I’ve only attended a handful of music festivals, but every time I return from one there are always things I wish I had known or done before the weekend occurred. The following are a few tips to keep in mind before attending a music festival.
Early Bird Tickets
Even if you’re just considering going to an upcoming music festival, the first crucial move to make is to buy an early bird ticket. Yes, at the time one hundred dollars (give or take) may seem like a lot of money, but trust me, it’s better than paying up to 300 percent face value for a ticket.
If you decide last minute not to attend, you can sell your ticket and make a large profit… and frivolously spend your money on something else.
In order to catch an early bird ticket you need to sign up for the festival’s newsletter to be informed of the tickets release date. To sign up for festival newsletters, visit the festival’s website and join their email list. You’ll save a large amount of money in the long run!
Download the App
Major festivals create their own application, available for download on smart phones, a few weeks before the festival. Most apps feature pages such a site maps, line-ups, set times, media and merchandise information. Some apps will notify you during the festival of artists about to perform and other updates.
Plan Your Lineup
Festival lineups typically are released three months out to the date of the festival. While there’s an array of performers to choose from, it’s best to pick the artists you want to see before your musical weekend begins. Once in the festival, there are only a handful of signs displaying who is playing where. You don’t want to miss whom you’re most excited to see!
Bus Transportation
If you’re traveling long distance to attend a festival, you’re not going to want to drive to and from the site everyday. If your hotel/motel is a few miles away, check out the local bus root. It’s cheaper than a taxi and much more convenient than you would expect. Busses typically come every 15 to 20 minutes and there always tends to be a stop by the venue.
What to Bring In
Whether you carry in a bag or fanny pack, there are a few essentials you should make sure to throw in:
– Tissues: You most likely will be dancing on a large field all day… so you will be getting hot and dirty. It’s nice to have a pack of tissues on you to wipe dirt off your body.
– Hand Sanitizer: Festivals typically have high attendance numbers, obviously meaning lots of bodies. To steer clear of germs make sure you use hand sanitizer throughout the weekend.
– Blanket: Keep in mind; it’s a long weekend. You’re not going to want to be on your feet all day, everyday. It’s nice to lay out a blanket and relax and listen to music when you need a rest.