When a lot of us think about music festivals, we often think about the good (the music, obviously), the bad (horror stories about dehydration) and the ugly (that Jimmy Kimmel interview with the fake band names, anyone?). While I know sometimes music festivals can have a bad reputation, and I know they're often way too expensive for a broke college kid, they really are an experience I hope everyone has at least once in their lives if their wallet allows them to do so.
For the past four summers (and a fifth this June), I've attended the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, and I've found those four days of the year to be the best of my life. Music festivals have a lot to bring to the table, and everyone can benefit from them. The following list is festival-goer approved reasons why music festivals can truly change your outlook on life.
1. The music
Number one is self-explanatory. The music is what everyone initially goes to a music festival for, right? There's really nothing like seeing handfuls of your favorite songs or artists playing within a span of a few days with a sunset as the backdrop. A great thing about music festivals, though, is their ability to bring you new, amazing artists you may not have found otherwise. I've found some of my favorite bands because of music festival lineups, and I can't thank them enough for that.
2. The people
Typically, music festivals are full of thousands of the most kind-hearted people you'll ever meet. Of course, you might find a rotten egg here or there, but they're few and far in between. They're more than willing to share with you, whether it's a towel to sit on, some sunscreen or a sip of water on an especially hot day. I still keep in touch with some of the people I've met there! Everyone is there for the same reasons you are: to have days filled with good music, happiness, positivity and good vibes.
3. The food
This might seem like an unlikely reason for someone who's never been to a festival before, but music festivals get the best food vendors from across the country to serve their patrons. I'm talking about everything from deep dish pizza to Indian cuisine, Amish donuts to taco trucks, local breweries to international delights. It might be slightly overpriced, but you're guaranteed days of happy feasting.
4. The activities
Music festivals need a way to keep you entertained while you're not grooving to your favorite bands, and they've figured out how. You can expect to find anything once you step through the gates, such as waterslides, yoga classes, 5K runs, ferris wheels and vendors, ranging from fanny packs and purses to medieval hair accessories (which I didn't know was even a thing until a couple years ago). I can't speak for other festivals, but Bonnaroo even has a comedy tent, a movie theater, a silent disco and a Christmas-themed club. I've been content to just sit and watch a professional hula hooper, though. The possibilities are truly endless.
5. The neighbors
Once you set up camp, it's a good idea to at least get friendly with your neighbors. These are the people you'll be spending the next few days around, so don't be strangers! If you have nice neighbors, they'll look out for your stuff while you're gone, and if there's a lull in concerts you'll have new but familiar faces to hang around with.
6. The feeling you get
I have never walked away from a music festival feeling anything but positive. The music combined with the great people, food and experiences really has the opportunity to change your perspective on life. It takes me a few days to turn off my "festival mode" because I'll find myself high fiving random people on the street, and unfortunately, that's sometimes frowned upon if you're not at a festival.
7. ...and did I mention the music?
Music festivals are expensive, but if you ever have the cash for it, go. There's really nothing like singing your favorite songs with thousands of other people nonstop for days. The energy that music festivals provide to the world is unmatched (at least for me, so far). Go travel. Go sing with your favorite bands. And go eat an Amish donut.
Just don't forget sunscreen and water!
