515 ALIVE ULTIMATE GUIDE!
WHEN IS THE FESTIVAL?
Friday, August 16th & Saturday August 17th, 2019
WHAT IS THE LOCATION OF THE FESTIVAL?
Water Works Park Amphitheater directly outside of Downtown Des Moines Iowa.
Main Entrance (non-campers): 1004 Fleur Dr Des Moines Iowa 50321
Camper Entrance: 4100 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA
WHEN DO GATES OPEN FOR THE FESTIVAL VENUE?
4pm pm on both August 16th & 17th
WHAT TIME DO THE GATES OPEN FOR CAMPING?
Friday Aug 16th at 9AM
UBER, LYFT & Taxi drop off:
515 Alive will have a designated Uber, Lyft and Taxi drop-off in the DMWW Administration Building Parking Lot at 2201 George Flagg Parkway - we highly encourage using this as it will save you on parking fees and walking from parking lots to the venue!
SHUTTLE INFO:
Camping to festival shuttle: Because of the move to the amphitheater all campers will have FREE access to a shuttle that takes you from the camp grounds to the festival grounds and back. The shuttles start at 3:30pm both days and end once the last group is back to the camping area. Camping pickup location will be near the camping entrance and the shuttle will drop you off by the festival gates. The Festival pick up location is on the northwest corner of the amphitheater near the main entrance and the shuttle will drop you off at the camping entrance.
After Party Shuttle: This is a PAID SHUTTLE PASS that can be purchased on the after party ticketing pages. Once you add an after party pass to your cart it will ask if you’d like to add a shuttle pass to your order. These can also be purchased when entering the shuttle bus for $10. The shuttles for the after parties start at 10pm and run til the last group is back after the event at Val Air Ballroom.
The pick up location will be at the southwest corner of the amphitheater near the white barn (just west of mainstage outside the fence). The shuttle will also stop in the camping area to pick up any campers that need a ride.
The return trip will drop groups off at the first parking lot near the venue, the soccer field parking lot and the back parking lot/camping area.
WILL THERE BE ADA ACCOMMODATIONS?
We will have a designated ADA area at the main stage for those in need, an ADA check in area, as well as handicap parking spots. Please reach out to us at tomz@515alive.com with any questions you have regarding ADA/Handicap accessibility at 515 Alive.
WILL THERE BE ATMS AT THE FESTIVAL?
Of course! ATM’s will be spread throughout the festival (ticketing entrance, bar areas, vendor areas, parking entrance).
ARE PETS ALLOWED?
Pets are not allowed unless official service animals. Please leave them at home, the sound is generally too much for them!
CAN I ATTEND AN OFF-SITE AFTER PARTY WITHOUT ATTENDING THE MAIN FESTIVAL?
Yes, but you can expect the tickets to be much more expensive at the door.
VEHICLES/TRAVEL/LODGING
Can i bring my rv or other large vehicle to 515 alive?
Unfortunately, no. NO RVs or RV-style vehicles will be permitted in the 515 Alive festival grounds.
CAN I BRING MY VEHICLE IN AND OUT OF THE CAMPGROUNDS?
Vehicles are not permitted within the campgrounds, but will be parked in a nearby designated lot. Campers are able to leave the grounds at any point except 3am-9am each day. PLEASE try to keep leaving the grounds to a minimum.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
There will be three different parking lots this year. When you arrive at the entrance of the grounds there will be a parking attendant that will direct you.
WHERE CAN I GET PARKING PASSES?
Parking passes are available when you arrive to the parking area and MUST BE PAID FOR WITH CASH. Parking costs are $10 a day.
WHERE IS THE NEAREST AIRPORT?
Down the street! The festival’s entrance is on Fleur Dr. and the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is about 1.5 miles south of the festival grounds.
IF I’M COMING FROM OUT OF TOWN, BUT DON’T WANT TO CAMP, ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS FOR LODGING?
There are hotels available near the airport, and we recommend that you book them ASAP in order to secure your space!
WHERE IS THE NEAREST STORE/SUPERMARKET?
Hy-Vee is located down the street half a mile from the festival grounds on Fleur Dr.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
515 Alive is separated into two distinct areas: the campgrounds and the festival area. Each area has their own age restriction.
