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FAQ

How can we help?

General Information

Do you take talent submissions?

We do not currently have a submission process for booking talent, including music acts, comedians, speakers, etc.

Who do I contact if I want to perform at the festival?

If you’re an active musician or band, you’re invited to add your information to our database of artists here. This is how we keep track of new music projects, new albums, and so on.

Please note we are not able to take artist submissions or respond to every inquiry, but will be in touch if there is an opportunity available.

Who do I contact if I want to speak at the festival?

If you have a story or project you’d like to share on the Maha stage, or if you represent a speaker, you’re invited to add your information to our database here.

Please note we are not able to take speaker submissions or respond to every inquiry, but will be in touch if there is an opportunity available.

Do you accept applications for food, retail, or other kinds of vendors?

We do not have an application at this time. However, you can add your information to our database of interested partners here, and we will get in touch if a matching opportunity comes up.

Can I host a booth at the festival?

There is not a booth application process at this time. If you are interested in becoming a Maha sponsor, please get in touch.

How can I get a press or photo pass?

The press/photo pass application opens here every spring.

I’m a member of the press and would like to set up an interview with someone at Maha.

Please get in touch at media@mahafestival.com.

I’d like to learn more about becoming a sponsor.

Great! Please share a few details with us here, and we’ll be in touch with additional information.

Are you hiring?

Please check our About page for any available employment opportunities.

Where can I eat at the festival?

SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE AKSARBEN VILLAGE-AREA EATERY

Less than a minute walk from the festival:
Godfather’s Pizza
Jones Bros. Cupcakes
Mai Thai
Voodoo Taco
Gold Mountain Restaurant

Within 2-10 minutes walking distance:
Backlot Taphouse
Beacon Hills
Cold Stone Creamery & Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
DJ’s Dugout
Freezing
Herbe Sainte
Inner Rail Food Hall
Juice Stop
Oklahoma Joe’s
Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe
Ponzu Sushi & Grill
Roast Coffeehouse
Saffron
Vitality Bowls
Zoup! Eatery

  • This year only, there will not be food trucks inside the festival.
  • Instead, there will be four new exit-only gates along 67th Street, opening right at the doorstep of several eateries — some even offering special Maha menus. Check out the Maha map to locate these exit gates.
  • Like past years, for important safety reasons, outside food and drink is not allowed to be brought in to the festival gates.
  • Look for the picnic tables just outside the Maha main entrance near 67th and Frances, complete with yard games all day and live music at dinnertime. It’s a whole vibe.
  • Inside Maha, VIP PLUS features complimentary food from Le Bouillon from 5-8 p.m. each day (included with your VIP PLUS ticket). Google VIP features complimentary food from Via Farina from 5-8 p.m. each day (included with your Google VIP or VIP PLUS ticket). Gluten-free and vegan items are available for these ticket holders upon request; no need to arrange in advance, just ask at the service line.

I lost or found something at Maha Festival.

If you find something at the festival like a phone, wallet, jewelry, credit card, ID, etc., please take a minute to turn it in at Guest Services, located within the festival grounds at 67th and Mercy St.

If you lost something during the festival, head to Guest Services.

After the festival, all items turned in to the Maha Lost & Found will be at the Maha HQ in downtown Omaha. Please schedule a time to meet up with a member of our team. You can email us at lost@mahafestival.com or text/call our Google Voice number, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can: 402.915.0515.

I have a question not listed here. How do I get in touch?

The fastest way is to use this form or write to info@mahafestival.com. Questions sent via social media comments and DMs may take longer to get a response.

Volunteering

Why should I volunteer at Maha Festival?

Because we need you! We are 800-900 strong yearly, but we are always looking for more to join the team. Are you down to make an impact, meet some awesome folks and learn something new along the way? This opportunity has your name written on it. Not to mention you also get a free ticket to the event.

How do I get all the latest volunteer info?

