Frequently Asked Questions

There is handicapped parking available right outside the main building. There are two entrances into the building, one with no stairs and one with 5 stairs. The building is equipped with an elevator to get from the ground floor to the bottom floor, as well as large, spacious bathroom stalls. There will be two classroom spaces inside and three classroom spaces outside under tent cover. Chairs are available to anyone who needs them outside. The marketplace will be outside under large tent cover. We hope to support everyone’s access needs so that all may enjoy the event.

Service animals only.

COVID is still prevalent and we hope to ensure the health and wellness of our community with some basic info about our COVID policy: Several of our classrooms will be outside, including the marketplace, and we hope that this creates safety for those who would prefer outdoor events during this time. Our indoor teaching spaces are spacious settings with doors or windows that can be opened for circulation.

We ask that if you are not feeling well, are sick, or have been exposed to someone with COVID, you stay home and rest. Reach out to us and we can refund your ticket or ensure it gets sold to someone in need in case the event sells out.

We encourage but are not mandating pre-event testing and masking. We will have rapid tests available at registration and masks available throughout the event.

Children under 5 years old have free admission and kids between the ages of 6-14 years old can attend by purchasing a ticket of $25 at the door day of. There are kids and family activities all day long.

The symposium is held at the beautiful Montague Retreat Center situated on unceded Pocumtuc, Nipmuc, and Wabenaki Land.

The Address is:

Montague Retreat Center
177 Ripley Road, Montague, MA.

Parking is located on site.

Tickets become available for purchase on March 21st, 2026

Admission tickets to the event cost:

Adults: $89

Kids 6-14 yo: $25

Children 0-5 yo: Free

We acknowledge that we live and benefit from the land and ecological abundance that was stolen from the Pocumtuck, Nipmuc, Norwottock, Woronoco, Agawam, and Abenaki Tribes. Descendents of people belonging to these tribes are still here; living and reclaiming their traditions. The Western Mass Herbal Symposium chooses to honor this history and give back to the indigenous people and the land. We will be donating 10% of ticket sales to the local Indigenous-run organization, No Loose Braids, a Nipmuc-led organization focused on continuing and reviving Eastern Woodlands traditions.

You may transfer your ticket to another person. That person must be able to show us the original receipt email. You can forward it to them or a written (text or email) confirmation of exchange.

There is a $5 service fee that we will take out of refunds. Refunds are not guaranteed. We cannot provide refunds in case of inclement weather.

Each year we provide scholarship tickets to people for whom cost is a barrier to access.

These are some criteria that would make you eligible for a scholarship. (List inspired by People's Medicine Project)

• Are part of a group that has historically been and continues to be oppressed by systemic racism. 

• Have unstable or lack of access to transportation, housing, or work.

• Qualify for universal health insurance or don't have health insurance.

• Qualify for food assistance and/or have difficulty accessing healthy food.

• Are a recent immigrant to the US or are a migrant worker. 

• Have a disability that prevents you from volunteering.

• Are a single parent with limited income.

• Are a student who is on financial aid.

Applications are currently open, you can apply here.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScElxnGf4QUlqWMXIV4QCxx5w78_dSsIH3uIHcL363OW3IZLw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102718811351401748122

This event is rain or shine. Please come prepared with all the proper weather gear you may need.