2013 CENTRAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FAQ
Who is the Central Music Festival Society?
Central Music Festival Society is the non-profit society that owns the Central Music Festival. The Society uses the proceeds from Central Music Festival, plus other revenues, for programs in the areas of education, economic development and cultural events. Central Music Festival Society is operated entirely by volunteers.
How do I become a volunteer?
Visit our website - http://centralmusicfest.com/ - and click on “Volunteer” on the menu bar at the top of the home page. You can fill out an application online.
What is the Central Music Festival?
Central Music Festival Society presents a family-oriented weekend of outdoor entertainment and activities every August in a beautiful natural amphitheater just a few kilometers north of Red Deer. You can camp for the weekend and enjoy great music as well as a variety of food and beverages as you browse through the wares offered by local vendors on site. The Kids Korner features children’s entertainment and activities geared to their interests. It is a safe rural environment just minutes from the city! 2013 marks our 7th annual Central Music Festival.
Weekend passes have special rates for teens, seniors, and families. Children under 13 are admitted free when accompanied by a responsible adult.
What kind of music is at the Central Music Festival?
Anything goes and it is all done well. We’ve had blues, rock, country, folk, reggae, funk, jazz, African high life, Mongolian throat singing, Tex-Mex, Cajun, bluegrass, jam band…and a few performances that mixed different styles together. Dance & celebrate under the big sky!
When does it take place?
11 days after Heritage Day every August. Friday night , all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Where is it located?
Approximately five kilometers north of Red Deer, AB. The Red Deer County address of the festival entrance is #20 – 27354 Twp. Rd. 392.
How do I get there?
From Highway 2 (aka QE2): Exit at Highway 11A. Drive east to the first set of lights. Turn north (left) on to the C&E Trail and drive approximately 5 kms. to Township Road 392. Turn west (left) on Twp. Rd. 392 and drive approximately 1.5 kms. to the festival entrance.
From Red Deer: Take Taylor Drive north to Highway 11A. Cross the highway on to the C&E Trail and drive approximately 5 kms. north to Township Road 392. Turn west (left) on Twp. Rd. 392 and drive approximately 1.5 kms. to the festival entrance.
The route is marked with signs from the intersection of Hwy.11A and the C&E Trail. You can’t miss it!
We offer another option for those who need a ride to the festival. Prairie Bus Lines sponsors a shuttle bus to the festival site from the Red Deer Lodge parking lot on this schedule:
Where can I park?
There is free parking on site.
Can I camp close to the festival?
There is free camping on site. Potable water, portable toilets, garbage and recycling bins are available for your use. We do not supply firewood or RV hook-ups. Campers must obtain a Camping Permit at the gate and display it on their dashboard.
The following conditions apply:
- You Must Possess A CMF Ticket Or Be A Volunteer To Have A Camping Permit
- Campsite opens at noon on Friday
- Camp Fires Are Allowed In Enclosed Metal Portable Fire Pits Such As Truck Rims, Washer Tubs, Or Steel Pipe. No Exceptions. Put Out Your Fire and Pack Out Your Debris.
- Quiet Time Between 1:30 AM To 8:00 AM – Red Deer County Bylaw
- Underage Use Or Possession Of Alcohol Will Not Be Tolerated
- No Illegal Drugs Or Drug Paraphernalia
- No Large Parties, Kegs
- No Unauthorized Vending Of Food, Beverages Or Merchandise
- No Fireworks
- Check Out Time Is 7:00 PM Sunday – Leave Your Campsite Clean.
What if I want to stay in a hotel?
There are many fine hotels just 10 minutes away from the festival site in Red Deer. Our host hotel, The Red Deer Lodge offers a special festival rate from August 14-19. Contact them at http://www.reddeerlodge.ca/ for more information.
Is the site accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes. This is an outdoor event that takes place in a hayfield and horse pasture. There are some rough spots, gopher holes and other surprises in the terrain that may cause a few mobility problems, but in the past five years, people who have attended in wheelchairs and on scooters managed to get around the site without much difficulty. We have wheelchair accessible washrooms. There is a sheltered seating area close to the main gate with an unobstructed view of the stage.
What else is there?
Kids Korner – where kids of all ages play with music, magic, crafts and games. Open on Saturday & Sunday afternoons from 1:00 – 5:00.
Merch Tent – T-shirts, CDs, bug spray, glow sticks and assorted other necessities. This is where the musicians meet their fans and autograph their stuff.
Beer Garden – where all the alcoholic beverages are.
Vendors Village – variety of fine food & drink, artwork & crafts, assorted other stuff available for purchase here.
First Aid – look for the Firemaster ambulance or seek help from one of our many capable volunteers.
No matter where you go on the festival site, you can hear the music and see the stage.
Where can I get tickets?
Online at http://centralmusicfest.com/page21/index.html and at the festival gate.
How much do they cost?
Prices vary depending on who you are and when you buy them. Children under 13 are admitted free when accompanied by a responsible adult. Teens are aged 13-17. Adults are 18-64. Seniors are 65+. Weekend Passes are available online. GST is added to all purchases. The best deal is right now! There is no extra charge for camping or parking on site if you have a valid festival pass or are a volunteer at the festival.
What are the 12 Steps To A Great Weekend?
1. Drive carefully at all times.
2. The party is at the festival, not in the parking lot.
3. Come prepared to be one with Mother Nature. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, clothes to suit changes in weather, festival chairs, tarps, etc.
4. Beware of uneven ground and gopher holes. Please watch your step.
5. This land is loaned to us for the weekend. Use the proper garbage cans and recycling bins. Butt out your smokes in the pails provided. Glass containers of any kind are not allowed on site. The horses will appreciate your cooperation.
6. There is potable water available on site for those who choose to drink from refillable containers.
7. Parents or guardians are responsible for their children at all times. Lost parents or guardians should report to the nearest security volunteer.
8. Only those pets who live here year-round can attend the festival. Please leave yours at home, although anyone is welcome to take a gopher home if they want a new house pet.
9. Respect your neighbours. Tall chairs, umbrellas, or other visual obstructions should be set up in an area where they do not inhibit any person’s view of the stage. Aggressive or destructive behavior will not be tolerated.
10. Alcohol consumption is only permitted in the Beer Garden.
11. Lost and Found items should be turned into the Volunteer Tent.
12. You can never have too much fun!
