EVENT OVERVIEW
Celebrating its 10th installment, Future Forest is a music and art festival located in Albright’s Corner, to the north-east of Fredericton, and has been hosted on Eighteen Road since 2017. The festival is organized by Future Forest Music & Arts Festival Inc., under the leadership of Executive Director Tim Kukula. Notably, Future Forest runs without any corporate sponsorship.
The well-being and safety of attendees, staff, volunteers, and contractors remain a top priority for Future Forest Festival. We strictly adhere to and advocate for all relevant laws, policies, and professional advice regarding health and safety. If you have any concerns, please reach out to us at info@futureforest.ca.
THINKING OF JOINING?
From the beginning, Future Forest has been dedicated to crafting a safe, clean, artistic, and professional setting amidst the beauty of nature. The festival is located near the Little River, just west of Albright’s Corner, on a 200-acre wilderness sanctuary. It's surrounded by crown land over 8 kilometres from the nearest home.
Come with an open heart and mind, ready to absorb and engage. Future Forest is all about forging connections—with music, diverse individuals, performances, art, and nature. While you might be nudged out of your usual comfort zone, the experience promises to be enriching and memorable.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Entrance to the event is expressly for those aged 18 and above. All attendees are required to present a valid government-issued ID at the entrance for verification. Please note that as of 2022, Future Forest has implemented a new policy disallowing individuals under the age of 18 to attend.
This policy alteration was brought about due to several factors:
Safety Concerns: To ensure the well-being of all participants.
Noise Levels: The event may involve high noise levels not suitable for minors.
Lack of Children's Infrastructure: The event does not have facilities specifically designed for children's needs.
Adult Content and Freedom of Expression: The festival includes adult content and encourages unrestricted artistic expression.
Liability Issues: To minimize potential liability related to underage attendees.
IMPORTANT DATES
The festival's entry schedule is as follows:
Thursday Entry (Additional Purchase Required) - This begins on August 8th, 2024. Tickets for this day need to be bought separately.
General Admission spans from Friday, August 9th to Monday, August 12th, 2024.
Additional passes available for purchase include at the gate pending capacity:
Saturday/Sunday Pass - This pass covers both Saturday and Sunday events.
Sunday Pass - This pass only covers the events on Sunday.
CAPACITY
A total of 2300 weekend passes are available for the event. Please note that in previous years we have reached full capacity. Tickets will only be available at the gate if they are not sold out prior to the event.
Besides ticket holders, the festival will also accommodate approximately 150 volunteers, 300-400 artists, and 50 members of the Future Forest staff.
LOCATION
Address: Future Forest Festival, 18 Rd, Albrights Corner, NB E4B 1A4
Closest Gas Station/Convenience Store: Intersection of Route 10 and 18 Rd. (at the beginning of the road to the festival site)
Closest Town: 20 minutes to Minto (small grocery store, hardware store, dollar store, NB Liquor store, Tim Horton’s)
60 minutes east of Fredericton (nearest airport, all amenities)
32 minutes northeast of Oromocto
CARPOOLING
We strongly advocate for carpooling as a means to lessen our impact on the global environment and to preserve the Future Forest grounds, given that parking availability is quite limited. Consider joining the official Future Forest Rideshare group to coordinate shared transportation.
GETTING THERE
The festival site is located in a rural area, and the dirt road leading to it can be challenging. Regardless of the vehicle you use, ensure it's in good condition for the drive. Always drive at a slow pace. Refuel your vehicle along the highway, in Fredericton, or at the gas station at the start of 18 Road. Given that the road can be quite dusty, consider cleaning or replacing your air filter after the event.
Look out for the Gas Station at the junction of Route 10 and 18 Road. From there, turn north onto 18 Road. The festival site is approximately 8 km from this junction along a dirt road. When you reach a fork in the road, about 6 km down, take a left turn.
Prepare for possible lengthy car lines. Always keep as far to the right of the road as possible to allow others to pass. Be aware that festival staff may occasionally pass you while you wait in line.
ARRIVAL/ENTRY
The festival gates will welcome Thursday Early Access Pass holders starting at 8am on Thursday, Aug08/24. Before this, only volunteers, vendors, and staff are allowed onsite.
