MLAG 2027 Frequently Asked Questions
In-Person MLAG Questions
What should I know about your COVID policy for the 2027 Gathering?
The COVID situation is pretty much over; however, attendees who test positive prior to arriving or while attending the Gathering are expected to follow current CDC guidelines for isolation and precautions.
When is the Gathering?
The main Gathering is Wednesday 6/9/27 through Sunday 6/13/27. We offer pre-Gathering classes at an extra charge on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Where is the Gathering held?
We meet at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, PA. See our page on directions, which includes a campus map.
What is included in the Gathering?
Workshops, concerts, a contest, jamming, a vendor area, and fun with musical friends! Here is a sample schedule.
Where do I stay?
NEW! Housing will be in the campus Courtyard Marriott starting in 2027.
If you do not want to share a room, limited private rooms are available. Of course, you can also stay off campus in a different hotel or campground of your choosing in the area.
Are meals included?
If you’re staying in the campus Courtyard Marriott, breakfast is included. A meal ticket for lunch and dinner at the campus dining facility is also included in your lodging registration. For those staying off-site, you may purchase meals on a meal-by-meal basis in the Reisner dining facility. They do accept credit cards.
Can I camp?
Limited dry camping is available on campus, but there are no electrical hookups, water hookups, or sewer hookups. Due to our move to the campus Marriott hotel, we no longer have showers available for campers; however, the restrooms near the parking lot and pavilion will be available 24 hours a day. You’re camping in a parking lot if you’re in an RV, or a grassy area if you’re in a tent.
Is the Gathering accessible for those with limited mobility?
All buildings and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Virtual MLAG Questions
What is included in Virtual MLAG?
Workshops, concerts, the contest, and virtual social hours; see a sample schedule.
What do I need to attend Virtual MLAG?
You will need a computer, tablet, or phone with the latest version of the Zoom software.
When can I sign up?
Registration will open on or about May 1, 2027.
What if the workshop or concert times aren’t convenient for me?
You can watch recorded versions of the workshops up to 3 weeks after the Gathering. Concerts can only be seen live and are not recorded.
Can I cancel my Virtual MLAG order?
See our Virtual MLAG order policy.
In-Person or Virtual, which should I pick?
Events
In-Person
Virtual
Workshops
Concerts
Contest
Autoharp Toss
Silent Auction
Bazaar
Jams
Social Hours
Travel
Lodging
Cost
Flexible Viewing
Workshop Materials
Full List
Full List
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Full Cost
No
Yes
Selected List
Full List
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Very Economical
Yes (workshops only)
Selected List
In-Person
Workshops – Full List
Concerts – Full List
Contest – Yes
Autoharp Toss – Yes
Silent Auction – Yes
Bazaar – Yes
Jams – Yes
Social Hours – Yes
Travel – Yes
Lodging – Yes
Cost – Full Cost
Flexible Viewing – No
Workshop Materials – Yes
Virtual
Workshops – Selected List
Concerts – Full List
Contest – Yes
Autoharp Toss – No
Silent Auction – No
Bazaar – No
Jams – No
Social Hours – Yes
Travel – No
Lodging – No
Cost – Very Economical
Flexible Viewing – Workshops Only
Workshop Materials – Selected List
Registration and Orders
Important Things to Know
Hotel Room
If you book through MLAG you will get a discounted room, pay no facilities fees, and have all meals included, but you’re limited to booking Mon-Sun, Wed-Sun, or Fri-Sun, and you have to book no later than 5/31/27.
Registration Deadlines
We are extending our registration period; you are welcome to sign up all the way until the festival starts. Keep in mind that registering after 5/31/27, or not booking a hotel room through us, will incur a $60 per person facility fee.
What is Early Bird pricing?
Early Bird pricing is in effect until February 15. Full Ticket pricing begins February 16.
What forms of payment do you accept?
For the 2027 Gathering, we only accept major credit or debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, or JCB. We do NOT accept PayPal, checks, or money orders.
Can I pay with an International Credit Card?
Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB. Depending on the country you’re in, you may be required to use your card PIN or Secure3D with your card. As all transactions are completed as a US transaction, you may need to let your bank know you’re making an international purchase.
Can I change or cancel my registration?
You can cancel or change your in-person registration until 11:59 pm on May 17, 2027. After that date, no refunds or changes are available due to the nonrefundable costs from Shippensburg University. Please see our terms and conditions for the full details.
Why is travel insurance a good idea?
