Frequently Asked Questions About
The Wind Down Music & Arts Festival
The Wind Down Music & Arts festival is a collective reflection of our shared vision for a gathering of community that brings together people from all walks of life.
As we step into this next chapter, our mission remains steadfast: to create a safe, inclusive and FUN welcoming space for people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities to come together, to celebrate music, art, dance, and build lasting memories and connection.
Our values are grounded in family, safety, acceptance, respect, and community. From the intimate performances to the family-friendly activities and workshops, every part of The Wind Down will reflect our commitment to making a space where everyone feels at home.
Thank you for your continued support as we wind down and reflect on the past while embracing the future. We can’t wait to share this exciting new experience with you!
Please visit our Locations & Directions page for details.
LOCATION ADDRESS:
Labyrinth Lake Lodge, 224041A, Township Rd 481, Gwynne, AB T0C 1L0
DIRECTIONS LINK:
Yes! You are welcome to come and go during the festival, as long as it’s during open gate hours and you are sober/well rested and safe to drive.
Gate Hours:
Thursday, September 4th: 2pm – 10pm
Friday, September 5th: 10am – 10pm
Saturday, September 6th: 10am – 10pm
Sunday, September 7th: 10am (wellness check required upon exit)
ALL NON STAFF ATTENDEES MUST LEAVE THE PROPERTY BY 6PM ON SUNDAY
If you require after hours access to leave the event, you must let the gate staff know upon entry when you check in. Your name will be added to the log and we will ensure that you will have access to leave once a wellness check is completed.
The property is spacious, yet small enough to walk from one side of the event to the other in 5 minutes.
Please note that the property is also the year round residence of the owner, who will be on site for the duration of the event. The red marked area is his personal residence, and access is forbidden. He’s an amazing guy and is thrilled to hose the event, but please respect him, his space and his property so we will be welcomed back next year!
First Aid, Harm Reduction & Sanctuary Tent
First Aid
Safety is our top concern a t The Wind Down and we have First Aid staff on duty all weekend long. If you or someone you know are in need of medical or first aid care, please find a First Aid volunteer at the stages.
Self serve first aid items will be available at both The Lodge & The Outpost stages should you require band aids or other common items.
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction volunteers provide information, support, and/or supplies aimed at reducing overall harm. They are trained to support you through emotional or psychedelic experiences, and can also just be your buddy when you need a safe person for any reason.
We’re here for you!
Sanctuary Tent: (see site map) Visit anytime for a chill place to rest, a safe spot to settle from strong emotions, a cozy area to ride out your high, or for basic supplies like earplugs or condoms.
We’ve got you covered!
This space will be self-serve during the daylight hours and have volunteers on-site in the evenings/night time party hours.
Please note – The Sanctuary Tent is not a play space for kids – but they can stop by to grab a fidget, kids sized ear plugs or bug spray/sunscreen if needed.
NO LAKE ACCESS! THE LAKE IS OFF LIMITS
PSA! The lake is fun to look at, but is not swimmable. Please do not attempt to go for a swim, as it’s off limits this year. It’s filled with weeds, leeches and wetland creatures such as ducks call it their home and we don’t want to disrupt their environment.
The weather calls for lots of above normal for the season temps and lots of sun, so stay cool with fans, water, etc. Bring water guns for the kids!
For the safety of all participants, boating/floating on the lake is not allowed. If you really want to spend some time on water – you can head to Coal Lake North Provincial Recreation Area, about 10 minutes west of Labyrinth Lake Lodge.
**Please watch your children and keep them away from the water. Access to the water will be roped off and Security will be monitoring the shores to ensure the safety of The Wind Down campers.
Everything you need to be comfortable for a weekend of camping in September in Alberta.
Tickets & ID
Food, water & ice. Reusable water bottles for hydration.
Cash for the Market & Food Vendors
Camping equipment suitable for warm days and cold September nights.
Sleeping gear suitable for cold nights. Extra blankets & a hot water bottle to keep in your sleeping bag to stay warm at night.
Headlamps/flashlights. The sun sets early in September, making for long nights.
Garbage bags for your garbage and recycling. This is a Leave No Trace Event
Lawn chairs & picnic blankets/mats to set up around the stages if you want to relax.
Folding wagon to transport your stuff around the festival grounds.