The festival area (where you will catch all of the activities and shows) is ALL AGES.
The campgrounds are 18+. NO exceptions!
WATER POLICY
IN THE VENUE AREA
One sealed bottle of water allowed, caps will be checked to make sure it is sealed. Hydration packs and reusable water bottles MUST be empty. Water stations will be available throughout the venue for free. Hydration packs will also be sold at the event courtesy of Elevated Lyfe!
IN THE CAMPGROUNDS
In the campgrounds… Bring as much sealed water as you’d like.
MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS
Medical Prescriptions must be in their original bottle with label attached. Your ID must match the name on the label. All federal and state laws apply at 515 Alive.
Those bringing medicines to the event should declare them to security during any search and may have them stored in the medical center if required.
VENDING
515 Alive offers a wide assortment of food/drink, crafts, and other vendors throughout the grounds. No unauthorized vending is allowed, you must complete an application and be accepted in order to vend. Unauthorized food and craft merchandise may be confiscated.
HEALTH & SAFETY
In the case of emergency, please contact the nearest staff member to help you. We will have paramedics and EMS on site who are equipped to deal with all situations.
515 Alive is outdoors. Please be prepared for all weather- including very hot, rainy, cold...
Take note of locations for exits, info points, first aid, and water refill stations for your reference.
Please cooperate with festival staff and security.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and electrolytes.
While there will be 24 hour security on site, 515 Alive cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items. Leave your valuables at home or secure them in your vehicle.
ALLOWED ITEMS AT 515 ALIVE
Sealed cigarettes
Point and shoot digital cameras (no extended lenses)
Go-pros
Cell phones & chargers
Flow toys (no fire props)
EMPTY refillable bottles & hydration packs
Blankets/beach towels
Hand sanitizer
Baby wipes
Bug spray
Flags and banners (totems are allowed, please no dangerous metal pieces)
Feminine products (sealed)
Prescription medication (must have the prescription/label in your name with you)
Gum
Makeup
Sunblock
Parasols/Umbrellas
IT IS EASIER TO ASK US WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED!
PROHIBITED ITEMS AT 515 ALIVE
Each person and their belongings are subject to search upon entry and with each entry into the festival venue. Please view the list below to see what you cannot bring into Waterworks Park. These items will be confiscated if found and may not be returned.
No fireworks, flying prayer lanterns, or explosives
No campfires, open flames, candles, fire props, tiki torches,
No gas/fuel cans of any kind (except for small propane tanks for camping)
No drones
No glass
No laser pointers
No illegal substances or paraphernalia
No weapons of any kind regardless of any permits
No unauthorized merchandise or vending/solicitation
No tanks (helium, nitrous, co2, etc)
No pets (except service animals)
No sound systems and/or amplifiers
No professional/non-personal use radios or walkie-talkies
No motorcycles, ATVs, or golf carts
No OUTSIDE alcohol
No flags or totems with metal pieces
No glass bottles
No unsealed eyedrop containers, opened over the counter medications, or opened bottles of vitamins
No marker pens or spray paint
* ALL ITEMS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH AND THE PROHIBITED LIST IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
CAMPING F.A.Q & GUIDELINES
WHAT IS THE CAMPING EXPERIENCE ALL ABOUT?
After the move to the amphitheater, camping this year is one general area on the west end of the park. Unfortunately there was no closer option for premier camping so all premier camping ticket holders will automatically be refunded down to the GA camping price point. Camping is strictly 18+. Water Works is an extremely large and beautiful park with plenty of space for campsites. There are VERY limited spots available. Less than 30% of the festival attendees will secure camping spots.
Because camping is now further away from the festival grounds we are offering a FREE shuttle to take you to the festival. The shuttle will pick you up directly outside of the campgrounds starting at 3pm and bring you right by the entrance of the festival. It will also take you back to the campsite from the festival grounds at any time until midnight
WHAT IF SOMEONE IN MY CAR ISN’T CAMPING?
All cars going through the camping entrance must ONLY have passengers that are also camping.
Wristbands for the campgrounds are per person, not per car.
