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!
Limited accessible city parking spots are available near the festival grounds for guests with disabilities. These stalls are not managed by GOCF. A verified parking permit is required, and spaces are first-come, first-served. The permit holder must be present in the vehicle.
Guests with ADA tickets and those with accessibility needs are permitted to use the VIP entrance at the festival gates with one companion. Guests can visit the Box Office outside of the gates for further details.
This area is reserved for guests who require a bit more space for their wheelchair or service animal, clearer views of the stage, easier access to toilets, space for interpreters to translate, and a service zone for those who require some additional assistance. Wristbands are required and will be picked up at Box Office/Guest Services. This area is valid for a guest and their paid companion/support person. Space is limited and must be reserved in advance.
Bars will feature lowered counters to better serve smaller guests and those using mobility devices. Routes to seating and amenities will be planned with accessible guests in mind and will incorporate ramps, matting or lifts where required.
GOCF allows the use of guests using their own Speech-to-Text apps during the event. If one is needed, we can recommend a program. In the event an ASL interpreter is required, requests must be submitted via email at least 60 days before the event to ensure adequate preparation.
Vendors at our festival offer hydration options for purchase. Additionally, complimentary water fountains are available throughout the venue for your convenience.
To ensure a safe and well-lit path after the show, lighting towers will be in place throughout the venue. If you require additional assistance, connect with Guest Services, volunteers, and any GOCF staff.
GOCF venues are navigable for individuals with mobility disabilities, though events take place on grassy terrain with some hills and slopes. Guests are encouraged to bring personal mobility devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, walkers, or canes, as needed. If required, motorized mobility devices can be recharged at Guest Services. Attendees must bring their own cords and accessories (compatible with a 110-volt, 20-amp circuit) to successfully charge their devices. Please note that GOCF does not provide wheelchair or scooter rentals.
A Mobility Shuttle within the festival entrance provides transport to ticketed sections and back to the gate after the show, when available.
Guest Services, volunteers, and GOCF staff are available throughout the site for assistance. Site maps and directions to amenities or exits are available at Guest Services.
The Accessible Designated Area (ADA) and VIP areas will include a chair with their purchase, while GA/GA+ guests can rent chairs from the merchandise tent.
Approved service dogs trained to assist their handlers are permitted. Service animals in training, emotional support animals, therapy animals, and companion animals are not permitted within the festival grounds. Permitted animals must stay off chairs, must be leashed, controlled, and housebroken. While water and relief areas are available within the festival grounds, attendees accompanied by an approved service dog must bring waste supplies, treats, bowls, and any other supplies their dog may require throughout their time within the festival grounds. Disruptive or aggressive dogs may be removed.
NOTE: Audio levels vary by performer and can peak at 90 dB, which may be unsafe for animals.
You will find high-contrast, large-format signage with clear, easy-to-read text throughout the event site. Signs will also feature directional arrows to help guide the flow of traffic.
Guests with disabilities are welcome to attend with a support person. Please note that all attendees must have a ticket. Free and/or discounted tickets are not available for support guests with disabilities. We are committed to providing enhanced accessibility services to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for all attendees. In the Accessible Designated Area (ADA), one companion or support person bearing a paid ticket is allowed. Accessibility services are available to assist—contact info@
In addition to being found in the Accessible Designated Area (ADA), we have placed the larger accessible toilets throughout the venue wherever restrooms are situated.
Within the grounds, there are various pathways available, from around the perimeter to down the centre. Primary pathways range from 8’ to 12’ in width, and may be on grass, pavement, dirt, or gravel.
Each site has green space far from the stage to help get away from the noise. If you require further assistance, visit the merchandise tent or the ADA host for ear plugs.
Our event is not affiliated with the Access2 program, and Access2 cards will not be accepted.
Call: 1-888-978-1566 | Text: 888-488-4623 | Email: [email protected]
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.
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.
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!