Starting at 8am on Friday, Aug09/24 General Admission Weekend Pass holders will be permitted to enter.
All vehicles will undergo a security check. Any items on our Prohibited List will be taken away. To make your check-in more efficient, please familiarize yourself with this list beforehand!
Entry wait times can vary greatly, ranging from mere minutes to a few hours. If you're coming on Thursday, anticipate possible delays of 1 to 2 hours. Thursday and Friday are our peak entry days.
To combat the daytime heat, arm yourself with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and wear suitable clothes for both day and night. Carry sufficient water (we suggest 4L per person), a solid meal, and some snacks. For extra comfort, think about packing ice packs and a misting bottle in your cooler. Most importantly, we appreciate your patience during entry!
ON SITE AMENITIES
We're happy to provide fresh, free water from our well! It's cool, UV treated, and safety tested. Hydration stations can be found:
On the road to the Prism stage
Near the first aid area
By the showers
By the river, close to the Nest Stage
Hot showers are available as well (vouchers can be purchased from the information booth). Please only use biodegradable soaps and shampoos for the sake of our environment!
VENDOR VILLAGE
Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy a variety of amenities:
Food Trucks: Offering a range of cuisines, these are open every day.
Local Art and Handmade Goods: Explore unique clothing and accessories.
Picnic Tables: Available for your convenience whenever you want to sit down and relax.
INFORMATION BOOTH
Located at the heart of the festival and open every day, you'll find:
General Information Booth: Here, you can access schedules and maps of the festival.
Ice: Available for purchase to keep your drinks and food cold.
Future Forest Merchandise: Pick up official festival gear.
Shower Vouchers: You can purchase these for hot showers.
General Supplies: Items like toothbrushes, aloe vera, etc., are available for purchase.
Guest Message Board: Feel free to leave notes for your friends!
ATM
An ATM is conveniently located at the information booth. It operates daily for 12 hours, from 10:00 to 22:00. Please schedule your cash withdrawals within these hours. If the ATM is not working, please report the issue to the staff at the information booth.
FIRST AID
Refer to the festival map to find our location, which is marked by a red and white cross. Our first aid station is open 24/7 with a team of nurses, medical students, paramedics, nursing students, and first aiders always on standby.
We stock band-aids, tampons, cold packs, ear plugs, and more. Feel free to drop by, especially if you have a medical condition we should be informed about! If you're accompanying someone seeking first aid, be prepared to wait outside the station.
Before leaving the festival site for a hospital, please consult with our security and first aid team. We are here to help you!
In case you are transported to Fredericton Hospital by ambulance:
Make sure you have your wallet, with your medicare card.
Plan for your return journey as taxi prices and availability vary, and the hospital is 40 km from the Future Forest site.
Discuss with the emergency room physician to determine if it's safe for you to return to the festival.
If you return to the festival, please check in at the first aid station.
THE BURROW
The Burrow offers a welcoming, shaded communal relaxation area for everyone. Located diagonally across from the Tea Hive, it features hammocks and cozy spots where you can relax with friends, enjoy your tea away from the crowd, or take a restful nap.
Feel free to express your creativity using our provided craft supplies, or occupy your hands with sensory toys if you wish. Although harm reduction and safety volunteers will visit periodically, they are not present at all times.
If you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed, or if you need a sympathetic ear, the Tea Hive is there for you. Should you require medical attention, please head straight to the first aid tent.
THE TEA HIVE
The Tea Hive is a harm reduction collective that provides a tranquil space for relaxation, complimentary tea, and peer-support throughout the festival hours.
Our volunteers are trained in harm reduction, psychedelic support, and creating a comforting environment, ready to provide a calm presence for anyone in need. We offer earplugs and condoms at no cost, as well as an assortment of informative pamphlets and resources on topics like safer sex, responsible drug use, community care, and more. Additionally, we always have an array of art supplies on hand and plenty of blankets for your comfort.
Consider the hive your cozy retreat, where you can take a moment to unwind and regroup before diving back into the festival, feeling refreshed and revitalized. Visit us for a warm cup of tea or a cooling homemade gatorade, and join in our community of mutual care!
