No umbrellas, chairs, drones: What to know about safety, security at Dreamville Festival in NC

Can I bring my backpack? What about a skateboard? An umbrella?

Those going to Dreamville Festival in Raleigh may have some pressing questions about security, bags and whether they can bring other items, or leave them at home.

The sold-out festival will take place Saturday and Sunday with performances from hip-hop and R&B artists like J. Cole, Burna Boy, Usher, Ari Lennox, Drake, Summer Walker and City Girls. The 27-act line-up will span over two stages set up at Dorothea Dix Park.

Over 100,000 people are expected to attend the concert over this weekend. With the increase in attendees comes more security.

Here’s what to know this weekend.

Security presence at Dreamville

Raleigh Police Department Lt. James Stokes said there will be a “robust” security plan, which will include officers from other law enforcement agencies around Wake County. On both days, Dix Park will be closed to anyone who doesn’t have a ticket.

The box offices at the entrance will be expanded, said Trey Hicks, Dreamville Festival PR director. That means more check points and screening tables to get people in and out of the park.

All bags will be searched before entry. Attendees will be subject to an “airport-style” search, which may include a full pat-down and magnometer screening. Security can ensure someone of the same gender as the attendee be searched.

Festival-goes are instructed to bring their festival wristband. There is no requirement to show proof of vaccination or to provide a negative COVID-19 test but unvaccinated individuals are also encouraged to bring and wear a mask.

Eyes and ears at Dix Park

Dreamville organizers say all attendees are “the eyes and ears” of the park. If festival-goers see something suspicious at the event, they are encouraged to alert authorities or say something. There is a zero tolerance harassment policy at Dreamville Fest.

There are four things organizers say to keep in mind:

1. Look out for each other: If someone looks like they need help, check on them. If someone is getting unruly, alert the nearest staff member.

2. Be considerate: Keep your hands to yourself.

3. Use the buddy system: The Main Guest Services Tent is the designated meeting point for lost or separated people. Alert festival staff if a friend is in trouble.

4. Keep yourself and belongings safe: Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your things at all times. There is a Lost and Found at guest services.

Emergency alerts

To receive alerts from the festival, text ‘Dreamville’ to 888777.

Know before you go

There are a few things attendees should keep in mind before heading to the park. Those include:

• Have emergency contact information handy and available if staff need it

• Stay hydrated and cool by visiting the hydration stations set up in the festival for free water and cooling. Empty bottles and hydration packs are welcome.

• Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, hats, sunscreen or finding shade

• Bring hearing protection. Ear plugs can also be found at guest services.

• Bring a list of allergies and medications if needed

• Dress appropriately for the weather. Check the temperatures this weekend by visiting weather.com.

What’s allowed at Dreamville Festival

From bags and strollers to prescribed medicine, there is a list of items that are allowed and prohibited on the grounds of Dix Park for Dreamville. All bags will be searched before entry.

For all medicine, the pharmacy label must be present on the container that states the dosage, patient name and prescription. Medicine needing to be inhaled or samples are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler. Over-the-counter medicines are allowed but will need to be verified.

Some of the allowed items include:

• small clutch purses and fanny packs — 6” x 9” or smaller

• baby strollers

• cameras and accessories — selfie sticks, tripods, GoPro mounts and monopods are not allowed

• ear plugs

• e-cigarettes and vape pens

• hats, scarves, gloves and bandannas, sunglasses

• service animals

• blankets and towels

• empty hydration packs

• empty reusable water bottle

• sunscreen in non-aerosol containers

• hand sanitizer

• face masks (surgical, cloth, N95, KN95)

• chapstick and lip balm

• eye drops

• feminine hygiene products

• makeup

• ponchos and rain jackets

• sunglasses

• blankets or towels

What items are prohibited at Dreamville?

Items that are prohibited include:

• aerosol containers

• coolers

• chairs

• video equipment

• drones

• umbrellas

• skateboards, scooters, bikes, wagons or carts

• lasers

• AVPs, MODs or liquid to refill e-cigarette cartridges

• hammocks

• pets

• markers or paint pens

• selfie sticks or tripods

• tents, canopies or shade structures

• unauthorized vendors or solicitation

• weapons or anything dangerous

• fireworks

• large chains or spiked jewelry

• air horns, speakers or musical instruments

• stuffed animals

• walkie talkies or radios

• tarps

Bag policy, lockers and phone charging

This year’s bag policy has been updated to prohibit any liquids brought into the festival.

The festival will allow for:

• Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6” x 9”. They don’t need to be clear but they should only have one pocket.

• Bags must be clear if they are larger than 6” x 9” with a maximum size of 12” x 6” x 12”.

• Hydration packs are allowed and must be emptied of all liquid. They do not need to be clear. There will be water refilling stations on site.

There will be lockers available for rent, starting at $49.99. They include 3-in-1 USB charging cables.

Accessibility, first aid & service animals

▪ Viewing areas: There will be designated areas at Dix Park for ADA ticket holders at the stages. Seating is available on a first come, first serve basis and companions may be asked to stand in the back if the area reaches capacity. Guests aren’t able to save spots, according to Dreamville.

The designated areas are non-smoking.

▪ Accessibility Services Hub: Upon entering Dix Park, festival-goers with ADA accommodations must stop at the services hub to get their wristband. The wristband is free and will grant access to the services required if there is an injury or disability. Once the wristband is on, it cannot be removed during the event.

A wristband can be requested for companions if needed. The services hubs are located at both east and west entrances.

• The West Hub is located inside the entrance past the medical station

• The East Hub is located next to the Box Office

▪ Service animals: Though service animals are permitted to the festival, there are some restrictions on the type of service animal. Emotional support, therapy and companion animals are not allowed. Neither are pets.

Only animals who have been trained and are under proper care of their owners will be allowed in the park during Dreamville Fest. If a service animal will accompany you, you must:

• verify the animal by the ADA Coordinator or Manager before entering the event

• complete a Service Animal agreement before proceeding. The animal will get a wristband or tag to indicate verification

• ensure the animal remains by the handler’s side at all times, harnessed, leashed, tethered or controlled by voice or other devices

• ensure the animals are housebroken and use the animal relief area

• ensure service animals have legally required vaccinations — and show proof

All handlers are responsible and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal.

▪ First Aid: Locations for medical aid will be stationed around the park and noted on the event map. Professional medical staff will be on site.

▪ Special dietary needs: There will be food vendors available to provide gluten-free dietary options. For special needs beyond that, festival goers need to email access@dreamvillefest.com with any questions.

▪ Braille, large print, communication requests: If needed, there are large print maps, braille and guided tours for guests with visual disabilities. For assistive listening devices, ASL interpretation, festival-goers need to email access@dreamvillefest.com for assistance.