Safer Spaces & Community Care
Cold Bones Fest is built on community: the people who attend, the musicians who perform, the volunteers who show up, and the town that hosts us. Everyone deserves to experience the festival in an environment that feels respectful, inclusive, and safe — no matter who they are.
This page outlines our commitment to creating safer spaces across all Cold Bones Fest venues and events.
Our Commitment
Cold Bones Fest strives to be a place where everyone feels welcome.
We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or abusive behaviour based on (but not limited to):
Gender or gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, identity, religion or spiritual belief, age, disability or neurodivergence, body size, appearance or occupation.
Everyone at the festival — attendees, volunteers, artists, staff, organizers — is responsible for contributing to a safe and respectful environment.
Expectations & Conduct
General Conduct
– Abusive or discriminatory behaviour from attendees, artists, volunteers, or organizers may result in removal from any Cold Bones venue, cancellation of pass-holder privileges, or a permanent festival ban for serious or repeated offenses.
– Venue staff and any designated volunteers have the authority to remove offenders. Any permanent bans or pass cancellations will be decided on a case-by-case basis by the festival board of directors.
– If you see or experience behaviour that makes you feel unsafe, please reach out to a venue manager or a volunteer wearing a festival lanyard.
Artist Conduct
– Artists with a history or credible accusations of harmful behaviour (harassment, abuse, discrimination, etc.) will not be programmed.
– Should new information arise, the festival reserves the right to cancel an artist’s performance — even retroactively — if it’s deemed necessary to keep the event safe and inclusive for all.
Offensive or Harmful Attire
– Clothes or accessories displaying hate symbols or culturally appropriative imagery are not welcome. Venue staff may ask individuals wearing offensive attire to leave or may revoke pass privileges, based on the severity and context.
Support Structure & Harm Reduction
– Naloxone kits will be provided on site at participating venues.
– Designated volunteers or staff (look for the festival lanyards) will be available at each venue to assist if you witness or experience harassment, harmful behaviour, or simply feel uncomfortable.
– We aim to provide basic harm-reduction resources at venues — such as first-aid support or referrals to help if needed. If a festival-goer needs emergency assistance, call 9-1-1.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Cold Bones Fest works to ensure our venues and programming are as accessible as possible. This includes supporting people with different abilities and making reasonable accommodations when requested.
We also support inclusive washroom access. If you have any concerns or questions about accessibility or facilities, please reach out to a venue manager or a volunteer and they will assist you.
Community Care — We’re All in This Together
We believe festival-goers, artists, volunteers, and staff all share responsibility for making Cold Bones Fest a safe, welcoming space. If you see someone alone, anxious, or acting strange — check in. If you feel unsafe, talk to us. If you need a moment away, take it.
Your respect, kindness, and care make this festival stronger and more inclusive.
Feedback & Evolving the Policy
Our Safer Spaces & Community Care Policy is a living document. As we grow, learn, and hear from our community, we will continue to shape and improve it.
If you have feedback, concerns, or suggestions, we want to hear from you. Please reach out to the Cold Bones Fest team.
Cold Bones Fest respectfully acknowledges that we are on Treaty 7 territory, the ancestral and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika, as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Stoney Nakoda First Nation. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those on whose territory we reside.