When can I arrive at the Gathering?
Festival grounds open to the public 2:00 pm on Thursday September 17, 2009. We will NOT be accepting walk-up volunteers nor can we allow you to camp on the property before the gates open.
When and where is cabin check-in?
FOR MATHER CABINS, cabin check-in is open after 2:30 pm on Thursday and will be open around the clock at the Camp Mather main office. Nobody will be allowed to check in without a wristband, so all guests must exchange their tickets for wristbands at the main entrance before going to check in. We recommend getting there during daylight hours to make finding your new home easier!
FOR EVERGREEN CABINS, cabin check-in is open from 3:30pm at Evergreen Lodge and check out is at 11 am. Nobody will be allowed to check in without a wristband, so all guests must exchange their tickets for wristbands at the main entrance before going to Evergreen Lodge to check in.
Are the cabins handicapped accessible?
Most of the cabins are accessible. Please contacts us ahead of time at sg09cabins@symbiosisgathering.com.
What are some cool areas to check out before arriving or after leaving the festival?
Click here for some good recommendations from our friends at Evergreen Lodge.
Where is the closest town for getting gas, groceries, and other supplies?
If you are coming from the west, the town of Groveland will be your best bet for refueling and gathering last minute supplies along the way. After Groveland, there are also a couple gas stations along highway 120, located about 20 miles and 6 miles away from the Gathering. If coming from the east, you will need to purchase a pass from Yosemite National Park to enter the national park. If this is your choice, you can stop by Yosemite Valley Concessions for gas and supplies.
Can I bring a sound system to the Gathering?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. We have designed and permitted Symbiosis Gathering to have 3 stages of amplified sound and that’s all there will be. All renegade systems WILL BE SHUT DOWN. Please don’t bring one because we don’t want to tell you to turn it off, but we will!
Can I cook my own food during the Gathering?
While people cannot use the Mather bbq grills, propane operated stoves will be allowed for cooking. No charcoal, fires, tiki torches, open flame lanterns etc. Sorry if there was any confusion about this… see you soon!
Where can I smoke during the Gathering?
There is absolutely NO SMOKING ON-SITE except for in enclosed, designated areas and will be enforced by representatives of the Fire Marshall. As you know, California Wildfires are a very real phenomenon and can happen anywhere. This is a condition of our lease with Camp Mather and it is imperative to uphold our agreements.
What should I bring to Symbiosis Gathering?
Remember to pack chapstick, sunblock, and insect repellent that does not contain DEET or other harmful chemicals. For a helpful and more comprehensive list please check in with our friends at Camp Mather.
What are the parking passes all about?
Car camping passes allow you to park almost anywhere in Camp Mather and cost $60 per car. 2-person, 3-person, and 4-person Camp Mather cabins come with one parking pass while the 5 or 6-person cabins come with two per cabin. If you do not buy a car camping pass you may park in the field and hike your supplies in (there are camping sites close by). Parking in the field costs $30 unless you carpool (3 or more in a car or two in a two-seat car) in which case field parking is FREE.
Do I NEED a bike?
The only things you really need are a ticket and good vibes, however bikes can be a bonus. The site is big but not outrageous. If you do bring a bike, please make sure that it is WELL LIT at night and bring a lock to protect your wheels.
Can I bring my dog?
DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED at Camp Mather or Evergreen Lodge and until further notice you may not bring a rhinoceros either.
Can I make phone calls onsite?
There is only one place to make phone calls at Camp Mather and it is located near the main office. Cell phone reception is nonexistent so make the proper preparations with people you need to communicate with beforehand. Guests who are staying at the adjacent Evergreen Lodge will have full access to telephones.
How do I communicate and/or meet up with friends who are also attending the festival?
You can leave a message for your friend on the bulletin board at the Info Booth. If you are both staying in a cabin you can leave a note for your friend to receive upon check-in.
Is there internet service onsite?
There is no Internet service onsite. Only guests who are staying at the adjacent Evergreen Lodge will have internet access.
Are there communal kitchen spaces or can I start one?
There will be no communal kitchens outside of our Food Vendor area. We have been instructed to ask our guests to refrain from cooking because there are bears in the area. More importantly, fires of any kind are not allowed onsite due to the extremely high risk of fire danger during this time of the year. Instead check out our Garden of Eatin’.
What food options are available onsite?
We have a tasty organic selection of food and drink vendors this year. For more details about the specific vendors, check out http://www.symbiosisgathering.com/news/vending/
What are your bathroom facilities like?
