Summer festival season is officially swinging, enticing music and art lovers to travel near and far in hot pursuit of favorite artists and unforgettable experiences. According to Billboard, 32 million of us attend at least one music fest every year in the U.S., traveling on average 903 miles. It seems we’ll go almost anywhere for the promise of good-time environment and marquee lineup.
Yet, committing to a weekend, sometimes more, for any festival can be overwhelming. Tickets are far from cheap and weather is ever-unpredictable. Crowds and lines are almost guaranteed as part of the experience. So why do we continue to hand over hard-earned dollars in exchange for hefty-priced tickets?
Festivals give us unparalleled opportunity to experience a huge spectrum of artists in a few days’ spree while enjoying a concentration of sights and sounds with friends. We wake in the morning with the sole goal of “fest-ing,” and rest with the dream of doing it all again the following day. Plus, the excitement generated by a major event offers a chance to catch a new destination or city at its peak.
So how can we optimize the experience? Whether your GPS is tracking Chicago for Lollapalooza, Austin for Austin City Limits, New Orleans for Essence Fest, or maybe going international for WOMAD in the UK or Secret Solstice in Iceland, these tips from festivals organizers and veteran attendees will help squeeze the most festive out of every event.
Upgrade Your Day
Most festivals promote VIP packages or extras, but is upgrading worth the cost? Jill Wheeler of Red Mountain Entertainment, producers of Sloss Fest, says two often included perks can drastically enhance the experience: private bathrooms and viewing areas. “VIP usually has Crowd Pleasers (portable bathroom trailers), instead of port-o-lets,” says Wheeler, adding, upgraded access often comes with up-close stage views and no crowds.
As an event programmer and frequent festival-goer, musician Philip Foster understands the appeal of VIP packages, but usually opts for being in the mix. “I go for the music and the other people,” says Foster. “My people aren’t hanging out in the stage-side pool or hot tub.”
Bottom line: The real value of upgraded tickets depends on the experience you seek. Dissect perks individually to determine which make your festival experience better or easier and which are nice, but fluff. Commemorative merch is cool, but doesn’t directly impact the experience, whereas access to exclusive parties and, yep, clean toilets with short lines, those can be weekend-changers.
Site Smarts
Dehydration is a headlining buzz kill. Enter the gate with a water game plan. Pinpoint water stations on the site map and know rules for bringing your own bottle, suggests Wheeler. Ideally, pack a refillable bottle and replenish throughout the day.
Festivals and full sun go together like funnel cake and beer, so be sure to pack sweat-proof sunscreen and a hat. Think like a stage manager, let act changes be your signal to overhaul by reapplying SPF and downing water.
Even with clear forecast, have light rain gear handy and wear comfortable shoes that can hack rain and mud. Remember, you may not melt while catching your favorite band in a deluge, but your phone or camera may. Speaking of gear, Foster cautions to check festival policy. “Don’t show up with your $3k camera or digital recorder and mics at a ‘no photography or recording allowed’ event,” he says.
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