Why Music Festivals Are Worth Your Money

By Sofia Gualy
Music Journalist

With festival season in full swing and lineups being released left and right, my mind is fully in music festival mode. Although pricey, music festivals are a one-of-a-kind experience where you can create your own schedule, see whoever you want and experience music in a completely different way. As an avid festival attendee, I can assure you that no matter what kind of music you like or what shows you normally attend, there is a fest out there for you to fall in love with.

Ever since I was a freshman in high school, I have gotten tickets for Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) in Austin, TX. Every year I would pick one headliner or other stand-out artist and decide to camp out at their stage all day waiting for their set. Now, I know this must sound like a waste of time to some, but some of my favorite festival memories were created on the burning hot barricade with my closest friends.

For artists such as Childish Gambino, Phoebe Bridgers and The Killers, my friends and I would come up with a plan and run to the headlining stages to ensure we get a spot on the barricade. Although I understand that most people would want to see as many artists as they possibly can at a festival, staying at one stage has its perks too.

Artists small and large typically perform at large festivals such as Lollapalooza or Bonnaroo. I always get so ecstatic for lineups to be released because I know that no matter how far I go down the list, there will be multiple small artists that I’ve been needing to see. Some of my favorite shows at festivals were typically on the smaller stages with bands or artists that I had never heard before that moment.

You essentially are walking around a park curating a new playlist for yourself as you hear different artists that pique your interest. There are very few places in the world where you get to see Miley Cyrus and Girl In Red on the same weekend, but festivals create the space for you to see all of your favorite genres in one place.

This past year when I went to Austin City Limits, I really enjoyed watching shows from the back and having enough room to dance and talk to my friends. I am usually the first person on the barricade or in the middle of a sweaty crowd but being in the back made me realize that wherever you are is a great place to be as long as you are watching a festival set. You have so much freedom to choose how to curate your experience.

All in all, the best part, and the reason I keep buying tickets for festivals is the memories I get to create while watching live music. I will never get tired of the excitement and entertainment you take in as a festival goer.

Featured Image by Sofia Gualy