Outdoor Events Air Quality Guide

Event Planning AQI Thresholds

Event Type Guidelines

Active Events (Races, Sports Events, Field Days)

• Safe up to: AQI 75
• AQI 76-100: Reduce intensity, longer breaks
• AQI 101+: Cancel or significantly modify
• Participants breathe heavily, maximum pollutant exposure

Moderate Activity (Festivals, Fairs, Outdoor Markets)

• Safe up to: AQI 100
• AQI 101-150: Shorten hours, provide air-conditioned rest areas
• AQI 151+: Cancel or move indoors

Seated Events (Concerts, Movies, Ceremonies)

• Safe up to: AQI 125
• AQI 126-150: Consider postponing
• AQI 151+: Move indoors
• Minimal exertion but extended exposure

Children's Events (Birthday Parties, School Events)

• Safe up to: AQI 75
• AQI 76-100: Reduce active games
• AQI 101+: Move indoors
• Children more vulnerable than adults

Event Modifications by AQI Level

AQI 51-100: Enhanced Monitoring

• Post AQI level at event entrance
• Provide water stations
• Ensure shaded areas available
• Make announcements about sensitive groups
• Have first aid staff aware of air quality symptoms

AQI 101-150: Significant Modifications

• Reduce event duration by 30-50%
• Eliminate or reduce physical activities
• Provide air-conditioned rest areas
• Offer N95 masks to attendees
• Allow attendees to leave without penalty
• Consider canceling and rescheduling

Pre-Event Planning

Booking and Scheduling

• Check historical AQI data for date/location
• Avoid peak ozone months for outdoor events
• Schedule for morning or evening when possible
• Have indoor backup venue contracted
• Include weather/air quality cancellation clause

Communication Plan

• Establish AQI threshold for cancellation
• Create notification system for attendees
• Designate person to monitor AQI day-of
• Prepare messaging for postponement

Day-of-Event Protocols

Venue Selection

Better Air Quality Venues

• Parks away from roads: Trees filter air
• Waterfront locations: Better air circulation
• Higher elevation: Above street-level pollution
• Suburban/rural venues: Less traffic pollution

Venues to Avoid

• Adjacent to highways: High traffic pollution
• Industrial areas: Multiple pollution sources
• Urban centers: Concentrated pollution
• Valleys: Pollution can be trapped

Special Event Types

Outdoor Weddings

• Check AQI forecast week before
• Have indoor backup plan (tent with AC or indoor venue)
• Consider evening ceremony for better air quality
• Communicate AQI concerns to elderly guests
• Spring and fall typically better than summer

Music Festivals and Concerts

• Multi-day events need contingency plans
• Provide covered rest areas with fans/AC
• Reduce set times if AQI elevated
• Medical staff should monitor for pollution symptoms
• Consider partial refunds if AQI causes cancellation

Sports Events and Tournaments

• Have clear AQI cancellation policy
• Schedule games for morning when possible
• Modify rules (shorter games, more subs) when AQI elevated
• Youth events more restrictive than adult

Graduation Ceremonies

• Traditionally held in early summer (high ozone season)
• Evening ceremonies better than afternoon
• Have indoor auditorium backup
• Consider shortened ceremony if AQI elevated
• Provide shade structures

Attendee Safety

Information to Provide

• Current AQI level posted at entrance
• Signs explaining AQI categories
• Guidance for sensitive groups
• Location of rest areas
• Water station locations

Sensitive Groups

• Children
• Elderly attendees
• People with respiratory conditions
• Pregnant women
• People with heart disease

Best Seasons for Outdoor Events

Best Air Quality

• Fall: Generally cleanest air, comfortable temperatures
• Spring: Good air quality, watch for pollen
• Winter: Low ozone but watch for inversions

Challenging Seasons

• Summer: Peak ozone season, highest AQI days
• Wildfire season: West Coast summer/fall variability

Best Cities for Outdoor Events

Reliable Clean Air

• Seattle, WA - Rarely exceeds moderate AQI
• Portland, ME - Consistent good air
• San Diego, CA - Coastal air quality
• Honolulu, HI - Ocean breezes

Monitor Closely

• Los Angeles, CA - Summer ozone
• Phoenix, AZ - Summer dust and heat
• Salt Lake City, UT - Winter inversions
• Denver, CO - Seasonal variations