The ‘Tomorrowland’ Experience at the San Marcos Block Party

Jared Stautzenberger

Assistant Music Director

This past Saturday I had the chance to cover the first ever San Marcos Block Party event. Believe it or not, this was an official event that was given approval by the city. The Marc in collaboration helped set up an indoor and outdoor stage that made room for the DJs and performers. The day was filled with EDM sets, live coverage of the Texas State vs. UT game, and Waka Flocka Flame. 

We started off being at barricade for security as they were still setting up. As I waited in line, I realized how EDM heavy this event was. Almost everyone else waiting alongside me were decked out in typical rave-style outfits. The neon fishnets, funky hats, flow toys, candy bracelets, etc… It dawned on me that outside of Juicy J and Waka Flocka, this event was meant for the fanbase of Tape B, Hershe, and Cozy Kev. It was a hot day in San Marcos, but that didn’t stop the rave community from showing out. 

The sets started strong with ‘BMO’ playing an eclectic house mix while the lights inside The Marc were strobing as if it were one in the morning. I think this is the first time I’ve been inside The Marc while the sun is still in the sky. The early-bird ravers were starting their day out, while everyone else walked around the venue and prepped for the upcoming DJs. Tape B being the headliner of the event brought in a lot of his fanbase. People from all over the region came to party for the day and wore their custom Tape B merch. On the outdoor stage, Cozy Kev started off with a dubstep mix. Very rave. Very Electric Forest. 

While some people stood in front of the speakers and took in the bass, others stood around the yard in front of the city hall and did tricks with their hula hoops, flow toys, and fans. Vendors helped feed into that energy, selling their own flow toys, jewelry, scarfs, and all kinds of things perfect for a festival. The food and shaved ice vendors really helped bring it all together. Who needs ACL when we have the festival fun here in San Marcos? 

HerShe kept the dubstep vibe going outside while the party continued inside The Marc. Hip-Hop music was blasting on the dance floor while everyone was viewing the football game and prepping for Waka Flocka Flame. 

Finally, the moment I was most anticipated for, Waka Flocka Flame. He kicked off his set with his most popular songs, and the crowd went nuts. I was in front of the speaker set as I had a media pass, and it was as loud as it could be. The crowd mainly consisted of people who were around my age. They were raging and singing every lyric to every song. There was a moment where Waka Flocka just hung around in the crowd and started mosh pits. No security, just vibes. Luckily the crowd was respectful enough to let Waka Flocka join in peacefully. His set was amazing, and it definitely had the crowd ready for what was to come. 

The DJ sets inside The Marc continued on as the venue became more packed. Juicy J’s set outside had begun, and let’s just say it wasn’t the most appropriate set for everyone. A lot of interesting comments were made. The crowd was hype but in a different way. His set consisted of the smell of a substance I’m not allowed to mention and the feel of being in a nightclub but outside in broad daylight. 

I decided to end my day here, as being in the Texas heat all afternoon is not a joking matter. I thought the San Marcos Block Party was a fun experience, and it brought really fun music to the city that I feel was missing for a while. An event of this caliber being thrown for the first time in San Marcos was a lot, and it was well executed. Professional security and staff helped pull the entire thing together, and I hope the city of San Marcos is able to make this an annual occasion. Not only the students, but the locals and community that surround this area deserve to have this kind of fun. I believe if future events stay as safe and well planned as this one, this could easily be a staple for the city.