Get the most out of your day at the Festival

We want everyone attending the Common Ground Festival to have a safe and enjoyable visit. Please take a moment to review these tips, and yes, a few rules.

For their safety, all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Do not feed or touch farm animals, or climb the fences of their enclosures.

Directions:

From Port Hope, Peterborough or 401 eastbound: Take County Rd 28, turn east onto Bethel Grove Rd. Go 3 km to Rowe Rd (bright blue mailbox on the left side). Turn right on Rowe Rd. Follow signs for parking.


From Cobourg or 401 westbound: Take County Rd 18/Burnham Rd north to Dale Rd (Precious Corners). Turn left on Dale Rd. Turn right on Williamson Rd.  Turn left on Jibb Rd. Turn left on Bethel Grove Rd. Go 1 km to the top of a hill to Rowe Rd. Turn left. BE VERY CAREFUL OF TURNING LEFT AT THIS INTERSECTION! Follow signs for parking.

Is there parking?

Yes. Free parking is available in a mowed field near the entrance to the Festival. Volunteer attendants will be on hand to direct you. (You may want to leave your low-to-the-ground sportscar at home.) Remember to lock your vehicle.

Do not park on Rowe Rd. It is a narrow road for two-way traffic and must be kept clear for emergency vehicles.

What should I wear?

The Festival will be held rain or shine. Dress for the weather and the outdoors. This is not the place for high heels or flip flops. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are best for the various terrain.

If it’s a warm day, bring a hat and sunscreen. If it calls for rain on August 31, bring a raincoat and/or umbrella, and maybe rubber boots, if it’s going to be very wet.

There will be some covered and tented areas, where you can shelter from the rain or sun.

What should I bring?

You might want to bring a refillable water bottle. There will be water stations to fill them up.

A folding lawn or camp chair may be handy for watching stage performances, especially if you are not comfortable sitting on the grass.

You may also want to bring insect repellant, especially if you plan to venture into the wooded areas of the property.

Will there be food and drink available?

Yes. We hope you will enjoy the delicious and nutritious food on offer from a number of local vendors. Visit the food section for information about various food and drink options.

There will be no alcoholic beverages sold, served, or permitted, at the festival.

Can I bring my pet?

To ensure the safety of your pet, as well as the resident farm animals and wildlife, pets are not permitted at the festival. Support dogs, leashed, are permitted.

How accessible is the festival venue?

While some areas of the farms are accessible, many are not. Please contact info@commongroundfestival.ca to discuss your individual concerns.

What is the festival’s smoking policy?

There is no smoking (of anything) except in a few designated areas.