Hinterland Festival’s innovative refund policy offers attendees a unique opportunity: if temperatures exceed 90 degrees during the festival, they can opt for a refund instead of attending. This approach is designed to prioritize the comfort and well-being of festival-goers, ensuring they feel secure in their ticket purchase decisions.

Sam Summers, the visionary founder of Hinterland Festival, understands the likelihood of scorching temperatures in early August, especially when over 20,000 enthusiastic fans gather near Des Moines for this three-day musical extravaganza. This year?s lineup features renowned artists such as Tyler the Creator, Kacey Musgraves, and Lana Del Rey, all of whom are sure to draw large crowds, making this refund proposition even more crucial for attendees considering their comfort in the heat.

?We aim to ensure our attendees are comfortable with the choices they make,? Summers explained, reflecting on his decade-long journey since launching the festival. Acknowledging that many fans have limited discretionary income, he has introduced several new refund options to alleviate concerns for those hesitant about attending. One noteworthy policy for VIP camping ticket holders permits them to claim a refund if they aren?t enjoying the atmosphere within the first hour of arrival, allowing a seamless exit and refund process.

In a groundbreaking move, Summers is implementing a novel weather-refund policy, which he hopes will ignite discussions about global warming and its implications for the outdoor concert sector. This initiative aims to enhance the festival experience while raising awareness about climate change and its impact on large gatherings.

The weather refund will be determined based on forecasts three days before the festival’s opening on Friday, August 1. Summers and his team will review the weather predictions on Tuesday, July 29, and if any of the festival days are predicted to exceed 90 degrees, attendees can request a refund for their tickets on that same day. Fans need to submit their refund requests between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on July 29 through a designated link on the festival’s website.

?For those with three-day passes, we?re allowing ticket returns for any day that reaches temperatures above 90 degrees,? Summers noted, emphasizing that attendees will receive actual refunds rather than credits, making the policy more attractive and user-friendly.

Festival promoters have historically hesitated to offer weather-related refunds, often adhering to the ?rain or shine? mantra. This policy reflects a commitment to attendance regardless of weather conditions, primarily designed to safeguard promoters financially, who invest in artist fees upfront and cannot easily manage a surge of refund requests.

?Fortunately, our festival is already sold out, which minimizes refund requests,? Summers remarked, indicating that the festival’s waiting list allows for a smooth process when tickets are refunded, ensuring that eager fans can take the place of those who opt out.

?Historically, average August temperatures hover in the low 80s, but I expect this trend to continue shifting upward,? Summers commented. The 90-degree threshold was established to address days significantly hotter than the average, acknowledging that such heat can be challenging for many attendees, particularly those susceptible to heat-related illnesses or simply preferring cooler conditions.

Last year, U.S. climate scientists reported that 2024 set a new record for global temperatures, surpassing the previous year’s highs. This rising heat has made attending festivals increasingly difficult for some patrons, necessitating a reevaluation of how outdoor events are managed in relation to climate change.

?There will be instances when the heat may deter certain individuals from attending, regardless of the lineup,? he explained. ?This initiative opens up a vital conversation, and I hope we can continually develop solutions that prepare us for the anticipated increase in temperatures in the future. I?ve expressed before my commitment to hosting this festival indefinitely.?

General admission tickets are priced starting at $300, while VIP tickets are available for $720, with ultra-premium Saints tickets costing $1,920 each. Tickets across all tiers are currently available for purchase at HinterlandIowa.com.