The SoundCheck Festival Guide

Article by Konstantina Buhalis / Contributions by Rebecca McDevitt

Everything you need to know to survive (and thrive) during festival season

Festival season is officially back, baby—and with Coachella Weekend One behind us, it’s time to dust off your fanny pack, break in those boots, and dive into one of our favorite times of the year. Whether you're vibing with the crowd in the California desert, road-tripping to your favorite regional fest, or planning an outfit like it’s a Met Gala appearance—we’ve got you covered.

🎸 Festival Sets 101

Let’s talk about what you’re really there for: the music.Every festival has its own personality, from the eyeliner-heavy nostalgia of When We Were Young, to the genre-blending chaos of Coachella and Bonnaroo, to the cowboy boot stomp of Stagecoach or Outlaw Music Festival. No matter your vibe, there’s a fest with your name on it.

Now, don’t expect artists to play their full-length, deep-cut, emotionally devastating encores. Festival sets are tight—usually under an hour—which means most bands opt for crowd-pleasers and hit-heavy lineups. Some go rogue and play an entire album (cough My Chem doing Black Parade at WWWY), but most keep it fun and familiar. If you're hoping for that one rare B-side from 2011... maybe save that for the headlining tour.

TL;DR: Festivals are for the greatest hits, the biggest sing-alongs, and dancing like nobody’s watching—because truly, no one is. They’re too busy trying to make it to the next stage in time.

🏕️ Festival Styles & Setups

Not all festivals are created equal. Some are city-based with hotels nearby (hi, Lolla!), and others are full-on camp-outs (Bonnaroo, we see you). Know before you go—because nothing kills the vibe like realizing your “rustic glamping tent” is actually a soggy field with 3,000 other people who also didn’t pack enough baby wipes.

Hotels are great if you can snag one. Book early or be ready to splurge. Airbnb? A solid move if you're rolling deep with the crew. Camping? It can be magical... or miserable. If you love sleeping under the stars and don’t mind waiting in line for a communal shower, go for it. If not, embrace your inner indoor cat and find a bed with AC.

Also: Always check if your ticket includes any kind of partner packages—some festivals offer bundles with local hotels. Hidden gem alert!

💃 Festival Fashion: Fit Check

Let’s be honest: for some people, the outfits are half the experience. And we’re not judging—we’re cheering you on. From vintage tees to rhinestone cowgirl moments, from DIY accessories to full-on runway slays, fashion is one of the ways fans turn festivals into living, breathing art.

Coachella used to be boho central, but lately? It’s evolved into full glam, high-fashion meets desert-core realness. Meanwhile, When We Were Young leans alt-nostalgia, and you better believe emo is back in black. No matter the aesthetic, a few essentials remain:

• Comfy shoes (your future self will thank you)

• A small bag (security will thank you)

• Sunglasses and sunscreen (your skin will thank you)

• A charged phone (for all the pics, duh)
  

Pro tip: If you’re rocking a look you’ll only wear once, thrift it. Or better yet—make it. Custom fits are always a flex.

That said—let’s be real for a sec. Festival fashion has a messy history with cultural appropriation. Leave the war bonnets, bindis, and traditional cultural attire you don’t understand at home. Respect is always in style. /

🧭 What to Expect (and How to Not Lose Your Mind)

Festivals are magical chaos. Long days, loud music, endless walking, and somehow you still forget your sunscreen every time. (Don’t do that.)

Whether it’s a smaller scene like Fixation Fest in Detroit or a multi-stage monster like Cold Waves in Chicago—planning ahead is your best friend. Hydrate. Screenshot the schedule. Wear layers. Map out your “must-sees” but leave room for discovery (some of the best sets are the ones you stumble into).

We’ve done both ends of the spectrum—press pit at Warped Tour 2016 (sweaty chaos) to chill hangs at indoor venues (bless the air conditioning and non-porta-potty bathrooms). No matter the setting, a good crew and good vibes make everything better.

Want insider tips? Join festival-specific Facebook groups or Reddit threads. People post everything from set time leaks to outfit inspo to survival hacks. It’s like having 10,000 festival big siblings giving you advice.

☀️ Final Thoughts

Festival season is about more than just music—it’s about community. It’s the strangers you scream lyrics with, the outfit you’ve had planned since January, the goosebumps during that one surprise guest appearance. It's chaotic, it's sweaty, it's unforgettable.

So prep smart, pack light, dress loud, and have the best damn time. We’ll see you in the pit (or the back, by the food trucks—no judgment).

And don’t forget your sunscreen. Seriously.

—#SoundCheckMag | #FestivalSeason #SeeYouInThePit #StayHydrated