If you’ve volunteered in the past or plan to sign up in the future, join the Maha Festival Volunteers Facebook Group to stay up to date on all opportunities. If you’ve volunteered in the past and want to change the email address we have on file, please get in touch at volunteer@mahafestival.com. If you don’t currently receive emails from Maha, sign up now at the bottom of this page!

What are the volunteer perks?

Glad you asked. When you help out during a shift that ranges from 2-6 hours depending on day and time, you earn free admittance to both days of Maha Festival. You also get a limited-run volunteer T-shirt, early access to next year’s volunteer registration, and legit bragging rights.

When does volunteer registration open?

Volunteer registration opens to the public the day tickets go on sale. Last year’s volunteers get first dibs on signing up for shifts a week early — keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam folder!) for the link.

What if I want to get more involved with Maha?

If you want to go above and beyond to make Maha amazing, send a message to volunteer@mahafestival.com with what you have in mind.

Why do you take a deposit from volunteers?

A few days before the event we will ask for a bank card hold through our secure VolunteerLocal software to save your volunteer spot. This is a mega operation, and every shift is important! The refundable deposit helps make sure everyone comes to their shift, and fellow volunteers aren’t left hanging when it’s their turn to go enjoy the show. We guarantee the $50 hold will be released if you complete your shift.

I want to volunteer for more than one shift!

Right on! Please email volunteer@mahafestival.com and we’ll collaborate on the shifts you’re seeking. The registration process will not allow you to do this on your own.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

Generally, we seek volunteers who are 16 or older based on the task assignments available. Some jobs require ages 19+ or 21+. When registration is open, check the job descriptions for age requirements. If you’re under 16 and want to volunteer, please send a note with the shift you want to volunteer@mahafestival.com.

I need to change my volunteer shift. What do I do?

Changing your shift can be done on VolunteerLocal, our user-friendly volunteer scheduling platform until 10 a.m. CT the Wednesday before the event when the shifts will be locked in. You will receive a link to your profile upon registration.

What information can I change online prior to the event?

You can edit your profile, shift, shirt size, and more on VolunteerLocal until 10 a.m. CT the Wednesday before the event.

I can’t make my volunteer shift and need to cancel. What do I do?

If you need to cancel before 10 a.m. CT the Wednesday before the event, you can do it easily online at VolunteerLocal. If you need to cancel after the deadline, let us know at volunteer@mahafestival.com as soon as possible! We understand that emergencies happen and are willing to work with you to get the shift covered. The worst thing you can do is not show up because it can inconvenience other volunteers and could impact the festival as a whole.

What happens if I just don’t go to my shift?

Please don’t do this! You will be omitted from all future Maha Festival volunteer opportunities if you “no call/no show,” in addition to losing your deposit. If you have a problem getting to your shift, email volunteer@mahafestival.com.

When should I wear my T-shirt?

Volunteer T-shirts must be worn during your shift. Please do not wear your volunteer T-shirt at Maha Festival outside of your volunteer shift. Be sure to bring something to change into for when your shift is over.

Where do I change into/out of my volunteer T-shirt?

You can change into/out of your shirt at Volunteer Headquarters located inside Hilton Garden Inn, a few steps away from the festival.

Can I drink alcohol during my shift?

No. To help deliver the most positive festival experience possible, we do not allow alcohol to be consumed during volunteer shifts.

Can I eat or take a break during my shift?

We ask that you come to your shift ready to go, and do what you need to take care of yourself during your shift. If you need a break, please maintain clear communication with your fellow volunteers so your role can be covered as necessary.

It’s time for my shift. Where do I go?

Each volunteer needs to check in at Volunteer Headquarters at Hilton Garden Inn Aksarben Village at the start of their shift time. You can arrive up to 10 minutes prior.

It’s raining. Do I still need to show up?

Yes, the show must go on! We’ll communicate ahead of time with any severe weather information. Please check your email or the Maha Festival Volunteers Facebook Group for any last minute announcements.

What do I do at the end of my shift?

