Public safety and the security of our guests is our top priority. If you or another attendee are in need of medical attention, or to report a safety/security incident, please notify the nearest festival staff member, or a uniformed security or police officer. The main Information and Safety tents are visibly marked and located at the center of the festival area, against the façade of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
Visitors are asked to leave all non-essential items in their vehicle or at home before beginning their visit. All guests are subject to search and screening before entering the festival grounds, including, but not limited to bag checks, metal detector and magnetic wand screenings. See Prohibited Items below.
The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center are not responsible and will not be held liable for lost or stolen items. Lost and found items may be turned in at the information and safety tent, but no guarantees can be made as to their security or return. Unclaimed items are considered forfeit at the close of the Festival.
We encourage all guests to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings and your fellow attendees. Festival staff will provide audible instructions in the event of an emergency.
If you are feeling ill, experiencing symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, trouble breathing), or have been exposed to someone who is ill in the past 14 days, we ask that you do not attend the Festival at this time. Please contact the AWAACC box office for ticket transfer and refund options.
Guests may not leave the festival area while in possession of alcohol of any kind. All canned and bottled beverages will be opened by the bartenders at the point of purchase. The City of Pittsburgh prohibits open containers and public consumption beyond the festival boundaries. Violators are subject to local laws and enforcement.
The AWAACC strongly encourages cashless transactions at this time. If you would like to make a donation, we encourage you to do so online at awaacc.org/support
PIJF and AWAACC reserve the right to refuse entry or to remove anyone from the festival grounds at any time, with or without cause, at the discretion of the safety and security officers.
For questions and information, please contact the Festival’s safety team at (412) 235-4040.
Prohibited Items
No backpacks, purses, or bags allowed except bags made of clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear PVC not exceeding 13”x17”.
No outside food and/or beverages (except sealed bottled water/ and refillable bottles that are empty on arrival) or coolers/baskets of any size.
No pets or animals except for service animals assisting an individual with a disability. “Comfort,” “therapy” or “emotional support” animals do not meet the qualifications of a service animal and are not permitted entry to the Event. Qualified service animals should be clearly identifiable, and must remain on a leash, under control of the person they are assisting and inside of seating area, not in aisles and walkways. Service animal handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their animal.
No weapons of any kind (regardless of permit, including but not limited to firearms, knives, and self-defense sprays).
No umbrellas.
No fireworks or flammable fluids, including butane, propane, and aerosols.
No illicit or illegal substances, drugs or drug paraphernalia.
No smoking or vaping of any kind inside the festival area.
No chest bags or tactical vests.
No drones or unmanned aerial vehicles.
No laser pens, laser pointers, or similarly focused light devices.
No water guns, dart guns, balloons, balls, inflatables, Frisbees or flying discs.
No musical instruments, noise makers, air horns, etc.
No professional recording equipment, including photo, video, and audio recording devices and their accessories.
Additional items may be prohibited at the discretion of law enforcement and festival security officials. PIJF retains the right to refuse entry or to remove any person from the festival grounds, with or without cause. PIJF and the AWAACC are not required to give refunds in cases of prohibition or expulsion.
Allowed Items
Clear bags, not exceeding 13”x17” (subject to inspection).
Fanny-packs (subject to inspection).
Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without handle or strap (subject to inspection).
Hats & sunglasses.
Manufacturer sealed bottled drinking water in clear plastic (please limit to two bottles per guest).
Refillable, clear plastic water bottles. Must be empty before entry.
Cell phones and tablet devices.
Non-professional cameras (point-and-shoot, GoPro, and compact digital cameras without interchangeable lenses, tripods or extendable handles).
Earplugs.
Non-aerosol sunscreen (stick/lotion permitted, no sprays).
Prescription medication in its original, labelled container.
Personal handheld fans and misters, both electronic and manually operated.
Folding and portable chairs and stools (must be removed from bags for inspection).
Cellphone-sized portable battery packs and power banks.
Accessibility Guide
Accessible Drop Off and Pick Up Points — Located on William Penn Place at 10th Street, behind the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
Elevators — AWAACC is equipped with one public elevator located inside the main building. It is accessible during applicable indoor events.
First Aid — Trained emergency medical personnel are present at all times. Please notify a festival employee or member of security if you require medical attention or assistance.
Service Animals — All animals that are specifically trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability are welcomed. Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness and be under control of the guest with a disability or designee. The service animal must rest in the seating area with the individual and not in the aisle. Please keep in mind that the festival is held on concrete and asphalt surfaces which can be hot during festival days. If you or your service animal require assistance, please notify festival staff.
