The Value of Re-Entry for Attendees
Breaks and Well-Being: Festivals are often marathon events, lasting many hours or even multiple days. Allowing attendees to exit and re-enter can significantly improve their comfort and health. People might need a break from the crowds and loud music – whether to get fresh air, take a nap at a nearby hotel or campsite, or fetch essential items (like medication or a jacket) from their car. A re-entry policy that accommodates these needs shows respect for attendees’ well-being. For example, family-friendly festivals often permit in-and-out privileges so that parents can tend to children or attendees with medical conditions can step out to take medicine without forfeiting the rest of their day’s enjoyment.
Family and Special Needs: Re-entry can be a lifeline for those with special circumstances. Parents with young kids may need to leave for naps or emergencies and then return. Similarly, attendees with disabilities or sensory sensitivities might benefit from occasional breaks in a calm area off-site. By crafting a flexible re-entry policy, festival organizers demonstrate inclusivity – acknowledging that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to spending a full day on the grounds. Many smaller community festivals embrace this approach, using hand stamps or wristbands to allow local families to come and go freely in the spirit of hospitality.
Flexibility and Goodwill: In general, offering reasonable re-entry privileges can boost attendee satisfaction. Festival-goers appreciate feeling “trusted” to step out for a legitimate reason and return, rather than feeling confined all day. This flexibility often translates into goodwill and positive word-of-mouth. Attendees who know they won’t be trapped inside from noon to midnight are more likely to relax and enjoy the event. They might stay longer into the evening if they were able to recharge off-site in the afternoon. On the festival’s end, this can mean a happier crowd and fewer complaints. Attendees generally value some freedom – an overly strict policy can detract from their overall experience (www.ticketfairy.com) – so striking a balance can enhance the festival experience.
Local Community Benefits: Another angle to consider is the local economic impact. When festivals allow re-entry, attendees may venture into the surrounding town to dine, shop, or explore during breaks. This can spread the economic benefits to local businesses outside the festival gates. Some city-based festivals collaborate with nearby restaurants or shops, encouraging fans to enjoy local offerings and then return to the event. In these cases, a re-entry policy can actually endear the festival to the host community. (On the flip side, if a festival prohibits re-entry, local merchants might be disappointed at losing potential customers.) A well-thought-out policy can thus serve both attendee needs and community relations.
Risks and Drawbacks of Re-Entry
Wristband Sharing and Ticket Fraud: The biggest concern with allowing unlimited re-entry is the potential for ticket abuse. Unscrupulous attendees might try to leave and hand off their wristband or pass to someone else outside, effectively letting a non-ticketed person sneak in. This type of credential sharing can cost the festival revenue and violate the one-person-one-ticket rule. Festivals have long battled these scams – from people carefully sliding off loose wristbands to friends duplicating hand stamps. Without controls in place, an open re-entry policy could lead to crowd discrepancies (more people inside than tickets sold) and financial losses. It’s a particular risk at sold-out events where others are eager to get in. For example, if one guest exits and gives their wristband to a friend, that friend could enter while the original guest is out, creating an unsafe breach of capacity limits. Preventing this “pass-back” problem is a top priority if re-entry is allowed.
Security and Contraband Threats: Every time someone comes back through the gate, security has to treat it like a new entry. Re-entry can thus introduce security challenges – a person could stash prohibited items outside and attempt to bring them in later, bypassing initial screening. If the festival’s security team is not vigilant, items like alcohol (in no-alcohol venues), weapons, or illicit substances might find their way inside during re-entry. Additionally, repeated entries and exits create more load on security screening staff. Lines may grow as the same attendees require pat-downs or bag checks multiple times. This could divert attention from first-time entries or strain the security resources, especially during peak hours. Festivals need to account for these factors, potentially staffing a dedicated re-entry lane with experienced security personnel. Without proper planning, a seemingly simple re-entry can become a weak link in the safety chain.
