Mandatory Reading: Please read this orientation manual in full, as it is subject to yearly revisions.

About Bass Coast

Dates: July 11 - 14, 2025.

Location: In Merritt, B.C. on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.

Mission statement: An Innovative Creative Experience. Core values are respect, integrity, care, and accountability. We encourage you to integrate these values into your role at Bass Coast.

About Merritt

Please take time to learn about the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people: We Are Nlaka'pamux 

Merritt is 270 km northeast of Vancouver. Learn more: About Merritt

Mandatory Bass Coast Training Videos & Quiz

Bass Coast training videos feature key topics: cultural appropriation, consent, harassment, local knowledge and more. 

• NEW Safety Video for 2024.
• Bass Coast tracks quiz submissions for participation. 

Review: Bass Coast 2024 Team Education Series

Password: Coldwater2024

Packing List & Festival Amenities

Reusable water bottles - Free water is available on-site. Bring a personal reusable water bottle. Glass of any kind is not permitted.

Food vendors - From Thurs. July 11, to Sun. July 14, healthy food vendors and bars are open on-site.

Appropriate shoes and clothing - The terrain and weather can vary; consider water or river shoes and waterproof clothing. Steel toes are required for stage-build teams and are recommended for all team members.

Camping gear - Bring headlamps/flashlights, sunscreen, bug spray, and prepare for all weather conditions.

Camping -  It can be extremely windy. Please ensure all tents are secured with rebar and fasten loose items securely. 

Accessibility - Please refer to updated information at Bass Coast Accessibility

Fire ban - No fires, fireworks, open flames, or grills are allowed. Camp stoves are acceptable.

Cash and credit - ATMs will be available on-site during festival days. Bars, ice, showers, and the general store are cashless. Individual vendors may accept cash or cards.

Showers - There are two shower locations on-site; all artists will have access to showers in Campground B. Updated locations will be provided on-site, and shower access details are included in your contract.

Camp B Shower details: 

• Artists: $5 
• General Admission: $9 

Show your wristband to the shower team to receive the reduced price. 

HOURS OF OPERATION: 

• Tues. July 9 - Sun. July 14: 9AM - 7PM
• Mon. July 15: 9AM - 4PM 

Please clean up after yourself and limit your showers to 5 minutes. It is costly to pump the tank.

Packing Checklist

• Headlamps/flashlights
• Appropriate shoes (running or hiking shoes - terrain is uneven)
• Water or river shoes 
• Bankcard or cash (there are ATMS on site)
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Fresh socks for every day
• Water bottle
• Coffee mug
• Plates and utensils
• Warm clothes for night
• Camp chair
• Recycling system for your camp
• Bike (if camping far from the stages)
• Snacks for camp

Bring at least 1 piece of government-issued photo ID. Our permit prohibits attendees under 19 years of age; no exceptions.

Artist Passes

Artists will receive a specific number of passes as outlined in the contract. Key details include:

• Artist accreditation, including guests, will receive individual QR codes via email one week prior to the festival.
• All artist accreditation, including their guests, is exclusively available at the Staff Gate.

Guest Passes

To update guest passes:

• Revisit the BASS COAST 2024 ACCREDITATION form.
• The deadline to submit guest names is June 15 at 5 PM. 

For form resend requests or late submissions due to exceptional circumstances, email:

basscoaststaffgate@gmail.com and ProductionAssistant@basscoast.ca

Artist Entry

Artists and their advanced guests are welcome to arrive on site after 12 PM on Wed. July 10, at the STAFF GATE. 

Please keep in mind that the festival grounds will not be accessible on Wednesday and artists will only have access to their designated camping area. On Thursday, food vendors and artist hospitality services will open.

Payment will be in your artist package upon arrival.

Staff Gate Entry 

Staff Gate is 1km past Moon Shadows Campground at 1145 Neilson St, Merritt, BC. 

Drive slowly on the dirt road: 15 km max. to reduce dust for residents. 

Accreditation and payment is only available at the Staff Gate. Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section. 

No early arrivals; no exceptions. 

STAFF GATE HOURS

• Wed. July 10: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)
• Thurs. July 11: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)
• Fri. July 12: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)
• Sat. July 13: 9AM - 10PM
• Sun. July 14: 9AM - 5PM
• Mon. July 15: CLOSED

Arriving with GA Ticket Holders

General Admission ticket holders may arrive on site on Fri. July 12 at 9 AM at the earliest. Those without Early Entry tickets arriving before Friday will not be permitted on site; no exceptions.

To purchase: Wednesday + Thursday or Thursday Early Entry tickets 

If a GA ticket holder shares accommodation with you, the GA ticket holder can check in at A Gate.

