Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, but pets of any kind are not allowed on the Festival site with the exception of seeing eye dogs. Please do not tie your dog to the fence or leave them in your car. We love dogs, but sorry you can’t bring them.
Is there somewhere safe I can lock my bike?
Yes, BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) will offer valet parking to the right of upper west gate. See www.best.bc.ca for more info.
What are the hours of the festival?
The gates open @ 12 and the festival ends at 9:30pm. We like Cates Park’s neighbors so please be respectful when leaving the site.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, by all means, but please try to minimize the amount of garbage you leave behind. Please note that alcohol is not permitted on the Festival grounds.
Can I buy food at the fest?
Absolutely. There are numerous food vendors selling a variety of foods and beverages. When you buy from these vendors, it supports the festival too!!
Does UTV still provide free shuttles?
Yes, they leave approximately every 30 mins from Broadway Skytrain starting @ 11am (though they have no fixed schedule). The last buses leave Cates Park right after the fest.
Is there parking at Cates?
Please don’t drive. We have limited parking on-site and we strongly encourage you to take a shuttle, public transit or ride your bike.
Is the fest wheelchair accessible?
Yes it is and we have a drop-off area on-site for people with disabilities and a limited amount of parking spots as well. Please let our parking staff know if you require one of these designated spots.
Can you please explain the festival admission policy?
Admissions are “by-donation” with a suggested $10-$20 at the gate (there are no “advance” tickets). There are also by-donation $5 low income tickets available at the MAIN gates only. In keeping with our philosophy around accessibility, no one will be turned away for lack of funds. However, we need to re-emphasize that we rely heavily on day-of revenue, (primarily admissions) to cover our expenses and therefore we ask that you consider:
- $10 for modest incomes and students
- $15-$20 for part time workers
- $20 for full time workers
For two decades we have maintained our by donation admissions system- subscribing to a "people before profits" ethos, while still continuing to program a diverse range of both local and out of town artists. It does cost money to produce a festival this big and we rely on our audience for on-going support! We hope that you will bear in mind that we lost over $16,000 in 2009 due to rain and so now more than ever we urge you to dig as deep as your budget will allow. Thanks!
Who organizes UTV?
The UTV organizing collective is comprised of 6 core people. Several of us work year round and we’re all unpaid staff. We do it as a labour of love and because we strongly support the work of local activists, community groups and all those who struggle for social justice. We’re rounded out by an excellent crew in the days leading up to and after the festival, as well our 100+ volunteers.
Is this the final UTV?
Yes, after 20 years of celebrating music, social activism and community, UTV has decided to close this chapter of our history by making our 20th anniversary our final event. We have organized in solidarity with local and global social justice movements and have staunchly supported marginalized peoples struggles. We have survived and thrived and now it’s time to say goodbye. As a non-profit society and collective, we will remain committed to social activism and will continue to organize events in our communities. We cannot emphasize enough the gratitude we feel towards all of our allies and supporters. Much Respect! "Your heart is a muscle the size of your fist, keep loving, keep fighting".