Operational Strain and Logistics: Allowing in-and-out privileges means your front gate will see people coming and going all day, not just at the initial opening rush. This requires robust operations. Ticket scanning systems must handle not only inflow but also tracking exits and returns. If the technology or process fails (for instance, if outgoing scans aren’t recorded properly), it can cause confusion and delays when those attendees try to re-enter. There’s also the challenge of preventing bottlenecks: if many attendees choose to leave at once (say, after an afternoon headliner) and then all return at dinnertime, your gate could be swamped with a second wave. Crowd control and queuing plans should anticipate these surges. In contrast, a no re-entry policy simplifies operations – once a ticket is scanned in, you don’t manage that person again at the gate the same day. Organizers must weigh this simplicity against the possible crowd flow issues if re-entry is open.
Impact on Concessions and Vendors: Another often unspoken reason some festivals forbid re-entry is to keep attendees (and their spending) on-site. When people can’t leave, they are more likely to buy food, drinks, and merchandise from vendors inside the venue. If they have the freedom to step out, they might opt for cheaper off-site restaurants or skip buying that extra meal or drink in the venue. Festival organizers and on-site vendors count on a certain level of captive audience spending. In fact, industry veterans candidly acknowledge that allowing re-entry can hurt on-site sales of food and beverages (www.efestivals.co.uk). This is a trade-off: you might gain attendee goodwill by permitting exits, but you could see lower per-capita spending internally. For some events, especially those with thin profit margins or high reliance on concessions income, this financial consideration is critical. Organizers should factor in how much revenue might be lost to outside businesses if attendees come and go freely.
Fairness and Capacity Control: With re-entry comes the need to ensure you’re not accidentally letting extra people in. Ticketing integrity is key. If one person could use one ticket to let multiple friends in by cycling out and handing off credentials, paying attendees will feel cheated and the venue could get overcrowded. Also, consider perceptions of fairness: if re-entry is allowed only for certain attendees (like VIPs or those who ask nicely), other fans might perceive it as unequal and get upset. A consistent, transparent policy avoids any confusion or resentment. It’s often easier to enforce a blanket “no re-entry” than to make case-by-case exceptions at the gate, which can appear arbitrary. Each organizer must decide what’s fairest and most manageable, and then apply it uniformly.
Factors to Consider When Crafting Your Re-Entry Policy
Designing a re-entry policy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Festival directors should tailor their approach based on the event’s unique characteristics. Here are key factors to weigh:
Festival Length and Format
A one-day festival might handle re-entry differently than a multi-day camping festival. If your festival runs just 8 hours on a single day, it’s more feasible (and common) to have a no re-entry rule, since attendees are not expected to stay on-site overnight or for extremely long stretches. Many urban day festivals (e.g. 10am to 10pm events) simply state “no ins-and-outs” because the day is manageable without leaving, and controlling a continuous influx/outflux in a short span is tough. On the other hand, multi-day festivals – especially those with on-site camping – tend to be more lenient. At large camping events like Glastonbury or Bonnaroo, attendees are given wristbands that allow them to move between the campground and the stage areas freely. When people essentially live on the festival grounds for a weekend, some re-entry (at least between the main venue and campsite or parking lot) is necessary for basic logistics. For multi-day events without camping (where attendees lodge off-site each night), you’ll need to allow daily exit and re-entry by default – but you might restrict it during each single day’s operating hours. Always ask: how long are we expecting people to stay continuously? The longer the span, the more you should lean toward allowing at least limited re-entry so people can pace themselves.
Venue Location and Local Context
Your venue and its surroundings play a big role. For festivals in a remote location (say, a farmhouse field or desert), there may simply be nowhere useful for attendees to go off-site – which means re-entry demand will be low. In these cases, a no re-entry policy might face little resistance, as everyone is content to stay within the festival “bubble.” In contrast, festivals in the heart of a city or town present temptations just outside the gates – restaurants, shops, or even attendees’ hotel rooms. Here, completely forbidding re-entry can cause friction not only with attendees but with local businesses who hoped for patronage. The Gentlemen of the Road tour (a traveling festival by Mumford & Sons) faced criticism a few years back for a strict no re-entry rule that local shop owners felt drained potential business. The organizers engaged with the community to find solutions, illustrating how venue context can pressure policy changes. Additionally, check if local regulations impact your decision: some jurisdictions or venue contracts might require no re-entry for security, or conversely, might encourage allowing exits to prevent crowd congestion on city streets. Align your policy with both the physical reality of your site and any stakeholder expectations around it.
