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Safety Information

AVL Sounds Fest Attendee Planning, Safety Information and Protocols

EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

For emergencies, dial 9-1-1 immediately to contact Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

For non-emergencies, dial the Asheville Police Department (APD) directly by dialing 828-252-1110.

SAFETY

Always exercise common sense and good judgment when traveling and attending events in Asheville. Here are some ways to do that:

General Safety and Transportation

  • If you see someone acting suspicious or see something suspicious, say something and record it on your phone if possible. Call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency or the APD at 828-252-1110 for non-emergency situations.
  • Know where you are. Note street addresses and/or cross streets. Write them down or take pictures of them on your phone.
  • In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Have your phone ready to take pictures or videos of any potentially dangerous or suspicious situation.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Carry details of any medications and allergies with you.
  • Downtown Asheville has many trash and recycle receptacles along the streets. Please keep our streets clean.
  • TRAVEL IN PAIRS OR GROUPS when walking, and agree on a designated meeting point if separated, in case your cell phone’s battery drains; or, let others know where you plan to be in the event you become separated from your group.
  • Take a photo or note where your vehicle is parked. Do not park in tow away zones. If your vehicle is towed, you will need a copy of your auto insurance card or registration in your possession in order to retrieve your vehicle. Tow companies will not allow access to your vehicle once it’s towed.
  • Use the parking link: (https://exploredowntownasheville.com/parking-in-downtown-asheville/) to find parking spots throughout downtown Asheville. Parking is available in the River Arts District, but not as many spots as in downtown. There will be many non-passholders enjoying Asheville at the same time as the festival, so parking will be at a premium. This is why we encourage carpooling as much as possible. Venues in West Asheville are more difficult to find parking for, so we encourage using Rideshare companies, as well as the transportation buses that only Passholders can ride.
  • We highly encourage the use of the local rideshare companies, and when in the downtown area and  West Asheville, many of the participating venues are very walkable.

When visiting any venue:

  • Know where you are: the venue name, street address, or cross street.
  • Please treat the employees working at each respective venue with courtesy and respect, and understand they have the authority to not allow entry if they see unruly or abusive behavior, or to remove any patron that exhibits rude, aggressive, unruly or threatening behavior. These venues have established relationships with the APD, and they will not hesitate to call them for assistance. 
  • Take a moment to identify at least two exit routes from any building or event and emergency exit signs. Venues will be ramping up their security and will be on the lookout for suspicious behavior. Again, if you see something, say something to the nearest venue staff employee.
  • If an alarm sounds and you are able to evacuate immediately and orderly, then do so. Otherwise, follow instructions and directions from venue staff and First Responders, if they are present.
  • Do not carry any unnecessary valuables with you. Each venue has its own discretion as to what is allowed inside the venue and what is not. Generally speaking, travel as light as possible.
  • You will be subject to the entry procedures and policies of each venue. Do not attempt to bring in firearms or any weapon of any type.
  • Do not leave drinks unattended, or accept open drinks, or food products from strangers.

Protecting your property:

  • Make a note of your hotel address and store it separately from other items.
  • Never write your hotel room number on your room key.
  • Make a note of the serial codes of any electronic devices. Knowing your mobile’s IMEI can help secure your phone if lost or stolen. Support for finding your unique phone IMEI number: http://www.imei.info/. Turn on your location on your phone for your friends and maybe even some relatives if necessary.
  • If parking, lock your vehicle and never leave valuables or personal items on display.
  • If you lose property such as a purse or wallet containing credit cards, driver’s license, Social Security card or passport and believe it to be stolen, file a police report immediately dialing 828-252-1110 . Contact your credit card companies immediately to inform them of your lost cards.
  • Enjoy your visit! Remember, if you see something, say something. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Safety Resources

Suspicious Activity

AVL Sound Fest supports the See Something, Say Something campaign. For more information on this visit https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something.  Unattended bags may disrupt events and could be removed, damaged, or destroyed by police or other security services or venue staff.

Emergency Evacuations

In the event of an emergency evacuation, make your way quickly and calmly to an emergency exit. Be aware of any hazards or dangers around you, and proceed to a safe area.

Follow the advice of venue staff, security personnel and First Responders.

Do not put yourself in danger by stopping to collect belongings unless directed by First Responders.

Open Carry/Weapons Free

Weapons are not allowed at any of the participating venues of AVL Sounds Fest. Please check the Schedule to see which venues are participating.

Bag Searches – Travel Light; Leave Bags At Home

Bag checks and searches will take place on entry to many events and venues. Not carrying bags will expedite entry into venues. If you do bring bags, we recommend bringing a small or clear bag containing only essential items. Don’t carry unnecessary valuables with you. Some events and venues may have stricter entry searches or prohibit certain items. Check with individual venues for their search policy.

