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Rules & Resources

Festival rules

Prohibited Items at Electric Forest
**These items will be confiscated if found and may not be returned.**
  • No fireworks, flying prayer lanterns, or explosives
  • No grills, open flame, candles, or charcoal (small Coleman-style campstoves will be the one exemption from this rule)
  • No generators (RV’s with built in generators that run off the RV’s gas are permitted, external gas generators and gas cans are not permitted. Solar generators are exempt)
  • No gas/fuel cans of any kind (with the exception of small propane containers for campstoves listed above)
  • No glass (mirrors are allowed)
  • No kegs or hard liquor
  • No drones
  • No laser pointers
  • No illegal substances
  • No weapons of any kind
  • No tiki torches
  • No golf clubs
  • No hammers
  • No unauthorized merchandise
  • No helium tanks
  • No bicycles, skateboards, or scooters
  • No One Wheelers
  • No American Indian headdresses*
  • No Confederate flags*
  • No threatening signs or apparel*
Prohibited Items in the Venue Area
  • No outside alcohol, food, or beverage (exception: see Water Policy below)
  • No laser pointers
  • No chairs, beach chairs, or lawn furniture
  • No inflatable furniture (WindPouches, or similar that do not require an air pump will be allowed)
  • No audio recording equipment/professional cameras/video equipment
  • No glass or glass containers of any kind
  • No knives of any kind
  • No framed or large backpacks
  • No picnic baskets
  • No tents
  • No bicycles, skateboards, or scooters
  • No wagons, strollers, or carts
  • No One Wheelers
  • No frisbees
  • No large markers, paint pens, or spray paint
  • No unauthorized soliciting, advertising, handbills, posters, product sampling, giveaways, etc.
  • No American Indian headdresses*
  • No Confederate flags
  • No threatening signs or apparel*
Water Policy
In the venue area…
  • One factory sealed bottle of water allowed, no more than one gallon
  • Hydration packs and reusable water bottles must be empty
  • Water filling stations are available for free throughout the venue
In the campgrounds..
  • Bring as much water as you like
  • Water filling stations are available for free throughout the campgrounds
Alcohol Policy

You must be 21+ to consume alcohol. A reasonable amount of unopened beer and wine (limited to one case of beer and one box of wine per person), will be permitted to be brought onto your camping area. If, however, in the security’s judgment anyone in the vehicle is intoxicated, or the alcohol is open, then the organizers reserve the right to confiscate the alcohol. Kegs, glass, liquor, or vending of alcohol is not permitted in the campgrounds, and alcohol may not be brought from the campsites into the festival venue.

Totem Guidelines
  • Totems must be no taller than 7 ft
  • Totem sticks should be made of something light (makes it easier to carry anyway!) – use PVC pipe or similar, no wood or metal, please!
  • Don’t put anything that could gash a head or poke out an eye on the end of that totem. If it looks like it could be used for a medieval joust, security may take it away!
  • No threatening messages on totems
Medical Prescriptions

Medical Prescriptions must be in their original bottle with label attached. Your ID must match the name on the label. All federal and state laws apply at Electric Forest.

Those bringing medicines to the event should declare them to security during any search and may have them stored in the medical center if required.

Children in the Forest

All children ages 3 and up must have a wristband. Children age 2 and under are admitted free of charge.

Should you get separated from your child, lost parents are asked to check in at the nearest Medical Center or Information Booth. Children who are looking for their parent(s) will be brought there to be reunited.

Vending

Electric Forest will offer a wide assortment of food/drink, crafts, and other vendors throughout the Festival site. No unauthorized vending is allowed, you must complete an application and be accepted in order to vend. Unauthorized food and craft merchandise may be confiscated.

For food vending inquiries, please email foodvending@electricforestfestival.com.

For craft vending inquiries, please email craftvending@electricforestfestival.com.

Media

Electric Forest will begin accepting Media Credential inquiries soon. Please return for details on the credential application process.

For immediate media needs, please contact press@electricforestfestival.com.

Local Kennel Information

Electric Forest welcomes and supports the rights and attendance of all persons with disabilities that rely on the special skills of a trained service animal. Read more about our Service Animal polices on the ADA Page.