WHAT TIME DO THE GATES OPEN FOR CAMPING? WHEN DO I HAVE TO LEAVE?
Gates open for camping at 9AM on Friday morning. All campers will need to clear out of the park by 12 noon on Sunday, leaving no trace at their campgrounds :)
IS A CAMPING PASS PER PERSON OR PER TENT?
Camping passes are valid per-person and are required for entry into your camping area. Each person camping or entering the camp grounds will need their own camping wristband!
HOW BIG ARE CAMPSITES?
Campsite sizes are unrestricted. Be courteous to your neighbors and use your best judgment here! Please use a limited, reasonable amount of space.
CAN I DRIVE MY CAR INTO THE CAMPGROUNDS?
Sorry, but no cars are allowed into our campgrounds. Camping passes include parking in a designated separate lot directly next to the camping areas.
CAN I CAMP IN MY CAR?
Sorry, but car camping is prohibited. The lots are close by, but you do not camp next to or inside your car.
WILL THERE BE SHOWERS?
Unfortunately no, there will not be showers at the festival.
CAN WE LEAVE AND RE-ENTER THE CAMPGROUNDS?
Absolutely. Keep in mind, there will be a search with each entry into the festival and camping area.
WHAT WILL I BE ALLOWED TO BRING INTO THE CAMPGROUNDS?
It’s better to ask what you CANNOT bring. Please check the festival guidelines for a list of what you cannot bring.
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY VALUABLES?
Leave them at home! Any valuables you bring to 515 Alive should be locked in your car out of sight.
WILL MUSIC BE ALLOWED TO BE PLAYED IN THE CAMPING AREA IF NOT AFFILIATED WITH 515 ALIVE?
No amplified music will be allowed in the campgrounds.
WILL SMALL CAMPFIRES BE ALLOWED IN THE CAMPING AREA?
Open fires are not allowed in the camping area.
ARE WE ALLOWED TO BRING GENERATORS?
Outside generators will not be permitted in camping areas.
WILL THERE BE ELECTRICITY IN THE CAMPING AREAS?
The shelter DOES have limited electrical outlets. Those are first come first serve and cannot be used continuously for your site. They can be used to charge phones and other devices.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS IN THE CAMPING AREA?
There will be port-o-potties in the camping area as well as an on-site bathroom facility with running water.
IF I CAMP IN General, CAN I VISIT MY FRIENDS IN THE PREMIER GOLD CAMPGROUNDS?
No, but they can visit you!
TICKETING & WRISTBAND F.A.Q
WILL TICKETS SELL OUT?
It’s not likely, but you should buy your tickets in advance to save money and hassle at entry.
Purchase tickets HERE.
I CAN’T ATTEND ANYMORE. WHAT DO I DO?
Unfortunately, our tickets are non-refundable in any and all circumstances.
DO I NEED TO PRINT MY TICKETS?
If you selected “Print at Home” option, yes.
WHERE CAN I GET TICKET PURCHASING SUPPORT?
Email info@515alive.com
HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?
View all ticketing options here.
CAN I SELL MY TICKET TO SOMEONE ELSE?
We don’t encourage or facilitate the resale of our tickets via third party. Please exercise caution when buying or selling tickets!
CAN I BUY A TICKET FROM A THIRD PARTY?
We don’t encourage or facilitate the resale of our tickets. Please exercise caution when buying or selling tickets. 515 Alive cannot guarantee the legitimacy of wristbands purchased from a third party.
WHERE DO I PICK UP MY WRISTBANDS?
You will pick up your wristbands at the front gate day of show when your ticket is scanned.
WRISTBAND POLICY
All sales are final. No refunds and no exchanges.
Do not buy tickets from third-party ticketing sites. If you purchase a counterfeit ticket, you will be denied entry without refund.
You will exchange your ticket for the appropriate wristbands at the gate.
Wristbands must be worn for entry into the festival and at all times inside the festival. Wristbands must be worn securely on your wrist so that it cannot be slipped on and off.
Wristbands are non-transferable, non-exchangeable and non-replaceable.
Do not remove, stretch or tamper with your wristband in any way or you will not be allowed entry.
The festival takes place rain or shine. There are absolutely no exceptions to this wristband policy.