Earplugs/hearing protection for you and your kids. Protect your ears at the stage and sleep easier at night as the music does go late and can be heard throughout the festival grounds.
Comfy dancing shoes!
Change of outfits for the weather (warm days and cold nights).
Rain jackets, boots, umbrellas in case of rain.
Onesie for the Thursday Night Onesie Party!
Costumes! Rave accessories!
LED Flow toys and props!
Positive attitude! PLUR (PEACE, LOVE, UNITY, RESPECT) & ELEVATE (EMPATHY, LOVE, EXPRESSION, VISION, ACCEPTANCE, TOGETHERNESS, EVOLUTION)!
This list should ensure you have everything needed for a comfortable and enjoyable experience at The Wind Down!
Please do not bring your pet to The Wind Down. A music festival with bass music isn’t a safe or comfortable place for pet animals to be.
Registered service animals are allowed, but please notify us in advance if you will be bringing one.
Producing a music and arts festival with children attending demands an extra level of care—not just from us as producers, but from every volunteer, staff member, and attendee. We want The Wind Down to remain a family-friendly festival. Keeping our children safe is a shared responsibility of the whole community. Please read our detailed plan here! The Wind Down Safety Plan
Yes, there will be potable water on site but a limited supply is available. Please do not rely on this for the entire weekend. Bring your own water supply for the weekend. The water on site is for emergencies or if you happen to run out!
We will have an Oxygen Bar, 14 x Market Vendors along with 4x Food Vendors serving up all kinds of awesome foods, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, tea, etc) with meals for special diets such as gluten free and vegan!
There will be no ATM, however, most vendors accept both cash and debit or credit cards.
There Will Be No ATM On Site, Cash is good to have on hand. However, There Will Be Pin Pad Payment Options As Well As Cash Payments Available.
Porta-potties and handwash stations will be spread out throughout the festival grounds.
There are no showers available on site.
We have lots of cool workshops to check out.. Learn a new skill, make new friends! Check out the Workshops page and the Workshop Schedule for more details.
We have lots of fun activities for the children to do at The Wind Down… Check out the Kids Zone Schedule!
Fires at your campsite are NOT allowed unless you are using a self contained propane fire pit and it is safely managed and supervised at all times.
Unsanctioned use of fire props (hoops, poi, staff, palms etc.) is not allowed.
You can post in the The Wind Down Festival Facebook Group to try and sell your ticket. When you ticket is sold, please email The Wind Down to inform us of the ticket transfer, and include the name/email of the seller and purchaser.
There sure is! Post this on your socials to let people know you’re having a time Winding Down for the Weekend!
THE WIND DOWN 2025: OVERVIEW & GUIDELINES
Event Overview
• Dates: September 4th to 7th, 2025
• Location: Labyrinth Lake Lodge, Alberta, Canada
• Audience: Family-friendly event, all ages welcome
• Overview: The Wind Down is a not for profit, family friendly, end of summer overnight camping style music event in our fourth year that focuses on supporting regional Alberta artists and community.
Our goal is to bring together community to celebrate inclusion and diversity through music, art & family friendly workshops.
Safety of our attendees is our number one priority, so please read the following guidelines.
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1. General Conduct
1.1 Respect and Inclusivity
• All attendees are expected to treat others with respect and kindness. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of abuse will not be tolerated.
• We value diversity and aim to create an inclusive environment.
• We value diversity and aim to create an inclusive environment.
Please be mindful of others’ personal space and boundaries.
• Consent is mandatory.
• No amplified sound, renegade stages or loud music that might be considered disruptive to others.
1.2 Family-Friendly Environment
• The Wind Down is a family-friendly event. Please refrain from
• The Wind Down is a family-friendly event. Please refrain from using offensive language or engaging in inappropriate behavior.
• Parents/Guardians are expected to supervise their children at all times. Do not leave your child unattended.
• Please do not leave any open food or drinks unattended outside of your camping area.
1.3 No Tolerance for Violence
• Any form of violence, physical or verbal, will result in immediate ejection
from the event and possible legal action.
• No glass, weapons, fireworks or illegal substances.
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2. Ticketing and Entry
2.1 Ticket Purchase
• All attendees, including children, must have a valid ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable.
• Each ticket is unique and cannot be transferred without the event organizer’s approval.
2.2 Check-In Process
• Upon arrival, attendees must check in at the front gate with valid identification and their ticket confirmation.
