ARE YOU READY TO HIT THE SWITCHES?




ROLLER RINK

Bounce, rock, skate, roll… you know the drill. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or new to the roller scene, we have a whole rink ready for you. And as the soundtrack we’ve enlisted the help of the Record Box Truck —a solar-powered sound system on wheels— along with Daniel T & B-Wade’s Roller Bounce sets, and live performances by Mia Honey Deux, and Cassandra Dali. Don’t forget your skates, but if you do, rentals are available.

LUCHA LIBRE WRESTLING RING

This isn’t WWE, no no. Translating to “freestyle wrestling, lucha libra is something all its own: this style of Mexican wrestling, dating back to 1863, is often differentiated by los enmascarados, “the masked ones,” and the matches that pit the “good guys” versus the “bad guys.” Who will you root for, and who will come out on top? Check the line-up so you don’t miss a match.

VENDORS

Hand-picked local vendors that represent the beautiful mix and interests of our community. From record sellers, hand-made goods, boutique brands, onsite customizations, visual art, wearable art, and even a general store, chances are you’ll find something to meet your tastes and needs.

ART INSTALLATIONS

It’s Hello Stranger’s pleasure to feature visuals by Society of Shadows, (our go-to digital video artist and his Felix-the-Cat-sized vintage video collection), adding his touch to our stages. And adding tripped out treatment to the Santa Anita Park landscape, Stranger Liquids will be greeting your entrance. Get ready for a treat, and more art tricks up our sleeve.

AMENITIES

The multi-acre Infield at Santa Anita Park offers a fun, safe and family friendly environment with pristine scenery, exceptional service. Offering spacious picnic areas, some semi-covered.

Photo Gallery

FAQs

GENERAL

  • What you should know before you go?
    • Hit The Switches is a two-day funk and soul music festival inspired by West Coast culture, curated and produced by Hello Stranger.
  • Is this an all-ages event?
    • Hit The Switches is an all-ages, family-friendly event. Bring your tio, your tia, los niños, and all the homies!
  • Event hours?
    • Event hours are 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days. I mean, the party don’t stop...but it’ll be done at HTS.
  • Is there a Festival map? Can I download it?
    • Coming Soon!
  • Is re-entry allowed at the event?
    • No re-entry or in-and-outs allowed at the festival.
  • What will the weather be like? How hot will it be during the day?
    • August weather averages in the city of Arcadia are usually in the high 80s to low 90 degrees. Like this festival, it will get hot!
  • What happens if it rains?
    • Highly unlikely that it will, but Hit The Switches goes down rain or shine, (as long as our equipment can withstand it!)
  • Will there be contactless payment? Are credit cards accepted? What about debit? Cash?
    • Food & beverage will be available for purchase through Santa Anita Park, which will have multiple payment options available. Merch payments will be at each vendor’s discretion.

tickets + Passes

  • Do children get in for free?
    • Children 10 and under get into the festival free.
  • How much are tickets?
    • Tickets are $150 per day plus taxes & fees.
  • Are there tiers?
    • No, all tickets are general admission.
  • Are payment plans available?
    • Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot offer payment plans.
  • How will I receive my ticket?
    • Tickets will be available to pick up at will call on the morning of the event starting at 8am, although the doors will not open until 11am.
  • Can someone else pick up my pass/wristband?
    • No, only the pass/wristband original purchaser can pick it up. You must present a government-issued ID when picking up your pass/wristband.
  • I lost my wristband/cut it off, what can I do?
    • Dang foo, you messed up! Hit The Switches will not offer any refunds for any tampering or loss of wristbands. An attempt to do so will invalidate the pass/wristband.
  • Is there a way to resell passes/wristbands?
    • No transfers or resale of passes/wristbands will be permitted.
  • Can I give my pass/wristband to a friend?
    • Passes/wristbands are non-transferable.
  • Are StubHub, Craigslist, or other resale broker sites offering tickets?
    • No. Official tickets can only be purchased through Frontgatetickets.com
  • Are there refunds available if I can’t come?
    • Our ticketing partner, Front Gate Tickets offers ticket insurance available for purchase in case of non-attendance.
  • What should I do if I bought tickets from a “friend” or other site and they don’t work? How can I check If these tickets will work?
    • Don’t tell me you fell for it! For this reason, we advise guests to buy tickets only through Frontgatetickets.com 
  • Who do I contact if I have a question about my ticket(s)?

