Coachella, Firefly, EDC, Electric Zoo, Ultra, the list is endless...Music festivals have without a doubt taken the world by storm in recent years. It seems as if everybody has this vision of festivals from the unfortunate news they hear after the fact including deaths and other tragedies (think Tomorrow World in its last year) but in reality, music festivals are so much more than this. They aren't just a place where girls wear flower crowns and prance around on a multitude of drugs; they are a space where anybody and everybody is free to be themselves without fear of judgement. They are a place where kindness and happiness floats through the air and into your bones, an oasis where memories are made but never forgotten. Friends are made and relationships are strengthened, and all of the stress and chaos of day-to-day life dissipates for those few days that never feel long enough. Festivals hardly feel real when you're experiencing them, but you truly know they were once that post-festival depression hits.
Music is a force that unites and heals, and we've all had experience with this. Whether you're going through the hardest time of your life or the greatest, there's always a song to match your attitude and leave you with a memory of that time. It brings people together in a way unlike anything else, and taste in music is a common ground that can make or break friendships (in my opinion, at least). Now imagine being surrounded by thousands of people all in the same place as you for one reason: music. You can wear whatever you'd like, be whoever you'd like, and truly just exist in this space. Music surrounds you from all corners and the only thing you have to think about is which artist you'd like to see next. Sound like an okay time? It is.
Your festival experience will always, and I mean always, be an unforgettable one. Whether you're planning a trip to a mixed-genre festival such as Made in America or an all-electric one such as Electric Forest, you won't regret it. Each music festival has its own vibe that comes from the crowd, the artists, and the location. You may not be in love with all the festival has to offer, but you can make the best of it and enjoy each and every sensory experience that you can find. Before you go, remember to plan. If it's a camping festival, be sure to have all of your supplies for days' worth of living. If it's not, then be sure you have your hotel set in advance and that your entire festival family is on the same page as you. Remember that this is your experience and you can make it whatever you'd like; don't let your friends hold you back from seeing your favorite artist perform or from riding the ferris wheel, because you might not ever get that chance again.
Don't judge something you know nothing about. Music festivals are not the same as their reputation and until you experience it, you haven't the understanding that comes with it. Let's cut the festival stigma and start to appreciate them for what they truly are: a place of love, growth, and support. I encourage those that have never been to try one out at least once and if it's not for you, you have every right to voice your opinion but until you try it you'll never know. For me, music festivals are an escape from the realities of everyday life. They take me to a place that I cannot reach anywhere else, where I'm surrounded by good friends, good music, and positivity. So take a chance, take that road trip, and experience something great.. Then try to find a con in music festivals (other than super long lines).
