GENERAL FESTIVAL QUESTIONS:

Q: What do I need to check-in? 

A:  You need to bring your QR code ticket (emailed out two weeks before the festival starts) either printed, or as a screenshot. Each individual Ticket and each individual Add-On will have their own QR Code, including for Parking. 

ID REQUIRED for Senior/Teen Tickets

ID recommended for everyone in case of any ticket issues. 

QR code tickets are a valid ticket on their own.  Once they are emailed to the buyer (two weeks before the festival starts), they can be given to anyone else the buyer chooses, and that person can use the QR code, weather printed, or a screenshot, to enter into the festival.

THE QR CODE IS YOUR TICKET.

No Refunds, Resales, or Exchanges.

Please contact office@mateel.org with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Q: Can I come to the event grounds early? 

A: Not before the day of your purchased ticket, we do encourage you to explore  the rest of what Humboldt County has to offer. www.VisitHumboldt.com for more information.

Q: Are there accessibility considerations?

A: Yes! Please fill out our Accessibility Form here so we can make sure you have the most comfortable experience! An ADA team member will reach out with a confirmation. 

Q: Do vendors accept cash, card, or both?

A: Most vendors accept both forms of payment. 

Q: I would like to be a vendor. Where do I apply? 

A: An application form will be available on both the mateel.org and the reggaeontheriver.com websites in the spring. 

Q: Will there be an ATM? 

A: Yes, we have ATM’s on site. We are in a very rural area. We have experienced some banks recognizing multiple transactions in one day from our location as suspected fraud. We recommend having enough cash on you to get through the day or limiting your ATM transactions where possible. Checking with your bank ahead of time might prevent this issue. 

Q: Can I bring my pet snake, goat, dog, etc? (Yes, we have seen them all!)

A: No, please leave your pets at home. We have a very strict no animal policy. Any patrons in violation of this policy will be asked to leave with their animal. If you have a service animal, please pre-register on our Accessibility Form.

Q: What is the weather like?

A: This region can be subject to dramatic differences in day and night temps. Daytime temperatures can range from low 80’s-well over 100 degrees F. Night time can be fairly cool in the 40’s- 50’s. Please bring layers and environmentally friendly sun protection. 

Q: Can I bring my kids?

A: Yes! We love our Reggae kids! Children 12 and under are free. Ask for a kids wristband at check in or at the info booth. A full kid zone will be available in the event from 10am-7pm all weekend. 

Q: Are harm-reduction services available (earplugs, sunscreen, etc.)? 

A: Your safety is paramount! Basic supplies are available for purchase at the Jah Mall. Additionally, qualified health professionals are onsite and available to assist you 24 hours a day.

Q: What comes with the VIP add-on in 2026? 

A: Elevate your festival experience with VIP access, including entry to the exclusive backstage VIP Lounge, with private bar, and dedicated viewing area.  A curated swag bag featuring premium goodies from our sponsors will be available in the VIP Lounge.

Q: Will there be shuttles this year?

A: Yes! For a one time purchase of a $20 wristband, you can ride all weekend. Single rides on a sliding scale up to $5 per ride. Please do not pay the driver, look for the friendly shuttle staff when you exit the vehicle. 

Shuttle Hours:  

-Southbound Route Begins 9am Friday-Sunday

-Northbound Route Ends one hour after the Mainstage Music ends, approximately 2:00 am-2:30 am. 

Shuttle Stop Locations:

-Redway

-Garberville

-Benbow 

-Richardson’s Grove State Park

-Richardson’s Grove RV Park/ Patriot Gas Station

-Overflow Parking at French’s Camp

-Box Office Shuttle Stop County Line Ranch

Q: Can I bring my lasers for the late night party? 

A: No. Please do not project any lasers into the forested tree lines. Anyone found with lasers in possession and in violation of this request is subject to removal from the grounds.

Q: Will there be Public Showers

A: Yes, there will be a public shower available. Showers are $5 each, one person per stall (families with young children are ok to share.) 

There are some hours that are reserved for crew and staff only. Here are those hours so you can plan your shower hour!

Friday - Sunday 

6am-8am: Crew Priority for Staff, volunteer, vendor 

8am-4pm: All welcome, crew must stand in line with public

4pm-6pm Crew Priority hours

6pm-10pm All Welcome

10pm-2am, by reservation only. Reservations must be made the same day at the Shower Station. 

