Special Info for Day Passers

So you’ve decided to come to Blue Skies on a day pass but you’re not sure what to expect? Luckily, you’ve stumbled across this page and all your questions will be answered.

How to buy a day pass

You can buy day passes 3 different ways!

In the lottery

  • When we ask for lottery forms in April, you can submit your day pass only order and we will invoice you when we run the lottery between mid-May and early June.

Online

  • Did you know you can buy day passes online? We set up a handy, dandy online purchase system so you can buy day passes ahead of time.
  • Day passes can be purchased online between mid-June and the festival.

At the gate

  • You can always buy day passes at the gate. Cash only payments are accepted.

Note: Youth 17 and under must be accompanied by, and enter with, an adult who is responsible for them or they will not be admitted. ID may be requested at the gate. Be ready to provide it, if asked.

Day pass parking

The P2 Parking Lot is reserved for day pass use only on a first come, first served basis. There are 75-80 spots and when the parking lot is full, you must park on the south side of the road, past the gate. Road parking can extend for several kilometers so wear your comfy shoes and be ready to walk, or better yet, bring a bike!

There is NO PARKING on the north side of the road. We need to keep this area clear for emergency vehicles. If you park here, you will be asked to move by an announcement over the loud speaker.

Accessible parking

We try hard to accommodate those needing special parking areas.
Our accessible parking is about 80 metres from inner parking and the same distance again to the stage area. It is across from the Gatehouse. For very special circumstances, we can sometimes put vehicles in the inner lot, however, this is rare.

If you require accessible parking, let a Parking Volunteer know and they will do their best to accommodate you.

Before you come, please check the Accessibility page on the website and contact us at: accessibility@blueskiesmusicfestival.ca if you have any questions related to accessibility for attendees with disabilities or different abilities.

Things to know!

Coming to Blue Skies on a day pass is great! You get to take part in all of the festivities that campers get to be a part of and you get to go home at night for a shower and a quiet sleep!

Below are some special things to keep in mind when you come in on a day pass:

  • Pack light. You’ll be trekking over beautiful little hills and valleys and heavy bags can make this more difficult
  • Bring a flashlight. Navigating your way back to the car in the dark is so much easier when you have flashlight!
  • Bring your medication. Please bring all of your regular medications, including Epi-pens if you have anaphylactic allergies.
  • Bring cash for purchases. There are no credit, debit or ATM services on site, except at the music store, which accepts credit cards for purchases only. You may want to bring cash for T-Shirts, mugs, ice, or meals at the cook-shack.
  • Bring your own dishes and utensils. We don’t sell disposables on site, even at the cook shack.
  • Charging your devices. There are no charging stations on site. If you need to stay connected, please bring your own portable charging device that does not need to be plugged in.
  • Bring water from home. Some potable water is available on site while supplies last. Please supplement this by bringing your own water as well.
  • Cooling off. Blue Skies Cooling Stations are icy cold showers that can be used for a brief (and very nippy) cool down.
  • Alcohol - You can bring in alcohol on a day pass within reason. A moderate amount? Sure. Enough for the weekend? Not so much.
    • Security will make a judgment call on what is too much, and we would like to remind anyone coming in on a day pass of the dangers of drinking and driving.
    • No glass is allowed on the Hill.
  • Protect yourself against ticks. Ticks love Blue Skies too. Educate yourself, take precautions, check for them … on you.

Where to set up “shop” for the day

There are shady areas along the edge of the large field and amongst the trees to plunk your blanket down. Please avoid the spot behind the Kids’ Area where the land is regenerating.

All tarps welcome you when it rains. It’s a great way to meet a new friend or two!

We ask that you not set up for the day in fire lanes, on pathways, or in workshop areas (including the TIPI).

Enjoying music on the hill

Low backed chairs or blankets are best for evening concert viewing. There is no glass allowed on site so bring your drinks in another type of vessel.

Folks using high backed chairs are asked to locate at the top and extreme sides of the main stage area to avoid interfering with others’ view.

Fire pits

Fire pits are communal and located throughout the festival site. Firewood is provided. To reduce the risk of accidental introduction of damaging forest pests, do not bring firewood onto the site. Day Pass folks are encouraged to join in at any campfire.

The kid’s area

The kid’s area is full of fun for kids (and kids at heart)! We have workshops and performances, free craft time and a small play structure with a sand pit.

It’s a kid nirvana but it’s not a babysitting service. If you have young children at the festival please supervise them closely. Feel free to join in the music and games along with your little ones!

Volunteering

Visit the Info Booth to find:

  • volunteer sign up boards
  • mailing list sign-up sheets
  • programs
  • lost and found, and most importantly
  • friendly volunteers!

General festival rules that apply to day passers like you!

  • No dogs allowed. Certified Service Animals are welcome.
  • If you are found possessing or selling illegal drugs you will be escorted from the site and you will not be welcomed back.
  • If there is a fire ban, there will be no open flames (no candles, lanterns or fire pits). Please prepare alternatives in this event.
  • No garbage collection on site. What is brought in must be taken out! Whatever you bring to the festival – please bring it home again. Plan ahead.
  • RECYCLING and COMPOST stations are located at inner parking. 
  • All festival attendees enter grounds at their own risk.

And most importanly…

Enjoy the Music
Welcome your Neighbours
Take care of Each Other and the Land

Background image of the Blue Skies logo
Button image of a band on stage that links to the Performers Lineup page Button image of the Blue Skies 50th Anniversary logo that links to the 50th Anniversary page Button image that links to the Mailing List page Button image of a Ticket that links to the Ticket Information page Button image of a Day Pass that links to the Day Passes page Button image of Blue Skies that links to the Accessibility page Button image of happy campers at Blue Skies that links to the Camping page Button image that links to the Festival News page Button image showing musical notes over Blue Skies that links to the Songs page Button image showing the BSIC fiddle orchestra that links to the Blue Skies in the Community website Button image of the Ontario logo that links to the Government of Ontario website Button image of the Ontario Arts Council logo that links to the Ontario Arts Council website Button image of the Folk Music Ontario logo that links to the Folk Music Ontario website

Green Hosting Badge