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Festival Wren camp planning, Festival Camp Planning CHECKLIST, festival guide, Your festival experience

Shut the SUMMER down with SOUND!

What’s up festival fans? It has been a minute, but I am coming at you now from the Nashville and Middle Tennessee scene so get ready…we are going to wear interstate 40 and 81 out NEXT year during 2024 Festival Season chasing those tunes. Please check out the new and improved website, Festival List and shop for all of your festival camp needs.

Now I hope you have not given up on the boys of Summer. The final few this year will be the icing on the cake, so to speak. With this three on the list, I bet your ears will be ringing for days!

My TOP pick this year is LOUDER than LIFE!
If you ever crave that sea of black and the riff that will scare the dog (my dog at least) – look no further than this packed line up for 2023. One of the top music events of the year, Louder Than Life will feature performances from a spectacular list of rock artists including: Tool, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Avenged Sevenfold, Godsmack, Pantera, Queens of the Stone Age, Weezer, Limp Bizkit, Megadeth, Turnstile, Rancid, Falling In Reverse, 311, Pierce The Veil, Run The Jewels, Corey Taylor, Coheed and Cambria, Royal Blood, Parkway Drive, Bad Omens, BABYMETAL and many more.

Last year After cementing its title as America’s Biggest Rock Festival with a record-breaking attendance of over 170,000, Louder Than Life returns bigger and better than ever on September 21, 22, 23 & 24, 2023 to Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Prepare to live louder – all you need to know:

Don’t be a bag-less, cash caring fool, without a MAP, download the app.

GET The Official Festival App – MAC or Google Play
First time here you will need the app! Need set times, or looking for merch? We have an app for that. Download our app and get access to the festival map, set times, and where to lock down your must have Louder Than Live merch, and more – all in seconds.

New for 2023 – They’re Going Cashless

Credit, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay will all be accepted. Don’t forget to register those bracelets, BEFORE.

Hydration Stations
You may bring in one (1) factory-sealed bottle of water (20oz Max), and / or an empty reusable plastic water bottle into the festival. Refill throughout the day with water at the complimentary hydration stations. Water and non-alcoholic beverages will be for sale at all concession stands.

MEMPHO #2

Memphis, Tennessee, the city known for its rich musical heritage and mouthwatering barbecue, is gearing up to host one of the most anticipated events of the year: Mempho Fest 2023. This annual music and arts festival, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanical Gardens, promises a memorable weekend filled with world-class music, delicious food, and a celebration of the city’s vibrant culture.

A Musical Extravaganza

Mempho Fest is a celebration of diverse musical genres, and the 2023 lineup is nothing short of spectacular. Music lovers of all tastes can expect performances from top artists across various genres, including rock, hip-hop, soul, and blues. Whether you’re a fan of legendary acts or emerging talent, Mempho Fest caters to all with its carefully curated lineup.

New for 2023, Mempho Fest is pleased to announce the addition of the Overton Park Shell Stage, presenting emerging acts like Aquarian Blood and The Runaway Grooms, as well as a sacred soul revue curated by Memphis-based record label Bible & Tire Recording Co. and featuring Dedicated Men of Zion and Faith & Harmony. Festival goers can also look forward to the return of silent disco in the eye-catching Incendia Dome, plus non-stop music on the Adams Keegan Stage and secondary stages.

Immersive Cultural Experience

Mempho Fest isn’t just about the music; it’s also a celebration of Memphis’ rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the various art installations and exhibitions that pay homage to the city’s history and creativity. The festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Memphis’ soulful culture, from its iconic Beale Street to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Delightful Culinary Offerings

No trip to Memphis would be complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine, and Mempho Fest doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The festival’s food vendors offer an array of mouthwatering dishes, from world-famous barbecue to soul food classics. It’s the perfect opportunity to savor Memphis’ culinary delights while enjoying the music and festivities.

Community Engagement

Mempho Fest also emphasizes community engagement and environmental sustainability. The festival is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and promoting eco-conscious practices. Attendees can participate in various eco-friendly initiatives and learn about the importance of sustainability in preserving Memphis’ natural beauty.

