Are drones allowed for aerial photography at the festival?

When I asked around at a different festival, the answer was the same: drones aren’t just welcome on a whim. You typically need to line things up with the organizers, and you’ll usually be handed a designated window or area. I always DM organizers early, check the festival’s rules, and keep a tiny, quiet drone ready for the rare permission. If the plan isn’t approved, I pivot to ground shots, or hire a licensed operator who already has access. It’s a lot less drama and you still get cool angles without the stress.

From an operator’s standpoint, you don’t fly without explicit authorization. Most festivals require a COA/waiver, a written flight plan, and proof of liability insurance. Geofencing, NOTAMs, and a dedicated observer are standard. You’ll work with a drone liaison, lock in a tight pre-approved time window, and observe a conservative altitude cap (often around 100, 120 meters) plus strict line-of-sight and crowd-distance rules.

Check the festival policy, get written approval, stay in sight, and use a lightweight drone in crowds-free zones.

At the midsummer festival last year, I brought a compact 2-axis drone and an ambitious plan to film from above. The campus cheered as the sun sank over the stage, but within the security perimeter the vibe changed. A staffer reminded me that flying wasn’t allowed during performances. I explained I had no permit, and I felt a little exposed. After chatting with the drone vendor and the organizers, I learned the hard way: aerials were off-limits during main stage hours, unless you had official permission. They pointed me to the drone liaison booth where teams coordinate with the local aviation authority and set up a controlled window for op shots. I applied for a waiver, provided a flight plan, and paid a small fee to join the "aerial photography" slot, which allowed pre-dawn and post-sunset runs only away from crowds. I also had to stay within line of sight, maintain a safe distance, and have a spotter. The experience taught me to plan ahead, file the right paperwork, and always prioritize safety and privacy over a shot.