Music Midtown is a two-day music festival in Atlanta, GA, that has a variety of different bands. The Music Midtown lineup has just been released. So as a two-year veteran of this music festival, here are a few tips to help you survive:
1. What to wear:
Like most music festivals, you want to look as boho and cute as possible. You can still achieve that look while being practical. Bring a small cross-body bag that can hold a few things to hold you over when you're waiting for bands, and don't want to give up your awesome spot to buy overpriced food. Wear comfortable shoes. For the past two years, I have worn Converse because they are cute and comfortable. Believe me, you don’t want to wear cute sandals when you’re surrounded by drunk people jumping up and down to music. Your toes will thank you. Do not forget your sunscreen! You will be outside for up to 12 hours in the gruesome Georgia sun, so do not forget to put on sunscreen. Another tip is to wear a cute festival hat. This will protect you from the sun and help you look fashionable.
2. What to bring:
You want to bring the minimum amount of items when you go to a music festival. You definitely need your ticket to get in, money for food or drinks, MARTA Breezecard, unopened water, sunglasses, and your fully charged phone.
3. Food and Drinks:
Last year, during Eminem, I had to sit down because I almost passed out from not eating all day. After Eminem performed, I booked it to the nearest McDonald’s and ate two cheeseburgers and a Mcflurry. From this experience, I highly recommend bringing granola bars or any small kinds of snack food. I believe you are allowed to bring unopened water into the festival, but just incase, bring money to buy some. You want to drink as much water as possible because you don’t want to spend the whole day in the first-aid tent instead of seeing your favorite band perform.
4. Transportation:
MARTA is your best bet for getting to and from Music Midtown. There is hardly any parking at all once you get to Piedmont Park where the festival is held, and the parking they do have will cost you a lot more than a MARTA ride. The MARTA station where you want to get off at is Midtown. Once you get off, there are signs directing you to one of the gates to get to Piedmont Park. It is about a 15-minute walk, but it seems very short.
5. Strategy:
Music festivals are all about strategy. Two years ago, my strategy was to get in the gates as soon as possible to be in front row for Arctic Monkeys. I stood in the rain for five hours, sat through bands that I had never heard of, and had to crowd surf to get out. But it was worth it. You should plan out what time you need to be at each stage for, so you can get close and not be trampled. Also, I suggest deciding on a meeting place incase you lose your friends. Chances are that your phone will have died, it will be dark, and there will be hundreds of drunk people surrounding you when you finally need to meet back up. Create a meeting spot such as the first aid tent or by one of the gates.
Be safe, enjoy the music, and have fun!
