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Health & Safety

We Are Committed To You

 
Your safety is our top priority. Our festival works closely with city, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure a secure environment for all attendees, staff, and artists. We implement comprehensive security measures, including bag checks for staff, K-9 units throughout the festival grounds, and thorough security screenings at all entry points.
 
We are committed to proactive safety measures and appreciate your cooperation in following all security guidelines. Together, we can create an incredible and secure festival experience for everyone.
 
  • Please carefully check the list of prohibited items and arrive very early to allow extra time for screening.  All entrances will have metal detectors so please plan accordingly.  
  • Attendees assumes all risks of personal injury incidental to the event, whether occurring prior to, during, or subsequent to the event.
 
Your safety is our priority, and we’re all in this together. If you see something suspicious or concerning, please report it to the nearest staff member or security team immediately.

Health & Safety FAQs

  • Sonic Temple reserves the right, without refund, to refuse admission or to eject any person who fails to comply with the rules of the venue, local, state or federal law, or whose conduct is deemed illegal, disorderly, or offensive.
  • Anti harassment 
  • Throwing of items or liquids 
  • Possession/use/sale of illegal drugs
  • Fighting or other threatening behavior that may harm, endanger, threaten, or bring discomfort to anyone or yourself
  • Bringing prohibited items into the festival grounds or campgrounds
  • Entering the stage or accessing seated/restricted areas at any time without proper passes
  • Engaging in inappropriate or offensive behavior
  • Damage, destruction, vandalism, or theft of any property
  • Fraudulently claiming a disability or abuse of Accessibility (ADA) services
  • Sitting/Standing/Loitering in designated Fire Lanes and Pedestrian walkways
  • Violation of state or local laws
What Happens if There is Inclement Weather
Sonic Temple is a rain or shine event, however, there are several instances in which the festival may be paused, evacuated, or canceled due to inclement weather, including (but not limited to): severe thunderstorms, lightning, high winds, hail, flooding, or as directed by local emergency personnel. Festival management is constantly monitoring weather conditions and consulting with the National Weather Service, as well as a private weather service, to ensure the safest event possible.
 
If an evacuation due to inclement weather becomes necessary fans will either be advised to temporarily seek shelter or that the festival is cancelled for the remainder of the day. This notification will be made by audio and video announcements from the stages, the Sonic Temple Mobile App push notifications, and social media. We recommend fans download the Sonic Temple Mobile App and follow our socials to stay up to date with festival communication.
 
If the Evacuation is Temporary, Seek Shelter
Please be advised that tents, the stadium seating, and temporary structures are not safe places to seek shelter.  Safe shelter instructions are below.  Your designated shelter location is based on how you arrived at the festival.  Festival staff will be available to assist you.
Fans who parked:  Fans who parked will return to their vehicle to seek shelter.  Routes to return to parking will be posted to assist you.
Fans who arrived by drop off or Rideshare: Fans that do not have access to a vehicle will seek shelter in the Laushe Building, located at the Ohio Expo Center directly South of Historic Crew Stadium. The entrance and routes are marked on the festival map and evacuation route signage will be available for assistance.
Fans who are camping:  Fans who are camping will return to the campground to seek shelter either in their vehicle, RV or seek shelter in the Lausche Building. These locations are marked on the camping map and signage will be posted.
Fans with disabilities:  Fans that may require additional time or assistance to evacuate are asked to check in at the Access Center upon arrival for additional information.
 
After a Temporary Evacuation
When fans are advised to seek temporary shelter, our intent is to restart the festival if weather permits.  Fans will be advised if/when it is safe to return to the festival. 
Cancellations
If it is determined that, after a temporary evacuation, the festival is not able to restart, fans will be notified that the festival is cancelled and will be unable to return to the Festival Grounds for the day.
 
FESTIVAL CANCELLATION
If the Festival is Cancelled Due to Weather
If the festival is cancelled for the remainder of the day, fans are asked to safely exit the festival grounds. Fans who may not be able to easily exit may seek temporary shelter in the Lausche Building.
Prepare in Advance
All Sonic Temple fans are asked to have a personal safety plan in place.  Your personal safety plan should include:
  • Reviewing the festival map in advance. The festival map will be posted on the Festival Info page and updated leading up to the event. 
  • Knowing your exits and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Know which exit to use if shelter is required
  • Making a plan with everyone in your party on where to meet up in the event of an evacuation or if you were to get separated at any time. 
  • If you are parking at ST, please remember where you parked and which entrance you entered from. We recommend that you pack and leave extra water and dry clothes in your car in case of a temporary evacuation
  • If you use a rideshare service or get dropped off at ST, you should exit the stadium and shelter in the Lausche Building (South of festival site) or exit the venue and have a ride waiting for you.
  • If you are camping at ST, please place all non-tethered items in your vehicle before departing for the festival.  During inclement weather, campers should seek shelter in their vehicle or RV.  If you shelter inside of your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings at all times and secure yourself by using the seatbelt. There are permanent structures available near the campgrounds that are designated as a safe place to shelter.  This location is the Lausche Building which is near camping on the campus of the Ohio Expo Center. In the event of inclement weather or any other emergency, campers will be notified via security staff who will be available to direct campers as needed.
 