• Wristbands will be provided at check-in and must be worn at all times during the event. Replacement wristbands will incur a fee.
2.3 Re-Entry Policy
• Attendees may leave and re-enter the event site. Wristbands must be shown upon re-entry.
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3. Camping and Accommodations
3.1 Camping Zones
• There are designated camping zones for families, quiet campers, and general attendees. Please choose your zone accordingly.
• Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• No wood burning fires. Only Propane firepits are authorized.
3.2 Campfire Regulations
• Campfires are not permitted. Attendees must adhere to any fire bans or restrictions in place during the event. Self enclosed propane fire pits are allowed.
• Do not leave fires unattended. Extinguish all fires before leaving your campsite or going to sleep.
3.3 Generators and Power
• Please be mindful of the noise level and use low-noise generators if possible.
3.4 Waste Management
• This is a leave-no-trace event. All attendees are responsible for disposing of their waste properly. Pack out all garbage and recycling.
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4. Safety and Security
4.1 Medical Assistance
• A first aid station will be set up near The Lodge Stage. Please familiarize yourself with its location upon arrival. First Aid volunteers will be wearing red arm bands while on duty.
• If you have a medical condition, notify event staff at check-in so they can assist in an emergency.
4.2 Security Presence
• Security personnel will be present 24/7. They are there to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. Please cooperate with them.
4.3 Lost and Found
• A lost and found station will be set up at The Lodge stage. Items found should be turned in, and lost items can be claimed here.
4.4 Emergency Procedures
• In case of an emergency, listen for announcements from the event organizers.
• In case of an emergency, listen for announcements from the event organizers.
Follow all instructions and head to the designated emergency assembly/muster point if required.
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5. Children and Minors
5.1 Parental Responsibility
• Parents and guardians are responsible for their children at all times. Ensure that your children are supervised and safe.
• Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• While we encourage a family friendly environment, we strongly encourage all parents and guardians to have all kids under 18 back to their campsites for the night no later than 10pm each night. This is for the safety and well being of the children as well as the adults attending.
5.2 Child-Friendly Activities
• A range of child-friendly activities will be offered during the event. Please check the schedule for times and locations. The descriptions can be found later in this document.
5.3 Identification for Minors
• All minors (under 18) will be given a special wristband to show they are under 18.
The wristband must have their guardian’s contact information in case of an emergency.
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6. Alcohol and Substance Policy
6.1 Alcohol Consumption
• Alcohol will be allowed in designated camping areas only. Anyone consuming alcohol must be 18 years or older and show proof of age. There is a zero-tolerance policy towards providing alcohol to minors. It is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate ejection from the event and notification of local authorities.
6.2 Illegal Substances
• The use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate ejection from the event and notification of local authorities.
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7. Pets
7.1 Pet Policy
• Pets are not allowed. Exceptions include pre-registered service animals.
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8. Environmental Responsibility
8.1 Leave No Trace
• The Wind Down is committed to environmental sustainability. Attendees are expected to follow the leave-no-trace principles.
• Use biodegradable products where possible and minimize waste.
8.2 Water Use
• Potable water is available in case of emergency. Please bring your own water for the weekend. Designated washing stations are available outside of porta potty banks. Please avoid wasting water.
8.3 Wildlife Protection
• Do not feed or disturb the local wildlife. Store food securely to avoid attracting animals.
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9. Performance and Activities
9.1 Performance Etiquette
• Respect the performers and fellow attendees by refraining from disruptive behavior during performances.
9.2 Participation in Event & Activities
• You will be required to sign a waiver for you and your dependents upon arrival to Wind Down. Participation in activities at Wind Down is voluntary and at your own risk.
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10. Legal and Liability
10.1 Waiver of Liability
• By attending The Wind Down, you agree to assume all risks associated with the event. The organizers are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damages.
10.2 Photography and Videography
• By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed by official event photographers. These images may be used for promotional purposes. The official photographer will ask permission that involve children under 18 prior to taking pictures.
10.3 Code of Conduct Violations
• Violation of these rules may result in ejection from the event without a refund. Serious violations will be reported to local authorities.
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11. Amendments and Updates
• These rules and regulations are subject to change. Please check the event website or contact the organizers for the most current information.
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Thank you for being part of The Wind Down! We look forward to a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for everyone.