ETHOS & CODE OF CONDUCT

The Wind Down is a family friendly music and arts festival. Children, elders, first timers, and long time community members share this land with us, and the culture of respect and inclusion we build together is what makes that possible. We are a PLURRA event: peace, love, unity, respect, responsibility, and accountability. Alongside harm reduction, child protection, and environmental stewardship, these values shape how our event runs and how we expect every person on site to treat one another.

This Code applies to everyone: attendees, artists, performers, vendors, contractors, staff, and volunteers. No one is exempt. We hold our community to it before the event, when you accept it as part of your ticket, contract, or volunteer agreement; during the event, when our team may address conduct at any time; and after, because how you show up here carries forward.

Breaches of this Code will result in disciplinary action. Depending on the severity, that may include a warning, confiscation of prohibited items, removal from the festival without refund, a ban from future Wind Down events, and involvement of law enforcement where required. If you need help or want to report a concern, you may use our anonymous reporting form here: REPORT AN INCIDENT

On site, the Peak Harm Reduction Tent is staffed 24 hours a day; look for a yellow safety vest. Please read the full Code below. By joining us, you are agreeing to help carry it.

The Wind Down 2026 Code of Conduct & Event Rules

By attending The Wind Down, you agree to uphold a culture of respect, inclusion, harm reduction and environmental stewardship. These Code of Conduct & Event Rules apply to all attendees, performers, DJs, staff and volunteers. You must also review the Safety Program, Parental Consent & Indemnity, Adult Waiver and the Wind Down Survival Guide for full policies.

Respect & Inclusion

Respect others; zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, violence or abuse based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or any other status.
Consent is mandatory: ask for and receive clear, affirmative consent before touching, taking photos or recordings, or engaging in any activity involving another person.
This is a family‑friendly event; avoid offensive language or inappropriate behaviour near children and families.
Do not play amplified sound or set up unapproved stages or sound systems that may disturb others.

Ticketing & Entry

Every attendee, including children, must have a valid, unique ticket purchased in advance. Tickets are non‑refundable and non‑transferable without approval from the Organizer.
Upon arrival, check in at the gate with photo ID and ticket confirmation. Wristbands will be issued and must be worn at all times. Replacement bands require a fee and proof of purchase.
Wristbands are required for re‑entry. Inform gate staff at check‑in if you anticipate leaving after gate hours. There is no swimming in the lake; the lake is off limits.

Camping, Vehicles & Environmental Stewardship

Choose a designated camping zone (family, quiet, general) on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Only one vehicle is permitted per campsite (at the discretion of the festival, some areas cannot accommodate vehicles). After unloading, vehicles must be moved to the designated parking area.
No driving in the campground once the festival begins. Obey the 10 km/h speed limit and one‑way signage; park in the lot if you anticipate leaving during the weekend.
Quiet hours are 6:30 a.m.–10 a.m.; during quiet hours, no generators, amplified sound or drum circles.
No wood‑burning fires; use only self‑contained propane firepits. Never leave fires unattended and extinguish them before leaving or sleeping.
Leave no trace: pack out all garbage and recycling or dispose of it properly; respect nature and wildlife.
Pets are not permitted, except for pre‑registered service animals.

Children & Family Safety

Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising their children at all times. Children under thirteen (13) must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Minors aged 13–17 must adhere to the 11 p.m. curfew and are encouraged to return to their campsites by 10 p.m.
Each minor must wear a wristband with their guardian’s contact information. Families must check in at the Peak Harm Reduction Tent to pick up wristbands and fill out a Family Communication Plan (see Safety Program for details).
Every child must have at least one sober, available and responsive adult caregiver from their Family Safety Plan. Do not assume another adult will watch your child without explicit agreement. Children should never be left unattended.
Parents and guardians must not supervise children while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Festival staff may remove impaired caregivers.

Substance Use & Prohibited Items

The Wind Down does not sell alcohol. Adults of legal drinking age may bring limited quantities for personal use (no glass). Consumption must be discreet and confined to private campsites.
It is strictly prohibited to provide alcohol or other substances to minors. Anyone violating this rule will be removed from the festival and law enforcement may be notified.
Illegal substances, nitrous oxide, and open consumption of drugs in shared spaces are prohibited. These items will be confiscated and may result in removal.
Smoking tobacco or cannabis is allowed only in designated areas away from children and common spaces. Absolutely no smoking on dancefloors. Dispose of cigarette butts in provided receptacles.
Prohibited items include glass containers, weapons, fireworks, explosives, illegal substances, unapproved generators, drones, pets, and large obstructive structures.

Performance Etiquette & Participation

Be respectful to performers and fellow attendees; refrain from disruptive behaviour during performances and do not create unauthorized amplified sound or renegade stages.
Participation in activities is voluntary and at your own risk; you and your dependents must sign the applicable waivers before participating in festival activities.
Obtain consent before taking photos or filming, especially when children are present. Official festival photographers will ask permission before photographing minors.

Health, Safety & Emergency Response

Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and dress appropriately for Alberta’s changeable weather. Bring warm clothing and bedding. Use ear protection to prevent hearing loss.
Practice good hygiene; wash hands before eating and after using toilets; properly store and prepare food to avoid contamination.
Familiarize yourself with the first aid station near the Owls Nest (formerly the Lodge Stage) and the Peak Harm Reduction Tent. Trained volunteers and security are present 24/7.
In an emergency, follow instructions from festival staff and proceed to the nearest safe area or muster point as directed.
Report hazards, suspicious behaviour or safety concerns to festival staff, management or security. Lost children should be escorted to the Peak Harm Reduction Tent for reunification.

Enforcement & Reporting

Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in warnings, confiscation of prohibited items, removal from the festival without refund, and involvement of law enforcement if necessary.
All attendees are encouraged to report violations or safety concerns. Reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially with our anonymous reporting form here: REPORT AN INCIDENT
These rules may be amended or updated; consult the festival website and posted signage for the latest information.

By attending The Wind Down, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to abide by these rules, along with the Safety Program, the Waivers (Adult & Parental Consent) and the Wind Down Survival Guide.