17 March 30th–april 5th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | cONTeNTs | feeDBacK | OPiNiON | NeWs | feaTuRe | NighT+Day | culTuRe | film | cafe | music | Where Can I Park? Street parking is available within a short walking distance of Heritage Square for $1 or $1.50 per hour but spaces tend to be limited during busy weekends. Several parking structures are nearby, including the Heritage Square Garage, 123 North Fifth Street, and the Phoenix Convention Center East Garage, 601 East Washington Street. Both are $15 per vehicle, per day and you can reserve a space and pre-pay in advance online at space.aceparking. com. (Other nearby structures can be located via the same site.) Valley Metro also offers free “Park-and-Ride” lots throughout the Valley along the light rail’s route. Where Are the Entrances? Entrances to the festival are located at Seventh and Adams streets, Seventh and Monroe streets, and Fifth and Monroe. Will There Be Security Screenings? Yes. Helfgot says there will be bag checks and other screenings conducted at each entrance, but declined to provide specifics due to safety concerns. “We’d almost rather not mention specific details of our security plan [since] we don’t want to give anyone a chance to try and find a way to work around it,” he says. “People should know there will be security [and] bags will be checked.” What Other Safety Measures Will Be Taken? Helfgot says off-duty Phoenix police officers will have a presence at the festival due to it being held at a city park. “We’re also working regularly and on an ongoing basis with law enforcement and intelligence partners at the local, county, state, and federal level and we’ll be in constant contact even throughout the weekend,” he says. “Safety is the absolute top priority above all else and that’s going to be unchanged with this event.” What Can’t I Bring Inside? Actual weapons or items that could be used as weapons. Tasers, incendiary devices, chemicals, and hazardous materials are also verboten, as are outside food and drink, illegal drugs, glass bottles, skate- boards, roller blades, CamelBak-style water bladders or hydration packs, or other items security decides will have an adverse effect on the event. Umbrellas and prescription medication in labeled containers are OK. Can I Use Cannabis At the Festival? Nope. Sorry cannabeasts, but it ain’t allowed since the event is on city property. So What Should I Bring? All of the usual festival requisites, including comfortable walking shoes, adequate sun protection, and your cell phone and a government-issued ID. Bags and backpacks are allowed, but will be searched upon entry. You can even bring pets, but they must be leashed at all times. What Food Will Be Available? Thirteen different food vendors will be at the festival, many of which will be set up along Sixth Street. They’ll offer a variety of selections available for purchase, ranging from pizza and burgers to street food. Where Can I Get My Drink On? If your thirst needs quenching, food vendors will be selling soft drinks and water. There will also be three separate beverage stations with both non-alcoholic options and a variety of beer, wine, and mixed cocktails. What About Water? Festival attendees will be permitted to bring in one factory-sealed bottle of water of any size. Refillable plastic or aluminum bottles are also allowed if they’re empty upon entry, and a free refill station will be available near the entrance at Seventh and Monroe streets. Benjamin Leatherman RAINBOWS FESTIVAL GUIDE Rainbows Fest from p15 >> p19 Rainbows Festival draws a diverse crowd each year.
