Memorial Day weekend, I had the exciting opportunity to attend Sunset Music Festival at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. SMF is an 18+ two-day festival held annually, typically at the end of May. It features popular DJs as well as on-the-rise artists in the EDM genre. This was my first time going to a rave-like show, so I was both nervous and excited. But, I didn't leave disappointed.
Due to arriving in Tampa fashionably late and my lack of knowledge of the artists playing on day one, I only attended day two. The gates opened at 2 pm., but I arrived closer to 4:30. When I first got to the gates, they checked my ID to make sure I was of age and then underwent a pat down. This isn't unusual for some concerts, and given the type of music played, I wasn't surprised. To enter, it was a simple tap of my wristband, and I was ready to go.
The stages were incredible. Each stage was intricately designed and had insane lights and sound. All the artists I saw were on one stage back to back for six straight hours, which was tough until the sun started to set. At night, the lights associated with each song was a show in itself, and when using Glow FX glasses, which distort color with kaleidoscope-like lenses, it felt like being in a whole other world. The sound was strong and with every bass drop, it sent vibrations through my whole body. The artists I had the pleasure of seeing were Funt Case, Bro Safari, Snails, Zomboy, and Borgore. If you ever have the chance to see them live, I highly recommend it. Be sure to check them out on social media and give them a listen!
The most convenient part of attending the festival is actually the admission wristband. Not only does the wristband get you into the festival, but it also acts as a cashless wallet. Online, I was able to pre-load some spending money for water, food, and merchandise. With this, there was no risk of losing my actual debit card or having it stolen since there was no need to bring it. The only downside to this method is it's very easy to spend money without realizing how much you're actually spending. Each food vendor and merchandise tent had a scanner that you tap your wristband on, similar to entering the gates. So, it was important to pay attention to how much I was spending on what items.
The atmosphere of the festival had to be what I enjoyed the most. The people who know me can easily tell you that most concerts I attend are in the indie, rock, and hardcore genres. So, I'm used to mosh pits, crowd surfers, and shoving crowds to get right in front of the stage. It's difficult but it tends to be worth it. This was completely different. There were no crowd surfers that I saw, so there was no fear of someone accidentally dropping on top of me. There were mosh pits but they weren't nearly as big or dangerous as the ones I'm typically thrown into. Although the crowds were large, with over 30,000 people attending the festival, there was adequate room to dance and enjoy myself. Everywhere I walked, there were people dancing, laughing, meeting others and having a wonderful time. It was relaxing, free-spirited and gave me an overwhelming new love for this music scene.
Unfortunately, all great things have to come to an end, but that doesn't mean they're gone forever. Of course, SMF will be in Tampa again next year, and I can't wait to see what great things and great people the festival has in store for us. If you have the opportunity to attend, take it, and experience not only a festival, but a family like no other.
