A music festival is a large event, usually held outdoors, which features numerous musicians or bands performing back-to-back. Small festivals sometimes only last a day, but many of the most popular and well-known events spread over a weekend or longer. Many large festivals feature several stages and can usually accommodate numerous bands and musical numbers. Musicians are often really interested in performing as a way to give their fans a live show while also gaining exposure to new supporters. Festivals are usually organized according to some specific theme or genre, and typically incorporate a number of musical numbers both new and old. It’s also common to see festivals focused on certain national celebrations or ethnic traditions. Dancing and elaborate costumes are often part of both of these. Depending on the details and the location, festival organizers may offer things like camping facilities, showers, and bathroom access for attendees, which can make it easier to come from a distance. It’s not uncommon to find a range of food stalls, fairground games, vendors, and other attractions, either.
Basic Concept
Most music festivals are like extended concerts; they feature multiple bands playing more or less non-stop. They can be held indoors, usually in stadiums or in performance halls, but it’s much more common to find them outside. Stages are often set up in fields or in empty lots, and fans usually bring their own chairs and blankets to sit on while watching. Sometimes seats are provided, but this can add a logistical challenge and makes more work for the organizers.
Most festivals are held in the summer when the weather is more predictably warm and temperate, and they’re frequently on the weekends in order to accommodate fan work schedules, but not always. People who are very enthusiastic about attending or about supporting certain bands and musicians may make the event into a vacation.
Unifying Features
There is a specific genre of music associated with each festival in most cases. For example, some festivals will focus specifically on pop, heavy metal, or indie music, and the attendees will usually have a strong interest in artists within that genre. Most festivals publish the line-up of artists as soon as it is confirmed so as to give prospective visitors an idea of what to expect. Festivals taking place over multiple days may have one day dedicated to one genre and the next to another.
Benefits for Musicians and Attendees
These sorts of events are often thought of as fun and useful for performers and fans alike. Musicians usually like to perform because it gives them a chance to showcase their talents to many potential new fans at once. The variety of acts at most festivals means that some guests will only have one or two bands that they specifically want to watch on a given day. Many will end up listening to musicians that they may not have known about before, and could find that they like the sound. The acts may then increase album sales and garner support for future tours on the strength of an appearance at a music festival.
Ticketing and Admission Policies
Different festivals have different policies when it comes to admissions, but in most cases a general pass will allow a person to see as many shows as he or she wants. Seating is usually casual and unreserved, though at some of the larger events people have the option to purchase assigned seating, usually right up near or possibly even on the stage, and in some instances very popular acts may sell admission tickets that must be purchased in addition to a general admission pass. Multi-day festivals may give attendees the option of buying single-day passes, too, which is helpful for those who want to participate but aren’t able to commit to the duration of the event.
Some organizers start a music festival as a method of raising money for charity. The income from ticket and drink sales is shared amongst numerous charities or given to one specific charity at some events. Local businesses can also help set up and run the event, generating more income for the local area.
Common Amenities
If allowed, guests often will choose to camp on site over the entire course of the festival. Major festivals commonly provide specific grounds for visitor camping, with various food and drink vendors nearby. Additionally, amenities such as showers and toilets are provided at most events.