Q: Is there electrical access for my appliances from home? 

A: We encourage participants to use this opportunity to unplug from your daily lives! You are camping in a remote and majestic part of California. Bring items from home that you would on any camping trip without electrical access. 

Q: But what about my devices? Will there at least be a charging station? 

A: Yes! We need our devices too! We will have a charging station available in the concert bowl for general use. Use at your own risk. 

Q: Can I bring my drone?

A: Absolutely not. All unauthorized drones will be confiscated and owners will be asked to leave the premises. 

Q: Can I bring my professional camera equipment?

A: No, professional photography and videography are not permitted without approval. Only small personal cameras are allowed. Anyone wishing to professionally photograph or film the festival must apply for a Media and Photo Pass and comply with all terms and conditions. You can apply for a pass here: Press and Media Application

Q: At night, will there be enough lights for me to walk around everywhere?

A: Bringing a personal headlamp or flashlight is highly recommended to help you safely navigate the grounds after dark.

Q: Where is Lost & Found located? 

A: Lost and Found will be at Security Central, please see the Festival Map for this location. After the event please contact the Mateel Community Center to inquire about lost items, 707-923-3368. 

Q: Who can I contact if I feel unsafe or need assistance?

A: We take our patrons' safety and security seriously. There is a 24 hour security crew available to help throughout the weekend, find the “Security” shirts.  All of our staff and volunteers are top notch, if you see someone with a “Crew” or “Staff” shirt, they’ll be happy to assist you.

RIVER ACCESS:

Q: Is there swimming allowed in the river?

A: Yes, please enjoy the beauty of the Eel River during your stay with us. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty, and swimming is at your own risk. The river is a natural waterway and may occasionally experience algae blooms. We prioritize the health and safety of our guests and work closely with the local Department of Health to monitor conditions and ensure the water is safe for recreation. If conditions are not suitable, clear signage will be posted to keep everyone informed.

Q: What type of skin products should I bring into the river?

A: The Eel River is designated as a protected Wild and Scenic River in CA. Please be mindful of all products on your body and hair. Avoid products with harsh chemicals. We ask that you only use environmentally friendly products while at Reggae on the River. 

Q: Can I bathe in the river?

A: No, there is no soap permitted in the water. Please use environmentally friendly soap in the provided shower area only.

Q: Can I jump off the rocks into the water? 

A: There is no rock jumping or cliff diving permitted. There is no trespassing permitted onto the east side of the river. Please respect all signage. Violators may be asked to leave the premises.

Q: Can I bring a flotation device?

A: Yes! Please bring floaties to enjoy your time on the water. We ask that you take these home with you and do not leave them unattended by the waters edge.

Q: Is there cell service available?

A: Cell service can be unreliable in this area. Check with your carrier. 

CAMPING:

Q: Where can I camp with my 3 day GA pass?

A: All GA camping is along the river bar. The ground contains small rocks in most areas and can be uneven terrain. There is no shade in this area, please plan accordingly with self provided shade and shoes for river walking. 

Q: Can I camp on the water’s edge?

A: The Eel River is home to many threatened species. Please respect the 50ft setback that will be visible through signage along the river. Any campers within 50 ft of the waters edge will be asked to move to an appropriate location.

Q: Can I have glass bottles in my camp? 

A: We ask that you not bring glass containers onto the river bar. Glass will not be permitted into the main concert venue or at the River Stage areas, no exceptions. 

Q: Can I bring a generator? 

A: No generators will be permitted for GA camping. Any unauthorized generators will be removed by ROTR staff or Fire Crew. Consider bringing a battery power bank or Solar power set up for your camp. 

Q: I’d like a quiet camp, where should I go?

A: Our “East Beach” camping area will be the least impacted by sound late into the night. Please bring earplugs if you need quiet time.

Q: Will there be a place to purchase ice, water, or other forgotten items? 

A: While we recommend you bring at least one gallon of water per person per day, we will have the Jah Mall Merch and General Store open on the festival grounds. Festival goods, water, and common forgotten items may be available for purchase. There are also free refill stations available for use. Ice will be sold on the festival grounds, check the location on the festival map. There is a gas station about .5 miles to the north accessible by shuttle for additional purchases. The towns of Garberville and Redway are about 10 miles to the North with full grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses to visit. Our shuttle will be servicing all locations. 