All other pets and animals must be housed in a nearby kennel if you cannot leave them at home.

For your convenience, local area kennel information is below.

Modaka Kennels & Supply
5023 S. 48th Avenue
New Era, MI 49446
231-861-7365

Cedar Coast Boarding Kennels
6475 S 50th Ave
Montague, MI
231-894-6617

Dog Star Ranch
4200 Whitehall Rd
Muskegon, MI
231-766-0444

Kaley Park Kennels
4725 Harvey St
Muskegon, MI
231-799-8003

Please note that this list is intended to provide helpful information; these kennels are not endorsed by Electric Forest.

Promotions and Sponsorship

No sponsorship, on-site marketing, sampling, vending, coupon/product distribution, or other promotional/advertising activity may be conducted at the Event (inclusive of parking lots), absent the Event producer’s prior written approval in each instance.

*A note on headdresses and threatening messages: at Electric Forest, all should feel safe, comfortable, and welcome.

In this spirit, HQ requests that those who would bring Native American headdresses to the festival leave them at home. Out of respect for this community, it is inappropriate to wear headdresses outside of traditional ceremony.

Additionally, while HQ supports diversity in signs, totems, and articles of clothing, words or images that are divisive or explicitly threaten to harm others such as Confederate flags are not welcome.

Electric Forest reserves the right to confiscate items deemed to be in violation of these policies at its discretion.

In such a creative community, HQ is confident that these requests will open up new, more inclusive creative opportunities for all who attend. Thank you for making choices that support and inspire all members of the Forest Family.

CHECK OUT FAQs

Resources & Support

Electric Forest is filled with resources to support and uplift the Forest Family. This page is intended to spread the word of the different roles and services filled by and for the people of The Forest.

SECURITY

WHAT THEY DO

All security will be wearing a laminate that says their company name with a large, unique identifying number, as well as a security shirt with their company name on it. All security laminates are going to be the same design, but with a different color and company name for different security companies.

You can ask to see a security guard’s laminate at any time.

Any search that is not taking place at an entrance will be done by multiple security guards and a security manager. Those conducting the search will be wearing their identifying laminate that says their company name with a large, unique identifying number, as well as a security shirt with their company name on it.

Security exists for the safety and well-being of all Forest Family. You will see them at entrance gates, around the stages, and roving throughout the venue. They may check your bag or confiscate prohibited items as you move through different entrance gates throughout the festival.

You can ask any security guard for assistance – and don’t forget to smile and say thank you. These people travel from far and wide to work long hours, and make Electric Forest happen!

If someone who you are uncertain is a security guard is attempting to search you, you can request to see their laminate and ask to speak to their supervisor.

HOW TO GET IN CONTACT

To get in contact with security at Electric Forest, please visit an entrance gate, the front barricade at any festival stage, an info booth, or the nearest Neighborhood Pod, all located on the festival map.

MEDICAL STAFF

WHAT THEY DO

Medical staff at Electric Forest wear a shirt that identifies them as medical personnel. They move around the event both on foot, and on medical golf carts. HQ’s medical staff is filled with people in the medical field who are also fans of music and Electric Forest. They are not police or security, and their focus is exclusively on your health and well-being.

Medical assistance provided by the festival medical team is free of charge. If you’re feeling dehydrated, come down with a UTI, or find that your shoes weren’t kind to your feet, visit the medical staff! If you or a friend are receiving medical assistance, please allow these trained professionals to do their jobs and support them by following their instructions.

Whenever you see someone in a medical t-shirt, thank them for their work and share a smile.

HOW TO GET IN CONTACT

If you require Medical assistance, please reference the festival map and make your way to the nearest medical station. If you or a friend require medical assistance and need help getting to a medical station, please head for the nearest Neighborhood Pod, info booth, police person, security person, or festival staff to ask for help.

GROUND CONTROL

The Ground Control Team is committed to keeping the Forest Family #HappyHealthyHydrated. Their sole purpose is to be a helping hand, a friendly face, and to help you with any situation – from directions to medical assistance. Ground Control strongly believes in the power and beauty of helping others, and will do everything they can to make sure you have a safe and memorable experience.

