The end of 7th week marked the beginning of prepping for Summer Breeze, UChicago’s annual music festival organized by the Major Activities Board (MAB). Saturday, May 14th was filled with darties (or dagers, if you prefer), a carnival on the Quad, lots of waiting in line for free food and a chance to use the photobooth, and anticipation for the music performers later in the day. This year’s lineup featured Tokimonsta, a DJ and producer from Los Angeles; SOPHIE, electronic pop producer from London; Brooklyn-born hip hop artist Joey Bada$$; and headliner Jeremih from our very own Chicago!
Despite the event’s name, Chicago’s moody weather made for a chilly Saturday – the event might as well have been called “Summer Freeze”, as some people captioned their pictures on social media.
Given the weather, long lines and many other things to do throughout the day, here’s a list I came up with of some Do’s and Don’ts for Summer Breeze:
DO’s
- Get a group of friends together and hang with them – too many people can be hard to keep track of, but a few friends makes the day even better!
- Try to head to the carnival earlier rather than later to take advantage of the free food and paraphernalia.
- If you’re not the most patient person but want to try riding the mechanical bull or some of the other fun activities, head to the carnival (again) later in the day for shorter lines.
- Wear layers if you get unlucky with the weather! No one’s going to see your tank top and bralette under your North Face; take some cute pictures inside and then layer up.
DON’Ts
- If you’re not that into the opening acts, then take some time to reenergize in your dorm before heading to the concert. Don’t bother getting there too early! People end up pushing their way to the front if you’re not assertive, and the extra hour you’re there to get a good view doesn't end up mattering.
- Power naps can be a good idea, but set an alarm! Don’t sleep through the concert, or late enough that the doors have closed and you can’t get in to see the acts you really cared about.
- Between running back and forth from parties to the carnival to dorms, don’t forget to hydrate and eat! Order in some pizza or stop by a diner, but remember to grab some food.
Overall, Summer Breeze had its up and downs and was definitely a learning experience. If you didn’t get to make it to any of the events on Saturday, make sure to check some of them out in 2017! Next year I’ll be sure to take all of these Do’s and Don’ts into account when planning what to wear, when to eat that and where to go with my friends! Fingers crossed Chicago will bless us with a day warmer than 45º in which the sun comes out more than twice throughout the day.
