Safety and Security

The safety and well-being of everyone at The Nelsonville Music Festival is our number one priority.

The NMF team works closely with local officials to ensure the safest possible experience. You’ll notice uniformed and plain-clothed security throughout the festival grounds. They are there to keep you safe, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help if you need immediate assistance.

REMEMBER: You’re the eyes and ears of the festival. If you see something suspicious, say something.

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

The Nelsonville Music Festival does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Everyone is welcome at NMF.

Please help us by reporting any offensive or unacceptable behavior to the nearest volunteer or staff member.

ENTRY PROTOCOLS:

When you arrive at Snow Fork:

All vehicles entering and re-entering the NMF site will be inspected, including looking through trunks, to search for glass, weapons, and other prohibited items (see below).

When you enter the festival gate:

All attendees will pass through a security checkpoint upon entry or re-entry to the festival grounds, which will include wand metal detectors and inspection of all jackets, purses and bags (no larger than 12”x 12”x 18”). Please review the list of prohibited/acceptable items below!

COME PREPARED & LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER

Here are three easy ways to look out for yourself and those around you:

  1. Watch out for your NMF Family– if someone around you looks like they need help, check in with them. If someone is getting unruly, alert the nearest staff member or voluteer.
  2. Be considerate – this is a shared space and we want everyone to enjoy themselves. Keep the vibes chill and your hands to yourself.
  3. Keep yourself and your belongings safe – be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your personal items at all times. If you find something OR lose something, head to Admissions for our Lost & Found.

Here are some helpful tips on how to have a safe and enjoyable NMF experience:

  • Remember to stay hydrated and keep cool by visiting the Hydration Stations for free, cool water within festival grounds and at Mudville Headquarters. Remember to bring your own, EMPTY water bottle to refill and help NMF remain a green and sustainable event!
  • Protect yourself from the sun – take breaks and find shade. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are key.
  • Bring hearing protection – we get loud (PRO-TIP: If you forget your earplugs, we will have some for sale at the Merch tent.)
  • Bring a list of allergies and medications you take in case of a medical emergency.
  • Dress for the weather. We’re constantly monitoring the weather. Keep an eye on the radar before heading to the festival so you can dress accordingly (rain boots, ponchos, etc.)

Allowed Items in Festival Grounds

  • Backpacks (no larger than 12”x12”x18”)
  • Blankets
  • Binoculars
  • Breast Pump (Manual, Battery Operated, Or Powered Devices)
  • Cameras (Non-Pro Digital, Disposable, Polaroid and Film)
  • Factory Sealed Plastic Water Bottle (limited to one)
  • Fanny Packs and Hip Bags
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Hydration packs (Empty)
  • Inhalers
  • Lawn Chairs
  • Prescription Medication (Name On Medication Must Correlate With Person’s Drivers License or other appropriate state identification)
  • Purses and Handbags (no larger than 12”x12”x18”)
  • Reusable water bottles (empty, non-glass)
  • Service Animals (See ADA FAQ)
  • Snacks (for small children only)
  • Stored Breastmilk or Formula
  • Strollers (for baby/toddler only)
  • Sunblock
  • Wagons
  • Water Misters

Prohibited Items in Festival Grounds

  • Large Purses
  • Camera Bags
  • Cinch Bags
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Outside alcohol
  • Illegal Drugs
  • Drones
  • Glass
  • Outside food (except in cases of small children)
  • Sky lanterns
  • Umbrellas
  • Laser Pens
  • Pets
  • Bikes/Scooters
  • Fireworks

NMF Staff (or their designated security staff) reserve the right to make the final determination on prohibited items. In the event that prohibited items are revealed in the inspection, guests will be asked to dispose of the items or return them to their vehicles or campsites before reentering the festival site.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to make NMF a safe place for all!
–The Nelsonville Music Festival Staff

COVID-19 Policies

Nelsonville Music Festival 2023 will be presented in accordance with applicable public health conditions as of the date of the event, which may change at any time as determined by federal, state, or local government agencies or instrumentalities, artists or the promoter; such requirements may include, without limitation, changes to capacity, attendance procedures and entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination and/or a negative test, and other protective measures such as requiring attendees to wear face coverings.

WARNING: COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. There is an inherent and elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place or place where people are present and there is no guarantee, express or implied, that you will not be exposed to COVID-19 at the event.

ATTENDEE PROMISE & HEALTH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: You agree to follow event policies (including health and safety policies) and posted instructions while at the event. According to the CDC, older adults and people of all ages with serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk of death or severe illness from COVID-19. You should evaluate your risk in determining whether to attend the event. By entering the venue/event, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and confirm that you will adhere to local quarantine requirements and the CDC quarantine guidelines, available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html.