Family-Friendly Fun

Mempho Fest is not just for adults; it’s a family-friendly event. The festival offers activities for kids, making it an ideal outing for families. From interactive art installations to kid-friendly music performances, Mempho Fest ensures that everyone in the family has a fantastic time.

Mempho Fest 2023 is set to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together music, culture, and delicious food in the heart of Memphis. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, this festival offers something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible celebration of all things Memphis. Get ready to groove to the music, savor the flavors, and embrace the culture at Mempho Fest 2023.

Last but NOT Least – AFTERSHOCK

Get ready to rock and roll as Aftershock Music Festival 2023 descends upon Sacramento, California, for another electrifying weekend of music, camaraderie, and unforgettable performances. Aftershock has earned its reputation as one of the premier rock and metal music festivals in the United States, and the 2023 edition is poised to deliver a sonic explosion like no other.

A Lineup That Rocks

Aftershock is renowned for its stellar lineup, and the 2023 edition is no exception. With a diverse array of rock, metal, punk, and alternative acts, there’s something for every music enthusiast. Previous years have featured headliners such as Metallica, Foo Fighters, and TOOL. This year TOOL returns yet again and this year’s other headliners are expected to maintain the festival’s tradition of excellence.

In addition to the headliners, the lineup features a mix of iconic bands and rising stars. Attendees can look forward to powerhouse performances, including those by bands like Slipknot, Halestorm, and Korn, along with many others that will have you headbanging and singing along all weekend long.

Aftershock isn’t just about the big names; it’s also a platform for discovering new talent and experiencing the raw energy of emerging artists. Be sure to explore the smaller stages to catch up-and-coming bands that may become the next big thing in rock.

The Ultimate Fan Experience

Aftershock is more than just a music festival; it’s a full-blown fan experience. Attendees can engage with their favorite artists through meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and immersive fan zones. The festival’s organizers go the extra mile to create an environment where fans can connect with their musical idols and fellow enthusiasts.

Beyond the music, Aftershock offers a variety of entertainment options, including art installations, interactive experiences, and a diverse selection of food and beverages to keep you fueled throughout the festival.

A Sense of Community

One of the most remarkable aspects of Aftershock is the sense of community it fosters among rock and metal enthusiasts. Fans from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared love for music. It’s a place where you can be yourself, surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your passion for rock and metal. AND remember, CROWD SURFING IS ILLEGAL.

Aftershock Music Festival 2023 promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the festival’s storied history. With a lineup that packs a punch, a thriving fan community, and an array of experiences beyond the music, Aftershock offers a unique and exhilarating weekend for rock and metal fans.

So, if you’re ready to embrace the thunderous roar of guitars, the pounding of drums, and the electric atmosphere that only a rock festival can provide, mark your calendars for Aftershock Music Festival 2023. It’s a celebration of music, unity, and the timeless spirit of rock ‘n’ roll that you won’t want to miss.

That’s my LIST and I’ll be checking the announcements for 2024 festival season, hope to see you out there as we end the summer right! Don’t for get your ear plugs!

2020 Festival Countdown

I don’t know about you but once the cold weather sets in and I am stuck inside I start to go a bit stir crazy! For me, the only thing that keeps me “Radiating Positivity” all winter long is dreaming about all the fun times this Summer and planning for the Summer festival season.

Personally, I’m trying to keep my head from exploding from all of these festival lineup announcements! 2020 is going to be one festival season that really has amazing festival experiences for any musical tastes and the lineups announced so far are really star-packed.

While we are still waiting for the lineup for LOCKN’, there have been quite a few announcements that are definitely worth talking about. A few that are absolutely STACKED and a few that left much desired.

Recent Headliner Announcements

Bonnaroo 2020 came in hard this year with a heavy metal headliner, TOOL that had not released an album in 13 years and the first female headliner, Lizzo.

For some, these two headliners may be relatively new, but both have been around for quite some time, and now it is the time for them to shine. I don’t think you could ever come up with two performers who are so diverse and who are loved by two very different fan bases. You know it is going to be GOOD as HELL!

