August 14, 2026 - Matt Hobby Field @ Pope High School


About The Event

What is PopeFest?
Pope High School is turning 40, and we're celebrating in a big way with PopeFest 2026! PopeFest is a high-energy festival experience featuring live music, food trucks, and DJ entertainment, all leading up to a spectacular fireworks finale. PopeFest is about community pride, connection, and unwavering support that have defined the Pope community for four decades. More than just a festival, PopeFest is an opportunity to gather, connect, and celebrate what Pope has meant to all of us.

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Event Details

Click on any section below to slide open more detailed information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PopeFest open to the public?
Yes! PopeFest welcomes Pope families, students, alumni, and community guests.

Do I need a ticket?
Yes. Tickets are required for entry and must be purchased and/or redeemed exclusively through GoFan. PopeFest will sell out, so be sure to purchase or redeem your ticket as soon as possible. There are three ticket categories for PopeFest.

  1. Pope High School Student and Staff Ticket
    2026-2027 Pope students and staff will redeem their complimentary general admission ticket for stadium or field seating on a first come first serve basis. Seating is not reserved. Pope students will get their promo code through GoFan at checkout when redeeming their complimentary ticket. Pope staff will use a promo code received via email to redeem their complimentary ticket.
  2. VIP Ticket
    Experience PopeFest in comfort and style with our exclusive VIP access. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for purchase on GoFan.
  3. General Admission Ticket General Admission tickets are available for purchase on GoFan. All General admission tickets are for stadium or field seating on a first come first serve basis. Seating is not reserved.

What do I get with my VIP ticket?
Complimentary food, snacks, water, and soft drinks throughout the evening. Premium field viewing in an exclusive area near the stage. Access to a private VIP-only hospitality area, including a covered tent with misting fans to stay cool and comfortable. Exclusive standing and seated gathering areas for relaxing, socializing, and enjoying the event. Seating is limited, and guests are strongly encouraged to bring a tailgate chair for added comfort. Age-restricted area. No students are allowed, and no children under the age of 19.

Student & Staff Tickets
Current Pope students and staff will receive a promo code to redeem their ticket. Details for current Pope students and staff will be shared through school communications.

Where should I park?
Parking will be available for $10 through GoFan at Pope High School. Spaces are limited and are on a first come first serve basis. Overflow parking and shuttle service will also be available nearby. Additional parking details will be shared closer to the event.

Will food and drinks be available?
Yes! Food trucks and vendors from local restaurants will be on-site with food and beverages available for purchase throughout the event.

Can middle school students attend?
Yes, but middle school and younger students must attend with a parent or guardian.

What happens if it rains?
PopeFest will continue rain or shine. However, if postponement becomes necessary, the official rain date is Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Is there a clear bag policy?
Yes. To help maintain a safe environment, PopeFest will enforce a clear bag policy.

Are footballs, sports equipment, or toys allowed?
No. PopeFest is a music festival, not an athletic event. Footballs, sports equipment, water guns, toy weapons, hacky sacks, and other disruptive recreational items or activities are not permitted inside PopeFest. Any prohibited items will be confiscated.

Are pets allowed?
Any and all pets, including dogs, are strictly prohibited from campus or festival grounds. Only documented certified service animals, trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities, are permitted. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted. Animals will be turned away at the gates.

What does seating look like?
With the exception of the VIP Experience, all PopeFest seating is General Admission and includes access to both stadium and field seating areas. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. Guests planning to enjoy field seating are encouraged to bring a portable folding/tailgate chair for added comfort.

Allowed / Not Allowed Items

  • Refillable cups or bottles up to 32 oz. are permitted
  • No coolers or backpacks
  • No outside food, drinks, or alcohol
  • Umbrellas permitted only in the event of rain
  • No tents, sunshades, or canopies
  • No Drones, professional photography, or videography without the expressed written consent of PopeFest.
  • No lasers or laser pens/pointers.
  • No weapons of any kind.
  • No illegal substances. No vapes. No tobacco.
  • All Cobb County School District rules must be followed.

Getting to PopeFest

Matt Hobby Field at Pope High School Stadium

Parking Information

  • Limited parking is available for purchase at Pope High School on a first come first serve basis.
  • Free overflow parking available in designated auxiliary lots (YMCA and Hightower Trail MS) with shuttle service provided. Detailed information will be posted as we get closer to the event.
  • Accessible parking is available near the main entrance.
  • Follow event signage and volunteer directions upon arrival.

PopeFest Schedule

5:00 PM – Gates Open + DJ D80 + PopeFEAST & Artisan Market

6:00 PM – The Roosters

6:45 PM – Jeremy Would Let Me Drown

7:35 PM – Acoustic Soul

8:30 PM – Guardians of the Jukebox

Finale Event – 40 Years of Excellence & Success Fireworks Spectacular

Explore the PopeFest Artisan Market

What is the PopeFest Artisan Market?
The PopeFest Artisan Market features local artisans, makers, and small businesses offering unique handmade goods, artwork, apparel, jewelry, home décor, specialty items, and more.

Where will the Artisan Market be located?
The Artisan Market will be located within the PopeFest grounds in a designated shopping area easily accessible to all attendees.

How can I become an Artisan Market vendor?
Interested vendors can apply through the PopeFest website here! Space is limited, and applications will be reviewed to ensure a diverse and high-quality market experience. Applications are due June 15, 2026. We encourage vendors to apply early since space is limited.

What types of vendors are accepted?
We welcome handmade artisans, crafters, creators, boutique vendors, and small businesses. Preference may be given to original or locally produced products. Professional and student entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply.

Will food vendors be part of the Artisan Market?
Food trucks and festival food vendors will be located in separate designated areas throughout PopeFest. On-site food sales are not part of the Artisan Market.

Do Artisan Market vendors need to provide their own setup?
Yes. Vendors are responsible for providing their own tent, tables, chairs, displays, and setup materials unless otherwise specified by the PopeFest team.

What are the setup and breakdown times for vendors?
Standard vendor setup time will begin at 3:00 PM on the day of the event. The breakdown will take place following the last musical act at PopeFest.

Is electricity available for vendors?
No. Vendors will not have access to electricity during the event.

Will the Artisan Market operate rain or shine?
Yes. PopeFest and the Artisan Market are planned as rain-or-shine events unless severe weather conditions require adjustments for safety.

Is there an application fee or vendor fee?
Yes. The fee is $50 for non-students and $25 for students. One PopeFest t-shirt is included with every vendor participating in PopeFest.

Questions?
Reach out to Katherine Sims at Katherine.Sims@cobbk12.org

Community Partnership

PopeFest is made possible through the support of our students, families, staff, and community partners. Interested in Becoming a Corporate Partner? Corporate partnership opportunities are available at multiple levels to support student programs and event operations. To learn more about sponsorship levels and partnership opportunities, contact Lindsay.Barnette@cobbk12.org