venue

  • Where is the event taking place?
    • The Infield at Santa Anita Race Track
  • Questions about the venue?
    • Please call (626) 574-7223.
  • Where is the best entrance?
    • Gate 6 is the best gate to arrive and exit.

Advance Pass Registration

  • Can I register my pass/wristband on the day of the event?
    • You can register your pass/wristband when you pick up at will call on the day of the event.

What can I/cannot bring

  • Can:
    • Bag/backpack/purses under 22x14x9 in. and is subject to search
    • Blanket / Sarape and is subject to search
    • Lawn Chair and is subject to search
    • Baby food / formula
    • Camera
      • Non-professional grade, no detachable lenses. Show Fujifilm some love by getting that disposable!
    • Water
      • You’re allowed one empty water bottle.
  • Cannot:
    • Food
    • Weapons of any kind
    • Alcohol
    • Illegal drugs/substances
    • Opened cigarette packs
    • Glass containers
    • Cans
    • Hard-sided/large coolers
    • Large or oversized bags/backpacks, such as luggage, duffel bags, or industrial/camping-sized backpacks larger than 14"x14"x6"
    • Laser pointers
    • Airhorns
    • Musical instruments
    • Drones
    • Personal vehicles (Bicycle, scooters, one-wheels, Segways, and skateboards)
    • Flags or totems
    • Flyers, Samples, Giveaways, Promotional Items
    • Animals (except service animals)
    • Fireworks
    • Any item deemed inappropriate to event staff

Parking, Lodging, + Travel

  • What address or location name should I Google and Waze?
    • Waze: Colorado Blvd and Gate 6 East
    • Google maps: Santa Anita Race Track Gate 6
  • Where should I park?
    • Where you won't get towed or ticketed. Ideally, our parking lot.
  • How does parking work?
    • Tiered parking is available. General admission parking is a 20 spot and preferred parking is $30.
  • Can I buy parking on the day of the event?
    • Yes, contactless payment and cash will be accepted on the day of the event.
  • Is there a two-day parking pass?
    • Parking is only offered on a single-day basis, but you can purchase each day in advance.
  • Is there a pickup and drop-off area?
    • Gate 6 is the designated rideshare/pickup and drop-off area.
  • Is camping allowed/Can I stay overnight?
    • Santa Anita Race Track prohibits camping on property grounds.
  • Hotels in the area?
    • Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia
      • 130 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
      • (626) 777-6699
      • Distance-0.4 miles
  • Hampton Inn Los Angeles/Arcadia/Pasadena:
    • 311 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006
    • (626) 574-5600
    • Distance-1.7 miles
  • Hilton Garden Inn Arcadia/Pasadena Area
    • 199 N 2nd Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006
    • (626) 574-6900
    • Distance-1.4 miles
  • Are there hotel packages available?
    • Hotel packages are available at hotel discretion.
  • Where is the nearest train or bus stop?
    • Train:
      • Arcadia Station
      • 200 N First Ave, Arcadia, CA 91105
      • Distance-0.9 miles
  • Bus:
    • Baldwin / Arboretum stop
    • Stop ID:3394
    • Across from S. Baldwin Ave and Gate 7
    • Distance-1.6 miles
  • Where is the nearest gas station, drugstore, food place, grocery store, coffee shop?
    • There are multiple options in each category within a mile or less to choose from.

