Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions. We have answers.

Except how to play a Bbdim7 chord.

Where are you located?
The festival takes place at Laketown Ranch Music Park, 30 km west of Duncan, BC on Vancouver Island. From Duncan, take Highway 18 west to Lake Cowichan. Laketown Ranch is 5 km west of the turnoff to Lake Cowichan.

Beware of elk! There are a herd of Roosevelt Elk in the area. Don’t worry, they avoid people and you likely will not see any on site. However, be careful driving at night. Mature bulls can weigh from 700 to 1200 lbs.

Do you issue refunds?

REFUND POLICY
We do not issue refunds on tickets. You can resell your ticket using the Ticket Transfer option on TicketSpice. To do so, click Set Up Account Now on your receipt, or use the Manage My Tickets button on our Ticket Page. 

You can also gift your ticket, or sell it privately, by emailing it to someone else. The bar code on your ticket can be scanned once, regardless of whose name is on the ticket. Only do private transactions with someone you know or trust.

Do not buy a ticket from a stranger and avoid online offers, including from parties offering to sell through our Facebook Page or Instagram account.

Do I need a passport to enter Canada?

“A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. … Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship…”
– CANADA BORDER SERVICES AGENCY

 

 

Is there seating?
Seating is festival style. Bring your favourite portable camp chair or blanket.
What if it rains?
We have 5,800 square feet of covered performance area including our festival big top tent and a canopy area in front of the stage, allowing ample protection from rain and hot sun. There are also non-covered areas for those wanting to enjoy the sunshine.
What is your performance schedule?

Our main stage schedule is posted on our SCHEDULE PAGE several weeks prior to the festival with a detailed performance schedule available about two weeks out.

Are pets allowed?
Friendly pets with up-to-date vaccinations are welcome at your campsite and must be kept on leash. No pets are allowed in the performance area except for licensed service dogs. A pet waiver must be signed at the gate. Exotic pets are not permitted. You must pick up after your pet.
Can I reserve a campsite?
Campsites are first come, first serve. To get your choice of spots, weekend pass holders can purchase Thursday camping which allows early access with gates opening at noon Thursday. There is also special Meet and Greet on site with headline artists that evening.
How many people can I have at my campsite?

One paid party per site. You are allowed:

  • one vehicle with tent per site, or
  • one car/trailer combo, or
  • one Class A, B or C recreational vehicle.

Prices are based on 4 adults per site. Additional adult fee of $15 per person applicable. Children 17 and under accompanied by adults are allowed at no additional charge. Max number of occupants may not exceed 8 people per site, including children.

Do you have serviced campsites?
The site is dry camping only. No hook-ups are available. There are no RV water refill stations on site. Fill with water before arrival. There are free showers and flush toilet facilities available on site. The site has minimal shade, except along the west side of the camping area in late afternoon.
We have a group who want to be together. Can we save adjacent campsites?

Yes! You can gather with your tribe. Please be reasonable when saving adjacent campsites for friends. Extra tents for kids are OK, but site sharing for more than one paid party is not allowed.

Can I have a campfire?
Subject to any fire bans, the fire rules are:

No wood fire pits, charcoal cooking devices, or tiki torches. Cook stoves, propane fire pits and BBQ’s MUST be 12 inches off the ground at all times. You must have a fire extinguisher at your campsite if you are using a cook stove, propane BBQ or propane fire pit.

Are there places to stay off-site?
There is a nearby campsite operated by the Town of Lake Cowichan with a beach and some hookups. If camping isn’t for you, there are several hotels and numerous BnB options in Lake Cowichan, which is only 4 km from the festival site. Local hotels book up quickly. Hotels are also available 25 minutes away in Duncan. See Tourism Cowichan for more info.
Is there food on site?

You won’t go hungry at this year’s festival. 

We have a variety of vendors  including our own festival kitchen, The Silver Dollar Cafe, with a rotating menu of options. Breakfasts include fresh fruit with granola and yogurt, French toast, tofu scramble wraps, frittatas, breakfast sandwiches, bagels and, of course, bacon! Lunches and dinners include beef or vegetarian burgers, sandwiches, salads, chili, wraps, Thai coconut curries and  burritos. And who doesn’t like nachos?

What else can I do in the area?
We are so glad you asked! The Cowichan Valley has been described as “Canada’s Provence” with wineries and farm markets tucked into its rolling countryside. Visit the Kinsol Trestle, the Malahat Skywalk,  check out food options and more.  Visit the Tourism Cowichan website for details.
Can I bring my quad or dirt bike?
Sorry. No ATV’s are allowed on site. And absolutely No Weapons of any kind are allowed.
How late can I jam?
Jamming is an integral part of bluegrass festivals. Be respectful of your neighbours late at night. Jamming is not allowed on stages, but you are welcome to jam in any of our covered workshop tents that are not in use. Please no amplified instruments, drums, or music not in keeping with the festival theme of acoustic bluegrass and old-time music. Late night disturbances that result in complaints are not cool.
Do you serve alcohol?

We do not sell alcohol, and alcohol is not allowed in the performance area.

Can I smoke?
The site is often dry and fire may be a risk. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Please dispose of cigarette butts in the containers provided. Laketown Ranch is a pristine, natural environment that is home to a herd of elk, among many other animals and plants. Do not put cigarettes on the ground. Cigarette butts can be ingested by wildlife and harm them.
Festival photo waiver
By entering the festival site, you may be photographed, filmed or videotaped, and you authorize the promoter the unqualified right to take pictures and/or recordings of you and grant the perpetual right to take use your likeness, image, photo without compensation, for broadcast or exhibition in any medium.
How do I play guitar like Tony Rice?
Practice.

Leave no trace

Laketown Ranch is a natural environment that is home to a herd of Roosevelt elk and other wildlife. Please use proper waste and recycling bins throughout the festival site. Help us reduce plastics and avoid single-use plastic containers. Keep a clean campsite and leave no trace when you leave. For safety reasons, no glass containers, please. Enjoy your beverages in hard, re-usable plastic or travel containers.

Day parking

Day parking is free. Gate staff will direct you.

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