Please check out with your shift lead before you leave your post so we can confirm shift completion and ensure you stay in good standing for future years.

My shift relief is late. Am I allowed to leave at the end of my shift?

Yes, please contact your shift lead to inform us and we’ll keep you on schedule.

I bought a Maha ticket, but now I’d rather volunteer. Is that possible?

That’s great that you’d like to volunteer, but we are unable to provide a refund. Maybe you can treat a friend to the extra ticket!

I want to upgrade my earned general admission ticket to a VIP ticket. Can I do that?

Sorry, we cannot accommodate VIP upgrades on earned tickets.

I have a different question about volunteering not addressed here. What do I do?

Get in touch at volunteer@mahafestival.com.

Festival Policies

What items are allowed?

Lawn Chairs (must be positioned outside of the Chair-Free Zone)
Blankets
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sanitizer
Insect repellent
Hats/visors
Factory-sealed water bottles
Empty hydration backpacks
Empty water bottles
Baby strollers, wagons
Soft-sided coolers

What items are not allowed?

Pets (except for ADA Certified Service animals)
Weapons of any kind
Illegal substances
Hard-sided coolers (soft-sided are OK)
Large or framed backpacks
Outside food or beverage (aside from factory-sealed water)
Umbrellas (ponchos are cool)
Camping tents
Glass containers
Selfie-sticks
Drones
Instruments, air horns, or megaphones
Laser pointers
Audio recording equipment
Roller skates, skateboards, scooters, or bicycles (though there is a monitored bike parking area just outside of the park)
Professional photography and video recording equipment including cameras with interchangeable lenses and SLRs

Can I leave and come back?

Yes. Your original ticket (on your phone or printed) is required for reentry. Wristbands are not a ticket. You will be required to scan out at the “Exit Only” lane and scan back in with your ticket.

If you are exiting for good, you do not need to scan out.

No drinks (opened or unopened) may leave the festival.

No outside food or beverage may enter the festival.

How do I buy/pay for stuff?

Payments for all items throughout the festival can be made with a credit or debit card, as you would at any regular business. 

If you want to use cash, visit the Guest Services tent to load it onto a Maha Money Card to pay for items throughout the festival. Funds loaded onto the Maha Money Card are nonrefundable. You can load cash as often as you’d like throughout the day. 

Credit and debit cards and Maha Money Cards are the only forms of payment accepted. No cash will be accepted at any vendor. 

If you have any questions on-site, please visit the Guest Services tent.

What happens if it rains?

Maha is a rain or shine event, meaning the show will go on as long as it is safe to do so. If it becomes necessary to delay, postpone or evacuate the event due to inclement weather (such as lightning, strong winds or heavy rains) updates will be issued throughout the event (if in progress) and Maha’s social media channels.

Are kids welcome?

Maha offers entertainment for the whole family and kids 10 and under get in free with a ticketed adult, but we cannot guarantee that the music will be suitable for all ages. As a general rule, the area directly in front of the stage is rarely kid-friendly. However, there’s plenty of space for everyone in much calmer areas throughout the park.

 

What is your bag policy?

All bags will be thoroughly searched by security before entry.

We do not have a clear bag policy or size limit, but hard-sided coolers and oversized backpacks (i.e., backpacking through Europe-style) are not permitted. Kid carriers are permitted.

No bag? Reduce your time in line by using the “Bag Free” line and breeze through security.

Are cameras or photography allowed?

Small or disposable cameras are allowed. Professional cameras are NOT allowed. If it has a detachable lens, it’s a no-go. Video and audio recording are NOT allowed. If you’re a member of the press you can apply for a photo pass here.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking and vaping are allowed in the designated area only, near 67th and Center St. Details will be on the festival map.

Getting There

Where is Maha Festival 2023?

Maha Festival takes place in Stinson Park in Aksarben Village at 67th & Center Streets in Omaha, Nebraska.

Where can I park my car?