Audience Demographics and Expectations
Know your crowd. The needs of your audience should influence re-entry rules. If you’re running a family-focused cultural festival (with many kids, seniors, etc.), those attendees may expect more flexibility to come and go. Family audiences value comfort and will appreciate being able to take a tired child home for a bit and return later. On the other hand, a late-night electronic music festival catering to young adults might not have much demand for re-entry – attendees in that demographic often plan to stay put and party straight through, and organizers might prefer they don’t wander in and out (for safety reasons). Also consider if your festival has a tradition or reputation that sets expectations. For example, some music festivals historically allow fans to bring food in and picnic, which often goes hand-in-hand with lenient exit/re-entry so people can fetch items from cars. Changing that suddenly could cause backlash. If most similar events in your region allow or disallow re-entry, attendees will compare your policy to the norm. A savvy organizer will either meet those expectations or communicate clearly why they’re doing things differently.
On-Site Amenities and Duration of Stay
One pragmatic way to decide on re-entry is to honestly evaluate if your festival provides everything attendees might need for the duration of their stay. If your event has ample food options, drinking water, shade, seating, medical services, and even things like phone charging stations, attendees have fewer reasons to leave. Organizers often argue that large festival sites are self-contained “mini-cities” that fulfill all basic needs – which is used to justify no re-entry, since in theory nobody must leave the grounds for anything. (Whether attendees agree on the quality or price of those on-site provisions is another story!) Conversely, if your festival infrastructure is minimal – perhaps a small grassroots event with limited food vendors or sparse facilities – it may be kinder and more practical to let people pop out to get a meal or supplies and come back. Additionally, consider the climate and comfort: if your venue has no shade in brutal heat, people might need a break elsewhere to avoid heat exhaustion. Either bolster your amenities or allow flexibility for attendees to seek what they need off-site.
Security Resources and Technology
Finally, assess the strength of your entry management system. Do you have advanced ticketing technology (like RFID wristbands or a reliable barcode scanning system) and enough trained personnel to monitor ins-and-outs? If so, you’re in a better position to allow re-entry because you can enforce it properly. If not, a re-entry policy could turn into a loophole for gate-crashers. Smaller festivals with purely manual checks (e.g. paper tickets or stamps) are more vulnerable to re-entry fraud – someone could easily pass a hand stamp to a friend or slip off a loose wristband. High-tech solutions and sufficient security staff let you consider more open policies. It’s no coincidence that many of the festivals known for smooth re-entry (like Lollapalooza) use RFID wristbands and real-time tracking at the gates. On the other hand, festivals that lack these tools might opt for a blanket no re-entry as a simpler way to guard against mistakes. As an organizer, be realistic about what your team can manage.
Strategies to Enforce One-Person-One-Ticket Integrity
If you do choose to allow re-entry – whether unlimited or in a limited form – it’s crucial to prevent misuse. Here are actionable strategies seasoned festival producers use to uphold the integrity of tickets and wristbands:
Tamper-Proof Wristbands and Credentials
One of the first lines of defense is issuing wristbands or passes that cannot be removed and given to someone else without obvious damage. Modern festival wristbands are typically made of cloth or plastic with a one-way locking clasp. Once tightened onto a person’s wrist, they can’t slip it off over their hand. For example, Lollapalooza explicitly warns that wristbands must be worn securely and “cannot be slipped on and off” (support.lollapalooza.com) – effectively discouraging attendees from even trying to loosen them. Make sure your wristband supplier provides anti-tamper designs. Tyvek (paper) wristbands, if used, should have strong adhesive closures that tear the band if removed. If you’re using printed tickets or QR codes for entry instead of wristbands, consider exchanging them for a hand stamp or a small re-entry pass upon exit – something unique that can’t be duplicated easily (like a stamp that uses invisible UV ink visible only under a blacklight). The goal is that a ticket or wristband belongs to one person for the day; any attempt to transfer it results in it being obviously void.
