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 guests, staff, and performers.

    For security reasons, we do not publicly disclose every measure in place; however, guests 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

    Medical Support

    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

    Your Role in Safety

    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.

  • In our efforts to provide a safe and legendary experience for all guests, the following requirements must be met to enter the venue.

    Identification

    CMF is STRICTLY an 18+ venue. No minors will be allowed on site under any circumstances, even if accompanied by an adult.

    ID Requirements

    CMF is strictly an 18+ venue. All guests 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

    • Certificate of Indian Status

    • Citizenship or Permanent Residency Card

    Accepted Secondary IDs:

    *MUST include a 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 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, and refunds will NOT be provided.

    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.

    PatronScan

    All guests will have their ID verified by PatronScan. This system verifies the age, validity, and history of the ID holder.

    To provide the safest environment for guests, Cowboys is an active participant in PatronScan’s “Flagged Patron” database. IDs that are flagged may be subject to additional screening, questioning, and denied entry without 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: https://www.patronscan.com/privacy

  • For everyone's safety, all guests 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.

    Bag Policy

    Click HERE for examples of permitted bags.

    • 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.

    • Inspection: Security may ask you to empty your bag to inspect the contents. 

    Refusal of a bag check will result in denied entry. 

    Prohibited Items

    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)

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

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


    Guests 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.

  • 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: security@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.