Free parking is available at FOUR parking garages within Aksarben Village. For easy access, approach the festival from the north on 67th Street or from the west and east on West Center Road. It is not recommended to access the festival site using Mercy Road from 72nd Street, nor park in this area.

Where can I park my bicycle?

Mode Shift Omaha provides a free, volunteer-operated bike corral at the intersection of 67th & Frances Streets in Aksarben Village.

Where is the taxi/rideshare pickup/drop-off zone?

Use 67th & Frances Streets for rideshare pickup and drop-off. Access to this zone must be made from the north.

Where should I stay overnight?

Maha hotel discounts are available here, for a limited time!

Can I take the bus?

Yes! Although the festival creates road closures, the event is still accessible by bus. Routes 11, 13, 15, 18 and 55 will be affected by detours. Full details can be found on the Metro website.

 

 

Accessibility

Is Maha Festival ADA accessible?

Yes. There are ramps from the sidewalks to the street, an elevated viewing platform, ADA restrooms, and all entrances are ADA accessible.

Aksarben Village offers accessible parking in all four of their parking garages and the surface lots. The lot closest to the entrance is behind Jones Bros Cupcakes.

The festival grounds are wheelchair accessible, but please be aware it is an outdoor music festival situated in a park. Therefore, most travel is over natural terrain. If it should rain, there will be mud in some places.

Attendees with Service Animals have a designated “Service Animal Relief Area” in the southeast corner of the park, near Community Village.

We do not provide personal care or push services. Please plan ahead and bring attendants if needed. In addition, the festival does not provide wheelchairs for rent or loan. Please make arrangements in advance if a wheelchair is needed.

We also provide ASL interpreters for the duration of the event and a designated viewing area for deaf or hard of hearing in the center of the lawn with a view of both stages. Additional forms of communication must be requested 60 days in advance.

Please contact safety@mahafestival.com with questions about accessibility or to coordinate specific arrangements. We will work with you to accommodate a variety of needs.

Is ADA parking available?

Yes. Aksarben Village offers accessible parking in all four of its parking garages and the surface lots. The lot closest to the entrance is behind Jones Bros Cupcakes.

Do I need a designated ticket for the ADA viewing areas?

There is not a special ticket required to access the elevated viewing ramp or deaf or hard of hearing viewing area. Upon arrival, please visit Guest Services located at the intersection of 67th and Mercy Streets to be provided a wristband for the dedicated viewing areas. The space is first come, first served.

Service Animals

Service animals are permitted throughout the festival. Service animals must remain by the handler’s side at all times and must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered. Anyone bringing an animal will be responsible for and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal. Emotional support animals, therapy animals, or companion animals will not be allowed entry.

Is there an area for nursing mothers?

Yes. Please visit the Family Room (across from the Ferris Wheel / next to the First Aid Station) for a semi-private area.

Communications

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted music performances will be provided all hours of the music festival for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Upon arrival, please visit Guest Services located at the intersection of 67th and Mercy Streets to be provided a wristband for the dedicated viewing area. The space is first come, first served.

To request closed captioning, braille/large font print, assisted listening device systems, or other forms of communication, please contact us at safety@mahafestival.com. Requests must be made at least 60 days in advance to allow sufficient time for preparation.

I have an accessibility need not addressed here

Please contact safety@mahafestival.com with questions about our accessibility offerings, to coordinate specific arrangements, or to provide feedback on our ADA policies and procedures. We will work with you to accommodate a variety of needs and make improvements going forward.

Maha will consider any request by an attendee with a disability for reasonable modification of its policies, practices or procedures or for auxiliary aids and services that will permit the attendee equal enjoyment of the goods and services offered at the event. We encourage you to make any such request as far in advance as possible to enhance our ability to evaluate and fulfill the request.

Safety / Security

What is security like at the gate?

Maha uses OPENGATE at the entrance to automatically screen people with backpacks and bags for threat detection. Bag searches may still be conducted for items founds on the prohibited items list.

How do I report an issue?