Secure Scanning In and Out
Technology is your ally in enforcing re-entry properly. Utilize a ticket scanning system that registers when a person exits and enters. Many RFID-based systems and even barcode ticketing apps allow you to “check out” an attendee when they leave and record that status. Then, when the person (with the same credential) tries to re-enter, the system confirms they are indeed the same ticket holder coming back in, not a duplicate. For instance, at Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Tennessee, attendees must scan their wristband on exit if they plan to return that same day (pilgrimagefestival.com). This creates a digital log of who is out of the grounds. If someone attempted to re-enter without having scanned out (say by using someone else’s wristband), the system flags it. Similarly, Lollapalooza’s entry policy mandates that wristbands be scanned upon exit and limits re-entry to two times per day (support.lollapalooza.com). This kind of system-controlled approach is highly effective: it essentially “locks” a wristband after a set number of exits, or prevents simultaneous use. Modern event platforms (like Ticket Fairy) build in anti-passback logic – ensuring that once a ticket is scanned in, it can’t be used again until scanned out. Be sure to work with your ticketing provider to configure these rules. The extra step of scanning out might slightly slow the exit process, but it’s worth the security it provides.
Photo ID Checks and Personalization
Another layer of security is tying tickets to identities. Some festivals imprint the attendee’s name on the wristband or ticket and require an ID check upon re-entry to confirm it’s the same person. While this isn’t practical for massive events (due to time constraints at the gate), it can be deployed in a targeted way. For example, if staff suspect that a wristband has been shared (perhaps the person re-entering doesn’t match the original wearer’s description in the system, or looks drastically different from earlier), they can perform an ID check on the spot. Even just publicizing that “IDs may be checked at re-entry” can deter would-be wristband sharers. At events with VIP or 21+ areas, organizers often already check IDs to match credentials, so extending that practice to re-entry isn’t a huge leap. In some cases, festivals have used photo badges or RFID badges registered to a photo of the attendee – scanning these at re-entry pulls up the photo for staff to visually verify. That’s a high-tech solution mostly found in industry or staff badges, but the concept can apply broadly: make sure the person coming back in is the same person who went out. Any policy of non-transferability should be clearly stated (most festivals include “wristbands are non-transferable” in their terms) and backed up by the possibility of verification.
Limit Re-Entry Frequency or Times
Granting re-entry doesn’t have to mean unlimited in-and-out all day. Many festivals compromise by limiting how often or when attendees can leave and return:
– Entry Count Limits: As mentioned, Lollapalooza allows up to two re-entries per day (support.lollapalooza.com). This kind of rule lets fans take a couple of breaks (perhaps once in the afternoon and once in early evening), but prevents constant back-and-forth movement that would be hard to track. It also curbs abuse – someone can’t keep cycling people in with one wristband more than the allowed number of times.
– Time Window Limits: Some events only permit re-entry during certain hours or until a cutoff time. For example, Baja Beach Festival in Mexico has typically not imposed a re-entry limit until 7pm, after which no re-entry is allowed (info.bajabeachfest.com). This ensures that once the evening headline hours begin, the crowd stays put (which is often when security concerns are highest). Such a policy can be useful if late-night re-entries pose more risk (due to darkness, higher intoxication levels, etc.).
– Day-Part Passes: Another approach is to treat exits after a certain time as final. A festival might say if you leave before 5pm, you can come back later that day, but if you leave after 5pm (or once you scanned out the second time), you’re done for the day. This encourages attendees to plan one main exit if needed, rather than multiple.
– Premium Re-Entry Privileges: Some festivals tie re-entry privileges to ticket tier. For instance, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival does not allow general admission ticket holders to re-enter, but attendees who purchase upgraded passes (the “GA+” or VIP levels) are allowed to exit and return through designated gates (www.nojazzfest.com). This effectively makes re-entry a perk: those who pay more get flexibility, while standard ticket holders must stay or leave for good. If going this route, be prepared to handle communication carefully – you don’t want GA attendees feeling blindsided at the gate. Clearly advertise if re-entry is a VIP-only feature, and ensure staff directs the correct people to the correct gates.