Travel insurance may provide protection against late cancellation or other travel-related issues. Policy coverage differs greatly, many policies have minimum travel distance requirements, and not all policies include cancellation coverage for any reason. Travel Insurance Dot Com is a site where you can compare and purchase travel insurance policies. If you choose to insure, make certain that the policy covers what you need.
What is a Facilities Use Fee?
This fee covers the University’s charge to us for the use of the CUB and other related services and is the same for all attendees irrespective of the time on campus. It is included in the hotel fee.
What are the ticket options?
- Full Ticket: includes all workshops, concerts and events from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday closing.
- Weekend Ticket: includes all workshops, concerts and events from Friday noon through Sunday closing.
- Full Non-Workshop Participant Ticket: includes concerts and special events but not workshops from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday closing.
- Weekend Non-Workshop Participant Ticket: includes concerts and special events but not workshops from Friday afternoon through Sunday closing.
- Child Under 16 Ticket: includes all activities for the period of time they are on campus.
- Pre-Gathering Class Only Ticket: includes the Tuesday all day/Wednesday morning level focused class. It does not include any of the main Gathering events.
Lodging and Meals
How are roommates assigned?
Choose your preferred option for a shared room while registering. You will share the room with one other paying person. If you wish to room with a specific person, you will both need to list each other on your registration forms. If you do not list a specific roommate, we will randomly assign someone of your same gender to room with you.
Can I have a private room?
Book a whole room for yourself—no sharing! You will pay a supplemental fee that covers the cost of the second bed, but not the second set of meals.
What are the rooms like?
The rooms are in a modern hotel with all the expected amenities, including linens, Wi-Fi, microwave, and TV. The available options are two queen beds or one king bed.
What should I plan to bring?
Dormitory living is over! We have graduated to a modern hotel facility with all the amenities you might expect. That said, you know what you might want to have, so bring it. If you forget something, the University has a bookstore and there is a Walmart in Shippensburg.
Can I arrive on Monday even if I don’t want to take a pre-Gathering class?
Most definitely! Simply register for the Full Gathering Ticket and, when the housing section of registration comes up, choose the Monday through Sunday option. Arriving on Monday gives you an opportunity to meet up with other attendees and get some extra time to jam.
What are the camping arrangements?
Bring your tent, camper, or RV. There are no hookups (water, electric, or sewer). A one-time facility use fee of $60 per person in each party will be charged. MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS OPTION. People not staying in the hotel can use a credit or debit card (no cash accepted) to purchase meals at the dining hall. Off-campus camping facilities do exist, but none are exceptionally close to the campus.
Can I stay off-site?
You can stay where you like off-campus and pay a one-time facility use fee of $60 per person. MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS OPTION. Similar to the camping option, people not staying in the campus hotel can use a credit or debit card (no cash accepted) to purchase meals at the dining hall.
Meals
Hotel guests get a continental-style breakfast at the hotel and lunch and dinner each day at the campus dining facility (starting with dinner on the day of arrival and ending with lunch on Sunday). People not staying in the hotel can use a credit or debit card (no cash accepted) to purchase meals at the dining facility, where all meals are cafeteria-style and multiple food options are available at each meal, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Where do the jams take place?
We will not have the dorm space for jamming; however, there are lots of outdoor spaces, and there will also be space in the hotel that can be used. During the day, you may also jam in any of the unused classrooms in the CUB.
Campus Facts
How far is it from the hotel to the dining hall?
Our estimate is about a quarter of a mile from the hotel to both the CUB and the dining hall. Both facilities have a very wide, fairly level sidewalk, and all entrances have accessibility ramps. If you feel you are unable to walk that distance while carrying your autoharps, consider bringing a rolling cart or mobility aid. Cars displaying a disability parking placard or license plate may still park behind Reisner Dining Hall. There is a large parking lot just in front of the Luhrs Center, and the distance from there to a ramp and elevator is less than the distance from the old dorm to the CUB. See a campus map.
Are there rental mobility aids?
Yes, Med Mobility in Chambersburg will deliver and pick up scooters and wheelchairs. See the Med Mobility website. ALL ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE BETWEEN YOU AND THE COMPANY.
How far is it from the CUB to the library/Starbucks?
It is about 600 yards and, again, fairly flat. There is also a Starbucks in the hotel.
What about parking?
Permanent parking is located at the hotel. Daytime parking is located across from the Luhrs Center, adjacent to the CUB.