Tool fans awaited the 2019 release of Fear Inoculum – and after 13 years of the band’s hiatus, the band became the first act ever to have a song in every spot of Billboard‘s Top 10 Rock Sales chart. And any fan can tell you why…

If you have never listened to TOOL, I suggest you start here: TOOL – Reflection off of Lateralus and then work your way back to the angrier and savage releases of the ’90s, to get familiar and only then you should relish the evolved sound of Fear Inoculum. Here is a link to the full song list for Tool – Lateralus.

Those who know and love Lizzo, are aware that she dropped multiple albums in 2013 and 2015 before her first major-label release. In 2019, she grabbed the attention and the spotlight has not left this talented lady. Here is the album playlist that started it all:

The other acts further down the bill include Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey, Vampire Weekend, The 1975, Run The Jewels, Megan Thee Stallion, Brittany Howard, Tenacious D, Leon Bridges, Jason Isbell, and The 400 Unit, Young Thug, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, the Grand Ole Opry featuring special guests, DaBaby, Grace Potter, Nelly, Pinegrove, Slowthai, Nilüfer Yanya, Orville Peck and Yaeji, with many others. This year the Superjam comes courtesy of North Carolina electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso. Here is the Spotify Playlist:

Something for Everyone

No matter where you live in the US, there definitely is a festival for everyone. A few more announcements that I have to mention is Governors Ball in NY – with headliners like Tame Impala, Stevie Nicks, Vampire Weekend, Ellie Goulding, Miley Cyrus, Portugal the Man to highlight just a few.

The Peach Festival in Scranton, PA, started by The Allman Brothers Band always brings the jammiest bands for the celebration at the Pavilion at Montage Mountain and Montage Mountain Ski Resort. And as you can see the lineup is STACKED.

And we can’t forget one of my favorites in Virginia, Floyd Fest which received top honors (once again) in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s ‘Best of the Blue Ridge 2020:’ “Best Festival Overall” and “Best Kid-Friendly Festival” They also snagged Runner-Up honors for the following: “Best Kid-Friendly Adventure”, so if you have little ones and have always wanted to experience a music festival with them, this is the BEST one to enjoy. This one is also an all-volunteer run so definitely check it out if you have some free time in July.

This year LOCK’N Festival instead of August, they have moved the date to June 19 – 21, 2020 to celebrate Phil Lesh’s Birthday (from the Grateful Dead).

This one is definitely TOP of my list. Nestled on a farm in the mountains of Virginia, I have seen some of the BEST performances of my life at this festival over the years. Jam fans and Virginia is waiting for them to Announce this one. Fingers crossed for Stevie Nicks and Widespread Panic.

NOW is the BEST time to start planning your festival camp!

Looking at my 2020 Festival List can definitely give anyone some serious FOMO and can leave you BROKE if you just pick one! That is why I set up this website, after 12 times on the farm in Tennessee and countless other music festivals around the country, I have learned to pack light and to always take the BEST festival gear. This website recommends my top gear suggestions and helps to find the BEST prices on four and five stars Amazon products to save you some cash as you get ready to FESTIVAL!

Check out my curated gear pages: General Admission, VIP, Super VIP for the BEST festival gear to fit any budget where you can literally see the lowest price you can find an item for on Amazon. And if you are not sure what to pack, I have a downloadable/printable PDF Festival Camp Essentials Checklist to help you plan for your BEST festival camp set up.

Stay warm out there everybody as Jack Frost is nippin, and as we hibernate, and dream about the summer festival season I hope this gives you some inspiration to start planning and to make a decision.

I know where I am going! I’ve got my hands up they’re playing my song … nodding my head like YEAH…IT’S A PARTY IN THE USA!

~Wren

If you like this article be sure to like my page on FB, Instagram, and subscribe to my YouTube for festival updates, new blogs, and more camping music festival gear tips!

2020 Festival Lineups

Happy New Year Festival Fam! Here we go again!

It is going to be one amazing festival season this year and I am already counting down the days until I can run barefoot in the grass on the FARM!

For me here in RVA, the season says it should be cold, but I was barefoot’n yesterday. Which is very unusual, but we all know this is a sign of the times so as I anticipate and some, suffer through the winter days, I have plenty of good Spotify playlists for you to listen to as you try to figure out what festivals will be on your calendar for 2020. And for some of you who already have your tickets in hand ((lucky you!)), you can listen too! (Playlists at the end)

This year I have a new website that features all the must-have gear you need for your next music festival and it will help you find the BEST prices on Amazon. I have a downloadable/printable checklist so you can start preparing now!

