Festival FAQ 2022
please be aware that there are absolutely no pets allowed on festival grounds, in venues or in camping areas. If you bring a pet you will be denied entry to the festival.
Accessibility
Tiny Lights is working toward providing access for everyone to all festival venues, however at this time, some venues are difficult or cannot be accessed by individuals with mobility issues. Please reference our ACCESSIBILITY PAGE to get details on what we provide to facilitate those with mobility challenges.
Alcohol
There is only one licensed venue at Tiny Lights which is our Hall stage on Friday and Saturday evenings, you will need TWO PIECES OF GOVERNMENT ISUED ID to purchase drinks at Tiny Lights. Please do not bring outside alcohol into our licensed venue as this jeopardizes our ability to provide this service and exposes us to legal and financial risks. Drinking in the campgrounds is permitted but we ask that you do not bring your beverages onto the streets or into any festival venue including the outdoor Village Stage.
Camping
CAMPING IS SOLD OUT FOR 2022. If you have already purchased camping, please refer to our CAMPING FAQ page to find information.
Children and families
Children and families are welcome at Tiny Lights. Children 12 and under get in free.
Please refer to our IS TINY LIGHTS FESTIVAL CHILD FRIENDLY page to read more information
commitment to sustainability and waste management
Tiny Lights is committed to reducing our festival waste to zero. Through our innovative Bokashi composting system, strict vendor waste policy, intensive recycling program and commitment of our festival attendees and staff, our total waste last year was reduced to one bag of garbage going to the landfill. We ask that you follow all directions and utilize our collection centres regarding waste and recycling to assist us in achieving our goals. If you bring packaged food items with you and that packaging does not fit into our program (mylar chip bags, unmarked plastics, granola bar wrappers etc.) please take it home with you.
We actively use existing infrastructure to house our presentations, offer a shuttle service from Nelson and back and provide small incentives to our artists who choose to share their transportation to reduce our carbon footprint.
More information can be found on our sustainability page
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
Tiny Lights will be following all current COVID-19 BC health restrictions at the time of the festival.
Up-to-date guidelines can be found here.
first aid
We have qualified first aid volunteers onsite and on call at all times during festival hours. If there is an emergency after festival hours, please call 911 and request Ymir Fire and an ambulance.
getting here
Please see our Where We Are Page to see a map of where the heck Ymir is.
lodging near ymir
Please see our ACCOMMODATIONS page to find alternative places to stay.
parking
There is limited parking in the festival core and is on a first come first served basis. We highly encourage carpooling or taking the shuttle. Parking beyond that is along one side of the roadway through Ymir and you may be a fair distance from the action. Please follow the directions of our parking volunteers for a place to park your vehicle.
pets
There are ABSOLUTELY NO PETS allowed on the festival grounds or in the camping areas. If you bring a pet you will be denied entry to the festival.
Shuttle
This year we are increasing our shuttle frequency from Nelson. We are currently working on giving you the best shuttle experience and will have ride tickets, and schedules posted in the week to come.
ticket booth hours
Friday September, 2 - 10am-10pm
Saturday September, 3 - 9am-10pm
Sunday September, 4 - 9 am-6pm
ticket info
Please see our TICKETS page and TICKET FAQ page to get info on price, availability and other important information.
vendors
Tiny Lights has a stellar collection of food and craft vendors which will be announcing soon!
weather in ymir
September weather in the Kootenays is unpredictable, you can see the LATEST FORECAST FROM ENVIRONMENT CANADA HERE.
RAIN OR SHINE OUR FESTIVAL IS FINE! ALL VENUES ARE EITHER INDOORS OR HAVE TENTED AREAS. THE VENDOR VILLAGE IS THE ONLY AREA NOT COVERED. We recommend that you bring clothing appropriate for all weather and an umbrella for walking between venues.
Please be aware that we are a mountain town, and though it may be June it COOLS OFF QUICKLY at night, so be prepared. IF YOU ARE CAMPING, BE PREPARED FOR RAIN WITH TARPS AND GROUND SHEETS AND FOR COOLER WEATHER WITH APPROPRIATE CLOTHING AND A GOOD QUALITY SLEEPING BAG. All but one of our venues are indoors but camping is outside.
What to Expect
When you arrive at the ticket booth, you will receive your festival wristband which must be worn at all times. If you do not have a wristband you will be denied entry to festival venues.
Tiny Lights is a unique festival with limited attendees. The festival takes place throughout the town of Ymir in historic venues and areas. Venue capacities range from 30 people in the Church to 400 at our outdoor Village stage.
Programming runs on all stages throughout the weekend with a variety of performances and workshops to allow to plan your own festival adventure. Smaller venues can fill up quickly so if there is someone you wish to see, arrive at the venue early to ensure you have a seat or space.
You are not guaranteed a seat at any venue and if you cannot get in due to late arrival just go to another venue where something amazing will be happening. You may have an opportunity to see that artist again as all artists perform twice at Tiny Lights.
What to bring and what not to bring
Please be prepared for all weather with appropriate clothing and outerwear, an umbrella is also a good idea. Bring a refillable water bottle as there are numerous water tap stations onsite with delicious Ymir water.
Do not bring plastic bottled water, non-recyclable food packaging (mylar chip bags, granola bar wrappers, straws, unmarked plastics)
Do not bring your pet.
Do not bring extra people who don't have tickets.
When does programming start?
We will be announcing the schedule soon!
Wildlife
We are in a mountainous habitat area frequented by bears and occasionally cougars. We do have adult and juvenile bears come through town so please be responsible with all possible attractants. If you see a bear onsite, please inform staff at the ticket booth, security staff or a volunteer. If you have conflict with a bear or other wildlife at night, please call 911. YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BEAR CONFLICT AND ATTRACTANT MANAGEMENT HERE.