Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are your regular hours?

The Umbrella Shop is only open during events, and each event will have different hours of operation. Please check the event page to see what shows are coming up.

How do I buy tickets for an event?

Generally speaking, events at The Umbrella Shop will be free to attend. We always welcome donations, and there will be a tip bucket available, as well as a way to donate digitally, if you are so inclined.

That said, certain special events may be ticketed. We will make that clear in the event flyers and information pages if there is a cover charge. 

Please check the event page to see what shows are coming up and what unique details may apply to those events.

Is the venue ADA accessible?

Yes. The front entrance is a street-level flat surface, as are all spaces in the venue. The bathroom has been built to meet modern ADA specifications.

I want to show my art here or host a community event in your space, what should I do?

That's awesome! We want to work with you. First, check out our venue specs to make sure the space will be a good fit for your art/event, and then reach out to us at hello@theumbrellashopstl.com ... or just DM us at @theumbrellashopstl on Instagram.

What can I expect from this space in terms of safety?

We strive to be a safe, open, and inclusive space for all members of our community.

As an artist or event planner: if the art you want to exhibit or the event you're planning is openly racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic this is where you hit "close tab" and look elsewhere.

As an attendee: if you are being harassed or mistreated by another attendee, artist, event producer, or a member of our staff please contact us immediately, either in person or online, so that we can help.

Are minors allowed in the venue?

Yes.. mostly.

We intend for the majority of our events to be all-ages. However certain special events might need to be restricted to 18+ or 21+ due to content. We will make that clear in the event flyer and information pages if there is an age restriction. 

Otherwise, yes, please bring the kids! Art is for everyone and the earlier we can inspire a love for the arts in the next generation, the better.

Are pets allowed in the venue?

Yes.. mostly.

Service animals are always allowed at The Umbrella Shop. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. The ADA requires that service animals be under the control of the handler at all times.

That said, we understand that the "service animal" designation is a little problematic. So, our house policy is that we welcome all well behaved animals (including humans). However, in the case that an animal is not behaving respectfully, or if another attendee is allergic to or fearful of your pet, we may ask you to remove the animal from the venue.

Generally, the animal must stay on the floor; seating, food, and drink are provided for human attendee use only. Please contact us with any further questions: hello@theumbrellashopstl.com

So, yes, please bring the pups and tamed squirrels you rescued from the park! Art is for everyone and we wouldn't want you to miss out because you couldn't bring your beloved pet with you.

What's the photo policy for events?

No flash photography, ever (it's an issue for art conservation). Non-flash photography and video are generally permitted, but should not include facial images of other attendees, artists, or staff, unless you have explicitly obtained prior consent from them.

If an artist or event has their own photo policy, this will override our house policy. If so, we will include that clearly in our event flyers and other promotional materials. Please check with the venue on the day of the event to see if there is a photo policy in place.

If you would like us to share some of your photos on Instagram, feel free to send them to hello@theumbrellashopstl.com or DM us at @theumbrellashopstl. Please include your handle/name for photo credit.

What's the backpack/bag policy for events?

All bags entering The Umbrella may be subject to search for security purposes and we may ask you not bring the bag in. Large bags (backpacks, messenger bags, luggage, etc.) are especially difficult because our space is small and they can get in the way. Therefore, any bag of any size, may be prohibited at the discretion of our staff.

Please keep in mind that we are a small primarily volunteer-run community space. Our staff are not trained security guards. They are empowered to decide for themselves what they consider unsafe or problematic. We will always err on the side of safety and inclusion. Please respect our staff and the other attendees and try to plan ahead to avoid conflict.