Austin City Limits Music Festival | 2018
Did You Know? The music festival industry is currently worth $3bn globally and continues to grow, according to research by Festicket, which arranges tickets and accommodation for music festivals. According to record-keepers, the worlds largest festival is on an island in Austria. Donauinselfest, or the Danube Island Festival, that regularly attracts more than 2 million festival-goers. (via)
Living in Austin, it’s really hard to ignore the Austin City Limits Music Festival. The city is consumed with people, music & one big party. Admittedly I’m not a big music festival person – traveling to different cities to knock out big festivals. I’m too tired. But I join in Austin’s because I can participate at my own pace & go to my own home afterwards. And I can’t say I don’t like dressing in the festival gear, minus glitter because that’ll follow you around all year.
I’m all about a theme & changing up my regular clothes for something more creative, so during the festival I try to do so. I love that everyone else does too, you can find people wearing anything! For example, hats. I’ve never worn them before because my head is too big. But I found this adjustable one that actually fits! (Big head people know what I’m talking about.) Bonus, it protected me from the sun & kept my body cool – real game changer.
Besides that, less is more in Austin generally speaking as far as clothing is concerned. 9 months out of the year it’s freaking hot, especially at the crowded festival. I went for neon this year, orange because I like it, and as comfortable as possible. I linked everything in my pictures.
As far as performances, I loved Odesza. I didn’t even know about them until I was there watching- I was blown away. They had a full drum line, incredible graphics on the big screens, fireworks, everything. I love full blow performances that are packed full of stimulation & energy. Live music is so different than listening to music at home, I notice my preferences tend to be very different – which is why I’m always giving live music a chance, even if I don’t know the performer, & I suggest you have that approach too!
I learned Metallica fans are die hard.
I’d also like to make note that I managed my anxiety pretty well for a big crowd. You can see from the pictures that there’s an overwhelming amount of people and at times you can find yourself smashed in between them. Don’t let that totally freak you out, there’s stages that are smaller & areas that are less crowded, it all depends what your preferences are.
Do you think people actually like being in the middle of a smashed crowd at 2pm? In direct sunlight with temperatures at 90 degrees & no air movement? Hmmm… I’ve always wondered how that works.
Last year I was turned off from ACL Fest because there was an overwhelming amount of young kids that looked extremely intoxicated from a cocktail of things. I’m fine with extra curriculars for the people that feel comfortable indulging, but seeing so many young kids almost wiped out didn’t create a comfortable atmosphere. You have your whole adult life to indulge if you so choose, but I felt sad kids weren’t being kids. Sneak a little alcohol perhaps, but run around and listen to music, kiss friends, whatever. I was turned off from festivals after that & pretty disappointed. But I’m happy to report this year was noticeably different. People looked awake, kids were being kids, I noticed people throwing trash away in actual trash cans, the security people were patient and kind – I left really happy with the overall personality of the festival. A complete 180 from last year (here). I’m not sure what changed, but it was a pleasant happening & I can say I’m proud to be a part of it now.
Do you guys go to festivals or skip the crowds completely? If you’re a big festival go-er, which is the favorite one you’ve been to? I’m always curious since I’m only familiar with this one in Austin.
That’s all I have for now! The only thing I ask is that you all say a little prayer to your spirit of choice and ask that I please move in to my new place this weekend. Thanks in advance.
Oh! And, be thoughtful,
K Bye.