It’s fall festival season!
Festivals, to me, are not just about the music; it’s an experience that encompasses the community of like-minds, the charm of the setting where the music festival is rooted, and the unique, creative vibes that only a festival can offer. What I haven’t always loved about music festivals are the amounts of waste they produce, how little of the local economy also benefits from festivals or little details I can find about how to have a well-rounded festival experience that allows me to enjoy what’s happening on- and off-site at festival grounds. So, let’s take a dive!
Get ready to immerse yourself in a holistic festival guide that promises not just good music, but a plethora of rich and vibrant experiences that you’ll be talking about for many years to come.
Packing List Extraordinaire
- Attire with Flair – For a festival, think relaxed yet snazzy attire – make it based on the climate you will be in. For colder climates, you might want to opt for comfy linens, oversized sweaters, beanie hats, and retro sneakers to gel with the relaxed vibes. For hotter climates, your bag will be lighter with tanks, shorts, etc. Either way, material matters. Dry wicking material, cotton or other things that condense, roll or fit seamlessly are a plus!
- Creative Accessories – Pack accessories that feel fun and allow you to express your creative flair.
- Festival Survival Kit – Your kit should include a few must-haves: sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, a reusable water bottle, wet wipes, an umbrella and a portable phone charger and non-perishable snacks are essentials.
- Camping Essentials – If the festival spans a few days, consider packing a durable tent, a sleeping bag, and a headlamp to navigate at night. Things like a bear horn, a hanging line and a tarp are also great to have.
Travel Hacks to Swear By
- Pre-trip Planning – Use apps like TripIt to keep all your travel plans in one place. It can store your festival tickets, hotel bookings, and more. Apps like Kiwi can get you tickets secured with less up-front costs as well!
- Navigating the Area – Google Maps is your best friend to find local attractions, eateries, and hidden gems in the city hosting the festival. Other popular apps include Waze for navigation and ___ for finding public wifi.
- Travel Insurance – Consider opting for travel insurance from reputed providers like World Nomads or Allianz, which offer comprehensive coverage options, including event cancellations when festivals do not.
- Local City Apps – On top of using a maps app, consider downloading local apps to for either public transport, other events happening in the city (will alert you to road closures, entertainment, etc), or city tours, etc
Bucket List Experiences
- Front Row Magic – At least once, make your way to the front row. The energy there is unparalleled!
- Workshops and More – Participate in workshops or activities often held in festival grounds.
- Culinary Adventure – Dive into the culinary world that festivals offer – from food trucks to global cuisines!
- Sunset Moments – Find a spot to watch the sunset with the sounds of the festival in the background. It’s magical and will absolutely worth the trouble, I promise.
- Make New Friends – Festivals are a great place to meet people from all walks of life. Use conversation-starter games, research good prompts via ChatGPT or find apps that will help you make note of your magic!
Beyond the Festival Grounds
- City Adventures – Explore the city’s unique landmarks, museums, or art galleries that reflect its heritag
- Culinary Delights – Experience culinary scene by visiting local cafes, food trucks and restaurants, etc
- Community Engagements – Attend workshops, community meetings, or pop-up markets for pulse on the city
- Nature Retreats – Whether it’s a serene park or a nearby beach, take some time to connect with nature
- Nightlife Extravaganza – If you have time, take a look at how the locals do nightlife – bars, clubs or lounges where you can unwind and perhaps discover some local artists performing live and have a reason to return!
Photo by Adam Whitlock on Unsplash
