1. Tickets, Entry, and Passes

Q: Is there re-entry allowed?

A: Yes For example: Re-entry is permitted with a valid wristband after a security check upon exit/re-entry. However, every venue may have a public line or queue to re-enter. By leaving a venue, you are subjecting yourself to that public entry line or queue.

Q: What is the wristband policy?

A: Your 3-Day Pass will be redeemed for a non-transferable wristband upon your first entry. Do not remove your wristband for the duration of the festival. Lost, stolen, or tampered wristbands will not be replaced, and you will be required to purchase a new pass for re-entry.

Q: What is the refund policy?

A: This is a rain or shine event. All sales are final. Refunds will not be granted due to inclement weather or the cancellation or change of a specific artist in the lineup. 

Q: Do children require a ticket?

A: Children under 8 Do Not need a wristband. For example: The festival is all-ages, excluding two 21+ venues. Children 8 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult (limit two children per adult). All guests over the age of 8 require a full-price ticket. Note that some late-night venue stages may be 21+ only due to venue licensing. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times in All Ages venues, and are not permitted to enter 21+ venues.

 

2. Location and Logistics

Q: Where is the festival located?

A: Our main stages and venues are located in and around the Pearl Street Mall in Downtown Boulder. Please check the map on our website for specific venue locations.

Q: What are the best ways to get to the festival?

A: Parking is extremely limited downtown. We highly encourage using RTD Public Transit, rideshare (Uber/Lyft/REMOC), or biking. Many downtown City of Boulder parking garages are free after 7:00 PM on Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday. Please check City of Boulder Parking for specific garage locations and rates. Additional transportation includes Lime scooters, and COOP Rideshares which benefit the Festival. LIME CODE: LIMEXROOTS25 

Q: If I insist on driving, how much does it cost to park?

A: City of Boulder Garages offer free parking on the weekend.  Be sure you are in a City garage.  Parking is limited.

Q: Is the festival ADA accessible?

A: Yes, we are committed to making our festival accessible. All outdoor stages and major indoor venues have accessible entrances and restrooms. We will have a dedicated Accessibility Team/Booth on-site for any specific needs, including ADA viewing areas. Please contact us at contact@rootsmusicproject.org prior to the event to coordinate accommodations.

Q: Will there be food and drink available?

A: Yes, we will feature a variety of participating bars and restaurants on Pearl Street. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available throughout the Pearl Street Mall.

 

3. Rules, Safety, and Boulder Laws

Q: Can I bring alcohol, cannabis, or other substances?

A: No outside alcohol is permitted. In accordance with Colorado law, the public consumption of marijuana is strictly illegal and is not permitted anywhere on the festival grounds, in line, or in any public space, including the Pearl Street Mall. Any illegal substances will be confiscated, and you may be removed from the event.

Q: What is the smoking policy (including vaping)?

A: Smoking and vaping (e-cigarettes) are PROHIBITED in the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District, which includes the entire Pearl Street Mall, parks, and sidewalks. This is a City of Boulder ordinance and will be strictly enforced by City law enforcement. Please plan to adhere to this no-smoking rule for the entirety of the festival area.

Q: What is your policy on bags and prohibited items?

A: All bags are subject to search upon entry. We strongly encourage you to use a small clutch (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”) or a clear bag (no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”). Large backpacks, coolers, and large totes are NOT permitted. 

Q: What items are strictly prohibited?

A: The following items will be confiscated and are not permitted:

• Weapons of any kind (including knives/pepper spray)

• Glass bottles or containers

• Outside alcoholic beverages or illegal substances

• Drones, professional cameras with detachable lenses (without a photo pass)

• Chairs, tents/shade structures, or wagons

• Amplification equipment (loudspeakers, megaphones)

Q: Are pets allowed?

A: No, pets are not allowed inside the festival venues or stages, or on the Pearl Street Mall itself, except for registered service animals trained to assist a person with a disability.

Q: Can I sell merchandise at the festival?

A: No unauthorized vending is permitted. Selling merchandise, art, or crafts on the Pearl Street Mall or any city property without a permit is strictly prohibited by City of Boulder ordinance. Vendors must be approved and part of the official festival marketplace.

 

4. Festival Experience & Venue Policies 

Q: Do venues operate on a first-come, first-served basis? 

A: Yes. Your festival ticket guarantees admission to all festival venues, but it does NOT guarantee specific seating or positioning. All seating and standing areas at every venue—including satellite venues, outdoor stages, and Boulder Theater—are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving early to your preferred performances to secure your desired viewing location.

Q: Are festival tickets valid for late night shows? 

