FAQ

Welcome to BMF FAQs & Fun Facts!

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers—plus some extra tidbits to make your BMF experience even smoother. From booking to bathrooms and logistics, it’s all here. Let’s get you festival-ready!

If you don't see what you need, visit our contact page and drop us a line!

What Makes BMF, BMF: The Key Ingredients

‍A Community, Not a Crowd

We keep BMF intentionally small—fewer than 1,000 people—so it stays intimate, friendly, and easy to navigate. Think camp reunion energy meets killer live music lineup.

‍The Perks of Summer Camp

Between sets, take a dip in the pool, shoot hoops, hit the tennis courts, or explore nearby Pinecrest Lake and hiking trails. There's room to roam, relax, and reset.

‍Choose Your Own Camping Scene

Whether you want a music-filled adult getaway, a peaceful spot off the beaten path, or a family-friendly quiet nights, —we’ve got camp areas to match your vibe.

‍Wood Framed Cabins, Not Nylon Camping Tents

You’ll stay in a cozy canvas-top cabin with real beds and electricity. Winterized motel-style cabins are also available if you’re looking for extra comfort. Very limited RV/Camper vehicle spaces (no hook-ups) are also available.

Everything's Included - Keep Your Wallet In The Car

Your festival pass covers your cabin, all your meals (yes, four a day!), and every show & activity all weekend long. No need to nickel-and-dime your way through your vacation. Once you're here, you're set.

BMF Experience FAQs

Is smoking allowed?

No open flames are allowed. This includes lighters and cigarettes.

Is there potential for major wildlife encounters?

While it's rare, there is the possibility that a bear, deer, or other bigger forest animal might cross paths with a camper. Generally, this type of wildlife will avoid areas with a lot of sound and people, as it scares them, but these sightings have happened at the Lair, albeit rarely.

Can I bring a bike?

Yes, you're welcome to bring bikes, skates, or scooters to get around. However none of these can be electric vehicles.

Can I bring a camping stove or grill?

No. Due to the extreme risk of fire no open flames are allowed and no electric stoves are either.

How far in advance should I book?

Early booking is recommended, especially for popular cabins. Reservations are first come, first served.

Can I bring alcohol?

Yes, BYOB is allowed—just be mindful of others and the shared vibe.

What’s the food situation?

4 meals/day are included, with options for most dietary needs. Bring extra snacks and drinks. Contact info@bearmusicfest.com for dietary requests.

What should I pack for BMF?

Comfy clothes, layers for cool nights, bedding, towels, toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, string lights, snacks, and drinks. Check our detailed Packing Guide for the full list.

Are there quiet hours at night?

There are quiet hours at Gold after dark because it's designed for families and those that like a quieter night. Oski is generally quieter at night, but doesn't have strict quiet hours. Blue is an adults only sleep zone and tends to party until past midnight. No strict quiet hours at Blue Camp.

What’s the vibe like in each camp?

Blue is lively and adults-only at night, Gold is family-friendly and relaxed, and Oski is great for big groups. Music flows between all camps all weekend.

What’s the festival schedule like? Are there performances in all camps?

The festival runs Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon with music happening across Blue, Gold, and Oski camps all weekend.

Can I camp with friends in a different camp?

You can visit other camps during the day, but overnight stays are only allowed in your booked camp.

How family-friendly is BMF?

BMF is an all ages fest! Gold Camp is ideal for families, with playgrounds, sports courts, and a pool. There aren’t formal kids’ programs, but plenty of space for little ones to roam.

Festival Lodging & Amenities FAQs

Do I need to bring my own bedding and towels?

Yes! Bring your own bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets) and bath and pool towels. We don’t have extra bedding on-site, so pack enough to stay warm and cozy at night.

Are showers available nearby?

Yes! Each camp has modern, well-maintained bathroom and shower buildings just steps from the cabins.

Is there Wi-Fi or cell service at The Lair?

