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FAQs for In the Soil Arts Festival 2024

May 28, 2024
By
In the Soil Arts Festival
Welcome to the In the Soil Arts Festival FAQ page! Here you’ll find answers to all your questions about this year's festival. Whether you’re curious about event details, ticketing, free programming, or how to get involved, we’ve got you covered. Explore the information below to make the most of your festival experience and join us in celebrating the vibrant arts and culture of St. Catharines and the Niagara Region.

General Information

What is the In the Soil Arts Festival?

The In the Soil Arts Festival is a four-day cultural celebration in St. Catharines, Ontario, showcasing an array of artistic disciplines including theatre, music, visual, and media arts. It brings together artists and art enthusiasts from all over Canada, inspiring the entire Niagara Region with unique performances and art installations.

When and where is the festival taking place?

The festival runs from June 13-16, 2024, in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, with various events and performances spread across multiple venues.

What are the festival hours each day?

The festival runs from June 13-16, 2024, with specific event times varying each day. The launch event on June 13 starts at 7 PM. Detailed schedules for each day are available on our website.

Is there a schedule available for all the performances and events?

Yes, a detailed schedule of performances and events will be available on the festival's website closer to the event date.

Is there an age limit for certain events or performances?

While the festival offers many family-friendly events, some performances, such as those in the Theatre Series, might have mature content and could be more suitable for adults. Specific audience advisories will be provided for each performance.

What is the best way to get to the festival venues? Are there any transportation or parking options?

The festival takes place in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, which is accessible by car, public transit, and bike. Information about parking downtown and public transit routes are available through the City of St. Catharines. 

Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?

The festival aims to be accessible to all attendees, although there are accessibility limitations at Oddfellows Hall and some RHIZOMES venues. Venues like the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts and Montebello Park are fully accessible. For specific accessibility needs, it is best to contact the festival organisers directly at info@suitcaseinpoint.com.

What is your refund policy?

If you need a refund on individual tickets, just let us know at least 24 hours before the event. For Festival and Series passes, you can request a refund up until June 12 at 7pm. If you have any questions or need assistance with a refund, feel free to reach out to our box office at boxoffice@suitcaseinpoint.com or 905-682-0337. We’re here to help!

Passes and Tickets

How can I purchase tickets and passes for the festival?

Festival passes and tickets are available now at inthesoilfest.com. Options include Full Festival Pass, Pick Six Pass, Theatre, Music, and RHIZOMES series passes, as well as single event tickets.

What is the "Choose-Your-Own-Artistic-Adventure" format?

This new format allows festival-goers to tailor their experience by selecting specific events they wish to attend. It offers flexibility and personalization to explore various artistic forms.

What is the difference between the Full Festival Pass, Pick Six Pass, and individual event tickets?

The Full Festival Pass allows access to all events throughout the festival. The Pick Six Pass lets you choose six events to attend. Individual event tickets are available for those who prefer to attend only specific performances or activities. More details are available at inthesoilfest.com.

How will I receive my Festival or Series Pass?

Festival and Series passes will be available for pick-up at the Festival Launch in Montebello Park on June 13th and at the Festival Hub on James Street on June 14 through 16th. You will receive a colourful wristband that will give you access to all the events covered by your pass.

Do I need to print my tickets, or can I show them on my phone?

You can show your tickets on your phone. We’ll also have a list at the door of everyone who purchased tickets online, so we can check your name against that. Digital tickets are accepted at all festival venues.

Launch Event

What can I expect at the launch event?

The launch event on Thursday, June 13, at Montebello Park in St. Catharines features performances by local musicians Soft Animals and Toronto favourites The Uplifters. It's a great way to kick off the arts festival with music and festivities.

Music Series

What concerts are part of the Music Series?

The Music Series includes performances by Soft Animals and The Uplifters with Charles Spearin on June 13; DAZE AWAY and Ben E. Wood on June 14; Electric Wildlife, Joe Lapinski, and the Dig It Dance Party on June 15; and Los Skandalosos on June 16.

Theatre Series

What performances are included in the Theatre Series?

The Theatre Series features new works from renowned Canadian theatre artists Yolanda Bonnell (“The Eighth Fire, Parts 1 and 2”), and Karen Hines (“Pochsy IV”), as well as "A Brief History of Smoking Cigarettes" by Deanna Jones, and the Electric Innovations Theatre Program showcase.