Whatever limit you choose, make sure your scanning system is configured to enforce it (e.g. block a third entry scan) and that staff are trained to explain the rule (“Sorry, festival policy is a maximum of two re-entries per person per day”). Most attendees will respect the boundary if it’s clearly stated and consistently applied.
Staff Training and Vigilance
Even the best technology won’t fully prevent re-entry cheating if staff on the ground aren’t attentive. Train your gate personnel to be on the lookout for common tricks:
– People hovering near exits removing wristbands: Security should gently observe the exit areas. If someone steps out and immediately starts fiddling with their wristband or handing something off to a person outside, that’s a red flag. Staff can intervene by reminding them that wristbands are void if removed, or simply noting descriptions and keeping an eye on that wristband code for a potential duplicate attempt.
– Tampered wristbands: Teach staff what a tampered wristband looks like. A cloth band that’s been cut and retied, a plastic band with a broken snap, or a Tyvek paper band that’s been taped back together – these should all be denied at re-entry. Many events have a policy that damaged or loose wristbands are invalid (for example, if the clasp is broken, it’s no longer considered secure). Make sure your team is empowered to confiscate suspicious bands politely but firmly to prevent reuse.
– Smooth re-screening: Ensure that re-entering attendees go through the same bag check or metal detection as initial entry. It can be tempting for security to wave through familiar faces (like “oh, you were already checked an hour ago”), but for consistency and safety, everyone coming in should be screened each time. This needs to be emphasized in training to avoid lapses.
– Handling exceptions: If you do allow some exceptions (say an attendee has a medical note or a special pass to come and go more freely), brief the staff about it. Perhaps those individuals have a unique marker on their credential. Gate staff should know that “Guest with orange wristband = allowed unlimited re-entry” or whatever the case may be, so they don’t mistakenly turn someone away or let someone through who shouldn’t be.
Finally, consider stationing a supervisor or experienced staffer at the main re-entry gate during busy periods. They can make judgment calls or assist with any confrontations (for instance, if someone is denied re-entry due to a violated policy and becomes upset). A well-prepared team will ensure that enforcing one-person-per-ticket is seamless and doesn’t devolve into arguments with patrons.
Communicating the Policy Clearly
The best policy in the world can backfire if attendees don’t know about it. Avoid surprises by communicating your re-entry rules early, often, and through multiple channels. Clarity and consistency here will save your team countless headaches on show day.
Pre-Event Announcements
Start educating attendees about the re-entry policy before they even arrive:
– On the Ticketing Page & Confirmation: When people are buying tickets, state the re-entry policy upfront (e.g. “No re-entry is permitted” or “Re-entry allowed with conditions – see details”). Include it in the confirmation email or Ticket FAQ that buyers receive. Many events have a “Know Before You Go” email campaign – that’s a perfect place to remind everyone of the in/out rules.
– Festival Website FAQ: Maintain a clear FAQ section about entry and re-entry. For example, Pilgrimage Festival’s website explicitly notes that exit and re-entry are allowed with a valid wristband and that you must scan out when leaving (pilgrimagefestival.com). If your policy is no re-entry, state that plainly as well (“Sorry, no re-entry – single entry per ticket each day”). Attendees do look this up, and having the official answer online prevents misinformation.
– Social Media & App: In the days leading up, use social media or your festival mobile app to broadcast key rules including re-entry. A simple post like “Planning on going hard at the festival from open to close? Remember, no re-entry for single-day tickets – pack all essentials with you! ???” can get the message across in an upbeat way. Or if you allow it: “Yes, you can leave and come back! Just be sure to scan your wristband on the way out ?”. Pin these posts or make them Highlights so fans can reference them easily.
– Local News/Community Updates: If you’re working with local community boards or resident newsletters (common for neighborhood impact communications), mention re-entry policy there too. For instance, informing neighbors that no re-entry is allowed might reassure them that attendees won’t be roaming in and out through their streets all day. Conversely, if you do allow re-entry, residents might need to expect a bit more foot traffic around the venue.
