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Sensory Friendly Event Guide

CB Nuit is growing and evolving every year, and so is our commitment to accessibility. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming, sensory-friendly space where everyone can feel included and comfortable. This journey is ongoing, and we are grateful for your patience and support as we continue to learn and improve.

Take a moment to explore what we’re offering this year to make your festival experience as enjoyable as possible.

  • Experience Statements

  • Sensory Notices

  • Dedicated Sensory-friendly Space

  • Getting Ready for CB Nuit: What to Bring for Your Night Out

  • ASL Guided Tours

We invite feedback from our community to help us improve further. Your experiences and insights are invaluable as we work towards making our festival an accessible event for everyone. Thank you for being part of our journey, and we look forward to another great festival year!

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What are Sensory Experience Statements ?

Sensory Experience Statements give you a heads-up about what to expect from the sensory environment at CB Nuit. They describe how each of the eight senses might be engaged during the festival, helping you prepare for your visit and make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Below you will find experience statement for each of the 8 sense: Sight • Hearing • Taste • Touch • Smell • Movement • Balance • Interoception

Sight

 Festivalgoers will encounter a wide range of visual art projects featuring bright lights, vibrant decorations, and dynamic digital projections. Earlier in the evening, the street will be lit by natural light, while some projects inside venues will feature dim lighting to enhance visual effects. Spiraling and flickering lights may be used for some outdoor projects, creating a stimulating environment as daylight fades. For those who prefer a calmer atmosphere, our designated sensory-friendly room offers a quiet, low-light space. Festivalgoers with light sensitivities are encouraged to bring sunglasses to help reduce discomfort.

Hearing

 Some areas of the festival will have a lively auditory atmosphere, while others offer quieter moments between acts. Opening remarks will be shared through a PA system, and live music and performances will use amplified sound. During peak hours, general street noise may increase due to crowd activity. For quieter moments, our sensory-friendly room offers a low-noise environment. We recommend bringing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Free earplugs will also be available at designated locations.

Taste

 A variety of local food trucks and vendors will be located in the food court area, offering a diverse culinary experience. Attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks or beverages if they prefer. West Street is filled with local businesses where food and beverage are available for purchase.

Touch

 Interactive exhibits may invite hands-on engagement. As the event takes place primarily outdoors, weather may vary. We recommend dressing for rain, wind, cold, or warmth to stay comfortable throughout the night.

Smell

 Aromas from food vendors may be present, especially near the food court area. Please note that our sensory-friendly room has a scent-free policy to support those with sensitivities.

Movement

 CB Nuit spans the length of West Street, which will be closed to traffic to ensure safe and free movement for walking and rolling. Nearly all event spaces are wheelchair accessible. If you have specific access needs, our team is happy to help — please reach out!

Balance

Festival navigation may include stairs, ramps, or elevators within certain buildings, though West Street itself is flat and even. Some projects may feature immersive elements like VR, which can affect balance. Weighted lap pillows will be available in limited supply to support grounding and comfort during these experiences.

Interoception (Internal Body Awareness)

This internal sense relates to bodily needs like hunger, thirst, or the need for restrooms. Multiple accessible, gender-neutral, and family-friendly restroom options are available, including changing tables. In support of sustainability, we do not provide plastic water bottles and encourage guests to bring refillable bottles. Attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks or beverages if they prefer. West Street is filled with local businesses where food, beverage, and restrooms are available.

What are Sensory Notices?

Throughout the festival, we’ll have posters next to certain projects that may be overwhelming for people with sensory sensitivities or disabilities. While it’s not always possible to place notices next to outdoor projects, you’ll find them more often outside on doors of indoor locations.

Please keep an eye out for these Sensory Notice posters, which will include information about any of the following eight senses:

This project may contain bright lights, projections, strobe effects, or flashing imagery. Sunglasses or looking away may help reduce discomfort.

 Visual Sensitivity

This project may include loud, layered, or unexpected sounds. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are encouraged for a more comfortable experience.

Auditory Sensitivity

This project may involve strong scents or fragrances. Please proceed with awareness if you are sensitive to smells.

Olfactory Sensitivity

This project may include food or drink elements. If you have food sensitivities or allergies, please review ingredients or ask a facilitator before tasting.

Gustatory Sensitivity

This project may include touch-based interactions or textured materials. Please engage only as much as you are comfortable.

Tactile Sensitivity

This project may involve physical movement, navigation in tight spaces, or uneven surfaces. Take breaks or modify your participation as needed.

Proprioceptive Sensitivity

This project may involve motion, balance, or spinning elements. If you are prone to dizziness or motion discomfort, take care when participating. 

Vestibular Sensitivity

This project may involve sensory elements that could be overwhelming for some. Please take breaks or use sensory supports as needed. Our sensory room is available if you need a quieter space.

General Sensory Notice

Silent Skies

Sensory-Friendly Space

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CB Nuit is proud to offer Silent Skies, a curated sensory-friendly room available on festival night. This calm, quiet space is designed to support festival goers who may experience sensory overload or who simply need a break from the vibrant energy of the evening.
Whether you have sensory sensitivities, disabilities, or just need a quiet moment, this space is here for you. Inside the room, you’ll also find weighted objects, sensory tools, and earplugs available for use. Festival staff will be nearby if you need assistance.

To help keep this space welcoming and comfortable for all, we kindly ask that visitors follow these guidelines:

  • Please keep voices low and avoid loud conversation

  • No strong scents, food, or drinks allowed in this area

  • Silence tech devices and lower screen brightness, unless used as assistive technology

  • Respect others’ personal space and privacy

  • Children must be supervised at all times

This year, the sensory room will be located in the Rotary Arts Centre Theatre which will be highlighted on our festival map. Thank you for helping us make CB Nuit a more inclusive and supportive experience for everyone.

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Getting Ready for CB Nuit:
What to Bring for Your Night Out

We recommend festival-goers with light sensitivities bring sunglasses to help soften bright lighting while experiencing our festival.

01

Consider bringing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if you’d prefer a quieter experience during music or louder performances.

02

Sustainability is a top priority. So please bring a refillable one. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks, or explore the many local food and beverage options on West Street.

03

As our event takes place mostly outdoors, we recommend dressing for all weather – be prepared for rain, wind, cold, or warm temperatures.

04

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll likely be on your feet for much of the evening

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A small backpack or bag is great for carrying your essentials — water, snacks, earplugs, layers, and more.

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