A SAFE AND INCLUSIVE FESTIVAL FOR ALL

Accessibility

Nelsonville Music Festival believes that the arts should be enjoyed by all.

We are committed to making our event welcoming to every guest by continually improving our range of accommodations that ensure equal access to our venue and the music and community experiences within.

Due to the topographical features of Appalachian Ohio, many areas of Snow Fork Event Center contain small holes, uneven ground, and small hills. As we continue to develop this new festival site, we strive to greatly improve accessibility and pathways in future years. We welcome and encourage all feedback and suggestions from our attendees. Please contact info@nelsonvillefest.org for any accommodations or questions you may have.

What is the venue like?

SnowFork Event Center is an outdoor event space. The grounds have a few crushed gravel or mulch paths but it’s mostly flat grassy areas. We strive to patch all the divots and smooth all the bumps, but the grounds inevitably have some holes and uneven surfaces.

Is there accessible parking?

Yes. On-site ADA accessible parking is available for $25 (the cost of off-site parking) and is located near the main stage.

Are there accessible toilets?

Yes, there are wheelchair-accessible port-a-johns throughout the grounds.

Is there accessible camping?

Yes, there is accessible camping located close to the ADA parking. Tickets for this type of camping are available on our ticketing page.

Are the paths wheelchair friendly?

The paths running through the grounds should be accessible for most wheelchairs and will provide an even walking surface for cane users and others with mobility issues.

Are all of the stages accessible?

Our main stage (The Snow Fork Stage) features a covered, elevated viewing platform for attendees who may need assistance to see above the crowd. This accessible viewing platform is intended for guests who use wheelchairs, have significant mobility disabilities, or have difficulty standing for long periods of time.

The Porch Stage and the Creekside Stage do not offer viewing platforms, but will have designated ADA areas.

Are service animals allowed?

Only legitimate service animals that are trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability, are welcome

  • NO emotional support animals or companion animals.
  • Pets are not allowed and will be turned away.

Service Animals In Training: Ohio law states that service animals in training may attend public events, but that the dog in training is required to have insurance through their sponsoring non-profit special agency. Puppy raising, fostering and socialization activities are not considered training. Write to info@nelsonvillefest.org with your request prior to the start of the Festival and your certificate of insurance. Service animals in training must be advanced enough in their training to handle an event as intense as a music festival. We have been advised that young puppies in training do not yet have the maturity to attend an event like Nelsonville Music Festival. The service dog in training must be held on a leash and under control of its trainer at all times.

Is there shade/a place to escape the sun?

Many areas of the festival grounds are in full sun, so come prepared. There is an ADA tent with some shaded space for attendees. The Main Stage ADA area is partially covered as well. If you’re looking for a place to cool off, we recommend our wooded, shaded Creekside Stage.

Are there ASL Interpreters?

If you would like to request an ASL interpreter or other accommodation to attend the festival, please contact info@nelsonvillefest.org.

Is transportation available throughout the campgrounds and festival grounds?

Yes. There is a golf cart shuttle that will loop through the festival. It will stop at each stage, plus the ADA tent. The ADA tent will also be staffed with volunteers who will be available to assist.

Safety + 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.


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!


EMERGENCY SERVICES

Bee stings, cuts and scrapes, sprained ankle from dancing… many things can happen at NMF! That’s why there will be emergency medical personnel onsite around the clock. If you, or a friend, require medical assistance please locate the medical tent or alert a staff member. Be honest with emergency personnel, they are here to help you, NOT get you in trouble.

If you need emergency medical or police attention, call 911 and tell the dispatcher you’re at the Nelsonville Music Festival.


COME PREPARED + LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER


Here are three easy ways to look out for yourself and those around you:
  • 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 volunteer.
  • Be considerate – this is a shared space and we want everyone to enjoy themselves. Keep the vibes chill and your hands to yourself.
  • 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.)
  • Have Emergency Contact Info on your person and your phone lock screen in case emergency personnel need to know.
  • 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.)


PUBLIC HEALTH

Nelsonville Music Festival 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.

There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where large groups of people are present and there is no guarantee, express or implied, that those attending the festival will not be exposed to COVID-19.

Allowable + Prohibited Items

ALLOWABLE 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 Accessibility info)
  • 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
  • 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.

Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

Everyone is welcome at NMF and we strive to create a safe, inclusive environment for all attendees. We honor diversity in age, gender, gender identity or expression, race, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, language, national origin, education level, religion, socioeconomic status, size, and ability. The Nelsonville Music Festival does not tolerate harassment or discrimination based on any of the protected characteristics above.

Harassment and unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Deliberate intimidation, threats, or stalking
  • Violence or engaging in any harmful behavior
  • Abusive or discriminatory language
  • Inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, or suggestive remarks
  • Unwanted photography
  • Sustained disruption of events
  • Disregard for safety measures
  • Disrespecting or damaging the festival grounds

As a community, it is our collective responsibility to safely address or report harmful behavior. Please help us by reporting any individual(s) who violate this Code of Conduct to the nearest volunteer or staff member. NMF Staff will assess the situation and determine appropriate action, including but not limited to warning the offender(s), asking them to leave our premises, physically removing them, or contacting local resources or authorities.

Please be respectful to all other guests, event staff, performers, and property!