Ground Control will be wearing their signature purple t-shirts. You can find them roaming the GA and Good Life campgrounds, helping their fellow Forest Family and handing out flyers with some useful safety information if you need any help. Please feel free to flag them down if you need anything!

Want to learn more about Ground Control? Visit their website here!

FESTIVAL STAFF

The general staff of Electric Forest fill many roles – from artist transportation, to catering, to credentials, and beyond! You may see people moving around the festival dressed like attendees, but who are wearing radios and a special wristband. These members of the Forest Family are hard at work making magic happen. If they ask, please help out!

INFO BOOTHS

Info Booths and Neighborhood Pods exist to provide information and services to the Forest Family. If you find a lost item (or a lost person), need medical attention, have a question, or if you have found The Answer, visit your nearest Info Booth or Neighborhood Pod.

Services at Neighborhood Pods include: information, medical assistance, showers, and ice sales

Info Booths and Neighborhood Pods will be open as long as the area they are located in is open!

LOST & FOUND

The festival Lost and Found is the place where all lost items end up. Whether you lost it in Jubilee or Camp Blueberry, these are the people you want to talk to. Please visit their booth, which is marked on the festival map, to check whether your lost item was found, or to turn in a lost item.

After the festival, you can check the Lost & Found page for items left behind – but please do so promptly. The post-festival lost and found donates lost items to charity if they are not claimed within a month of the event.

YOU!

The most powerful resource available to the Forest Family is you. The whole experience is fueled by your thoughtfulness, your caring attention, and your enthusiasm. Thank you for reading this page. By increasing your knowledge of the festival’s resources, you have now become a greater part of the heart of Electric Forest.

TIPS FROM THE FOREST FAMILY

The wonder of The Forest is experienced to the fullest by those who arrive prepared to take care of themselves, The Forest, and each other.

This guide was built by the moderators and community of the Electric Forest Subreddit, for the Forest Family community in order to help everyone feel prepared and ready to have the greatest possible experience in The Forest. Sit down and prepare for a crash course in the essentials of Electric Forest. For a more comprehensive guide, and to engage with members of the online Forest Family community visit the EF Subreddit or Discord Server.

WHAT TO BRING

Set up for success by making sure to bring the items listed below. If anything gets left behind, visit the General Store locations at the festival for most last minute needs – including batteries, snacks, camping equipment, and more. Check the festival map for General Store locations.

CAMP SUPPLIES – INFRASTRUCTURE
  • A tent (make sure to stake it down)
  • A tarp or two for any wet weather
  • A rubber mallet to stake down your tent. (Note, metal mallets will be confiscated, stick with rubber)
  • Shade – one 10×10 pop up per four people is a good estimate. (Make sure to stake it down)
  • Folding camp chairs
  • Decorative tapestries to hang from the side of the shade tent
  • Folding table
  • Headlamp (using a phone as a light in the port-a-potties can end catastrophically!)
  • Spare batteries for everything (they are available at the general store in case they are forgotten)
  • Sleeping supplies. In addition to regular blankets and pillows, it’s nice to have a sleeping pad. Camping cots and air mattresses (with battery or car-powered inflator) are also viable options
  • Big trash and recycling bags – 60 gallons or larger is best! Pack a lot of them to keep your camp clean and respectful of the land and your neighbors. Forest Pros bring two different colors of bags, one for recycling, and one for trash (tie them to the legs of your shade tent to keep cleaning up extra easy, and to keep trash from flying away!) The nearest Neighborhood Pods will have spare trash and recycling bags as well
  • A portable speaker or radio to tune in to EF Radio! Some people kill their car battery just to play some tunes. Don’t be that person
  • A flag and flagpole. The campgrounds are large, and it’s always nice to be able to locate your camp from far away
CAMP SUPPLIES – KITCHEN
  • Cooler with ice. If you run out of ice, the Neighborhood Pods have it for sale
  • A small propane or butane cook stove with fuel and cooking utensils. Note that neither coal nor propane grills are not allowed due to increased fire risk
  • Washable or disposable eating/drinking utensils (cups, plates, forks/spoons)
  • Small tub for washing dishes
  • Reusable containers or bags for snacks
  • A water resistant container to store dry foods.
  • Cloth or paper towels for clean up.
CAMP SUPPLIES – FOOD

There are a huge variety of food vendors at Electric Forest, both in the campgrounds and in the venue. Vendor locations may be far away from your camp, so a good mix of buying festival food and eating camp snacks is recommended.

