SAFETY & SECURITY

  • At Cowboys Music Festival, safety is our top priority. We work closely with the City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service, Alberta Health Services, AGLC, Calgary Fire Department, EMS, and other public safety partners to ensure a secure and enjoyable environment for all Fans, staff, and performers. 

    For security reasons, we do not publicly disclose every measure in place; however, Fans will notice visible safeguards in effect. These may include: 

    • PatronScan ID verification 

    • Entry screening, bag checks, and searches 

    • On-site presence of security staff, incident response teams, and law enforcement officers 

    Emergency Procedures 

    In the event of an emergency, important information will be communicated through: 

    • Video screens across the site 

    • Festival audio systems 

    • Notifications via the Cowboys' social media pages 

    • Directions from staff and emergency officials 

    When emergency instructions are given, please: 

    • Stay calm and listen carefully 

    • Follow the directions of the security and emergency staff immediately  

    • Move quickly, but safely, towards the nearest exit or safe zone if instructed 

    • Assist others around you when possible, especially anyone needing extra help 

     

    Your Role In Safety At CMF 

    Your awareness and participation in safe practices keep the festival safe and enjoyable for everyone. IF you notice something that feels unsafe or out of place, please report it right away to a festival staff member or security staff.  

    • See something, say something: Don’t ignore suspicious behaviour or unattended items. 

    • Look Out for Each Other: Keep your friends and fellow guests in mind. If someone needs help, alert event staff as quickly as possible. 

    • Be a Good Crowd Member: Festivals are busy, and being respectful and mindful of others when in a crowd is key to a safe show. 

    • Know Your Exits: When you arrive, take a moment to note the closest exits and where security staff are positioned. In an emergency, or even leaving at the end of the night, knowing where to go helps keep you and others safe. 

  • To gain entry into CMF, Fans must: 

    • Have their government-issued photo ID scanned successfully through PatronScan 

    • Complete a security screening by our Security Team 

    • Have a CMF-approved bag, if applicable 

    • Have no prohibited items on them 

  • CMF is strictly an 18+ venue. All Fans must present a valid government-issued photo ID along with their tickets/passes upon arrival at the festival gates. We recommend bringing two pieces of government-issued ID, as a secondary ID may also be requested by security to enter the festival site. 

    Accepted Primary IDs: 

    *MUST be valid (non-expired), government-issued, and contain a photo. 

    • Drivers License 

    • Passport 

    • Armed Forces ID Card 

    • Federal Certificate of Indian Status 

    • Citizenship or Permanent Residency Card 

     

    Accepted Secondary IDs: 

    *MUST include a first and last name, date of birth, unique identifier, and be government-issued. 

    • Birth Certificate 

    • Health Care Card 

    • Nexus Card 

    • Firearms License 

    • Government Visas 

     

    The following forms of ID are NOT ACCEPTED: 

    • Expired ID of any kind 

    • Pictures or copies of any ID 

    • School ID Cards 

    • Temporary Paper ID 

    • Credit Cards (non-government issued) 

    • Provincial Metis Citizenship Card 

    • Band-issued Certificates of Indian Status 

     

    Failure to present a valid & approved ID will result in denial of entry without refund. CMF strictly abides by AGLC (Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission) regulations and will not make any exceptions under any circumstances. 

     For any additional questions regarding ID requirements, please visit the AGLC website. 

  • For Fans traveling to CMF from outside Canada, we recommend you use the following ID's: 

    • Drivers License 

    • Passport 

    Copies or photos will not be accepted. 

  • For everyone's safety, all Fans and their belongings are subject to search upon entry. This may include: 

    • Approved bags, purses and personal items inspections 

    • Requests to empty pockets or open containers 

    • Physical searches conducted by security staff 

    Entry is conditional on completed screening. Refusal or failure of screening will result in denied entry without refund. 

  • To provide the safest environment for Fans, Cowboys is an active participant in PatronScan’s “Flagged Patron” database.  All Fans will have their ID verified by PatronScan. This system verifies the age, validity, and history of the ID holder. IDs that are flagged may be subject to additional screening, questioning, and denied entry without a refund. 

    Misbehaviour, actions contrary to the code of conduct, removal by Calgary Police Service, or the attempt to enter with a prohibited substance/item, may result in your ID being flagged under this same database.  

    For additional information about PatronScan and the ID flagging system, please visit the PatronScan website. 

  • Allowed Bags: Small purses, clear bags, and personal items that can be easily inspected. 

    Not Permitted: Oversized bags, backpacks, and items that cannot be thoroughly searched. 

    Security may ask you to empty your bag to inspect the contents. Refusal of a bag check will result in denied entry without a refund.

  • The following items are NOT permitted inside the festival: 

    • Weapons of any kind (including knives, firearms, pepper spray, or replica weapons) 

    • Fireworks, explosives, flammable liquids, or hazardous materials 

    • Outside alcohol, cannabis, or illegal drugs 

    • Glass bottles, cans, or other rigid drink containers 

    • Large bags, backpacks, or coolers (only small purses/clear bags allowed) 

    • Drones, unmanned aerial devices, or laser pointers 

    • Professional cameras, audio, or video equipment without prior written approval 

    • Camping gear (tents, chairs, umbrellas, or shade structures) 

    • Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, or other wheeled devices (except mobility aids) 

    • Medications that aren’t stored in the original packaging (must have valid prescription to match ID) 

    • Portable seating, including pop-up or foldable chairs and stools 

    • Pets or animals (service animals permitted under Alberta law) 

    • Any other item deemed unsafe, disruptive, or illegal by security staff 

     

    Fans found with prohibited items will be asked to dispose of them in bins or surrender the items to security staff. Illegal items and those in possession of those items may be reported to on-site Calgary Police Service officers. Refusal to comply will result in denied entry without refund. 

  • The safety and well-being of our Fans is our top priority. Medical, Security, and Emergency Services staff are on site throughout the entire Festival. Click HERE for more information on safety & security at CMF. 

    If you or someone around you requires medical assistance: 

    • Flag down or approach the nearest security staff member 

    • Flag down one of the many roaming medical teams throughout the site 

    • Medical teams are stationed throughout the site and equipped to respond to any medical emergency 

  • Our goal is to ensure everyone has a safe, fun, and legendary experience. By entering this venue, you are accepting the following code of conduct:

    1. Responsible alcohol service

      • Service may be refused to anyone who is showing signs of intoxication, acting against the code of conduct, or at the discretion of service staff.

      • Guests are asked to drink responsibly.

    2. Drugs and prohibited substances

      • The possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or substances is strictly prohibited.

      • Outside cannabis and related products are not permitted inside the festival.

      • Anyone found in violation will be removed and referred to law enforcement when appropriate.

    3. Behaviour and Respect

      • All guests must treat other guests, staff, and artists with courtesy and respect at all times.

      • Harassment, violence, or abusive language will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal and referral to law enforcement.

      • Unsafe, disruptive, or illegal behaviour may result in removal.

    4. Leaving When Asked/Trespass

      • Guests must leave the venue immediately when requested by security or law enforcement

      • Entry may be denied or revoked at the discretion of security staff and festival management.

    5. Enforcement and Consequences

      • Violations of this code of conduct may result in denied entry, removal from the venue, or temporary/permanent flagging via PatronScan

      • Illegal activities will be referred to law enforcement

      • Cowboys Music Festival reserves the right to determine appropriate actions to maintain a safe environment

  • Safety and Security inquiries can be made through: community@cowboysmusicfestival.com

    This email is not monitored at all times during CMF. If you require immediate security support during the festival, please flag down your nearest security guard.