The Outdoor Stages at Hellbender and French Broad River Brewing

  • Please be ready to find shelter in the event of adverse weather, especially thunderstorms.
  • Please leave no trace. Always take care of your trash and recyclables. There will be plenty of bins at each outdoor location.

AVL Sound Fest Code Of Conduct

By attending or participating in AVL Sounds Fest, you agree to abide by the AVL Sounds Fest Code of Conduct.  AVL Sounds Fest, LLC may take action in its discretion to address any individual(s) or group(s) it believes fail to meet the standards set forth in the AVL Sounds Fest Code of Conduct, including but not limited to revoking the violating parties’ credentials without refund.

Please contact info@avlsoundsfest.com if you believe you’ve observed or experienced a violation, and AVL Sounds Fest will work to assess the situation and respond as soon as possible. Please remember that notifying AVL Sounds Fest does not constitute or replace a notification to local law enforcement.

If you have been a victim of a sexual assault, contact the Asheville Police Department IMMEDIATELY by dialing 9-1-1. 

AVL Sounds Fest helps creative people achieve their goals. One way we do this is by serving as a platform for engaging, thought-provoking conversations and experiences. However, AVL Sounds Fest is not a place for behavior that is disruptive, dangerous, or illegal.  This includes any form of written, verbal or physical abuse or threats, the use of derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures or actions, any form of harassment, racism, sexism, or any other targeted comments which may violate any local, state or federal laws or cause harm to another participant before, during or after the AVL Sounds Fest events. During in-person events AVL Sounds Fest expects that all attendees of our events follow public health guidelines related to safety, hygiene and CDC identified pandemic level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19), including, hand washing, staying home if you are sick, and other disease prevention measures.

The Unhoused Population

Asheville is home to hundreds of unsheltered humans. While the vast majority are not threatening and will not approach you, it is important to be both compassionate and empathetic to your fellow human beings, but also be aware of your surroundings if and when approached by any person. If the situation calls for it, contact venue staff for their protocols or contact the APD.

Hospitals

Mission Health Center is located at 509 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801. In an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.

24 Hour Urgent Care is located at Mission Hospital ER, 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.

Weather

The weather in Asheville during August is typical summer weather, generally with a chance of rain or thunderstorms, usually later in the day as the day warms up. Make note of local weather forecasts and pay special attention to any weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service. Always have shelter in mind when walking about, especially if there is a forecast for rain or thunderstorms.

Details of any active alerts, along with a weather forecast for Asheville, can be found here.

In hot, sunny conditions, remember to drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen.

If it becomes necessary to cancel or postpone any AVL Sounds Fest events due to inclement weather (such as lightning, strong winds or heavy rains) updates will be issued on AVL Sounds Fest social media channels, and by the individual venues.