On-Site Signage and Staff Communication
Once the festival is underway, reinforce the rules at the gates:
– Signage at Entrances and Exits: Place bold signs that say “NO RE-ENTRY AFTER EXIT” at the inside of the festival near exit points, so people see it as they consider leaving. Conversely, if re-entry is allowed under certain conditions, the sign could read “Re-Entry Allowed Until 7:00 PM with Wristband Scan-out” or whatever your specifics are. Clarity is kind: attendees should never have to guess or rely on hearsay about whether they can come back in.
– Printed Materials: If you hand out a festival guide or map, include a note about the re-entry policy there. Sometimes it’s as simple as an icons legend (like a circular arrow symbol with a slash through it to indicate no re-entry).
– Staff and Security Briefings: Ensure every gate staffer and security guard knows the official answer to “Can I come back in later?” Attendees often ask staff on their way out, and nothing is worse than inconsistent answers (“One guard said I could, another said I couldn’t”). Do a run-through in the pre-show briefing: e.g., “Team, remember: no re-entry for any GA attendees. If someone exits, let them know politely that they won’t be allowed back with the same ticket.” Or if yes re-entry: “Remind folks to use the scan-out kiosk and keep their wristband on for re-entry.”
– Audio Announcements: At some events, MCs or recorded messages periodically remind the crowd of rules. A short mention like “Just a reminder, if you leave the venue, you will not be re-admitted” can play mid-afternoon to catch those thinking about a dinner run. Don’t overdo it (you don’t want to sound like a prison warden), but a well-timed PSA can help.
Framing the Policy Positively
How you explain the “why” behind your re-entry rules can influence how people feel about it. Instead of simply saying “No re-entry. That’s the rule,” consider adding justification that appeals to safety and fairness:
– If no re-entry: “For everyone’s security and to ensure a speedy entry process for all, there are no in-and-out privileges during the festival.” Phrased this way, attendees understand it’s about keeping them safe and avoiding long lines or overcrowding, not just an arbitrary restriction. Ultra Music Festival, for instance, cites safety and security as the reason re-entry isn’t allowed (help.ultrasouthafrica.com).
– If limited re-entry: “Re-entry is limited to two times per day per person to prevent fraud and keep things running smoothly – we want everyone who paid to get their spot inside.” This hints at the anti-scalping reason in a friendly way.
– If full re-entry allowed: Still clarify any procedure: “Attendees may exit and re-enter freely. Please just remember to scan your wristband upon exit so we can welcome you back with no issues!” This frames it as a convenience being offered, with a gentle nudge to follow the rules that make it possible.
– Always align the tone with your festival’s brand – a laid-back festival can use a casual tone (“Feel free to come and go for a breather – just don’t lose that wristband!”), whereas a formal event might keep it straight (“Re-entry permitted only with valid credentials and ID check”).
Also, consider those rare exceptions. If your stance is no re-entry, you might still have to accommodate emergencies (for example, someone needs to go to the hospital and return, or a breastfeeding mother needs to go out to pump, etc.). While you don’t need to broadcast exceptions (to avoid everyone inventing excuses), you should have a plan. Empower a manager to handle special cases humanely – perhaps they issue a temporary pass or take the person’s details for later verification. If someone does approach with a genuine issue (“I left my insulin in the car and I really need it”), it’s better to have a procedure than a hard “too bad.” Many festivals quietly allow medical exceptions by working with their medical team at the gate. For instance, festival security might escort the person out and back in after verifying with the on-site medical staff. Whatever you decide, make sure your frontline staff knows that extreme cases can be referred to a supervisor rather than flatly denied.
