PRESS RELEASE
REVISED BEVERAGE POLICY FOR CONCERT GROUNDS
May 21, 2025
Hello Festival Friends!
I’m excited to be writing to you today with some updates to our recently announced beverage policy changes for the Ohio University-Lancaster concert grounds that I hope you will be happy to hear.
We have listened to the feedback of the community. This is YOUR festival – and we are so grateful that there is so much passion, energy and love for the festival that our more than 400 volunteers – including our volunteer board of directors - work so hard to bring to you each summer.
We are thrilled to announce that we are providing complimentary water refill stations on site where cups/water bottles can be filled throughout the evening.
When you enter the gates, you can bring a reusable water container that is empty or that contains ice; it just cannot contain liquid when you enter.
You will also be able to bring one 20 oz. or smaller non-alcoholic, clear beverage per person in a factory-sealed, clear, plastic container. This could be water, sparkling water, sprite – it just needs to be unopened and clear.
Also, we know that alcoholic beverage pricing and availability was a concern, so we have some great news!
We have negotiated a lower price point for alcoholic beverages.
All alcohol, including beer, wine servings and canned cocktails will be $6 each or 6 for $30. We also have these really great bottle-sized aluminum containers of wine, which will be sold for $25.
Starting today, Wednesday May 21, you will be able to pre-order beverages for pick up. You simply call or stop in to the Festival office, and you can place your order and pick it on your way to your seats!
In addition, our table catering partners will have options for pre-ordering and table delivery of beverages at the same prices. If you are having your table catered, please ask your caterer about this option!
Lastly, we have also arranged to have multiple recycling containers on the grounds for responsible disposal of used cans and water bottles!
As a reminder, we have previously shared that we are going to have increased points we will be selling water for $1 per bottle. Those bottles will now be able to be refilled for free at our refill stations!
Don’t forget, food is still permitted to be brought in, as well as ice to keep food cold in coolers, but remember that glass is prohibited. And also, if you have medical needs that require liquids, we will accommodate those, we’ll just need you to enter through specific gates, which will be marked on site.
We are grateful for the love and support his community gives to this festival – YOUR festival – and we cannot wait to celebrate 10 days of art, music and community with you this summer!
With gratitude,
Deb Connell
Executive Director
March 24, 2025
LANCASTER FESTIVAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCES BEVERAGE POLICY CHANGE FOR CONCERT GROUNDS
Lancaster, OHIO -- Due to requirements by the insurance industry for festivals of our type, the Lancaster Festival board of directors is implementing a new policy regarding beverages at the Ohio University-Lancaster concert venue.
Beginning this season, no beverages will be permitted to be brought into the concert venue gates. This includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including water.
"We understand that this might be inconvenient and frustrating for some of our long-time patrons, but the decision is truly out of our hands," said Deb Connell, Executive Director, Lancaster Festival. "Without proper insurance, we simply cannot have a festival. We postponed this change as long as we could, but unfortunately, we are now forced to revise our policy to continue to hold the Lancaster Festival."
The Lancaster Festival had been "grandfathered in" to a previous law in Ohio Revised Code. It was the only remaining festival in Ohio that allowed people to bring their own beverages in while also selling alcohol on site. State law now prohibits this practice, due to liability, the inability of venues to obtain adequate insurance and other legal considerations.
There will be increased points of sale on the concert grounds to accommodate the increase in demand for beverages. Water (16 oz.) will be sold for $1 to keep the price at a minimum for concert goers. A selection of beer (16 oz.), wine, pre-made cocktails will be sold for $8 each and soda will be $3 each. There will also be a pre-order option available for beverages with ticket purchase.
Food is still permitted to be brought in, as well as ice to keep food cold in coolers, but remember that glass is prohibited.
Exceptions to the no beverage policy will be made for individuals with medical needs (baby formula, breast milk, liquid medications, etc.), and these individuals will be asked to enter through a specific gate for inspection of the liquids.
"We appreciate the understanding and patience of our supporters and concert goers," said Connell. "And we look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 Lancaster Festival."
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Media Contact: Angela Krile, Krile Communications, 740-974-3948, angela@krilecommunications.com