Experience Recap: My First MR Fest

By Alexandra Cochran
Blog Content Contributor

When I started working for KTSW this spring, I never realized how much this radio station is involved. Not only am I lucky enough to work for a college radio station ranked 8th in this country, I get to be involved in the process of the annual festival, My Radio Festival or MR Fest, and this year marked the 10th year in a row.

What was so undeniably incredible about this event was the accessibility to all different types of music genres spread into multiple venues. Without the pressure of buying a ticket, you could cruise around the downtown San Marcos Square and stay all day or visit for just a brief moment.

If you missed out, here’s a rundown of all events:

The day started with overcast weather as the rain held off until the late evening. The Hitch kept a continuous crowd as it also offered food, beverages and shade from the food trucks. The crowd loved the ambiance and chill gusts of wind to cool off with while listening to the indie-folk bands set up for the evening. 

KIVA kept cool and provided its normal beverage bar to those 21+. Psych bands played the main stage while the karaoke room served as the rap studio. If you needed a place to cool down, KIVA was definitely the place to grab some chilled water. 

I was so happy to hear that one of my favorite art galleries, Dahlia Woods Gallery, was hosting as a venue for MR Fest and they had some of my favorite artists. With art and a bar full of refreshments, I was easily convinced into buying a crisp and cold Topo Chico to keep me going.

I visited Aqua Brew for the first time and was pleasantly amazed by the spacious patio and open bar concept. One of my new favorite bands, Glaze, performed and everyone was banging their heads along to the bass.

The Courthouse Lawn consistently provided on lookers with coupons from vendors and a chance to donate to Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center.

My trip to Valentino’s was short but sweet. With not much of a stage provided, it was a more intimate venue for everyone to tap their foot and sing along with bands. 

The Buzz Mill happens to be one of my favorite places to visit in San Marcos because of their all day breakfast menu and killer coffee. They also happen to be the official KTSW alumni venue! Everyone was really digging each band, and I now have a couple new favorite artists to listen to.

Stonewall is usually my go-to bar on regular weekends, but this weekend the MR Fest kickoff and after party was held here. The groovy disco balls and lighting gave this venue a classic and comfortable feel.

To end the epic event, The Marc hosted MR Fest’s headliners, High Waisted. New York based artists ended the night the only way KTSW knows how, with balloons falling from the second floor! Everyone was stoked to be in the cool AC with friends nearby. KTSW also provided a booth for those who wanted to come home with cool merch!

I’m so thankful to have this opportunity to not only be a part of something as great as KTSW, but to be able to work with such amazing people who love to be happy and do what they love! If you want to be a part of KTSW, reach out to us and stay updated with us on Instagram @KTSW_899 and our blog.

Check out some footage I captured as my first MR Fest right here:

Featured image by Brooke Adams.