There are five bath houses onsite with shower facilities as well as a number of restroom facilities and portolets with handwashing stations. Toilet paper and soap will be provided but be prepared in case it runs out right at that particular time you are in there.
Can I take hot showers?
Nope, it’s eco to take cold showers. (It saves water, energy and your time in there)
Will you have dishwashing onsite?
Yes, a dishwashing crew will be onsite to continue our commitment to saving trees and extra resources by maintaining the reusable plates, bowls and utensils that will be provided with each meal. They will be located in the food vendor area.
Is drinking water onsite?
Yes. Camp Mather is directly downstream from the Hetch Hetchy/Tuolumne River watershed…. Meaning top quality water is coming out of the onsite spigots and fountains. Water bottles will also be sold onsite.
Is ice available onsite?
Yes. Ice can be purchased at the Camp Mather General Store.
Can I bring alcoholic beverages?
Yes, as long as you are over 21 years of age and do not bring any glass bottles that contain alcohol. THIS INCLUDES BEER BOTTLES MADE OF GLASS.
Are there medical care facilities?
Yes, first aid and medical stations will be located throughout festival grounds to provide emergency, preventative and supportive care for the weary festival goer.
What do I do in the event of a medical emergency?
Alert the closest staff or security team member you see with a radio to call for assistance or ask another attendee to do so. If you come across someone else who is having a hard time, stay with him or her until help can be located.
What do I do if there is a fire?
Tell the closest staff or security member with a radio to alert the Fire Crew. Note the location and intensity of the fire.
How can I learn more about fire safety at the festival?
Be a part of our fire watch crew! Ongoing trainings with our Fire Commander and crew will be given to attendees interested in learning more about fire safety and what to do in the event of fire.
Can I swim in the lake?
Definitely! ~ but only while our lifeguards are on duty. Lifeguards will be on duty from 8am-8pm throughout the duration of the festival.
What is the weather like?
General temperatures in September run from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning warm to very warm daytime weather and chilly nighttime weather. Rain is rare but possible. Be prepared!
Is it a bumpy ride?
NOPE. This year it’s a smooth ride…
Where can I get information on rideshares?
http://symbiosisrides.erideshare.com
Can I bring an RV?
Yes, as long as you register it in advance and pay the $100 fee. Click here to register online.
What do you consider an RV?
Any vehicle bigger than a pickup truck that can fit a table and bed in the back.
Are there any airport shuttles that drive to and from the area?
We are working on it and will post it on the front page as soon as information becomes available.
Can kids get in free?
Yes, kids under 12 years old get in free as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Are there any activities geared toward children at Symbiosis?
Yes, this year’s Gathering will feature a Kid’s Zone. For more information and to register your child please click here.
Can I be a volunteer?
Volunteer applications are no longer being accepted. Thanks for your interest and enthusiasm!
Can I play music onsite?
Amplified music and renegade sound systems are not allowed.
Can I teach a workshop or give a presentation?
Our workshops and speaker spots are full this year. Please try again next year!
Where can I see the schedule for SG09?
The schedule will be announced no sooner than two weeks before the Gathering and no later than when it happens…
What are the camping grounds like?
The camping grounds are pristine and there is plenty of space. Some of the camp areas offer electrical hookups and picnic tables. Some even offer grills but ignore them… cooking and fires are not permitted… (once again, bears and extremely high fire danger season mean no food or fires onsite).
Can I reserve a camping spot?
Nope. First come, first serve.
When and where is cabin check-in?
FOR MATHER CABINS, cabin check-in is open from 9am to 2am at the Camp Mather main office. Nobody will be allowed to check in without a wristband, so all guests must exchange their tickets for wristbands at the main entrance before going to check in.
FOR EVERGREEN CABINS, cabin check-in is open from 3:30pm at Evergreen Lodge and check out is at 11 am. Nobody will be allowed to check in without a wristband, so all guests must exchange their tickets for wristbands at the main entrance before going to Evergreen Lodge to check in.
If I do not arrive in the hours that cabin check-in is open, what do I do?
You wait. Which is annoying, so make sure to come during open hours to check in.
What are the cabin amenities like?
For information on cabins please Click here
What do I need to bring if I am staying at a Mather cabin?
Make sure to bring a lock for the door and bedding for the bed size that is provided. Make sure you are clear about your bed size when you purchase your cabin for the duration of the Gathering.