Real-World Examples: Re-Entry Policies in Action
To see how these principles play out, let’s look at how some notable festivals handle re-entry – each illustrating a different point on the spectrum of convenience vs. security:
Strict No Re-Entry: Ultra Music Festival
Major electronic music festivals like Ultra (staged in various cities worldwide) often opt for a very strict policy: once you’re in, you’re in – if you leave, you’re done for the day. Ultra South Africa’s guidelines, for example, state clearly that “re-entry is not allowed during the festival times” as a safety and security measure (help.ultrasouthafrica.com). The logic is that keeping everyone inside the perimeter reduces the complexity of security checks and prevents the movement of contraband or illicit substances in and out. It also encourages attendees to stay and enjoy all the performances without disruption. While this may inconvenience someone who wants a short break, festivals like Ultra mitigate it by ensuring ample on-site offerings (food, water, rest areas) so attendees have less need to leave. The no re-entry rule has become standard at many large-scale events in the U.S. as well – Coachella is another famous example where general admission pass holders are not allowed to exit and return on the same day. These festivals communicate this aggressively in advance, so ticket buyers are well aware that they should come prepared for the long haul. The benefit: very tight control over who is on the grounds, and minimal risk of unpaid entries or security breaches through the gates. The downside: attendees must plan their entire day around not leaving even for a moment, which can be exhausting. Yet, these festivals have decided that for their scale (often 50,000+ attendees) and the nature of their event, it’s the safest approach.
Balanced Re-Entry: Lollapalooza (Limited In-and-Out)
Chicago’s Lollapalooza is a great case study of a middle-ground approach. Lolla takes place in an urban park over four days, without on-site camping – so attendees commute in each day and might want the freedom to explore the city or take a break. Rather than an unlimited re-entry free-for-all, Lollapalooza allows up to two re-entries per day for each attendee, and enforces it with their RFID wristband system (support.lollapalooza.com). Festival-goers must scan out at the exit gate if they intend to come back, and their wristband will only scan back in twice. In practice, this means you can leave, come back, leave again, and come back a second time – after that, the system won’t allow further ins/outs. By capping it, they discourage people from constantly bouncing in and out (which could overwhelm security and tempt abuse), yet still offer fans flexibility to, say, go have lunch in the city or check on their hotel. The policy is well-advertised and seen as a fair compromise. Attendees generally accept it: they have some freedom, but also know they can’t game the system beyond that. Lolla’s producers have essentially shown that with the right tech in place, a big festival can offer re-entry convenience and keep security tight. It likely also helps maintain good relations with downtown businesses (who might see some Lolla foot traffic during the day) without opening the floodgates to major fraud.
VIP Perks: Jazz Fest and Others
As mentioned, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival distinguishes between regular and premium ticket holders when it comes to re-entry. Standard one-day GA tickets have no re-entry – once you leave the Fairgrounds, that’s it for the day. However, those who purchase the enhanced “GA+” tickets or various VIP passes are explicitly granted re-entry privileges at specific gates (www.nojazzfest.com). This tiered approach essentially monetizes the convenience of re-entry. Jazz Fest is an event with many older attendees and locals who might appreciate the option to come and go, and the organizers have turned that into an add-on benefit. It’s a clever strategy because it limits the volume of re-entry to a smaller subset of attendees (the VIPs), which is easier to manage, while also giving an incentive for serious fans to upgrade their tickets. Other festivals have done similar things – offering in-and-out privileges as part of VIP packages, or for multi-day pass holders versus single-day tickets. If going this route, it’s important to ensure the VIP re-entry process is smooth (you don’t want your highest-paying guests stuck in long lines coming back in). Also, be prepared to handle the scenario if a GA person tries to leave and re-enter – staff must check credentials at gates to verify who has the privilege and who doesn’t. This can be done by having different colored wristbands for GA vs VIP, or scanning wristbands which pull up what type they are. So long as it’s executed fairly, attendees often accept this stratification – those who value re-entry can pay for the convenience, while budget-minded folks on GA know to stay on-site.