Next Steps

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

• Proceed to the Staff Gate for check-in.
• Park in the Temporary Parking Lot while obtaining accreditation.
• Refer to the parking section for limitations and enforced time restrictions.

Next, proceed to Artist Camping or if instructed check-in with the Artist Relations team.

Enviro Vehicle Pass

Each artist is assigned an Enviro Vehicle Pass as per the contract. If you have a vehicle, you will receive it at Staff Gate.

Guests arriving in separate vehicles must purchase additional Enviro Vehicle passes in advance to expedite processing at the Staff Gate.

To purchase: ENVIRO VEHICLE PASS

SHUTTLE

If transportation is included in your artist contract, shuttle services are available from Kamloops, BC (YKA) airport. Please note that if you are arriving from a location other than Kamloops, you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation. 

To ensure a smooth arrival, it is important to pre-arrange all ground transport before Thurs. May 15 by submitting the TRANSPORTATION and ACCOMMODATION FORM. If you require the form resent, reach out to BassCoastTransport@gmail.com and CC: ProductionAssistant@basscoast.ca

After completing the form, for any inquiries regarding shuttle services, please contact the Transportation Manager directly at the email above.

Artists and their guests are invited to camp, with two options available: the Artist Camp or the Production Forest (first-come, first-served basis).

Artist Camp: An open field adjacent to the forest. 

• Artists can camp with their vehicles in this area. 
• Friends with general admission wristbands must camp in Campground B, C, or if they have reserved in A or Ventura. 
• Only artists and their plus one will have accreditation for Artist Camp. Those without proper accreditation will be asked to relocate.

Production Forest Camp: A shaded camping area behind The Cabin Stage and Slay Bay Stages. Availability in the forest is space-permitting. 

• It is centrally located but may not offer the quietest camping experience. 
• First come, First serve
• Walk-in camping only,there will be a drop-off zone at the forest entrance. 

BASS COAST IS A WORKSITE ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY 

The main festival field and forest are closed to everyone but subcontractors, vendors and suppliers until 9 AM on Thursday. 

General Admission Camping 

Location: Campgrounds B or C

Wed. July 10: There is no ‘skip the line’ at Main Gate.

Thurs. July 11:  Anyone with accreditation can ‘skip the line’ after 11 AM.

GA camping access details for Wed. July 10: 

• GA campsites open to patrons on Wed. at 12 PM.
• Artists who want to move to GA camping must wait until Wed. at 1 PM before entering the lineup at Main Gate.

Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section.

HOSPITALITY CAMPING & CABINS 

Artists whose contracts include private accommodation will be shown to their cabin upon arrival. Adjacent to the cabins is a separate building containing washrooms and showers.

If the festival is providing camping gear for you, everything will be set up for you before you arrive. Please let artist relations know when you are leaving Bass Coast.

SET TIMES

Bass Coast Schedule

Please check in with your stage manager at least 1 hour before your set. The production team will provide all contact information and key scheduling updates if needed. For any advancing communication please contact the Production Assistant Manager: ProductionAssistant@basscoast.ca

STAGE MANAGERS

Cantina Stage Daytime: Ben Midwicki and Ben Carson

Main Stage: Holland Kerr

The Cabin Stage: Matt Reed, Phillip Elliott, Jamal Hamadeh

Slay Bay Stage: Rachel Kirkpatrick, Kearse Watts

Slowtempo: Day: TBD Night: Derek Frazer

The Brain: Heather Vardy and Natasha Cucek

ARTIST LOCK UP 

Electronics and valuables can be locked up at the festival site at the Artist Lounge area. Please connect with the artist relations team to secure your equipment. 

Artist Lounge & Space Bar 

Space Bar Location: Close to the entrance of the forest behind the main stage and near the live art painters. 

The Artist Lounge is open 24 hours a day for artist information and a cup of tea and snacks. Only Performance Artists and guests will have access to this area.

Power will be available for computers and phone chargers. Wifi is not available on-site, but almost all cell phones receive good service. Beverages are available for purchase, and your complimentary drink tickets can be redeemed at the Space Bar or any of the bars on-site.

Space Bar Hours of Operation:

• Thursday (Opening Night): 4 PM - 12 AM
• Friday: 3 PM - 2 AM
• Saturday: 3 PM - 2 AM / Happy Hour: 6 PM
• Sunday: 3 PM - 2 AM / Happy Hour: 6 PM

Happy Hours at Space Bar: Starting at 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday, join us for complimentary snacks and beverages during artist happy hours.

Artist merchandise will be sold at the Bass Coast Merch Store. Only artists who have registered their merchandise via the ARTIST PROFILE form prior to July 1 will be permitted to sell at the store. 