Consider what can be prepped before you leave, such as…

  • Pasta salad – already prepared and portioned
  • Granola & energy bars
  • Fresh fruit and snack veggies (cool cucumber, anyone?)
  • Chips n’ dip, hummus n’ pita, tortillas n’ guac, carrots n’ peanut butter…
  • Muffins or other non-perishable baked goods
  • Instant oatmeal/noodles and a way to make hot water
  • Sandwich supplies: peanut butter and jelly, or lunch meat and condiments
  • Pre-cooked proteins (burgers, marinated chicken, etc)
BE HEALTHY – DRINKS

Staying hydrated is the number one key to success. Keep in mind that any drink with alcohol will dehydrate you, and that you must then drink extra water to regain the balance.

  • Everyone should have their own reusable water bottle or hydration pack – metal or plastic, not glass! Use this water vessel for all hydration needs.
  • Water. While bottled water may seem like the most convenient choice, those bottles are wasteful and unnecessary! Bring some reusable, non-glass gallon jugs to keep water at your camp (there are filling stations all around the camps). Drink lots of water.
  • Electrolytes
  • Coffee supplies
  • Tea and honey

A note on Alcoholic beverages

Only canned beer and boxed wine are allowed. No glass is allowed. The limit is 1 case of beer and 1 box of wine per person. You must be 21+ to bring in or consume alcohol. You cannot substitute a case of beer for a box of wine or vice-versa.

BE HEALTHY – CLOTHING

Weather can range from 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, come prepared for it all.

  • Several choices of comfortable footwear. Take care of your feet, and they will take care of you.
  • Long sleeves (hoodie, sweater)
  • Raincoat (better to have and not need than need and not have…)
  • Basic clothing for warm days and cool nights (long pants, more socks than you think you need, shorts, underwear, plenty of t-shirts/tank tops, sundresses, etc)
  • Bonus points: costumes for each day
  • Bandanas
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
BE HEALTHY – MISCELLANEOUS
  • A small first aid kit
  • Earplugs – a set to use when sleeping, and a set to protect your hearing when dancing!
  • A sleep mask
  • Wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Basic toiletries
  • Any prescription medications needed in the Rx bottle labelled with the name that matches your ID
  • A towel
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Sunscreen
A GOOD IDEA TO REMEMBER…
  • Your Wristband
  • Phone and phone charging cord
  • Plan to use the schedule on the app, or print out paper schedules at home
  • Plan to use the map on the app, or print out a paper map at home
  • Map and directions to Rothbury and back (in case of phone troubles)
  • List of important phone numbers
  • Spare car keys (one is none, two is one)
  • Cash or ATM card
  • Duct tape
  • A USB battery, or solar charger to recharge all electronic devices.
  • Yoga mat (yoga happens every morning, check the schedule!)
  • A pen and notebook (in case of inspiration)
  • Jumper cables for your car battery, or to help someone else out.
  • A hammock (and straps!)
  • Hula hoops or other flow-toys (rechargeable or battery-powered if they glow, and any chargers needed for them)
  • Body/face paint
  • A sweet homemade totem (make sure it follows the official Totem guidelines)

Tips for the Journey

  • The best way to get to Electric Forest is on a Shuttle. Shuttles to The Forest leave from several major cities, and from Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and Chicago O’Hare Airports. Shuttle passes come with complimentary Wednesday Early Arrival, and camping in the tent-only campground a very short walk from Main Street and the main festival entrance
  • Carpool, carpool, carpool! People arriving in a car by themselves will need to purchase a Single Occupant Parking Pass
  • If more than one car is traveling together, set a plan with your friends
  • All vehicles will be searched upon arrival Be cooperative and friendly – these search teams are there doing their jobs to ensure a safe festival for everyone! They are predominantly looking for glass, fireworks, and weapons. Do not bring these things or any of the things in the festival guidelines that are not allowed
  • Once you enter, please don’t move your car unless you have to. Driving in the campgrounds is disrespectful and discouraged. Plan to walk or take a shuttle or a pedicab. Definitely bring comfortable shoes

