One of my favorite parts of summer is the opportunity to attend music festivals. Some of the big ones are: Coachella held in L.A. near the end of April, Bonnaroo held in Tennessee mid-June, Summer Fest held in Milwaukee last week in June through the 4th weekend, Essence Music Festival held in New Orleans at the beginning of July, and Lollapalooza first weekend in August in Chicago. Having attended a few of these festivals I wanted to encourage music heads to go.

When one decides to attend one of these massive concerts how comfortably you plan to sleep should be the main focus. Most venues have a hotel with shuttle bus taking concertgoers back and forth, an RV campground, and a tent campground. I don’t mind getting a little dirty, but I do need: my A.C. (I have allergies!), electricity, non-public toliet, cheap food, and to be within walking distance of the shows. So when I attended Bonnaroo in an RV that was the best option for me, which allowed me to have these amenities with my friends at a reasonable cost. It all depends on how much you want to spend on your adventure. I would highly recommend you bring clothing and shoes you don’t care about destroying, a bathing suit, sunscreen, and tons of WATER!!! Other costs to conisder include: transportation, food and beverage, tickets, souveniers, bug spray, CD’s/DVD’s, and whatever else your heart may desire.

My sister calls me a hippie whenever I describe my love of festivals, and who knows… maybe I am. However, there is something to consider when you have thousands of people in one place all there to have a good time listening to great music. It is an amazing feeling. Can you think of another time when there is a mass of people peacefully enjoying each other? Another great reason to attend aside from the experience is knocking out acts you havent been able/willing to pay to see thus far, for one price. Last year I saw great shows (Common, Blackalicious, Atmosphere, Damien Marley, Tom Petty, Radiohead and more for $200!!) took pictures, went backstage, enjoyed exposure to bands/acts not within my favorite generes, and met all kinds of people for the price of what it would have been to see 4 acts. If you still decide that you don’t want to attend these fests, because they’re too expensive, then I suggest that you try something cheaper. Many cities have these types of activities going on throughout the summer, such as Chicagos’s Blues Fest, Jazz Fest or Taste. They all have music, food and fun, and many are free or under $20.

As we embark on summer I encourage you to attend a festival at least once in your life. It’s a great place to relax and de-stress yourself. Lose yourself in the moment. Enjoy the peaceful vibe and of course, Be Safe.