This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the annual music festival, Lollapalooza, in Chicago, Illinois. It was easily the highlight of my summer, and I am sure the cast of thousands who also attended the festival would be quick to agree with me. There is nothing that screams summertime more than jamming out to your favorite artists under the hot sun. Whether it be in a big city or a local park, attending a music festival is something I recommend everyone do at least once in their lifetime!
1. You get to experience the excitement of exploring a new locale.
Whether the festival is held in a city or in the countryside, the area comes alive with the arrival of the attendees. When you are not watching the various acts perform, you have the opportunity to sight see, or my favorite activity: people watch. Local vendors know the festival will be a highlight of the year, and will use this opportunity to showcase the products they have for sale. There may even be after shows featuring local artists, allowing you to continue the party all night long.
2. You get to enjoy all of your favorite artists in one venue.
The most obvious reason to attend a music festival is the sheer number of artists you get to view for one ticket price. Whether you narrow your choices down to two shows, or decide to go all out and pack as many in as possible, you are getting the most bang for your buck. After all, a one day pass might cost the same as a nose-bleed ticket to a concert for one of today’s top artists.
3. You get to indulge in refreshments that showcase the local food scene.
Long gone are the days of snow cones and hot dogs that we come to associate with fairs and festivals. With so many people condensed in one area, local restaurants know they have a prime opportunity to showcase their cuisine, and go all out. Celebrity chef and Chicago native, Graham Elliot, curated Lollapalooza’s “Chow Town” and customers had the opportunity to dine on options such as Lobster Corn Dogs and Truffle Mac and Cheese.
4. You have the opportunity to rock "festival fashion."
Music festival fashion has truly become an industry as some online vendors and retail stores have sections featuring “festival clothing” or clothing bundles so you can buy your entire outfit in one convenient location. Whether you splurge on a new outfit or pull something together out of the back of your closet, this is your opportunity to go out of your comfort zone. Music festivals have an anything goes mentality, and this is definitely evident by the crowd. This is your opportunity to go a little crazy, or an excuse to finally rock a flower crown.
5. You get to bond with your friends and other festival-goers.
There is no bond stronger than those you make with the others standing in a mosh pit in 90-degree weather. You channel the energy of the crowd as your wait in anticipation for minutes or hours to see your favorite band. Someone might bring beach balls to toss in the crowd, or you will all cheer energetically when the sun goes behind a cloud and you are blessed with a moment of shade. The camaraderie everyone has for a short period of time, whether it is waiting in line for the Porta Potty, or dancing in a crowd under a summer storm, is one of my favorite aspects of attending a music festival.