Tips for Setting Up

  • Meet the neighbors, learn their names, where they’re from, and if they’ve been to The Forest before. Nothing makes the campgrounds better than good neighbors
  • The GA Campgrounds are laid out like a city, with blocks and streets. Each major street, and every block, has its own name. Make a mental note about your camp “address”
  • When leaving your camp to explore, all valuables should be locked in the car, and out of sight
  • Make a trip to the nearest Neighborhood Pod to find information, showers, ice, and more. If anyone needs the help of the festival security or medical teams, bring them to the nearest Neighborhood Pod for assistance
  • Clean your campsite daily, picking up any wayward items and trash

Tips for Exploring

  • On arrival to the venue entrance (next to the Ferris Wheel), there are several lines for the search stations. The list of things you can bring into the venue is different than what you can bring to the campgrounds. Check the festival guidelines.
  • If you’re entering with a group, make a plan to meet just inside the venue, as some searches take longer than others.
  • After the search of your bag/pockets, you will scan your wristband by waving it over a sensor and enter.
  • If you would like to keep things secure inside the venue, you can reserve a locker to use for a day or the whole weekend. It’s a good idea to do it in advance on the website as they sometimes sell out, but you can try to do it in person too

Tips for Leaving

  • Please leave your campsite as clean as you found it – there will be pick ups for your bagged & tied trash and sorted recycling. Taking care of the campgrounds results in good karma
  • Arrive with a full tank of gas, and don’t kill your car battery over the weekend
  • If you have any trouble with your car, head to the nearest Neighborhood Pod for assistance
  • Patience is key as the Forest Family departs – please follow the directions of staff and signs
  • If you need to pull off and sleep at a rest stop after departing, be safe and do it

AN IMPORTANT LIST OF THINGS TO KNOW...

  • The Forest is a marathon, not a sprint
  • Take care of yourself and your friends, and the time of your life will find you
  • Drink water. Lots of water. Water, water, water and electrolytes. Make sure your friends drink water too. Hydration is crucial for successful Forest adventures
  • Electric Forest exists within a wider culture for which sex and consent are topics that need careful learning and loving attention. Please bring the consciousness of consent with you as you celebrate with new (and old!) friends. If you would like to learn more about what consent means, click here for more information from RAINN
  • If you need help, please ask right away
  • If you see someone who needs help, help them, or alert a staff member right away
  • Places you can get help include: the Neighborhood Pods, from security at the venue entrances, from security at the front of the stages, at any medical or information booth, and from anyone working for the event
  • Electric Forest Security Staff will be wearing a unique, numbered laminate and a security t-shirt. Please feel free to share your experience with security by contacting HQ and including the laminate number of the staff member you are referencing. You can do this on-site at an info booth, or after the event on the website
  • Wear earplugs. Your hearing will thank you for it during the show, and your body will thank you for it when you get better sleep
  • Stay fueled
  • Set up your tent before you leave for Rothbury so you know what you’re doing when you get there, and ensure that you have all the necessary parts. Take that opportunity to waterproof it with a good waterproofing spray
  • Do not drive your car in the campgrounds. Every campground road is a walkway for Forest Family
  • Should you need extra supplies, plan to walk, take the Walmart shuttle, or use a pedicab. The General Store in the campgrounds expands every year with the most requested items, and more than likely can eliminate any trips to town
  • Fireworks are extremely dangerous and also prohibited considering the flammable nature of everyone’s tent and The Forest itself. Do not bring them
  • Do not use The Forest as a dump for your trash, recycling, or camping supplies that you no longer want. Please bag your trash and leave it out for a pick up if it is inconvenient to bring home with you. Bagged recycling can be left as well.
  • Do not dump your trash in Rothbury, or Muskegon, or Grand Rapids, or at any gas or convenience store along the way. Respect our neighbors – they are important to the future of The Forest! Either bring it all the way home, or follow the instructions above to responsibly disposed of it on-site