What is Electric Innovations?

Electric Innovations is a 12-week theatre program for youth aged 14-18, created by Suitcase in Point in partnership with the National Theatre School of Canada and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts at Brock University. The program culminates in a showcase during the festival on Saturday, June 15 at 4 PM.

RHIZOMES

What is the RHIZOMES program?

RHIZOMES is the signature experience of the In the Soil Arts Festival, featuring multi-arts works that blend various artistic disciplines. Each work is short and offered multiple times throughout the Festival at venues around the downtown core. Start your RHIZOMES adventure at the RHIZOMES Hive, located at 7 James Street.

Family Friendly

What activities are available for children and families?

The In the Soil Arts Festival in St. Catharines, Ontario, offers a variety of all-ages programming on Saturday, June 15. Sponsored by Fire Monitoring of Canada, enjoy the Massive Band Parade, FamJamalama Dance Party, Play Zone, and interactive art-making activities at the Festival Hub. The Vendor Bender artisan fair celebrates local makers and is also family-friendly.

Free Programming

What free programming is available?

The festival has a lot of cool free stuff for everyone to enjoy! Families can get in on the fun by joining the Massive Band Parade, a super fun tradition where you dress up and bring your favorite instruments to make music in the streets, led by Joe Lapinski. And don't forget about the FamJamalama Dance Party with DJ Marinko - it's great for all ages to dance and have a blast. 

At the Creative Barracks Art Studio, you can try out solar printing with cyanotype chemistry to make your own cool photogram prints to take home. And over at Heartprint Studio, you can get hands-on with water marbling and create some gorgeous artwork. 

Plus, check out the Vender Bender artisan fair, curated by Ruby Red Beautiful and Cozy Bones, where you can find awesome local makers and artisans. And make sure you catch the Artist Mentorship Roundtable, where upcoming artists can chat with experienced mentors for inspiration and guidance. 

Food and Drink

What food and drink options are available at the festival?

Refresh and refuel with our festival concessions featuring non-alcoholic and alcoholic options from Collective Arts Brewing, Fielding Estate Winery, and more. In the Soil Arts Festival attendees receive a special discount on Downtown Gift Cards thanks to our partners at the St Catharines Downtown Association - save 5% on your Downtown Gift Card purchase and dine out at one of downtown’s great restaurants!

Downtown Gift cards purchased on or before May 20 will be sent by mail. Gift cards purchased on or after May 21 will be available for pick up at the Festival Hub.

Merchandise

How can I get official festival merchandise?

Limited edition 2024 In the Soil Arts Festival merchandise, designed by Peacekeeper Club, is available for pre-order. Items can be picked up starting at the Festival Launch on June 13 or at the Festival Hub from June 14-16. Peacekeeper Club will also be screenprinting merch on-site during the festival (see hours below).

Where can I buy festival merchandise during the event?

Festival merchandise will be available at the Festival Hub and during the Festival Launch event. Peacekeeper Club will be live screen printing official merch at the following locations and times:

Montebello Park: Thursday, June 13, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Festival Hub: Friday, June 14, 6 – 8 PM; Saturday, June 15, 1 – 3 PM; Sunday, June 16, 2 – 4 PM

Other / Miscellaneous 

What are some other unique events happening at the festival?

The festival includes the interactive gaming experience "Survive/Ascend" by Matt Jaekel and ROUTINE EXPLOITS, a special presentation by Collaboration Theatre called "Project Ahjummas," and the "Dirty Cabaret," a sketch comedy cabaret and variety show from Suitcase in Point's cabaret team.

Volunteers

How can I volunteer for the festival?

We are looking for passionate volunteers who are interested in art and community. Volunteers play a crucial role in the festival's success and will receive an all-access Festival Pass and other benefits. Sign up at inthesoilfest.com/volunteer-at-the-festival/.

What are the benefits of volunteering at the festival?

Volunteers receive an all-access Festival Pass, meet new people, and enjoy other perks. Specific benefits may vary and will be detailed during the volunteer sign-up process.

Social Media Information

Follow the fest on all platforms: @inthesoilfest

Contact Information

In the Soil Arts Festival is presented by Suitcase in Point
36 James St, St. Catharines, Ontario
905-682-0337
info@suitcaseinpoint.com

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