Please report any safety issues to on-site security personnel. You can also contact us in non-emergency situations only, before or during the festival, at safety@mahafestival.com.

What should I do in the event of an emergency?

In the event of an emergency evacuation, make your way quickly and calmly to an emergency exit. Be aware of any hazards or dangers around you, and proceed to safe area.

Follow the advice of festival staff, security personnel and First Responders.

Do not put yourself in danger by stopping to collect belongings unless directed by First Responders.

If it becomes necessary to delay, postpone or evacuate the event due to inclement weather (such as lightning, strong winds or heavy rains) updates will be issued throughout the event (if in progress) and Maha’s social media channels.

What do I do if I need medical attention?

If you need assistance, please go to the Maha First Aid Station, located across from the Ferris Wheel.

Ticketing

Do kids require a ticket?

Kids 10 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. This includes VIP ticket-holders. A ticket is not required, so a VIP wristband will not be provided.

What is included with a VIP ticket?

VIP tickets include access to the Google VIP Area, featuring:

  • Air-conditioned restrooms
  • Full bar with exclusive drinks*
  • Exclusive viewing area of the Union Pacific Stage (main stage)
  • Complimentary food from Omaha restaurant Via Farina**
  • Priority lane entrance to the festival
  • Lounge seating in the shade
  • $5 merch credit on Maha T-shirts***

*for purchase
**from 5-8 p.m. each festival day or while supplies last; gluten-free and vegan available upon request
***not included with comp tickets

What is VIP PLUS?

VIP PLUS is an exclusive, all-inclusive area for Maha Members and select sponsors. You can learn more about it here.

What is a Maha Membership?

Maha Members are supporters of arts & culture, champions of creativity, believers in Maha’s mission, and experts at having a good time. Make Maha a highlight of your summer while supporting our 501(c)(3) nonprofit in a transformative way by becoming a member.

Perks include prime access, exclusive merch, complimentary drinks and food all weekend, and more!

How do I become a Maha Member?

You can become a Maha Member online today!

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! Tixr offers payment plans upon checkout for a fee of $9.99. More information can be found at Tixr Fan Support.

What is the refund policy?

Maha Festival is a rain or shine event. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges are permitted. Our lineup and festival schedule are subject to change. View full terms and conditions at mahafestival.com/terms.

Where is my ticket?

When you purchase a festival ticket online, you will receive a PDF attached to your email confirmation which is your ticket. We encourage you to show it on your smartphone. Each PDF can be scanned for entry only once per day, and tickets must be maintained in order to leave and re-enter the festival.

I purchased a ticket online, but never received an email confirmation with my ticket.

Please make sure to check your spam/junk folder in the event you do not receive a confirmation. You can also view your tickets from the web by logging in to your Tixr account and heading to your ‘My Events’ page. If you are still unable to locate your confirmation or tickets please reach out to support.tixr.com for assistance.

Can I give my ticket to someone else?

You can give your ticket to someone else in two ways.

Change the name on the ticket but it remains in your digital account, or
Digitally transfer the ticket to another Tixr account holder.

The name on the ticket does not impact entry, but you are able to change the name on the ticket within Tixr if you’d like.
To fully transfer your ticket to another person, follow these instructions

If someone is selling their ticket online, how can I make sure it’s real?

Tickets purchased from any other sources, such as brokers or secondary market websites, are purchased at your own risk. We cannot confirm the validity of tickets purchased from any other sources and do not offer any support for these purchases.

What is Tixr Rewards?

Tixr Rewards is a way for you to earn ticket discounts by becoming an ambassador for Maha!
More information can be found at Tixr Fan Support.

Where is the Box Office?

The festival Box Office located at 67th & Frances Streets in Aksarben Village. It opens at two hours prior to gates opening.

Where is Will Call?

Will Call is located at 67th & Frances Streets in Aksarben Village. It opens at two hours prior to gates opening.

I have a ticket question not addressed here.

Please reach out to Tixr Fan Support.