  1. VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK. PARTICIPANT UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENTS IS VOLUNTARY AND MAY INVOLVE CERTAIN RISKS OF PHYSICAL INJURY, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, WHETHER PHYSICAL PROPERTY OR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, AND OTHER DAMAGES OR LOSSES THAT MAY BE SUSTAINED BY PARTICIPANT, AND PARTICIPANT ASSUMES ALL RISK OF DAMAGE, PROPERTY LOSS, AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY WHICH MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, EXPOSURE TO CDC IDENTIFIED PANDEMIC LEVEL COMMUNICABLE ILLNESSES (INCLUDING COVID-19). PARTICIPANT HEREBY RELEASES AVL SOUNDS FEST, AVL SOUNDS FEST OWNERS, AVL SOUNDS FEST SPONSORS AND AVL SOUNDS FEST OFFICIAL VENUES, AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, MANAGERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, CONTRACTORS, SUPPLIERS AND REPRESENTATIVES (THE “RELEASED PARTIES”) FROM ANY LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENTS, INCLUDING LIABILITY FOR THE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY RELEASED PARTIES, UNLESS SUCH LIABILITY IS DUE TO THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, IN WHICH CASE THE RELEASE WILL STILL APPLY TO ANY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES THAT WERE NOT GROSSLY NEGLIGENT.
  2. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. IN NO EVENT SHALL AVL SOUNDS FEST BE LIABLE TO ANY PARTICIPANT, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGES TO PROPERTY, DATA LOSS, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS, INCLUDING ANY DIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR SIMILAR DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF ANY PARTICIPANT’S USE OF THE CREDENTIALS AND/OR PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENTS, EVEN IF AVL Fest OR PARTICIPANT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
  3. NO WARRANTIES. EXCEPT AS MAY BE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THESE TERMS, PARTICIPANT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENTS, AND ALL SERVICES AND PRODUCTS PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EVENTS, ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. AVL SOUNDS FEST EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR CONDITIONS, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SECURITY, RELIABILITY, INTEGRATION, SAFETY, OR ANY WARRANTIES THAT MAY ARISE FROM COURSE OF DEALING. AVLFest EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES NOT EXPRESSLY STATED HEREIN AND HAS MADE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES TO PARTICIPANT ABOUT THE SUITABILITY, CONDITION OR SAFETY OF THE AVL SOUNDS FEST EVENTS, AVL SOUNDS FEST PLATFORM OR DIGITAL TRANSMISSION OF THE EVENTS, YOUR ABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE AVL SOUNDS FEST CONTENT OR SERVICES, ANY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY AVL SOUNDS FEST OR ITS VENDORS, AVL SUNDS FEST SERVICES OR PRODUCTS SUPPLIED AS PART OF THE EVENTS OR THAT THE EVENTS, INCLUDING ANY STREAMING, WILL OPERATE WITHOUT INTERRUPTION OR BE ERROR FREE.
  4. Arbitration.
    1. AVL Sounds Fest is committed to customer satisfaction, so if you have a problem or dispute, we will try to resolve your concerns. But if we are unsuccessful, you or we may pursue claims as explained in this section.
    2. To give AVL Sounds Fest an opportunity to resolve informally any disputes between you and AVL Sounds Fest arising out of or relating in any way to these Terms, our Privacy Policy, any services and/or products provided (“Claim(s)”), you agree to communicate your Claim to AV Sounds Fest by contacting info@avlsoundsfest.com (“Customer Support”). You agree not to bring any suit or to initiate arbitration proceedings until 60 days after the date on which you communicated your Claim to Customer Support have elapsed. If AVL Sounds Fest is not able to resolve your Claim within 60 days, you may seek relief through arbitration or in small claims court, as set forth below.
    3. You and AVL Sounds Fest agree that any and all Claims will be resolved by binding arbitration, rather than in court, except that you and we may assert Claims on an individual basis in small claims court if they qualify. This includes any Claims you assert against us, our subsidiaries, or any companies offering products and/or services through us (which are beneficiaries of this arbitration agreement).
    4. There is no judge or jury in arbitration, and court review of an arbitration award is limited. However, an arbitrator can award on an individual basis the same damages and relief as a court (including statutory damages, attorneys’ fees and costs). The arbitrator must follow and enforce these Terms.
    5. Arbitrations will be conducted by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under its rules, including the AAA Consumer Rules. Payment of all filing, administration and arbitrator fees will be governed by the AAA’s rules, except as provided in this section. If you commence an arbitration in accordance with the Terms of Use, you will be required to pay AAA’s filing fee. You will not be responsible for paying any other fees for the arbitration, other than the filing fee; all other fees or expenses charged by AAA will be paid by AVL Fest (unless the arbitrator finds that either the substance of your Claim or the relief sought is frivolous or brought for an improper purpose). Further, if AAA determines that you are unable to pay any part of the filing fee, then AVL Fest will pay that part too.
    6. Any and all proceedings to resolve Claims will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action. The arbitrator will have authority to decide issues as to the scope of this arbitration agreement and the arbitrability of Claims. If for any reason a Claim proceeds in court rather than in arbitration, you and AVL Sounds Fest each waive any right to a jury trial.
  1. Indemnification. Participant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold AVL Sounds Fest and its affiliates, and each of their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, volunteers, contractors, suppliers, and representatives harmless from and against any and all claims, demands and all other liabilities, including, without limitation, costs and attorneys’ fees, made by any third party arising out of or in connection with Participant’s participation in the Events, use of the Credentials, or any violation of the Terms by Participant.
  1. Choice of Law and Exclusive Venue and Jurisdiction. These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws, except that the Arbitration provision of these Terms shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act. In the event that the Agreement to Arbitrate above is found not to apply to you or to a particular Claim, you agree that any Claim that has arisen or may arise between you and AVL Sounds Fest must be resolved exclusively by a state or federal court located in Travis County, Texas, in a case brought in your individual capacity and not in any representative capacity or as a class action.
  1. Updates to Terms. AVL Sounds Fest reserves the right to make changes to the Terms as posted, so be sure to check back and review the Terms from time to time prior to purchase. Any dispute between you and AVL Sounds Fest will be governed by the Terms agreed to at the time of your purchase or, if you have made no purchase, at the time of your participation or application.
  1. General Provisions. Nothing in these Terms establishes an agency, partnership or joint venture between the parties, or relationship of employer or employee, between the parties (or between either party and the other party’s personnel). Headings are included for convenience only and will not be used to construe these Terms. In the event that any term or provision of these Terms is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other term or provision hereof (which will remain in effect), and the parties agree thereafter to use their best efforts to substitute a provision of similar economic intent and effect. AVL Sounds Fest may assign this agreement to a third-party at its discretion.

Participant acknowledges and agrees that Participant has read and understands the Terms and intends to be legally bound by its terms. By clicking the button below, or by using any other electronic mechanism presented to signify acceptance of these Terms, Participants agrees to and accepts these Terms and Conditions.