A: No. Your festival ticket does NOT include access to any late night shows or after-hours events that may occur during the festival weekend. Late night shows require separate tickets and must be purchased independently. Check the festival website or official announcements for late night show availability and ticketing information.

Q: Can I take photos and videos at the festival? 

A: Personal cameras and cell phones are welcome for non-commercial use. However, professional recording equipment, including cameras with detachable lenses, tripods, and video recording equipment, are prohibited without a media/photo pass. All attendees consent to being photographed or filmed by official festival photographers, and these images may be used for promotional purposes. Please be respectful of performers and other guests when taking photos.

Q: How do I navigate between multiple festival venues? 

A: All festival venues are located within walking distance in and around the Pearl Street Mall in Downtown Boulder. When moving between venues, please note:

• Each venue may have a public entry line or queue upon arrival.

• If you exit a venue, you'll need to re-enter through the public line with your wristband.

• Check your festival schedule and plan your movements between performances to allow adequate travel time.

• Maps are available at Festival HQ and on the festival website.

 

5. Health, Safety & Code of Conduct

Q: What is the festival's Code of Conduct? 

A: Roots Music Festival is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all attendees. We have zero tolerance for:

• Hate speech or discriminatory language/behavior targeting anyone based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or national origin

• Harassment, intimidation, or threatening behavior

• Inappropriate physical contact or unwanted sexual attention

• Offensive, abusive, or vulgar conduct that creates a hostile environment

Q: What happens if someone violates the Code of Conduct? 

A: Violators will be immediately ejected from the festival without refund. No warnings are given for hate speech or discriminatory behavior. The festival reserves the right to ban individuals from future events, and illegal activities will be reported to law enforcement.

Q: How do I report a Code of Conduct violation or safety concern? 

A: If you experience or witness harassment, discrimination, or safety concerns:

• Immediate concerns: Contact the nearest festival security staff member or venue manager

• Non-emergency situations: Visit Guest Services or Festival HQ

• Follow-up or advance concerns: Email  contact@rootsmusicfest.org   

• Your safety is our priority, and all reports will be taken seriously.

Q: Where is Lost & Found located? 

A: Lost & Found is located at Festival HQ on the Pearl Street Mall. If you lose an item during the festival:

• Visit Festival HQ during operating hours to check for your item

• For inquiries after the festival, email  contact@rootsmusicfest.org  with a description of your lost item

• Found items will be held for 30 days after the festival concludes

 

 

6. Festival Schedule & Logistics

Q: What are the festival hours? 

A: Festival hours vary by day. Please check the official festival schedule on our website at www.rootsmusicfest.org for specific venue hours and performance times. Generally:

• Friday: Evening performances begin around 5:00 PM

• Saturday: Full day of performances

• Sunday: Full day of performances Individual venue hours may vary.

Q: Where can I find the performance schedule? 

A: The complete performance schedule is available at:

• Festival website: www.rootsmusicfest.org

• Festival HQ information booth on the Pearl Street Mall

• Printed schedules available at wristband pickup and venue entrances We recommend checking the schedule regularly, as performance times are subject to change.

Q: Where and when do I pick up my wristband? 

A: Wristband pickup locations and hours:

• Festival HQ/Box Office on the Pearl Street Mall

• Boulder Theater Box Office (if applicable)

• Specific wristband pickup hours will be posted on the festival website

• Your 3-day pass will be redeemed for a non-transferable wristband upon your first entry to any festival venue. Once you receive your wristband, do not remove it for the duration of the festival. Lost, stolen, or tampered wristbands will not be replaced.

 

7. Contact Information & Support

Q: Who should I contact with questions or concerns? 

A: For specific inquiries, please use the appropriate contact:

• General Festival Information: contact@rootsmusicproject.org

• Accessibility Accommodations:  contact@rootsmusicproject.org

• Safety Concerns or Code of Conduct Violations: contact@rootsmusicproject.org

• Volunteer Opportunities: fiona.oren@rootsmusicproject.org

• Emergency During Festival: Contact festival security or venue staff immediately, or dial 911

Q: How can I volunteer at the festival? 

A: We welcome volunteers to join the Roots Music Project family! Volunteers are essential to making our festival successful and receive benefits including:

• Access to festival events

• Being part of a community of music lovers

• Opportunity to see amazing performances

• Building skills in event production and hospitality

To learn more about volunteer opportunities:

• Visit: www.boulderrootsmusicfest.org/volunteer

• Email: fiona.oren@rootsmusicproject.org (Volunteer Coordinator)

• Phone: (619) 866-8087

• Volunteer roles include door team, setup/teardown, stage assistance, hospitality, and more. We offer flexible shifts to work with your schedule!