Why You Should Go to a Music Festival At Least Once In Your Life

Topshop Big Bloom Tie Wrap Blouse - Music Festival outfit featured by popular DC style blogger, Alicia Tenise

Shop this Music Festival Outfit:
 
If you’ve read my blog for a while, you’ll know that I love a good music festival. I don’t go to festivals as often as I used to (hashtag getting old), but now I usually travel to a festival once a year. This fall, I’m going to Austin City Limits, last year I went to Lollapalooza, and in the past, I’ve been to Coachella, Governor’s Ball and Sweetlife. Oh, and Landmark Music Festival (RIP) — anyone in D.C. remember that?

I know the idea of a music festival can be off-putting to most. Not gonna lie, there can be tons of teens, it’s a lot of walking/standing, and it can get costly. However, if you love music, or want to broaden your music horizons, I’d highly suggest swinging by a music festival soon!
 
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Topshop Big Bloom Tie Wrap Blouse - Music Festival outfit featured by popular DC style blogger, Alicia Tenise

What to Wear to a Festival, Zac Zac Posen Eartha Bag - Music Festival outfit featured by popular DC style blogger, Alicia Tenise

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Brixton Fedora Hat, Everlane Denim Mini - Music Festival outfit featured by popular DC style blogger, Alicia Tenise

ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Iconic Convertible Backpack - Music Festival outfit featured by popular DC style blogger, Alicia Tenise

MUSIC FESTIVAL OUTFIT DETAILS:
Top: Nordstrom (On Sale for $34!) | Skirt: ℅ Everlane | Bag: Zac Zac Posen | Hat: Brixton (Similar) | Earrings: Kendra Scott | Shoes: Similar
You Can Support Local Music Festivals

You don’t have to go to a major festival: you can support a local music festival in your area. Local festivals can still pull in major artists, but won’t cost as much as the big-name festivals. I was invited to the All Things Go Fall Classic here in D.C., but sadly, it’s the same weekend as ACL, and I won’t be in town. The lineup is incredible, the venue is a little smaller, and you can opt for either a one or two day pass so it won’t take up your entire weekend.  Festivals have boomed in popularity, and it seems like every regional area in the country has their own sort of fest nowadays!

Discovering New Artists

One of my favorite parts of going to music festivals is finding new artists. I attend festivals with my friends, and they might know of a band that I haven’t heard of, and vice versa. I’ll usually tag along with them to a set if they recommend an artist that I’m unfamiliar with. I’ve fallen in love with some artists after seeing them live, and I’ll immediately add them to my Spotify playlists after seeing them in concert, and keep up with them for years to come. 

The Food Truck Game is Strong

Listen. Some festivals have fantastic food truck options. One of my favorite parts about Governor’s Ball is all the food I get to eat: I’ve had the craziest dishes at food festivals, such as ramen burgers and sushi burritos. Leave it to me to eat my way through a festival!

The Memories With Friends

Oh man, this is so cheesy — but festivals are an excellent experience all around. Some of my favorite memories post-grad are at festivals: from all of the silly dances my friends and I made up during a show, to rooming with BFFs and laughing until the wee hours of the morning. Not to mention, brands who are sponsoring festivals sometimes have the most incredible pop-ups and demos!

Have you ever attended a music festival? What was your favorite thing about it? Let me know in a comment below!

Photos by Tom McGovern

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