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FESTIVAL FAQs

What items are prohibited at the Festival?

Persons entering the facility and their bags may be subject to search for the following, all of which are expressly forbidden on the Festival premises and subject to confiscation:

  • bicycles
  • weapons
  • projectiles
  • alcohol
  • animals, except service animals
  • cameras with detachable lenses
  • audio/video recording devices with external microphones
  • glass bottles
  • cans
  • wagons or carts
  • coolers larger than 14″ x 15″ x 10″
  • backpacks larger than 17″ x 12″ x 10″
  • laser pointers
  • air horns or other noisemakers
  • Water bottles are OK, and Art of Cool Festival will have several "refueling stations" so that you can remain cool and hydrated during the festival.
May I bring audio or video recording equipment to record the events?

No.  Audio and video recording equipment with an external microphone is not allowed at Art of Cool Festival—please leave this type of gear at home.

May I bring food or beverages?

The Art of Cool Festival partners with many downtown area restaurants, as well as will have food trucks and food stations at the festival, so outside food and beverage will not allowed.

  • Beer and wine may be purchased at our vendor stations, and full bar drinks may be purchased at the festival venues with proper ID.
May I bring an umbrella?

Yes, umbrellas are welcome at Art of Cool Festival. Please be courteous to other attendees while using your umbrella.

What are the official hotels of Art of Cool Festival?

Stay tuned for more information on area hotels that have special rates for AOCFEST.

May I bring my pet?

Animals (including pets) are not allowed at AOCFEST, except for service animals.

What happens if it rains?

AOCFEST will go on, rain or shine!

TICKETING

Does my ticket guarantee me entry to any and all of the Festival events?

General Admission one-day and weekend passes get you access to all official AOCFEST venues and activations.  Premium VIP Weekend passes get you access to all venues with exclusive VIP areas and perks, and VIP locations. Official AOCFEST venues include Carolina Theatre, Durham Armory, Pinhook, Motorco Music Hall and The Masonic Temple.

All performance spaces have limited capacity, especially indoor venues. VIP entry in smaller venues is subject to capacity; therefore early arrival for each performance is advisable to secure admission and your ideal vantage point.  

Admission cannot be guaranteed once capacity is reached. VIP ticket holders have access to reserved seating/standing at select Festival venues, subject to individual venue capacity.

I purchased AOCFEST 2019 tickets, but cannot go. What do I do?

If you’re unable to attend the festival, consider reselling your ticket or gifting to a friend!

What if I lose my ticket?

Eventbrite and DBAP tickets can be reprinted; however, once the ticket is scanned it can no longer be used.

What if I lose my wristband?

Unfortunately, wristbands CANNOT be replaced. You must purchase an additional wristband if it is lost.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Art of Cool Festival is incorporating an RFID (radio-frequency identification) wristband system for 2019. No need for printed tickets. Art of Cool wristbands MUST be worn securely and are non-transferable and non-replaceable.

What is the refund policy?

Tickets are non-refundable.

How much do tickets cost?

Stay tuned for 2019 pricing information.

Who needs a ticket to Art of Cool Festival?

Everyone will need to purchase a wristband to enter Art of Cool Festival grounds.

What methods of payment are accepted?

We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. We DO NOT accept, checks, money orders or foreign currency.

What if a performer I want to see cancels?

We will do our best to notify attendees of all changes and cancellations in advance, however all events are subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. There are NO TICKET REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES, even in the event of an artist cancellation.

Am I allowed to leave and come back later in the day?

Yes, AOCFEST allows re-entry. Your wristband will be required for re-entry.

Getting Here

Where can I park?

Downtown Durham is surrounded by a generous amount of public and private parking. However, due to the popularity of the Festival, parking can sometimes be difficult to find, especially in the afternoons. A few tips:

  • Consider using public transportation or coming on foot or bike to Art of Cool Festival—no parking to worry about!  
  • Consider parking at a parking lot, but choosing to take a taxi, Uber or other driving service to get to the various festival venues.
  • Consider carpooling—find a buddy to carpool with to the festival!  
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to find parking some of the pay lots are “cash only” and some are unattended, so come prepared with cash in all bill sizes.  
  • Please be considerate of the folks who live in the neighborhoods surrounding the Festival—obey posted parking rules, don’t block driveways, and drive slowly on residential streets.
  • Visit the City of Durham website for more information on parking options
How can I get there by public transportation?

Let DATA do the driving! Durham's transit system, DATA, offers many regular routes that run to and from our various festival venues. Please see the Public Transit Planner for more information on the various bus routes that run to the festival venues. Please remember the Sunday schedule (reduced service) will be in effect on the Sunday of the festival.

Q: Is there a place to store my bike?

The Art of Cool Festival is located within biking distance from many of Durham's cool neighborhoods. Bicycle parking will be located throughout the festival footprint, and there are bike racks at our festival venues. Bicycle parking is free and highly encouraged. Don’t forget to bring a bike lock!