ACCESSIBILITY
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is an accessible event and we are dedicated to continually improve our efforts to ensure everyone has access to the same festival experience.

Our festival is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities. We’ve put measures in place to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the experience, with features that accommodate a range of accessibility needs. We welcome and encourage all feedback and suggestions from our attendees!

GOCF venues are navigable for people with mobility disabilities; however the events are held on grassy terrain with some hills and slopes. Personal forms of transportation, including wheelchairs and scooters are encouraged for those who require them. Crutches, walkers and canes are also permitted to be brought in to the event. If you need to recharge your motorized mobility device, you may do so at Guest Services; attendees should bring all cords and accessories needed to charge their devices (chargers must use a 110-volt, 20 amp circuit). GOCF does not provide wheelchair or scooter rentals.

Mobility shuttles (golf carts) will be available for the duration of the festival on a first-come first-served bases. Please note, there are limitations on where the shuttles can drive within and outside of the grounds.

There are limited accessibility city parking spots for guests with disabilities near the festival grounds. Parking requires a verified parking permit and is available on a first come, first serve basis. The person to whom the permit is issued must be present in the vehicle, as a driver or passenger.

Guests with accessibility concerns are permitted to use the VIP entrance at the festival gates. Please visit the Box Office outside of the gates if you need any assistance!

There are accessible viewing areas available for attendees who require it; all VIP tables are accessible. To gain access to this areas, please visit us at Guest Services beforehand for a wristband.

Accessible Viewing Area Policies:

  • Seating in this area is on a first come, first served basis for attendees and direct companions.
  • Smoking is not permitted in these areas.
  • Accessible washrooms are located within or next to the Viewing Area.
  • Bar service staff will check in to accommodate service needs in the area periodically, and QR codes will be available to order.
  • Please do not block the view of the guests behind you! We strive to make this space as comfortable as possible.

Service animals are permitted throughout the venue. However, this does not include emotional support animals, therapy animals, or companion animals. Any animal whose task is to provide protection, emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship is not considered a service animal and will not be allowed into the venue. Only service animals that have been individually trained and are under the proper care of their owners will be allowed within the premises.

The following guidelines must be followed:

  • All service animals must be registered with the Box Office before entering into the event.
  • All service animals must remain by the handler’s side at all times and must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered. If these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or if the handler’s disability prevents the use of these devices, the handler must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
  • Service animals must be housebroken and should relieve themselves outside of the grounds (re-entry will be allowed).
  • Anyone bringing an animal will be responsible for and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal.
  • All service animals should have legally required vaccinations (which Box Office staff may ask to see for verification).

We ask that you do not leave your animal in your car while you’re inside the event, as vehicles without air conditioning on can easily become too hot and unsafe for any animal.

We accept requests for any of the following services:

  • ASL Interpretation
  • Other forms of Effective Communication

Requests for these services must be emailed to us at least 30 days prior to the event to allow for sufficient preparation. To submit a request, please email us at [email protected].

First Aid: We have one main First Aid location within the venue, noted on the festival maps, website and via signage on the grounds. Professional medical staff can help you with your medical needs at these locations.

Special Dietary Needs: The event will have food vendors that provide options for all dietary restrictions. For those with special dietary needs beyond what will be offered at the event, please email us at [email protected].

Prescription Medications: All prescription medications must be in the original manufacturer container with your name on it, which matches your government-issued photo ID. Please only bring a sufficient amount of medication for the duration of the event. Your medications must be cleared by the medical team at the event entry.

The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival will consider any reasonable requests that will permit our guests equal enjoyment of the event. We encourage you to make any such request as far in advance as possible to enhance our ability to evaluate and fulfill.

In continually trying to make our event more accessible, we encourage you to contact us at [email protected] for any of your accessibility-related needs. Additionally, if you have any questions about our policies or our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Please reach out to the GOCF Customer Service team if there is anything we can help accommodate!

Call: 1-888-978-1566 | Text: 888-488-4623 | Email: [email protected]

THANK YOU!

We’d like to give a huge shout out to Brad & Jenn Bartko at Disability: Accessible By Design for their invaluable guidance and expertise in ensuring the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is accessible and inclusive. Their dedication has made a meaningful impact, and we’re grateful for their support in helping us create a welcoming experience for everyone.

Jody S
I thought it was important to take a moment to speak of how grateful I am to have had you’re assistance at the Great Outdoors Comedy festival. It turned what would have been a completely different outcome to us being able to enjoy ourselves. I have worked as an ER nurse for over 30 years and have always put others first, but when I needed some help you were there and your kindness will never be forgotten. This kind of support is long overdue, thank you so very much.
Jake M

Just want to pass along my thanks and praise for your service at Theo Von’s show in Halifax. Bravo to you and your team for providing second to none service, making me forget about my injury so I could enjoy the show with my friend.

Lisa H

We were at the Halifax show with my disabled husband. Your services and team went above and BEYOND. For the first time in a long time he was able to join his friends at an event. We needed that more than I can explain. Thank you so much!

Carlee K
Just wanted to say a huge thank you for helping us out at the afternoon show with Tom Segura! It was such an unexpected service to receive, as my leg injury is only temporary. You all made sure we were as comfortable as possible for our afternoon of entertainment. Great job out there guys! Keep rockin’ it!
Norman W
Your staff went above and beyond to assist me and my wife get to our seats easily (with the golf cart) and made sure we are able to set-up our seats and enjoy the shows. Thank you!
Emily F
I just wanted to send you a note of sincerest gratitude. You all have been so helpful and accommodating, taking the time to understand our specific needs and adjusting to make this a wonderful experience. I have never had such responsiveness and support at any other event I have attended to support my moms needs, both mobility and hearing. You are such a professional, so kind, and I am thankful for you.
Mark M
My wife broke her leg recently and was not as mobile as she wanted to be in her boot and crutches. Your team went above and beyond to make her feel comfortable, welcome, and safe. She nearly didn’t go, but she did, and we’re so grateful to you for turning what’s been an unfortunate start to our summer into an amazing night out. Not only did we laugh our faces off, but because of you, she was able to do all of that with dignity! You made sure your guests with accessibility needs were well taken care of, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

GOCF is proud to partner with the HOPE Campaign (help one person every day!); giving back through awareness, education, and creating opportunities and experiences for inclusion.