I recently went to Montana’s favorite summer party, Headwaters Country Jam in Cardwell, Montana, with a group of my friends. Music festivals are always fun summer events that pull us away from the reality of summer jobs, internships, and looming fall classes. Whether it is something as large scale as Coachella or something as down-home and dirty as Headwaters Country Jam, you know you're in a for a good time. My personal favorite is country music, so having a three-day concert in my home state of Montana is perfect. Although I already can’t wait for next year’s Country Jam, here is just a few things I learned from this year that nobody tells you before you go.
1. The People
If you dig people watching, look no further than Montana’s Country Jam. We saw chick fights, guys wearing coyote pelts, and watermelon helmets, just to name a few. Nothing is better than ending the day of music with drinking beer on the tailgate and watching the people who go by.
2. The Smell
It’s bad. If you drink enough, you won’t mind. But damn Montana boys, ya’ll smell. Not to mention being a bit too close to the portable toilets, and other fresh scents that are no doubt bound to come with all that Country Jam is.
3. The Booze
You will need to buy way more than you think you do, and this is because you will drink way more than you previously thought was possible. (Sorry, Mom.) The fun and debauchery all starts here, so if you're into it, don't slack off in this department.
4. The Music
It’s good, fam. Try your best not to get blacked out drunk before the headliner comes on, because you'll miss a solid show. Carry on a good buzz, but don't be the one that barfs in the mosh pit and ruins it for everyone around you.
5. Don’t Dress Up
At least not too much, because anything nice you have will most likely get trashed. There is dirt and mud, food, sticky booze, and so much more that you do not want on any nice belongings of yours. There’s plenty of ways to look country cute without going overboard.
6. Fast Food
We left our campsite one day to head into the nearest town, Bozeman, to grab a few things and shower at a family member’s house. Hungover in the morning, we grabbed some fast food breakfast at McDonald’s and I swear it was the best breakfast any of us had ever had in our lives. Of course, all of the fun happens at the campgrounds, but you won’t miss too much if you head out for an hour, it can be totally worth it.
7. The Fun
Cheesy, I know, but until you hit up Headwaters Country Jam, you will have no idea how fun of an environment it is and how much of a summer highlight it can be. Once you go, you will be so ready to go back.