THE CONSENT KITTIES
The Consent Kitties are a dedicated group aiming to promote the values of consent and communication at dance floors, festivals, and beyond!
Our mantra is "JUST ASK" and we encourage everyone to do just that - ASK and of course, LISTEN! Whether you'd like to dance, touch, or kiss someone, remember to ask first. If the response isn't an enthusiastic "yes," treat it as a "no." Remember that communication is attractive, and consent is mandatory! By asking first, we can make our experiences at Future Forest and in our lives even more delightful and unique.
If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation or notice something that doesn't appear consensual, look for a Consent Kitty to inform us. Our safety increases when we all watch out for each other. We are easily identifiable with our signature ears, bandanas, and LED lights. In the evenings, a Consent Kitty will also be present in the Tea Hive.
Feel free to approach us if you just want to chat or have any questions about consent. Navigating consent can be complex, and we're all continually learning. If you're uncertain about something, don't hesitate to ask a Consent Kitty. We all appreciate the magic of Future Forest and want to make it safer, more exciting, and enriching. Let's collaborate and make this the best experience it can be!
FLYING SAFE
Flying Safe is a peer-led harm reduction organization, presently working towards gaining official recognition as a non-governmental organization (NGO). We are dedicated to promoting safer party practices at raves and festivals. Our mission is to educate festival-goers with factual information and provide necessary support and comfort, all aimed towards fostering a safer party atmosphere. We're committed to contributing positively to the community we cherish so deeply!
CAMPING
Camping at Future Forest leans towards a more rustic, backwoods experience. Expect to scout out an area and possibly clear some debris to set up your site.
We recommend smaller tents for ease of placement. If you have a particularly large tent, consider purchasing an RV spot to ensure adequate space.
Quiet hours are enforced from 05:00 to noon; remember, rest is vital.
Please note that if camping by the Nest stage this stage plays music 24 hrs a day. The music after 6 am is downtempo but if you would like a quiet camping area camp in Mouse camping (see map)
No electricity is provided to the campsites, and fires are not permitted. Camping stoves are allowed but must be supervised at all times during use.
Special camping zones are available for staff, volunteers, and musicians.
RV campsites are available, but they require a prepaid ticket purchased via the Future Forest website.
A majority of the campsites are nestled in shaded areas among the trees, perfect for hanging hammocks and tarps.
Before you head to the festival site, check to ensure you have all tent pegs and poles. A good practice is to set up your tent in your yard before packing it to confirm you have all necessary components. There's nothing worse than realizing you're missing a pole!
Keep in mind that most camping sites are only accessible on foot, so be prepared to carry all your gear!
Finding the Best Campsite
The early bird catches the worm, and it's no different with camping. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Flags or signs at your campsite can serve as great markers to help friends locate you.
Please avoid cordoning off large areas for friends who may arrive later. If you're arriving late, consider sending your tent with your friends to set up in advance.
WORKSHOPS
Refer to the event schedule for a list of all planned workshops. Previous years have featured diverse activities such as yoga, relaxation techniques, rope tying/bondage, and foraging for edible plants. Please note that space in these workshops is limited and participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
STAGES
Prism Stage: Enjoy the mesmerizing spectacle of the Prism Stage, featuring an intricate two-story geometric design adorned with vibrant visual projections. The stage is further enhanced by two platforms reserved for live performances. You'll also find a nearby hydration station for your convenience, a sand-covered dance floor for your comfort, and natural seating. The space features live performances and aerial acrobatics, a live painting area, and music that varies each day - from quirky and eccentric bass on Friday, to live music on Saturday, and House on Sunday.
Mushroom Stage: Immerse yourself in the Mushroom Stage, an organically designed octagonal mushroom-inspired stage that blends seamlessly with the landscape. Positioned under tall pine trees, this stage offers shade for daytime dancing. It boasts a nearby hydration station, a sand-covered dance floor, and a natural amphitheater design. You'll also find a living wall surrounding the lower dance floor, a live painting area, and live performances. The musical genres include Modern House on Friday, Dubstep, DnB, and Halftime on Saturday, and Deep Dubstep/World Bass on Sunday.
