Section 1 — Going Indoors / Timing and Communication
Q. Why didn't you give us this information from the beginning before selling tickets?
Answer: Weather forecasts are predictions, and we monitor them over a period of time ahead of the festival. Two weeks ahead of June 7th, we locked production decisions, and we shared the information with you.
Q. So why not just cancel?
Answer: The music, artists, community, and experience still matter deeply to us. Moving indoors for this season allows us to keep gathering, keep showing up for artists, and keep building culture.
Q. But this indoor thing is not Blankets!
Answer: We really feel your disappointment. Blankets has always been about openness, discovery, music, culture, and community; and that spirit is still fully here. At this moment, we are evolving thoughtfully to give you a beautiful, quality experience. Think of this as a special chapter in the Blankets story, not the end of the original one.
Q. We don't mind rain. It rained in April 2024 and the December edition and you still did it outdoors. Why is this different?
Answer: We struggled with rain throughout production week in both editions, and it was a learning point. This June, we are choosing differently. Building the site is a difficult and sometimes hazardous experience for the production teams, and sustained rain delays will ultimately compromise your experience.
Q. What if it doesn't rain?
Answer: There's that possibility too! (And low-key, we hope it doesn't actually rain on June 7th so we can have an indoor/outdoor experience.) But that doesn't change the prediction around rain for the production week preceding June 7th.
Q. Other people aren't doing this. Why can't you just get a dome?
Answer: Blankets has never grown by copying what other people are doing. We make production decisions based on what we can produce. We'd rather make a bold, thoughtful decision than compromise what you receive as an audience.
Q. I bought my ticket knowing I was coming to Laureate Gardens, not Kasarani Indoor Arena!
Answer: We really appreciate that you've already got your ticket. As provided in our Ts & Cs, the pivot to indoor is a weather-related adjustment to ensure a good production outcome for you.
Q. Why didn't you do a survey before making this decision?
Answer: We were carefully monitoring weather conditions, and at the 2 week to festival mark, we made the production pivot to indoors.
Q. Why are you not responding to us or taking our feedback into consideration?
Answer: We’ve tried to respond to as many comments as we could, but please let us know which specific concern we haven't addressed — we are happy to help! You can also read the comprehensive FAQs - link in bio.
Section 2 — Tickets & Refunds
Q. I paid for an outdoor experience, not this indoor vibe. This feels like a downgrade. I'd like my refund.
Answer: We hear your frustration. This move is a weather-related adjustment, and under our ticketing policy, this does not trigger a refund. We know this isn't the news you were hoping for, but we would rather be honest. This isn't a new position, it has been the policy since you bought your ticket.
Q. Can I get a refund if I don't like the change?
Answer: Unfortunately, this does not qualify for a refund.
Q. Is my ticket still worth it?
Answer: Absolutely. Your ticket gets you the full artist lineup, unchanged; the Onja Onja Market - which remains outdoors as always; a Softlife & Hennessy Experience reimagined for the indoor space; the same community, same people, same energy, same culture; and a first — a brand new chapter in the Blankets story, with you in it. We're not delivering less. We're delivering differently. We really hope you come along for it.
Section 3 — The Actual Experience
Q. Will outdoor vibes still be there?
Answer: Yes! We're keeping the Onja Onja Market outdoors as your first step into the festival because we know the transition into the indoor space matters. Weather permitting, you'll get the best of both worlds. Fingers crossed!
Q. Can I still bring a blanket?
Answer: The indoor arena has seating, so you won't need a blanket for the floor, but if a blanket is part of your B&W ritual, bring it. No rules against vibes.
Q. What does this mean for the Softlife experience and exclusive services? Will the ticket price change?
Answer: The Softlife & Hennessy Experience has been reimagined for the indoor format and delivers: a premium elevated close-proximity view of the stage; a stylish lounge and cocktail seating; an exclusive bar; dedicated food service; waiter service; access to premium products; designated washrooms; and hostess services. A site render will drop ahead of the day. The ticket price remains the same.
Q. Can we carry food and drinks into the arena?
Answer: Yes. Food and drinks purchased on-site are permitted in the arena.
Q. How will the washroom situation look?
Answer: The arena has its own built-in washrooms and we will have cleaners for the duration of the festival. We have also made provision for additional portable loos at the Onja Onja Market.
Q. What are you doing about ventilation in the arena?
Answer: The indoor arena has a high roof design for air circulation. The merchandise team will also be selling handheld fans, and of course you are welcome to bring your own to keep you cool when the action heats up!
Q. Can we move around and access vendors?
Answer: Absolutely. Just follow the signage and floor plan. Security personnel will work towards keeping aisles as free-flowing as possible, and your cooperation will make this work. Experiential vendors will be positioned on the balcony and all other food, craft & fashion vendors will be positioned on the Onja Onja street. Please have a look at our site renders on our social platforms closer to the date.
Q. How will the seating work if I want to dance?
Answer: Just as when we are outdoors, you will have the option to sit, stand or dance next to your space. We would love for you to dance along to the performances, but if you opt to sit, please don't hustle the person ahead of you to do the same.
Q. What will the seating arrangement be like? Will I have a dedicated seat for the whole day?
Can I choose where to sit with my friends?
Answer: Free seating! Arrive, find a section you like and settle in with your crew. Once you move, you may not find the same spot. Keep roaming, you will find some.
Q. What is being done to ensure the arena doesn't become overcrowded?
Answer: We have decided to cap tickets below the venue capacity so we can manage numbers and movement between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Security personnel will assist in keeping walkways clear and human traffic moving safely using the exits and entry points.
Q. Does this indoor experience cater for PWD?
Answer: Yes. The indoor arena has ramp enabled access for wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility. However, the Softlife and Hennessy Experience have no access for PWDs/Limited mobility. Please do not purchase or accept complimentary tickets to these areas if you require limited mobility access.
Q. Will we have bars indoors or will we have to go outside?
Answer: Bars will be located at the balcony area right outside the arena, and on the Onja Onja street. Softlife and Hennessy Experience guests will have waiter service on the floor as well as a dedicated bar within the breakout lounge. Please consult the floor plan on the website for a better picture of the space.
Q. Please put enough bars and network.
Answer: Aligned! Safaricom network support is confirmed and will boost M-Pesa and card payments, as well as general connectivity throughout the festival.
Section 4 — Artists, Vendors & The Future of 2026
Q. Will the artists still perform as planned?
Answer: Yes! The lineup remains. Same artists, same amazing show! The move indoors changes the venue, not the music or who's delivering it.
Q. What provisions have you made for me as a vendor?
Answer: We are maintaining the Onja Onja street as the first point of interaction for everyone arriving at the festival, and footfall will be maintained as people move between the arena and the annex (Onja Onja Stage) throughout the day.
Q. Will future editions be indoors too?
Answer: We don't have a definitive answer to this right now. What we do know is that the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned of El Niño returning as early as May–July 2026, with a strong likelihood of intensifying till the end of the year. For now, let us get through the June edition together. After that, we assess, review, and tell you what's next. We will not make promises we can't keep.