Q: Can I have a fire at my campsite? 

A: ABSOLUTELY NO FIRES ARE PERMITTED ON SITE. Nights can be cold, please bring layered clothing and warm sleeping gear. 

Q: Can I bring my bbq to cook on?

A: No charcoal devices are allowed. A contained propane camp stove can be used. 

Q: Or my hibachi?

A: No see above. No charcoal. 

Q: Am I allowed to bring candles to chant next to the river at 4 am?

A: No open flames of any kind. During this time of year fire danger is high and we must protect the patrons, environment and local community. Consider a flameless candle or battery powered LED’s instead.

Q: Is there an area that we can set off our super cool fireworks?

A: NO FIREWORKS are permitted. Any spark can ignite a forest fire which would be devastating. Persons in violation of will be subject to criminal and financial consequences from CAL FIRE. 

Q: My tent/pop up/chair broke, can I leave it by the trash/ on the river bar/ in the parking lot for the festival crew to pick up?

A: We kindly ask that you observe all the pack it in, pack it out rules. Please do not leave your trash behind. Check out The 7 Principles of Leave no Trace for more info on how to reduce your impact.

PARKING

Q: I purchased a weekend parking pass, am I guaranteed parking on the concert site? 

A: Parking is limited, first come first serve, and not guaranteed to be on the main festival site. We have several ancillary parking areas within 0.5 mi that will open once our on site parking is full. There will be a shuttle provided to and from those locations beginning at 9am and running up to one hour after the main stage closes once those parking lots are in use. There is NO pedestrian access (walking) permitted on Highway 101. We will update our media outlets during the weekend with any parking lot update information. 

Q: Is there ADA parking?

A: ADA parking will all be on the main festival site and you must have a valid placard issued by the DMV to access this lot. There are no ins and outs for Weekend ADA passes. ADA parking is first come first serve as there is limited Single Day ADA parking. 

Q: If I buy a weekend parking pass, can I drive in & out of the site? 

A: There are NO ins & outs permitted with a weekend GA parking pass. You will be assessed another fee if you leave and come back to park. 

Q: How big is the premium car camping space? 

A: Car camping includes the space for your vehicle and a 10’ x 10’ space in front of your vehicle for a tent. This camping is for standard size vehicles up to 20ft long. No trailers or RV’s will be permitted, no exceptions! This lot is located directly behind the mainstage.

Q: Does VIP include VIP Parking or Camping?

A: There is no VIP parking or camping. Premium car or RV campsites will be located between the main and river stage for premier access to festival fun. You can purchase these add ons at our ticketing page. 

RV’s

Q: Are there hookups for my RV?

A: No. All RV spaces are dry camping only.

Q: Can I bring my generator and place it on the ground? 

A: No, all generators must be contained onboard your RV. Any generators found on the ground are subject to removal by ROTR staff or Fire Crew. 

Q: Can I run my renegade sound system out of my RV?

A: No, thank you. We have plenty of musical entertainment for all to enjoy. Please keep music in the RV campground at a level that allows your neighbors to do the same.

Q: Can I hide my pet in my RV? 

A: Pets of any kind are not allowed on festival grounds, see our animal policy for more information. If a service animal is required, please pre-register your animal on our Accessibility Form.

Q: Can my friends stay in my RV without a 3 day ticket? 

A:  No, all guests of your RV must have a 3-day ticket purchased. All unticketed people will be asked to purchase a ticket.

Q: Can my friends put their tents up outside my RV?

A: The RV campground does NOT have space for tent camping. All tent campers must occupy the GA tent areas. This is a traffic and safety policy. 

Q: Can I save a space for my friend coming in an RV later?

A: If you’d like to RV together, you must arrive together. There is no space saving in the RV area.

Q: Can I set up a kitchen, EZ ups, living room, or circus tent outside of my RV?

A:. There is not additional space allotted in front, behind or on the side of your RV. Check in with the Camping Crew upon arrival if you have any questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Q: I prefer to sleep in a hotel? Where can I stay?

A: Visit our accommodations page for more information about hotels, RV parks, campgrounds and airbnb's serviced by the event shuttle.