Nest Stage: Experience the breathtaking Nest Stage, with its unique design changing every year by the artistic group, Lunosol. A nearby hydration station, proximity to the Little River and our communal campfire (only 50 meters away), towering maples providing comfortable shade, and a sand-covered dance floor all contribute to its charm. The area also features a live painting section. Music styles include PsyBass & Psytrance on Friday, Melodic House, and Techno on Saturday and Livetronica, World, Downtempo on Sunday
THE ART GALLERY / ART INSTALLATIONS
Art Gallery and Installations: Experience our vibrant art gallery tent, exhibiting the beautiful works of local artisans. Some of these artworks are available for purchase right at the festival. Moreover, you will discover art installations scattered throughout the festival grounds. While we encourage you to enjoy these artistic creations, we kindly ask you to respect the artwork and keep it intact, allowing everyone to appreciate it.
THE TRADING GROVE
Located amongst the trees, you'll discover the Trading Grove, a space filled with shelves and hooks housing various trinkets available for exchange. Be sure to bring along small items, costume accessories, or treats that you can leave in exchange for something you fancy. However, please be mindful that drugs or any other banned substances are NOT acceptable items to be left in the Trading Grove.
PARKING
Parking:
At Future Forest, parking is divided into three zones for your convenience:
Zone C: This zone can be purchased online or at the gate. It is located to the northwest of the entrance and can accommodate approximately 1000 vehicles.
Zone B: Artist parking is situated southeast of the main gate or directly after the Future Pass gate.
Zone A: Previously known as the "Park & Camp" option, this parking has been re-zoned to prioritize attendees with accessibility requirements. Zone A parking will only be available to individuals who have an accessibility placard for their vehicle. This service is complimentary; to guarantee your spot, please reach out to our sales team at order@futureforest.ca
Always ensure you follow the signage and prominently display your parking pass. Camping is not permitted in Zone C due to safety considerations.
Please be aware that RVs are not allowed to park in any of the designated parking areas. If you have an RV, you must purchase an RV site.
WHO CAN YOU FIND ON SITE?
People You Can Find On-Site:
WEX: We rely on the support of our amazing volunteer team. If you're interested in joining our volunteer family, please obtain a Future Pass.
Staff: Our dedicated staff works tirelessly throughout the year to make the festival possible. Their hard work and commitment are essential to the success of Future Forest.
Production Team: These individuals are responsible for keeping the sounds and lights in perfect harmony, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Safety/Security: Our safety and security team is diligently working to keep everyone at the festival safe and secure. If you come across someone in need of assistance, please don't hesitate to inform them.
Artists: Our lineup includes talented musicians, painters, performers, and artisans who will captivate and inspire you throughout the entire weekend. They contribute their creative energy to make the festival a truly enchanting experience.
HOW TO PREPARE
Get Connected:
Join the "Friends of Future Forest" Facebook group to connect with seasoned festival-goers who can provide valuable tips and tricks.
Orientation and Exploration:
Upon arrival, it's recommended to explore the festival grounds during daylight hours. Take note of the locations of water taps, bathrooms, First Aid, the Tea Hive, and The Burrow. Familiarize yourself with the landmarks to navigate easily, as things may appear different in the dark. Knowing the whereabouts of safe spaces and your cozy campsite is crucial.
Nutrition:
Maintaining proper hydration is essential. Fresh water is available onsite for refilling your water bottles. It's wise to have water readily available at your tent for your convenience. Rehydration/electrolyte powder is a good idea to replenish after dancing and sweating. While food vendors are present, having snacks or easy-to-prepare meals at your campsite is advisable. Consider bringing fruits, vegetables, protein bars, or non-perishable items. Ice for coolers can be purchased at the Info Booth.
Communal Campfire:
Don't forget to bring smores and make new friends at our communal campfire located by the river.
Cell Phone Service:
Please be aware that reliable cellular service and Wi-Fi are not available onsite. Plan accordingly and enjoy being disconnected for the weekend. Consider leaving notes for your friends at the Message Board near the Info Booth. Remember to conserve battery life by putting your phone on airplane mode. However, feel free to capture memories with your camera.
