participation agreement
Terms for all Folk Lounge events & workshops — indoor, outdoor, and virtual.i.A note before we begin
We're so glad you're here. Folk Lounge events are spaces for making, learning, and genuine connection — and keeping them safe and welcoming for everyone takes a little shared intention. This agreement covers all events organized by Venus Vale LLC dba Folk Lounge, whether held in a studio, a public park, a partner venue, or online.
Please read through. It's written in plain language because we believe you deserve to actually understand what you're agreeing to.
1.Who this covers
This agreement applies to you, your guests, and any minors in your care the moment you register for or attend a Folk Lounge event — regardless of whether a ticket was purchased.
If you're registering on behalf of a minor (anyone under 18), you confirm that you're their parent or legal guardian, that you're authorized to enter into this agreement on their behalf, and that you'll be present and supervising for the duration of the event. The safety and conduct of minors in attendance is your responsibility.
2.Weaving belonging
Folk Lounge is rooted in multicultural heritage and built on the belief that craft traditions carry the full range of human experience — across races, ethnicities, genders, nationalities, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and walks of life. Our community is intentionally pluralistic, and that's not incidental to what we do. It's the whole point.
Every person who walks through our door deserves to feel fully seen and genuinely welcome. We ask that all participants show up with that same respect for one another — in how you speak, how you listen, and how you engage with work and traditions that may not be your own.
Zero tolerance: Hate speech, racial slurs, gender-based harassment, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, religious discrimination, or any other conduct that demeans, excludes, or endangers a participant will result in immediate removal from the event — without refund and without exception. This applies to in-person behavior, written communication, and online spaces associated with Folk Lounge.
If you witness or experience anything that makes you feel unsafe, please tell the organizer immediately. We take every report seriously.
3.Mindful making — safety basics
Textile work should be relaxing and joyful. A few simple habits keep it that way for everyone:
Ease in. No rush — learn and create at your own pace.
Sharp tools. Use with care; pass scissors handle-first.
One needle at a time. Store it safely when not in use; let us know if you lose one.
Stay focused. It's okay to step back from conversation to center yourself.
Tidy space. Keep tools organized and within your reach.
Take breaks. Rest when you need to — creativity flows better from a relaxed place.
Ask for help. If something feels off with your materials or tools, just say so.
Supervise children. Keep minors with you and following safety guidelines throughout.
Outdoors. Be mindful of uneven terrain, sun exposure, and your surroundings at outdoor and park events.
Speak up. If anything feels unsafe or uncomfortable, please tell the organizer right away.
4.Health & communicable illness
We ask that you do not attend a Folk Lounge event if you're experiencing symptoms of a communicable illness — this includes but isn't limited to fever, cough, or gastrointestinal symptoms. This applies to you and any guests or minors you're bringing.
We want our space to feel safe for everyone, including those who may be immunocompromised. If you're unsure whether to come, please err on the side of caution and reach out — we'll do our best to accommodate you at a future event.
5.Photography & media
We love documenting our community and may photograph or record events for use on Folk Lounge's website, social media channels, newsletters, grant applications, and press materials. By attending, you grant Venus Vale LLC dba Folk Lounge permission to use images or recordings in which you may appear for these purposes.
Want to opt out? No problem at all — just let the organizer know at the start of the event and we'll make sure you're not in any published photos or footage. Your participation is always more important to us than the documentation.
6.Assumption of risk
All Folk Lounge events involve hands-on activities — needles, scissors, and other tools — and may take place in a range of settings including indoor studios, outdoor parks and public spaces, and partner venues. By registering or attending, you acknowledge that participation carries inherent risks and that you're choosing to participate voluntarily.
These risks include but aren't limited to: minor injuries from crafting tools, trips or falls (particularly at outdoor events), weather and environmental conditions at outdoor or park settings, and general risks associated with traveling to and from the venue. You accept full responsibility for your own safety and for the safety of any minors in your care.
7.Release & indemnification
By attending, you agree to release and hold harmless Venus Vale LLC dba Folk Lounge, along with any assistant organizers, guest instructors, collaborating artists, volunteers, event assistants, and venue hosts — from any and all liability for injury, property damage, or loss arising from your participation in a Folk Lounge event.
You also agree to indemnify Folk Lounge and the individuals listed above from any claims, damages, or legal fees resulting from your actions or those of any guests or minors in your care at the event.
8.Venue & partner spaces
When events are held at partner or third-party venues, you agree to follow that venue's rules and policies in addition to this agreement. Any venue-specific access instructions, restricted areas, or facility guidelines will be communicated in your event confirmation or pre-event materials — and by attending, you agree to follow them.
Folk Lounge is not responsible for venue policy changes or restrictions imposed by partner spaces after registration.
9.Prohibited items & behavior
Please don't bring illegal substances, weapons, or anything that could create an unsafe environment for others. Folk Lounge reserves the right to remove any participant whose behavior is disruptive, unsafe, or harmful to the community — without refund.
Only service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted at Folk Lounge events. We're committed to providing accessible accommodations for all participants in line with ADA guidelines — please reach out ahead of your event if you have specific access needs.
10.Event changes & cancellations
Sometimes things change. Folk Lounge reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel events as needed — including changes to schedule, activities, location, or terms. If an event is cancelled or significantly changed, you'll be notified via the email address provided at registration.
Refund eligibility in the case of cancellation is subject to the refund policy in effect at the time of your ticket purchase on the applicable registration platform (e.g., Eventbrite or direct payment). Participant-initiated cancellations are governed by the same platform policy.
11.Memberships, packs & series
Folk Lounge offers a range of ways to participate beyond single events — including subscriptions, class packs, workshop series, intensives, and free community gatherings. Unless otherwise stated at the time of purchase, the following applies to all of them:
Personal use only. Access to any membership, pack, or series is tied to the individual who purchased it and is non-transferable. You're welcome to bring guests to events where that's explicitly offered, but your membership or credits cannot be gifted, shared, sold, or transferred to another person.
No refunds. All membership and pack purchases are final. If something comes up and you can't attend a session you've paid for, please reach out — we'll do our best to find a reasonable solution, but we can't guarantee credits or make-ups.
Expiration. Class packs and series credits expire as communicated at the time of purchase. Unused credits do not roll over unless explicitly stated. Subscriptions continue until cancelled and do not automatically convert to credits if unused in a given period.
Changes to programming. Folk Lounge reserves the right to adjust, reschedule, or discontinue membership offerings. If a series or program is cancelled before completion, we'll work with affected participants on a case-by-case basis.
These terms apply whether access was purchased through our website, Eventbrite, Stripe, or any other platform. Questions about your specific membership or pack? Just reach out directly.
12.Governing law
This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes will be resolved in California courts. If any part of this agreement is found to be unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.
By registering for or attending a Folk Lounge event, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all of the above — including the sections on Weaving Belonging, Mindful Making, Health, Media, Assumption of Risk, Release & Indemnification, Memberships & Packs, and all other terms in this document.
If you're registering on behalf of a minor, you confirm that you are their legal guardian and that you accept these terms on their behalf, including the responsibility to supervise them throughout the event.
If you have any questions before attending, please reach out. We'd rather talk through anything that feels unclear than have you sign something you don't fully understand.