffic attendants.

From the Tennessee/Alabama State Line on us 72
From Huntsville, Alabama, continue on Highway 72 to 12th Street. Turn left and continue 0.5 mi. to the first stop sign (at the BP gas station). Turn right and proceed into town. This road will take you right to the festival. Look for parking areas as you approach. Unless otherwise directed by traffic attendants.

Parking

Handicapped Parking

Handicapped Parking Areas are on 1st, 5th, and E 5th Street. Parking attendants are available for more information.

From Interstate 24 Exit 152A and 152B

For 1st Steet Handicapped Lot: Proceed south on US 72 for 1.5 towards the South Pittsburg exit. Proceed to the first intersection with a traffic light (1st street) with the business district sign pointing to the right.
For 5th Street (SVEC Lot) & E 5th Street (People’s Pharmacy) Handicapped Lots: Proceed south on US 72 towards the 12th Street redlight. Turn right and proceed to Cedar Ave. At the stop sign, turn right. Travel 0.8 miles toward downtown South Pittsburg. Peoples Pharmacy is located on the right at the corner of Cedar and E 5th Street. SVEC Lot is located on the left at the corner of Cedar and 5th Street.

From the Tennessee/Alabama State Line on US 72

For 5th Street (SVEC Lot) & E 5th Street (People’s Pharmacy) Handicapped Lots: Proceed north on US 72 for 1 mi. to 12th Street (the first traffic light). If you reach a second intersection with a traffic light, turn around and go back 1 mile to 12th Street.
Proceed west on 12th Street for 0.5 mi. to Cedar Avenue. At the stop sign, turn right. Travel 0.8 miles toward downtown South Pittsburg. Peoples Pharmacy is located on the right at the corner of Cedar and E 5th Street. SVEC Lot is located on the left at the corner of Cedar and 5th Street.

ALL OTHER TRAFFIC: PLEASE FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF THE TRAFFIC ATTENDANTS. THEY WILL DIRECT YOU TO AVAILABLE PARKING LOTS.

Bus and Motor Coach Parking

Buses and Motor Coaches are asked to park in the lots on Cedar Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets to improve the traffic flow into South Pittsburg. Parking area is at the Carnival gate entrance to the Festival. The intersection has a green sign with the number 5 hanging in the intersection. You’ll find the lot one block from Citizens Park Stage and only two or three blocks from the Cook-Off, Cornbread Alley, or the Lodge factory tour. Parking attendants are available for more information.

Directions to the Bus and Motor Coach Parking Area From Interstate 24 Exit 152A and 152B

Proceed south on US 72 for 3 mi. to 12th Street. Stay left on US 72 when the bypass curves left and the New Hope South Pittsburg exit is to the right. Continue through the first traffic light intersection, ignoring the business district sign.
Turn right on 12th Street (the second traffic light). Your landmark on the right is a one-story building with a large, white “Physicians Care” sign.
Proceed west on 12th Street for 0.5 mi. to Cedar Avenue.
Turn right on Cedar Avenue. Drive north 0.7 mi. to parking area.

From the Tennessee/Alabama State Line on US 72:

Drive north on US 72 for 1 mi. to 12th Street (the first traffic light). If you reach a second intersection with a traffic light, turn around and go back 1 mi. to 12th Street.
Turn left on 12th Street. Your landmark on the left is a one-story building with a large, white “Physicians Care” sign.
Proceed west on 12th Street for 0.5 mi. to Cedar Avenue.
Turn right on Cedar Avenue. Drive north for 0.7 mi. to parking area.

Bus Inquiries

RV Overnight Parking

You’ll find overnight parking without services for self-contained RVs at the State Line Flea Market Shopping Center. There are no services available at the shopping center and overnight parking is free. The Shopping Center on Cedar Avenue is 2 mi. south of the Carnival Gate. entrance to the Festival.

RV parks

Marion County Park is located 15 minutes in Jasper, TN near I-24.

BIG FOOT Adventure TN is located 30 minutes away on Monteagle Mountian.

Sasquatch Farms is located 20 minutes away on South Pittsburg Mountain.

Widows Creek RV Park and Cabins is located 15 minutes away in Stevenson, Alabama.

Crawford RV Park is located 35 minutes away in Scottsboro, Alabama.

Jackson County Park is located 35 minutes away in Scottsboro, Alabama.