Electric Zoo, Fire Fly, Panorama, and Electric Daisy Carnival are all events I've attended. Governors Ball was almost added to the list but unfortunately I was a Sunday ticket holder. Music has always been important. I was a flautist, cellist and in chorus but all careers short lived due to my lack of talent. I settled with the next best option and became a fan. I've attended countless concerts and legs of tours but nothing is better than a festival.
Festivals incorporate music with fashion, food and good company. Tour legs and standard concerts range from $30-$75 in my personal experience, for an opening act and main act. However, Festivals make it possible to spend on average $150 to see countless big name artists. Running from stage to stage, watching the set times and stage names carefully and screaming when you hear your artist say "HELLOO *insert festival name*" is all part of the excitement. I love the rush of grabbing my friends hands at the end of one set and dodging other music lovers on the run to another stage to see the another big name. Festivals aren't always packed out with well known artists; a lot of the performers that play during the day are there to try and gain a larger fan base from those just walking around. New artists and up and coming performers can use a festivals platform to help get their names known.
Music isn't the only amazing thing about festivals. It's the fashion as well. Depending on the festival, the style ranges. EDC and EZoo are of course known for the rave bras and sparkle, even if that trend is fading into the shadows. However, not all festivals are as flashy. Panorama and Coachella follow the same boho shabby chic style. Each gathering has it's own voice in clothing and buying that new outfit or rummaging the closet is a highlight for me. Recently, a girl I attended Panorama with got interviewed and photographed for her street style. Strangers won't hesitate to throw compliments and you shouldn't either. It feels as if everyone is friends when the bass is pumping.
Festivals go all day and unlike a standard concert, you will get hungry. Food trucks and carts litter the sides of paths and stages. Governors Ball even released a Food Lineup for its NYC foodies out there. Vegan, Vegetarian, Meat-lovers and just your average eater can all be accomidated with the selections I've seen.
Going to these events has so many positives to it. They offer cheap high quality entertainment and even better company. If I could offer my two cents about what to spend your money on, it would be on the experience of the countless festivals in your area rather than Chipotle three times a week.