PACKING LIST
THE ESSENTIALS:
An open mind and a kind heart
Medicare card (for Canadians) or a list of medications/conditions if applicable (consider checking in with First Aid upon arrival)
Your hard copy ticket and government ID
Sufficient cash (the on-site ATM may not always be accessible)
FOR YOUR CAMP AND COMFORT:
Large jugs for water at the campsite, small water bottles, or hydration packs (e.g., CamelBaks) to carry with you
Travel mug for refills at the Tea Hive
Battery or solar-powered string lights and lanterns
Functional tent/shelter (test it beforehand to avoid complications at the festival)
Camping chairs
Hammock
Garbage and recycling bags
Rope for clotheslines and tarps
Tarps for sun and rain coverage
Rubber mallet and extra tent pegs
Duct tape
Sleeping bag/bedding (fleece blankets/sheets are recommended to prevent feeling damp)
Air mattress (and pump!) or sleeping pad/foam
Pillows
Cooler
Food/snacks
Camping-friendly cups, plates, and cutlery (avoid glass); consider a wash basin, cloth, and biodegradable soap
Wagon to transport gear and refill water jugs
Portable battery pack/charger for phone and vape
Extra batteries for flashlights, etc.
FOR YOUR BODY:
Small shoulder bag, backpack, or fanny pack to keep essentials (toilet paper, wipes, hand sanitizer, bandaids, cash) with you
Pocket-sized flashlight for late-night bathroom trips
Good shoes with ankle support (especially for navigating hills and tree roots at night)
Waterproof shoes/boots
Hat
Bandana
Sunglasses
Socks (bring more than you think you'll need)
Rain gear
Bathing suit and towel
Comfortable clothing suitable for hot days and cold nights (layering is recommended)
Fun costumes
PERSONAL ITEMS:
Earplugs (foamies are fine, but percussion earplugs provide better protection)
Sunscreen and aloe
Bug spray and afterbite
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Disposable face/body wipes
Deodorant
Biodegradable/environmentally friendly shampoo and soap for the shower (do not use in the river)
Extra toilet paper/kleenex
Eye drops and saline nasal spray
Extra contacts and contact solution
Lip balm
Hairbrush and elastics
Plastic mirror (no glass)
Condoms (also available at first aid and the Tea Hive)
First aid kit (bandages, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, polysporin, safety pins, Tylenol, Benadryl, Gravol, TUMS, rehydration salt, scissors, tweezers)
Prescription medication (ensure you have enough for the weekend and consider keeping extra in your car)
Container for cigarette butts
Tampons/pads
THE EXTRAS:
Umbrella/parasol
Face/body paint and biodegradable glitter
Hula hoop, poi, flow toys (no fire toys)
Musical instrument
Totem, sign, or flag for your camp
LED glow sticks (preferable to disposable ones)
Spray bottle for misting yourself and friends
Notebook/sketchbook
Pens or markers (circle artists you like on the schedule for future reference)
Small gifts, goodies, accessories, or costume items for the Trading Grove
Pocket sewing kit for emergency costume repairs
BANNED ITEMS
Banned Items:
General:
A bad attitude
Costumes/items that could be offensive to others
Fire:
No campfires or open flames
No candles
No fireworks
No fire poi or other fire toys
No smoking by the stages or walkways (bring your own ashtray or container for cigarette butts)
Generators:
There is no electricity on site
Generators are not allowed due to hazards and air pollution (except in the RV area)
Bring portable chargers, preferably solar-powered
Glass:
Absolutely no glass allowed (including alcohol bottles, mix, mirrors, glass cups, etc.)
Glass items will be confiscated at the gate or within the festival
Lasers:
No laser pointers allowed, as they can be dangerous to vision
Illegal Substances:
Any illegal substances found will be turned over to the RCMP
Guests in possession of illegal substances will be asked to leave the festival
Note: Cannabis is permitted onsite, but each guest is limited to 1 ounce/person
Motorized Vehicles:
Bicycles are allowed (please note that the festival site is not flat)
No ATVs, golf carts, drones, or other flying devices
Environmental Polluters:
Balloons
Streamers
Confetti
Disposable glow sticks
Whippit canisters
Weapons or Weapon-like Objects:
Knives
Baseball bats
Axes, etc.