Wi-Fi is limited to a few spots and cell service can be spotty. Take advantage of the chance to unplug and soak in the festival vibes.

Are pets allowed at The Lair?

Sorry, no. For everyone’s safety, pets are not allowed during BMF.

How close are the three camps to each other?

All camps are within easy walking distance. Oski is the furthest from the main action but still walkable.

Are there ADA-accessible accommodations?

Absolutely. We offer ADA-accessible cabins at Camp Oski. Request one when booking if needed. Please note that because of the natural terrain of the Lair we can't guarantee that every part of the festival will be ADA accessible. We will do our best to accommodate those with ADA needs, and appreciate your patience.

What’s included in the cabins? Are they heated?

Tent cabins come with twin beds, a shelf, an overhead light, and a power outlet—but they’re not heated. Winterized cabins at Camp Oski are heated and include a queen bed, bunk beds, a loft with two twin beds, a private bathroom, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and a TV/DVD player. Bosch Hall has unheated motel-style rooms with either two twin beds or one queen bed, depending on availability, and shared bathrooms nearby.

Are bathrooms private or shared?

Tent cabins share modern bathroom and shower facilities nearby. Winterized cabins have private bathrooms. Bosch Hall rooms share bathrooms located in the building.

What kinds of accommodations are available at The Lair for BMF?

The Lair offers three types of accommodations: canvas-topped tent cabins (small, medium, and large), cozy winterized cabins at Camp Oski, and a few motel-style rooms in Bosch Hall.

Plan Your Stay: Booking & Logistics FAQs

What’s the cancellation policy?

Deposits refundable until March 1, 2025. After that, deposits are transferable but non-refundable. Final payments due by May 1, 2025. No refunds after May 1. Travel insurance is recommended. For details, contact passes@bearmusicfest.com or 510-900-8255.

Is parking included in my pass?

Yes! Each cabin has 1 assigned parking spot. Carpooling is encouraged. If more than one spot is needed, email us to let us know before you arrive.

Who can I reach out to for help booking or with general questions?

You can email us at passes@bearmusicfest.com

Can I bring my own tent or RV?

Tent camping isn’t allowed. Space for small RVs or camper vans is limited and has no hook-ups. Contact info@bearmusicfest.com to check availability.

Can I book a BMF pass but stay off-site?

No. All guests need to stay on-site. This helps us manage the festival smoothly and safely.

Can I buy a day pass to BMF?

We don’t offer day passes. BMF is designed as a full-weekend experience to keep the vibe connected and secure.

What’s the “cabin fee” and why is there a minimum occupancy for cabins?

Each cabin has a minimum occupancy—2 for small, 3 for medium, 5 for large. If your group doesn’t meet this, there’s a $100 per night cabin fee to help cover the gap.

What’s included in my festival pass?

Your pass covers it all—lodging, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks), and every music performance across all camps.

How do I book a cabin and pay for my passes?

Visit our booking page to reserve your cabin. Then create (or log into) your Lair account, add campers, and complete payment. For detailed steps, check out our guide here.

Can we choose which camp (Blue, Gold, or Oski) we stay in?

Yes! You can choose your camp—Blue is adults-only at night, Gold is family-friendly and quieter, and Oski is perfect for large groups.

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FAQ

All the answers to help you with your stay!

Welcome to BMF FAQs & Fun Facts!

What Makes BMF, BMF: The Key Ingredients

BMF Experience FAQs

Festival Lodging & Amenities FAQs

Plan Your Stay: Booking & Logistics FAQs

Find Your New Favorite Artist

If your inbox had a favorite festival, this would be it.

FAQ

All the answers to help you with your stay!

Welcome to BMF FAQs & Fun Facts!

What Makes BMF, BMF: The Key Ingredients

BMF Experience FAQs

Festival Lodging & Amenities FAQs

Plan Your Stay: Booking & Logistics FAQs

Secure your spot at BMF 2025

Find Your New Favorite Artist

If your inbox had a favorite festival, this would be it.