During the cold winter months, Delaware doesn't see much action (take it from someone who spent 18 years in the state). It seems that for many, they are only wasting time until warmer weather starts to arrive. With the arrival of June also brings more than 80,000 people to Dover, Delaware, for Firefly. For 4 days, people from around the country sing loudly, dance, laugh, and forget about their worries. When you arrive at Firefly, it really does feel like you've stepped into another world. Firefly has come a long way from its start in 2012, it only had 48 music acts in just 3 days. Nowadays, the festival has expanded to more than 100 acts and covers over 4 days. The 2016 lineup includes act such as Mumford and Sons, Blink-182, Florence and the Machine, and many more. Still not convinced that you need to go to?

Let's start with the Lineup.

These are the acts that have performed the past two years at Firefly. I had the opportunity to attend both Firefly 2014 and 2015. Combined, I know I saw more than 40 acts these past two years. I could list all the bands I've seen but that would take too much time. It's easy to see the bands you want to see during the festival and for many the lineup is the big draw.

Ticket Prices

With tickets going on sale at $299, Firefly is one of the cheapest music festivals around. Coachella charges $399 for just one of its two weekends. Bonnaroo is a little less at $349.50 for 4 days.You can get many of the same acts that perform at these festivals at Firefly.

Food. Enough Said.

The first time I ever had a deep fried macaroni and cheese ball was at my first Firefly in 2014, and my life has been forever changed for the better because of it. With endless amounts of options to chose from, Firefly is able to satisfy everyone. From chicken waffles to noodles, it's easy to find something you would enjoy. They even have vegetarian and vegan options!

The People

Everyone you meet at Firefly are all there for one reason, to enjoy the music. You join another community when you enter the gates; one that is friendly, fun and accepting. I remember when I was waiting for another act to start, my friend and I played the Ellen Degeneres game "Heads Up!" with two complete strangers! People will give you water if you've run out and don't feel like standing in line. Sometimes out of random fate, you meet two guys from Colorado, and the day after the concert, you end up driving them to the airport because you got to be such good friends with them! There is just something in the air in the Woodlands, that once you're here, everyone is your family no matter what.

The Ability To Be Front Row For The Band You've Been Dying To See Since Forever

For Firefly 2014, my friend and I decided that we wanted to be front row for Imagine Dragons. And you know what? We accomplished just that. For 7 hours, we stood and slowly made our way up to the front of the Main Stage. We had the opportunity to see Third Eye Blind, Grouplove and Twenty One Pilots throughout our wait. Last Firefly, Paul McCartney was one of the headliners, and I knew a friend who waited more than 9 hours just to be front row. In normal concerts, you're confined to a seat number. At Firefly, you can move around, dance or be shoulder to shoulder with someone in the front row. Anything is possible.

Atmosphere

One of my favorite memories from my past two years attending Firefly has been dancing at 1 o'clock in the morning with my best friend to Cash Cash. See, after the headliner for the night performs the party doesn't end. My group and I decided to stay that night (you somehow aren't tired at Firefly), and it really was the most fun I've had. My best friend and I danced like nobody was watching, and we didn't care if people were. Many who saw us probably thought we were on some drug of some sort, but we weren't. We were just enjoying the atmosphere.

I have to say that nothing beats sitting in the sand and listening to Jack Johnson live. This is probably my second favorite memory at Firefly for completely different reasons. It was just so calming and relaxing. To me, it was a perfect way to end Firefly 2014 (props to whoever coordinated that!). Firefly isn't just about the excitement, it's about really enjoying the music and your surroundings, too.

Camping

Since I live only 15 minutes away from the Woodlands, I've actually never camped for Firefly. It's something I've always wanted to experience, because I feel that it gives you the full experience of Firefly. But I've had friends who have camped, and I've visited their campsite multiple times. Inside of the campsites, you will find market vendors, a general store, food trucks, bars and even people doing morning yoga. Showers are available and so are cell phone charging stations. There is even an option for "Glamping" or Glamorous Camping.

Crowd surfing?

Yes, it happens more often than not. The first time someone crowd surfed over me, I actually didn't realize they were coming, and I just supported them with my head. It can be dangerous. I've seen people fall right in front of me because people couldn't push them forward. But it can be fun and exhilarating. It's something that should be done at least once, if you are brave enough. Don't worry, security personnel are waiting at the front to lift you over the barrier and send you back to your friends.

The Thicket and The Hammock Hangout

Two cool attractions that Firefly offers when you aren't jamming out to your favorite band include The Thicket (a silent disco) and the Hammock Hangout. When you are in the Thicket, everyone has headphones on and two DJ's are each spinning tracks. You pick which DJ you want to dance to and then that's when the magic of The Thicket happens. Take your headphones off and you won't hear anything. Put them back on and all you hear is the music. It's a great way to pass the time between acts or if you aren't really feeling any of the bands that are playing at that moment (really last year I went there 3 times, no lie).

Located in different areas of the Woodlands, The Hammock Hangout offers just that: hammocks and relaxing. Whether it's just you or another person added in, anyone can chill in this secluded area. You can lay in a hammock and still be able to hear the music from Main Stage. The hammocks are surprisingly comfortable and after laying in one, I wanted to buy one myself! But be warned, this is a pretty popular attraction and it might be hard to find an open hammock later on in the day.

Fashion

Festival clothing is much different than what I or anyone wears on a normal day. Would I ever wear a hat like that walking to class on a Monday? Probably not. But at a music festival, you can wear whatever you want. I think half the fun of going to a music festival is picking out your outfits. Sunglasses and a backpack are key to your festival experience. Don't be surprised at some of the outfits people will wear during the weekend. The hotter the weather, the less clothing people will wear.

Dogfish Head Brewery

Brewed right here in Delaware, Dogfish Head has been the official sponsor of beer at Firefly. Though I haven't been 21 these past two years at the festival, many of my older friends have enjoyed drinking different craft beers at the festival. How cool is it that beer brewed in Delaware is able to be used at Firefly?! They even have their own beer just for the weekend called "Firefly Ale". Dogfish has been with Firefly since the beginning and I'm sure it will be there for many more years to come.

With only 82 days left until the start of Firefly, many people are starting to get excited. It's an event that people look forward to for much of the year. It's sad to think that I won't be able to go this year and know I'll definitely be suffering from FOMO for much of the weekend. So take the advice of a Delawarean and experience Firefly for yourself. I'll return to the festival next year, and when I do, I hope to see you there.