Accessibility

  • Can people with disabilities attend?
    • Yes! Hit The Switches will be a fully ADA-compliant event with a dedicated ADA-compliance staff.
  • Can I bring medications and/or prescription drugs?
    • Yes. Make sure to have proper documentation showing a medical need and a government-issued ID for the prescription.
  • Event parking for ADA compliance.
    • ADA parking can be found in the general parking section for $20.
  • Will there be ADA-accessible stations?
    • You know it! Stations can be found throuhgout.
  • Questions, concerns, or special requests?
  • Is there safety or security staff?
    • The health and safety of all our attendees remain our top priority. We work closely with local and state officials to create the safest festival experience possible. Hit The Switches will partner with Draken Security to provide festival guests a secure event experience.
  • How can I find them?
    • The Security is stationed throughout the festival.
  • Where are the restrooms?
    • There are 2 main restrooms buildings, one near the kids play area, and the other on the wide, flat concrete area where cars are displayed, before the main stage. Please refer to a map for a better idea.
  • Will there be gender-neutral restrooms available?
    • The portapotties throughout will be gender-neutral.
  • Are strollers allowed?
    • Yes, strollers will be admitted with a security search upon festival entrance.
  • Cooling station/tent?
    • There are shaded structures throughout the venue.
  • Can I get free water on site?
    • A free water station will be available for attendees.
  • Phone charging station?
    • Phones can be charged inside onsite lockers for a nominal fee.
  • ATMs?
    • 10 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006
    • ATMs can also be found on the festival grounds.
    • ATMs outside the festival:

Distance-0.7 miles

  • Bank of America ATM (Drive-thru)

180 N Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006

Distance-0.8 miles

  • 30 S 1st Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006

Distance-0.9 miles

  • Citibank ATM

100 S 1st Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006

Distance-0.9 miles

  • Is there a Lost & Found area?
    • The Lost and Found is located at Guest Services by the festival entrance.

Covid/First Aid

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any place where people gather. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By purchasing a ticket, you assume all risks, hazards, and dangers arising from or relating in any way to the risk of contracting COVID-19 or any other communicable disease or illness, or a bacteria, virus, or other pathogens capable of causing a communicable disease or illness, whether occurring before, during, or after the event, however, caused or contracted, and voluntarily waive all claims and potential claims against the Event Organizers, and their affiliated companies relating to such risks.

You expressly agree to comply with all Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, regulations, and rules of the Event Organizers when attending the event.

  • Do I need a covid test/be vaccinated to attend this event?
    • Neither, but Hit The Switches will enforce all Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, regulations, and rules set forth for large gatherings/events regarding Covid-19.
  • Do I need to wear a mask at this event?
    • Hit The Switches will follow all Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, regulations, and rules set forth for large outdoor gatherings/events regarding Covid-19.
  • I bought a ticket but tested positive for COVID before the event, offering refunds?
    • Our ticketing partner will make ticket insurance available for purchase in case of non-attendance.
  • Is there a medical tent/emergency services?
    • Yes, the medical tent can be be the entrance to the festival grounds.

Lockers

  • Will there be lockers available for rent?
    • Yes, lockers will be made available through $20 a day.
  • Can I access the locker more than once a day?
    • Absolutely! But, trust us you won’t want to miss the show!

About Us

  • Who are you?
    • Hello Stranger is a lot of things... but in a broad sense, we are a multi-faceted organization that curates good vibes through music, food, and community. We get down, we uplift, and we celebrate life.
  • What inspired this event?

Hit The Switches was inspired by Los Angeles and West Coast culture. Now, in the past and always, Los Angeles has been at the forefront; of music, fashion, art, and food. Hit The Switches is a living highlight and celebration of all the best that Los Angeles and the West Coast offers.

How to Donate, Vend + Volunteer

  • How can I apply to be a vendor?
  • How can I apply to volunteer?
  • How can I donate to Hit The Switches?
  • How do I become a sponsor?
    • We’re happy you want to contribute to the cause! Send an email with the subject, “sponsorship/donation” to info@hellostranger.la for more information.
  • How do I get a press/media pass?

Contact us

-The Name of your Event and City in the Subject Line

-Your 8-digit Order ID

-The last 4 digits of the card used to purchase

-The telephone number listed on your order

-A brief summary of how we can assist you

;)