Fuel:
No fuel canisters of any size or type allowed (exception small propane & butane for camping stove)
Valuables:
If you don't want to worry about it, don't bring it
Consider locking valuable items in the trunk of your car for safekeeping
Synthetic Costume Items:
No synthetic feathers and boas
No loose glitter (biodegradable glitter is preferred) to protect our river
ANIMALS
Pets and other domesticated animals are not allowed on the festival site.
Service and Guide dogs* will be allowed on site. However, as there have been issues with illegitimate animals being named service dogs, each case will be assessed by our health department manager. We will pay close attention to the health and well-being of any service/guide animal that is on site and if there is any question of mistreatment or exposure that may cause harm, we will not hesitate to call the SPCA.
*Service or Guide Animals are medically prescribed. They require:
1. adequate medical documentation (does not have to include private information, such as diagnosis) or
2. a legitimate certificate from a reliable source. Service vests do not count as adequate proof of status as a service animal. Documentation must be provided in advance of entering the festival grounds. Without appropriate documentation, the animal, and hence their owner, will be refused entry.
If those with service or guide animals decide to enter the festival, they do so at their, and their animal’s, own risk. They should be aware that there is potential for dehydration, excessive sound exposure, and other unforeseen risk that may endanger the well-being of their animal. The service/guide animal is the responsibility of the individual to which the animal is prescribed ALONE. Hence the service animal should always be tethered to that individual.
Failure to abide by these regulations will result in the individual and their animal being asked to leave the festival and the possibility that entry will be denied in the future. Should there be any concern about mistreatment or being put in danger of harm, the SPCA will be called to investigate.
We have sought legal counsel on the topic of animals on the premises during the festival, as well as consulted with the humane society, human rights organization, and Service Dogs of Canada.
Please note that the festival environment is unsafe for any domesticated animals. The sound levels, extreme temperatures, and crowded areas unfortunately do not allow us in good conscience to have animals on site during festival hours. If you have a service or guide dog and would suffer undue hardship or be unable to attend without this tool, please email info@futureforest.ca.
HARM REDUCTION
At Future Forest we do not condone or encourage the use of illegal substances. Dehydration, over-exhaustion, mental breakdowns and tough experiences can happen whether or not drugs are consumed. Although illegal substances are banned, we are aware that some people will choose to take them.
In order to keep people safe, we have multiple crews of compassionate and dedicated volunteers and staff who are on site to help out when needed! Please orient yourself once on site to where you can find the First Aid Tent, The Tea Hive, and Flying Safe. If you or another guest requires support, please do not hesitate to ask for help.
Here are some tips for those who choose to consume.
You can take more, but you can’t take less. Start with small doses.
Be cautious of cocktails, as the interacting effects can be dangerous.
Buddy System – Look out for your friends!
Flying Safe and The Tea Hive have lots of information on site. Please visit them! You can also find information at https://dancesafe.org/ and https://tripsit.me/
Visit the Flying Safe booth to make use of their fantastic safety resources
It is okay to take a break! Rest in a hammock, visit the Tea Hive, The Burrow or do whatever you need to do for yourself. Lack of sleep and nourishment are some of the leading causes of negative drug experiences.
SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION & AWARENESS
As much as we try to create an alternative to the everyday at our festival, we also realize that the normalized cultures of our society are somewhat inescapable. This includes the oppression of our bodies, especially the sexualisation and abuse of feminine bodies. We want to do whatever we can to make sure that humans of all shapes, sizes and genders can feel safe at our festival, which is why we have harm reduction, medical, safety and security teams in place.
We want to BLATANTLY say that FUTURE FOREST DOES NOT TOLERATE ACTIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OR ABUSE.
If you want to dance with someone, ask. If you want to touch someone, ask. If you want to have sex with someone, ASK. If they say no, DON’T KEEP PUSHING IT!
At Future Forest, we are building a community based on Three Pillars of Harm Reduction!
Take Care of YOURSELF
Take Care of EACH OTHER
Take Care of THE EARTH