Community-Friendly Festivals
On the opposite end of the spectrum from Ultra’s lockdown, many small-town festivals and cultural fairs keep an open re-entry policy to foster a welcoming atmosphere. Take a hypothetical example of a weekend folk festival in a small community – let’s call it “Lakeside Folk Fest.” They might actively encourage attendees to explore the town during the day, hand-stamping people for easy re-entry. The organizers in this scenario work closely with local businesses, perhaps even offering discounts at nearby cafes for wristband holders, knowing they’ll come back for the evening concerts. While such openness wouldn’t work at a massive EDM festival, it can succeed in a more intimate event where the crowd is smaller and trust is higher. These festivals bank on honesty and a sense of community; many attendees are locals or family groups less likely to try sneaking others in. The result can be a very positive attendee experience – no one feels confined, and the town benefits from the festival’s presence. Of course, even small events should implement some basics like uniquely colored wristbands or changing the stamp design each day to prevent abuse. But overall, this approach shows that if security risks are inherently low and community integration is a goal, lenient re-entry can be a win-win.
Adaptive Policies and Lessons Learned
It’s worth noting that some festivals have adjusted their re-entry rules over time based on feedback and incidents. A fictional scenario drawn from common real-life themes: “Metropolis Music Fest” initially had a strict no re-entry policy when it launched, but after its first year, organizers were flooded with complaints from attendees who needed to leave for various reasons. Some had medical needs; others found the heat overwhelming and wanted a short break. There were also reports of attendees scaling fences to get out for a breather (and then trying to get back in), which posed bigger security problems than orderly re-entry would have. Taking this feedback to heart, the next year Metropolis Music Fest introduced a controlled re-entry system – one exit and return allowed per person, with an RFID scan. They heavily advertised this improvement, and also added more shade tents and a free water station inside to reduce the urge to leave. This change was met with much better attendee satisfaction and actually improved security, since people no longer felt the need to resort to sneaky measures to get out and back in. The moral: festival organizers should remain open to refining re-entry policies as they learn more about their audience behavior and pain points. Striking that balance between convenience and control might take a little trial and error.
Key Takeaways
- Balance attendee needs with security: A successful re-entry policy considers both the convenience of festival-goers and the event’s safety/integrity. Long events generally benefit from some re-entry flexibility, but you must mitigate the risks of abuse.
- If in doubt, start strict (then adjust): Many festivals opt for no re-entry as the default for simplicity. You can always relax the policy in future years if needed. It’s harder to tighten a lenient policy after the fact, so choose carefully.
- Use technology to your advantage: RFID wristbands, barcode scanners, and exit scan systems are game-changers. They ensure one person per ticket by invalidating credentials until a proper re-entry. Invest in a ticketing platform (like Ticket Fairy) that supports exit and re-entry tracking.
- Employ tamper-proof solutions: Make it physically difficult to share access – secure wristbands that can’t be removed intact, unique hand stamps, and visible ID checks for suspicious cases will deter most would-be cheats.
- Consider compromises: Re-entry doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Options include limiting the number of re-entries, restricting it to certain times of day, or offering it as a perk for multi-day or VIP ticket holders. Tailor these rules to what fits your event’s flow.
- Communicate clearly and early: Whatever policy you choose, announce it everywhere. Put it in the ticket FAQs, on your website, on signage, and make sure staff and attendees are on the same page. No one likes a nasty surprise of “can’t come back in” when it’s too late.
- Train your team: A re-entry system is only as good as the people running it. Train gate staff to follow procedures diligently – scanning out/in, checking bands, and explaining rules nicely. Have a protocol for special situations (medical emergencies, lost wristbands, etc.) to handle them consistently.
- Prioritize fairness and experience: Attendees will accept even a strict policy if it’s applied fairly and you provide for their basic needs. If you don’t allow re-entry, then make sure your festival amenities (food, water, rest areas) are up to par so they don’t need to leave. If you do allow it, ensure it doesn’t compromise security for everyone else.
- Learn and iterate: Gather feedback post-event. Did people respect the re-entry rules? Were there issues with long lines or misuse? Use those insights to fine-tune the policy next time. The right balance might evolve as your festival grows.
- Attendee satisfaction = loyalty: In the end, a re-entry policy should contribute to the overall positive experience of your festival. When you find the sweet spot that keeps guests happy and the event secure, you build trust. Happy attendees are more likely to return year after year – with full-price tickets instead of illicit hand-me-down wristbands!
20th September 2025