Safety and Security
The Santa Fe International Literary Festival is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for all guests, authors, volunteers, staff, and partners. By attending Festival events, guests agree to comply with all security procedures, inspection policies, and the Guest Code of Conduct outlined below.
Important: Enhanced Security on Opening Night
On Opening Night, Friday, May 15, 2026, enhanced security measures will be in effect.
Bag searches are required for all guests prior to entry into the Main Stage room.
Outside drinks and liquids are prohibited inside the Main Stage room. Bottled water will be available after passing through security and entering the room.
Additional security personnel will be stationed inside the Main Stage venue and in the book signing area after the event.
The Main Stage room will be closed before the evening event to allow for security preparation.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow adequate time for screening.
Saturday AND Sunday Festival Policies
Festival Weekend Rules and Restrictions
Food and beverages are allowed in the session rooms. Please deposit refuse in the appropriate receptacles.
Alcohol served at Festival receptions must remain within the Santa Fe Community Convention Center boundaries but is allowed in the presentation rooms.
The Festival reserves the right to deny service to or remove guests who are visibly intoxicated or whose behavior disrupts the experience of others.
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All guests entering Festival venues at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center are subject to inspection. Guests who refuse inspection may be denied entry.
Bags may include purses, tote bags, backpacks, briefcases, book bags, diaper bags, camera bags, or similar containers.
All bags are subject to search, and guests may be asked to open jackets or outerwear during screening.
Festival staff and venue security reserve the right to deny entry or require removal of prohibited items.
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Professional photography, video recording, and audio recording are not permitted without prior authorization.
The use of cameras, recording devices, and cell phones (e.g., calling, texting, apps) is prohibited during sessions. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the Festival experience without recording.
Professional photos from Festival events will be made available after the Festival.
Access Festival photos {here}.
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The following items are not permitted inside the Festival venue:
Weapons of any kind or facsimiles, including firearms, knives, pepper spray, stun guns, or martial arts weapons
Illegal drugs or substances
Flammable liquids, fireworks, pyrotechnics, flares, or incendiary devices
Glass containers
Outside alcohol
Interchangeable or detachable camera lenses; professional photography or recording equipment without authorization
Audio or video recording devices
Two-way radios or communication devices
Laser pointers
Flashlights
Signs, banners, flags, or unapproved displays
Selfie sticks
Masks or face paint (except for medical or accessibility reasons)
Jewelry that could be used as a weapon (chains, studded bracelets, etc.)
Pets, other than trained service animals
Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, helmets, or portable seating not required for accessibility
Noisemakers, bullhorns, or air horns
Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, or advertisements
Balloons, projectiles, or similar items
This list is not exhaustive and may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
Guests with prohibited items may return them to their vehicles. Unattended items left outside venue doors will be discarded. Prohibited items will not be stored at entry points. Items deemed dangerous or inappropriate may be confiscated and, if necessary, turned over to law enforcement.
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The Santa Fe International Literary Festival is committed to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, including attendees, authors, volunteers, staff, press, vendors, and security.
Expectations
Guests are expected to:
Treat others with respect and courtesy
Follow instructions from Festival staff and security
Be patient and respectful in seating areas and all lines
Ask permission before photographing or recording others
Prohibited Conduct
The Festival will not tolerate:
Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or abusive language toward staff, volunteers, authors, or fellow guests
Unwelcome physical contact or unwanted attention
Disruption of sessions or events
Non-consensual photography or recording
Line jumping or interference with others’ experience
Behavior targeting individuals based on protected characteristics
Smoking (including e-cigarettes, vapes, and all tobacco products) on SFCCC premises
Refusal to follow instructions from Festival staff, security personnel, or Santa Fe Community Convention Center personnel
Enforcement and Reporting
Guests who violate this policy may be removed without refund and denied reentry. Festival staff may involve venue security or law enforcement if necessary.
Concerns should be reported to Festival staff, security, or the Information Table in the Convention Center lobby.
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A Festival ticket is a revocable license valid only for the specific event listed. Admission is subject to Festival policies and venue regulations. The Festival and venue management reserve the right to revoke tickets or deny entry for non-compliance with safety or conduct policies.
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All rooms are cleared during the lunch break and evening reception. Personal items will be gathered and turned in to the Information Table. The Festival cannot be responsible for items left in presentation rooms, the Bibliotheque Lounge, or other areas.
Guests seeking lost items should visit the Information Table during Festival hours.
At the closing of the Festival, lost items collected during the event will be turned in to the Tourism Information Center, located inside the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. They may be contacted at (505) 955-6200.