Taking the Mystery Out of Music Festivals
Attending a music festival is FUN. Once you know what to do, where to go, what to bring, how it all works. There are multiple ways to approach a festival and everyone will do it their own way, but there are guidelines to make it more enjoyable. I am no expert (I’ve only attended one) but I know who to go to for the best information. I felt completely prepared for my first one, only because I had asked around. The effort is completely worth it! Festivals are an incredible, safe way to see talented musicians and multiple concerts in one place. Some of the shows have very small crowds, which is a dream come true when seeing live music.
Logistics
Which Tickets Do I Need?
Festivals often offer various ticket options. If you only want to go one day, check out which bands are playing each day (I know, duh) but also consider whether or not you want to stay in a hotel more than one night and other factors along those lines.
Parking and Transportation
If you are driving yourself, parking can be a big deal. Search ahead of time online where the good places to park in the are will be. You don’t want to get caught in a situation where you either can’t find a spot or you are paying much more than you intended to.
Using something like Uber or Lyft can be the safest, hassle free way to get to any major event. They can drop you right at hte entrance and you won’t have to worry about parking or getting to/from the event from your parking spot.
What To Bring
If you don’t have a plastic (or) see-through bag, you’ll need one if you’re bringing more than what fits in your pockets.
Minimalists: wallet, phone, sunglasses, sweatshirt/light jacket
Practicalists: wallet, phone, sunglasses, sweatshirt/light jacket, poncho if it might rain, lip gloss/chapstick
Go-Getters: wallet, phone, sunglasses, sweatshirt/light jacket, poncho if it might rain, lip gloss/chapstick, binoculars, hat, sunscreen
Tickets
You can search for festivals, there is always at least one coming up. The sooner you catch an upcoming festival the better chance you have of getting tickets you want. For example, maybe you only want a ticket for one day at Bottlerock - you’ll want to get that option of a ticket before they sell out. One day tickets are often the first to go.
YOU CAN ATTEND THE AMOUNT OF DAYS YOU CHOOSE AND THE PRICE IS ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY. Once I learned I could pay less and only go one day I was in! This saved me money on the hotel, food, and obviously tickets. However! The benefit to getting multiple day tickets is that the per day price goes down.
Overnight Accommodations
Hotels are often extremely expensive and run out of rooms far in advance of the weekend of a music festival. If there is any way you can stay in a nearby town (basically, if you or someone you are with will be sober enough to drive or if you can use a ride share option) this is by far the most cost efficient way to go.
Many people camp. Campsites are even quite expensive near a festival, so plan accordingly. Additionally, they book up far in advance.
What to Expect
There are multiple ways to enjoy a festival. In addition to the multiple stage options at any given time, there are also food stations, games, relaxation areas, demonstrations, dance areas such as silent discos, and more.
Most festivals have an app, all have a website. Go on a couple weeks before (and probably many times up until the event) and start looking at the schedules and layout of the festival if there's a map. It is recommended to at least plan out a couple major shows you want to see so you don’t miss them and then for the rest you can see what looks fun once you’re there. But if there are things you absolutely don’t want to miss, you need to know what time and where to be.
Bring cash, but vendors accept alternate versions such as pay options through your phone and debit cards. When you get inside, maybe plan your day (at least tentatively) if you haven’t already. This will save money and will help you get to the things you want.
What to Wear to a Music Festival
Unless on some off chance the festival is indoors, outfit planning should start with a weather check. Next, hop online and take a look at what people wear to festivals. At any festival you attend, there will be a wide range of what people are wearing. Aside from personal style statements and choosing clothes that make you feel like your best you, there are a few general keys to success. Wear comfortable shoes. Sandals or boots for women, and just about anything goes for men. Choose a comfortable outfit that you can wear all day, and allows you to sit on the ground and move freely in. Nobody wants their top to fall down while dancing in the Silent Disco! Accessories are fun - just remember you have to have them with you all day long so think about comfort and practicality.
Leaving Time
Give yourself plenty of time to get out of the festival and to your transportation or sleeping situation. If you don’t like crowds, leave during the final featured artists. You'll be first to the ride shares, there’ll be no crowd at the exit gates, and clear sidewalks. If you’re walking alone, stay alert and near other safe groups of people.
Lastly
Have fun revisiting your pictures and videos! Going back through them will immediately bring back all the great memories. Post to social media! I love hearing about up and coming artists and learning about new trends (for example, what a silent disco is) from people who attend festivals.
Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!