4 U.S. Festivals to Check out in 2018
Not everyone enjoys muddy fields, tents and huge crowds, but even if you don’t, you should experience a festival of some sort at least once in your life — there’s one out there for everyone.
Millennials seem to be the target market for entertainment festivals – they’re young professionals with disposable income and an itch for adventure. Plus, the overall experience of a festival provides a nice little getaway with friends or even your significant other.
You can check out of the real world and enjoy good music, interesting films, great food and drink as well as a mix of people from all over the country and even the world.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
If you’re already a seasoned festival-goer, then you know what to expect. If you haven’t made your way over to the other side yet, there are a few things you should know. Not all festivals are crazy, music-related or set up in a muddy field.
There’s actually a wide range of festival genres to choose from. There are music festivals, film festivals, wine festivals, beer festivals, taco festivals — you name it — it probably exists somewhere.
Some festivals are week-long events, and others happen over the weekend. There are also day-long festivals. They may be stay-on-site or maybe just a day trip. You can even glamp if you want to.
Festivals to Be Sure You Experience in 2018
Whether you’re an amateur or festival-expert, it’s time to have some fun. Check out the following 2018 U.S. festivals and get them on your calendar:
1. Coachella
Music festivals offer the most range in style, genre and comfort, so they tend to the most popular. They highlight not only big, world-wide artists, but they also introduce unknown talents. Coachella continues to hold its ranks as the number one music festival in the U.S. — held in Indio, California — with unbeatable headliners and the highest celebrity attendance.
This year’s headliners include Beyoncé, The Weeknd and Eminem and will feature slew of other popular artists. Treat yourself to this bucket-list event before it sells out — happening April 13th-15th and 20th-22nd.
2. South by South West
Austin, Texas is home to the highly anticipated South by South West conference and festival — an annual showcase of music and film.
The festival is responsible for the launch of music careers and has become the newest strategy for breakout artists. It contributes over $167 million annually to the local community as well. This year’s festival will feature artists from 63 different countries, and it happens March 9th-18th.
Image by @LuluDropo
3. Hangout Fest
Starting on May 18th, see hit artists like The Killers, The Chainsmokers, Kendrick Lamar and more in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Camp out on the beach at a designated campground or share a condo right on the ocean with your closest friends. There are many activities included with your Hangout Fest ticket like beach volleyball, Malibu Beach House and even a puppy kissing booth. Recharge at Hammock Beach or get married at the Hangout wedding chapel, located on the water.
A trip to Hangout Fest will cost a pretty penny, but it’s the experience you’re paying for, so try to look at it that way. To make sure you have the funds to enjoy yourself, start saving a portion of your income for this trip, as well as others you want to take.
You might also consider a credit card that accumulates airline miles so you don’t have to pay for airfare out-of-pocket. Find a hotel or condo option you can split among friends to save in that area. If you stay in a condo with a kitchen, prepare and cook some of your meals there so you don’t have to purchase food out all of the time.
Read More: Eat. Beach. Party. Repeat: 13 Reasons Hangout Music Festival Is THE BEST OF ALL TIME!
4. Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Ever wanted to camp in style? Well, now you can. If you’re not a fan of porta-potties, a field of mud pies or sweaty crowds, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival may be the festival for you.
Glamping has become the new popular way to enjoy festivals and other trips that may otherwise have more of an outdoorsy feel. In reality, people tend to avoid these experiences because of the camping side of it. Now you can stay in a fully equipped luxury tent. At this festival, a glamping package includes festival passes, beds, private restrooms, overhead lighting and much more.
Enjoy three days of music, food and other fun in the beautiful scenic Telluride, Colorado — the festival starts on September 14.
It’s time to discover your festive side because we all have one. You just need to find your niche. It can be food festivals, music festivals, film festivals — take your pick, and start planning today.
Get together a group of your closest friends for a really unforgettable experience out of town or set up a fun date with your significant other at a local beer fest. Your options are endless.
