Information

Description

Contra Carnivale is a contra dance event in beautiful San Luis Obispo over Martin Luther King weekend. Since it coincides with the beginning of the season, we'll decorate in a Mardi Gras theme and encourage "Mardi Gras festive" attire - especially for the Saturday evening dance! Bring your sequins and feathers, and we'll supply beads for everybody!

Centrally located near the coast, mid-way between the San Francisco Bay area and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo is a great place to visit. We'll fill your weekend with high-energy contra dancing and recommend that you plan to spend Friday and/or Monday exploring & adventuring in the SLO area on your own.

NEW: Liability Waiver

Injuries and related claims as well as medical emergencies at other events have prompted us to begin requiring that all attendees agree to a liability waiver when they register. We have included the text below for your convenience. While it may seem overly detailed compared to what other events have required, the intent is to have terms that are clear, comprehensive, and in line with California laws so that all parties are protected. We appreciate your understanding.

Location & Directions

Contra Carnivale will be held at the San Luis Obispo Veterans' Memorial Building at 801 Grand Avenue. You'll recognize it by the tank sitting out front.

From the South: Take the Grand Avenue (Cal Poly) exit from Highway 101. Turn right onto Grand Avenue and look for the Vets' Hall on the right between Mill & Palm Streets.

From the North: Take the Monterey Street (Cal Poly) exit from Highway 101. Turn left across the freeway, then turn right onto Monterey Street. Turn right on Grand Avenue at the first light, then almost immediately left into the Vets' Hall parking lot.

San Luis Obispo is served by a small regional airport (SBP) that links to major hubs. You can also explore taking the train (Amtrak).

COVID & Health Policy (as of 9/21/2025)

We are asking all attendees to:

• Provide proof of a negative antigen test on the same day as your first arrival at the hall.
• Consider wearing a mask while dancing.
• Consider getting a flu shot and the most recent COVID booster for your own and other's sake.

These guidelines may change in line with current conditions and health advisories, and we will provide plenty of advance notice, while also refunding the fees for anyone who feels they cannot comply with any changes.

Lodging

There are lots of 2 & 3 star motels within walking distance of the Veterans Memorial Building; Google Maps is a good way to find them (search for 2 people for that weekend). For best prices we suggest contacting the motels directly rather going through intermediary sites like booking.com or hotels.com.

A somewhat less expensive alternative is Hostel Obispo, which is about a mile from the hall.

Camping is available at several County parks and State parks in the area. Reservations are required.

Food

Abundant beverages and snacks are provided throughout the weekend. Continental breakfast and a light lunch buffet will be offered on Saturday and Sunday. There are a great many good restaurants in the area, many within walking distance of the hall.

Children & Pets

All children must be registered to attend the weekend.

For the comfort and safety of all, we must ask that you refrain from bringing any non-service animals into the building.

Please get in touch with us at contracarnivale@gmail.com if you have questions.

Liability Waiver Text

(You can also download a PDF of the Contra Carnivale Liability Waiver.)

Contra Carnivale Dance Weekend
Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement

This Liability Waiver ("Waiver") relates to participation in the Contra Carnivale dance event (the "Event") taking place in San Luis Obispo, California. This Waiver is executed by the undersigned participant - and, if applicable, their parent or legal guardian - and the Event sponsors (Sierra Music and Arts Institute), Event organizers (Contra Carnivale Committee), and the Event hall and facilities owners (County of San Luis Obispo), including all their directors, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, representatives, and affiliated entities (collectively, the "Released Parties").

1. Acknowledgment of Risk: I acknowledge that engaging in dance activities, travelling to and from the dance hall, and navigating the hall's facilities involves inherent risks that could result in injury, illness, property damage, permanent disability, or death. These risks include (but are not limited to): Slips, trips, and falls on various surfaces; Collisions with objects or individuals; Muscle strains, sprains, dislocations, fractures; Overexertion, dehydration; Actions of other participants or third parties; Exposure to infectious, bacterial, or viral agents (including COVID-19); Equipment malfunction or failure; Environmental or weather conditions; Loss or damage to personal property by theft or other means.

   I understand that these risks are inherent and may result from the negligence or carelessness of the Released Parties or others, as well as from dangerous or defective equipment or property owned, maintained, or controlled by the Released Parties. These risks cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the Event activities.

2. Voluntary Participation & Assumption of Risk: Participation is voluntary. By my acknowledgement on the registration form, I expressly and voluntarily assume all risks - whether foreseeable or not - arising from participation, including those caused wholly or partly by the actions or inactions of the Released Parties or others, or the condition of the venue, equipment, or facilities.

3. Waiver and Release of Liability (Including California Civil Code Section 1542 Waiver): In consideration for being permitted to participate, I (on behalf of myself and my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, and representatives) fully and forever waives, releases, acquits, and discharges the Released Parties from any and all claims, liabilities, causes of action, damages, losses, demands, or judgements relating to any injury, illness, death, or property loss or damage incurred during or caused by participation, whether arising from the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise, to the maximum extent permitted under California law.

   California Civil Code Section 1542 states: "A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in their favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known, would have materially affected their settlement with the debtor or released party." I expressly waive the protections of Section 1542 and release all such unknown claims.

4. Indemnification: I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from or related to my participation in the Event, including claims brought by third parties.

5. Medical Treatment: I confirm that I am sufficiently physically fit to participate and that there are no health-related reasons that preclude my participation in this activity. I understand that Released Parties do not assume responsibility for medical care, and I authorize Released Parties to obtain emergency treatment if needed. I understand that if I am incapacitated or otherwise unable to make a decision regarding medical care in the event of an injury or illness during the Event, unless circumstances require immediate medical emergency care, there will be an attempt to notify my emergency contact (at the phone number provided during the registration process) prior to seeking medical treatment for such injury or illness. I hold the Released Parties harmless for their good faith decisions in seeking or not seeking medical care for injuries or illness that I may sustain during the Event. I further acknowledge and understand that I will be responsible for any medical bills that may be incurred on my behalf for physical illness or injury that I may sustain in relation to the Event.

6. Minor Participants: If a participant is under 18, a parent or guardian must acknowledge full authority to confirm and agree to all terms on the minor's behalf.

7. Severability, Jurisdiction and Venue, Entire Agreement

   • If any part of this Waiver is held invalid, the remainder will remain in full force and effect.
   • This Waiver is governed by California law. Any legal disputes will be resolved in a court of competent jurisdiction located in California.
   • This document constitutes the entire understanding between myself and Released Parties regarding my participation. Any changes must be in writing, signed by both parties.

8. Acknowledgment: By my acknowledgement on the registration form, I (or, if applicable, my parent or guardian) confirm that I am at least 18 years old and have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to the terms above. I understand that this is a legally binding contract and, by agreeing to it, I am giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue, to the fullest extent permitted by law. I further intend for this release to be effective and binding not only on myself but also on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. (Note that this waiver does not and cannot release claims for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or rights that cannot be waived under California law.)