ADA at a festival

I’ve been thinking a lot about accessibility at music festivals. Most festivals genuinely want to do the right thing, and with a few practical changes they could make a huge difference for people with mobility or respiratory issues.

Here are a few ideas:

• Have a clearly marked ADA tent at every stage, not just the main stage. It should be the designated pickup and drop-off point for golf carts and shuttles so people don’t have to call, guess where to wait, or stand on roads looking for a ride. Many of us simply can’t stand for long periods.

• ADA viewing areas should actually have a view of the stage. They don't need to be front and center, but they should provide a clear sightline so people using mobility devices or oxygen can enjoy the performance without having to stand or strain to see around the crowd. Accessibility is about equal access to the experience, not preferential treatment.

• Give ADA guests the festival Wi-Fi information when they check in so they can easily use the festival app, maps, and any ride-request system.

• Encourage shuttle and golf cart drivers to watch for people who are obviously struggling and offer a ride when possible. Sometimes asking for help is the hardest part.

• Allow ADA guests to bring their own mobility golf carts and provide designated parking near the ADA tent at each stage.

• One more thing I’d love to see festivals consider is cleaner air in crowded public spaces.

  Since cannabis became legal in many places, it’s become much more common to see people smoking in the middle of crowds. The same goes for cigarettes and cigars. For most people it’s just part of the festival atmosphere, but for those of us with lung disease, asthma, COPD, or who rely on supplemental oxygen, it can mean coughing, shortness of breath, or having to leave an area we’d otherwise enjoy.

  I’m not asking anyone to stop having fun. I’m simply asking for a little consideration. Designated smoking areas already exist at many venues and work well. Keeping the audience areas, ADA viewing sections, and ADA tents smoke-free would allow everyone to enjoy the music together.

  Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and golf carts. Sometimes it’s about making sure everyone can breathe.

• Consider creating ADA-accessible lines or expedited service for food, merchandise, and beverages. Standing in line for 30–60 minutes may be an inconvenience for some people, but for others it’s physically impossible. Accessibility shouldn’t end at getting to the stage—it should include being able to eat, buy a festival shirt, or grab a drink without exhausting yourself.

One more thing that’s harder to put into a policy: kindness.

When you see someone wearing a nasal cannula or using oxygen, please don’t look at us with pity. I know the look—“I’m so sorry.” I appreciate that it comes from a good place, but here’s the truth:

I’m not looking for sympathy. I’m here because I refused to stop living.

I’m camping, listening to great music, laughing with friends, and making memories. The oxygen just happens to be one of the things I bring with me, like a lawn chair or a rain jacket. It’s not who I am.

A smile, a wave, a little patience, or simply treating us like everyone else goes a lot further than feeling sorry for us.

Festivals are about community. The music brings us together, but compassion and inclusion are what make everyone feel like they truly belong. A few thoughtful improvements—and a little understanding—can make festivals welcoming for everyone.

After all, we’re not here to survive the festival.

We’re here to enjoy it.