In lieu of the recent Made in America music festival here in Philly, I've officially come to the conclusion that I hate music festivals. Having attending Governor's Ball at home in New York as well, I feel as though I can soundly say that music festivals just aren't the affair for me. And it's not because I'm not into the music that's performed--my music tastes are super diverse--rather, the atmosphere and the vibe just don't seem to sit right with me. So, while I understand the appeal of music festivals, I resolve that they really just aren't for me.
My biggest problem with music festivals is the nature of the crowd. Picture this: thousands of intoxicated 16-25 year olds, half dressed, sticking and pushing into you as you stand motionless. Since both festivals I've been to have had an appearance by rain storms and gray skies, also imagine being soaking wet, freezing, and mud kicked up by other people caked to your barren legs. Oh, and you also probably have to go to the bathroom, but there's no chance you're making it through a crowd of people to wait on a 32-mile line for the port-a-potties. How lovely, right?
(A very unhappy festival-goer i.e me)
Other than the crowds, there's the inconvenience of the travel to get there. For Gov Ball specifically, there are two options: walk across the RFK bridge or take the ferry to the island. Both of these options are assuming you're starting in Manhattan, which chances are you aren't. In my case, my commute to the city involved a peak train ride, and a surged Uber fare, coming out to approximately $30 in fees alone. And if you thought getting there was annoying, getting home late at night trying to navigate the M, N, 1, 2, and 3 Subways is even more difficult; especially when you take the wrong Subway.
While the food is truly out of this world, it's nothing you can't find at Smorgasburg or a simple venture into the city. The prices are extremely inflated, and there's nothing you can really do about it. Be prepared to drop over $70 in food and drinks if you eat at least two meals and a snack. Also, account for a good hour and a half of waiting on food lines. I don't know man, maybe I'm just impatient.
Overall, the atmosphere surrounding music festivals is just maybe a little to hectic for me. Cash me at the Lady Gaga concert later this week though!!