Artist / Bass Coast split on merchandise will be 80 / 20. 

Artists must provide an organised storage container for all items. Disorganised unfolded merchandise or items stored in garbage bags will not be accepted.

Items must be submitted to the Merch Store Manager on:

• Thurs. July 11, between 11AM - 8PM, or; 
• Fri. July 12, between 1PM - 5PM.

Please allocate approx 15 minutes to meet with either Jess or Kiera, the Merch Store managers, to confirm inventory count and prices on consignment sheets.

If an appointment is needed at a different time, please contact Jess or Kiera directly at MerchStoreBassCoast@gmail.com to arrange. 

Stock will not be accepted without a signed consignment sheet; no exceptions. 

Items must be collected from the Merch Store on:

• Sun. July 14, between 3PM - 8PM, or; 
• Mon. July 15 between 10AM - 4PM.

Artists will receive a consignment sheet displaying their sales and remaining stock. Next, they will be directed to the finance office. There, artists will present their signed consignment sheet and a cheque for sales will be issued during this visit.

Location: Beside the Bass Coast Merch Store.

Access: Both in-house members and guests can drop off or claim lost items.

Hours of Operation: Thurs. July 10 to Mon. July 14 from 10 AM - 5:30 PM

Limitations: Cannot retain or store large items.

UNCLAIMED ITEMS DEADLINES

• Water bottles donated to a local charity on Mon. July 14.
• Non-confidential items donated to charity three months post-festival.

Contact Lost and Found: BassCoastLostandFound@gmail.com

Post-show Item Inquiries: Lost and Found Inquiry form

Can I check in at Main Gate instead of Staff Gate?

The Staff Gate is highly preferred for all artists, in-house teams, and volunteers to check in before proceeding to the Main Gate for access to Camp B & C. All accreditation processes are exclusively handled at the Staff Gate. 

It is crucial to note that if you choose to enter through the MAIN GATE, you must immediately check in again at the Staff Gate, as the temporary wristband will expire shortly thereafter.

After Wednesday at 1 PM, you may join the General Admission lineup and enter through the Main Gate to obtain a date and time-stamped temporary wristband. There are ‘no skip the line” privileges until Thursday at 11 AM.

Can I skip the line at Main Gate on Wednesday if I already have my credentials?

No, there are “no skip the line” privileges on Wednesday for any artists, in-house team or volunteers.

Beginning Thursday at 11 AM, those who have checked in at the Staff Gate and have all their credentials can skip the line at the Main Gate.

Drive past the entrance to the Main Gate line and turn left behind the Main Gate Office.  Security will stop to search vehicles and check credentials.

Is there a re-entry fee if I leave Bass Coast to purchase supplies in town?

Starting Friday, July 11, at 12 PM for all gates, there is a $20 re-entry fee per vehicle if you need to leave Bass Coast for supplies.

Bass Coast Emergency Line: +1 (672) 699-6606

Festival FAQS

Online Schedule - Available in 2025.

Android & iOS Bass Coast 2025 App - Coming soon.

Site Maps

Harm Reduction

Sustainability

Towards Equity

Harassment and Assault Policy

Important Numbers

Bass Coast Emergency Line: +1 (672) 699-6606

We request all communications to be concise, due to the high volume of emails we receive.

Production Manager: Anna Hilliar   

+1 (604) 726-4044 

Anna@basscoast.ca

Production Manager Assistant: Jenn Harkness 

+1 (604) 813-5405

ProductionAssistant@basscoast.ca 

Artist Relations Manager & On-site Artist Accommodations: Brian Aster 

+1 (250) 505-5992 (for onsite contact only)

Artist Transportation:  BassCoastTransport@gmail.com (on-site contact)

Merch Store: MerchStoreBassCoast@gmail.com

Directions

The festival site is located one mile southwest of the City of Merritt, BC, just off the Coquihalla Hwy. 

Staff Gate is 1km past Moon Shadows Campground at 1145 Neilson St, Merritt, BC. 

Drive slowly on the dirt road: 15 km max. to reduce dust for residents. 

Accreditation is only available at the Staff Gate. Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section.

FROM KELOWNA

• Take Hwy BC-97C to Merritt
• Once in Merritt, continue through onto the Princeton - Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road). 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF (east) GATE. 

FROM KAMLOOPS

• Take Hwy BC-5 S towards Merritt 
• Take exit #286 from the Coquihalla hwy and head towards Merritt City Center along Princeton-Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road) 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF GATE. 

FROM VANCOUVER

• Take Hwy BC-1 and then Hwy BC-5 N towards Merritt
• Once in Merritt, take exit #286, keep right at the fork, and head towards Merritt City Center along Princeton-Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road). 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF GATE.