Pro tip: Be prepared! Bring sunscreen, stay hydrated, and pack a cooling towel to keep the heat in check. Rock hard, but stay safe—because the only thing that should be melting is your face from the killer guitar solos!
What Is Moshing?
  • Moshing occurs when a group of patrons run at and slam into each other during a show. It often takes place in a loosely organized circle within a general admission crowd (a “mosh pit”), although it can be as simple as two people repeatedly running into each other during a show and bouncing off in another direction.
    • Moshing can occur in any area of a general admission crowd, including directly in front of the stages.
  •  
What’s the big deal about Moshing?
  • Moshing can be dangerous to both participants and bystanders.
  • Moshers can suffer bruises, cuts, sprains, and broken bones, especially where some participants are bigger than others, are moshing more aggressively, or if someone gets hit when they’re not ready.
  • Moshing is also dangerous for non-participants standing nearby.  A mosher who breaks through the circle can seriously injure a bystander who is just watching the show and not bracing for impact.
I don’t want to Mosh!! What can I do?
  • Be aware of your surroundings!  If you see a Mosh Pit forming near where you’re standing and are uncomfortable being in the proximity of such activities, find an alternate location from which to enjoy the performance!
What is Crowd Surfing?
  • Crowd surfing occurs where a patron is lifted up onto the hands of other patrons, who then pass the surfer along the top of the crowd.  Surfing can take place anywhere in a general admission crowd.
    • Crowd surfing most commonly (but not always) occurs in the areas directly in front of the stages.
    • Surfing most commonly (but not always) travels from the back of the crowd TOWARDS the stage.
  •  
What’s the big deal about Crowd Surfing?
  • It is dangerous for both the surfer and other patrons.
  • Crowd surfers have virtually no control of their bodies once they are above the crowd.  Surfers can be groped, hit, or dropped.  Although crowds experienced with surfers generally try to pass them towards the stage, there is no guarantee where or how the ride will end or how the surfer will find their friends in the crowd once they come down.
  • Most of the audience is looking at the Stage!  Surfers literally put their health and safety in the hands of people they don’t know who are paying attention to something else.
  • Surfers also endanger other people.  A crowd surfer struggling to stay aloft can kick someone in the head or poke them with their hands.  Surfing is especially dangerous during an artist’s set, when most patrons are facing the stage and the surfer is being passed from behind them.
 
I don’t want to Crowd Surf!!  What can I do?
  • Be aware of your surroundings!  If Crowd Surfing is taking place near where you’re standing, and you are uncomfortable being in the proximity of such activities, find an alternate location from which to enjoy the performance!
We love our little rockers, and we want them to stay safe and connected if y’all get separated!
 
When you arrive at the festival, stop by the Info Booth to get a wristband. This will help us contact you in the event you are separated. Remember, when registering your child’s wristband, you can add your contact information as an emergency contact. If you need any assistance with this, please head to the wristband help tent or the box office.
 
Should you get separated, show your child where the medical tent is located as a reunification point.  The medical tent is located next to the Cathedral stage.  Use this tent as a meeting location.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any place where people gather. By attending Sonic Temple Festival, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to Covid-19 and agree to waive all claims and potential claims against the City of Columbus, Franklin County, Danny Wimmer Presents, LLC and their affiliated companies relating to such risks.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You may bring in one factory-sealed bottle of water or an empty reusable bottle (no metal or glass) into the festival. Refill throughout the day with water at the hydration stations.  Water & non-alcoholic beverages will be for sale at all concession stands.

At DWP, we’re committed to creating a fun and safe atmosphere at Sonic Temple. While we want everyone to enjoy themselves, it’s important to be responsible and respectful of the venue and those around you.
 
Underage drinking is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the use of drugs of any kind—including cannabis and cannabis products—is not allowed at Sonic Temple. 
 
This policy is enforced in accordance with the alcohol license of Historic Crew Stadium and to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
 
If you or someone you know is looking for support or a connection during the festival, stop by Sober Temple (located next to the info booth near the main entrance) to meet like-minded fans and learn more about our sober program. You’re not alone—our community is here to help you have an incredible Rockville experience!
 
Let’s keep the vibes high and the experience unforgettable—for all the right reasons. Thanks for doing your part!
If you’re drinking at Sonic Temple, don’t drive—make a plan to get home safely. Whether it’s being the designated driver, calling an Uber, or taking public transit, encourage friends to Decide to Ride. Always plan ahead for a safe ride home because you can’t drive drunk if you don’t drive there. Thanks to Anheuser-Busch & Danny Wimmer Presents, we make choosing a safe ride easy. Your safety matters. Drink responsibly. Decide to Ride.
 
While there will be security onsite, Sonic Temple will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. When leaving your vehicle, please take valuables with you and lock your vehicle. Lockers are available in General Admission, VIP, and Rock Royalty Reserved – and can be rented now HERE. A detailed list of what is and is not allowed in the festival grounds can be found on our FESTIVAL INFO page.
Your Safety Matters: Let’s Look Out for Each Other
 
At Sonic Temple, we’re committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone—whether you’re an employee, contractor, vendor, artist, or guest. We encourage you to be mindful of your surroundings and speak up if something feels out of place.
 
If you notice anything unusual, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a staff member, security guard, medical professional, or law enforcement officer. We’re all in this together, and it’s important that we look out for ourselves and each other.
 
We all play a part in keeping everyone safe, and by looking out for each other, we can create a secure environment for all.
 
Have a GREAT time at Sonic Temple, and remember to take care of yourself and those around you.