What’s on your GEAR list?

2020 Festival List

On my 2020 Festival List page, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite camping music festivals and the links to their official websites so you can buy from them directly (unlike some other fest sites) and you can check out the 411 on all the FESTS you are interested in.

A Few Honorable Mentions

While we still await the announcements of a few of the BIG ones, there are a few who have already announced and definitely need an honorable mention as you plan where you spend your money this festival season.

April 2020

One I definitely have to mention is Sweetwater 420 Festival! If you have never been to this festival in Atlanta, it is easy to get to with a flight to the International Airport and a MARTA train ride into the city.

THE LINE UP IS STELLAR JAM FANS!!!

Atlanta in May usually has mild weather and will be a nice place for all you Phish phans to school to at the beginning of Summer. I was lucky enough to catch both Trey Anastasio Band and Joe Russo’s last year at Lock’n and I was pleasantly entertained by both, and they both put on a great show. No one can say JR is just is a cover band, they will melt your face off.

Here is a sample of that Tray A performance at Lock’n 2019

May 2020

Now definitely buckle up and get your earplugs ready for MAY of 2020!

We’ve got Shaky Knees, Epicenter, Rockville, Hangout, Sonic Temple, Rooster Walk, and DelFest all competing for your attention.

Two definitely to keep an eye on are Shaky Knees, and Hangout!
Booth features a really great selection of bands like Smashing Pumpkins, The Strokes, Joan Jett, and Portugal the MAN for Shaky.

Hangout is not only on the beach at Gulf Shores but features RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and Lana Del Ray. All who come as a recommended MUST SEE if you can get down to Alabama. Plus it is just a nice time of year for a visit…not too hot and humid. (Update – Hear this one is SOLD OUT! Good luck getting tix!)

For my metal fans out there Epicenter, Rockville, and Sonic Temple have lineups that will leave your ears ringing for days! With dueling double nights of METALLICA, layered in with various other classic heavy metal noisemakers like Deftones, Disturbed, and Slipknot heading up the other days mixed in with a lot of amazing acts, any of these FESTS will give you a nice metal injection.

Last year Rockville did not disappoint, but they have changed it up this year and are heading to Daytona Beach. If you pick any one of the 4 they look like any of them will be some major mosh filled fun.

Speaking of GOOD EAR plugs

I shopped all-around and found high fidelity earplugs that reduce volume levels with absolutely no loss of sound quality, clarity, or muffling. They are powerful hearing protection with up to 25 decibels of sound reduction (25 SNR), one of the highest levels available in the market. They have a low profile, they are clear, and most of all you can HEAR CRISP CLEAR ACOUSTICS – This is one of my top recommended MUSIC FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS – for under $30 on Amazon

The last two I have to mention are smaller festivals you may have never heard of before but they are two that really are worth checking out. Rooster Walk in Martinsville, VA and DelFest in Cumberland, MD. Both feature beautiful festival grounds and are very special small festivals compared to some of the other bigger East Coast fests.

The 12th annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival will take place May 21-24, 2020 at Pop’s Farm, located in the rolling countryside surrounding Martinsville, Va. Rooster Walk is a 4-day festival celebrating music, art, and the great outdoors at the idyllic Pop’s Farm venue. With roughly 50 bands performing on 6 different stages, an eclectic roster of great music guides the Rooster Walk experience. The VA locals know this is the place to be at the end of May!

DelFest, Memorial Day Weekend always has amazing line ups for anyone who loves the sound of banjos and pickers and this year is will be no exception. With names like Billy Strings, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, The Infamous String Dusters, and Old Crow Medicin Show, and more to be announced, this one is a gem! The DelFest grounds also include a lazy river where you can TUBE and float down the river while you enjoy the music.

June 2020

I don’t know about you but I am not any good at the clues for Bonnaroo, and I have not been keeping up with them, but I am really anticipating this lineup! I am still editing video footage from last year, but I promise to post my videos of the Astronaut, the parachute, the dinosaur and me as the winter winds on and I am indoors daydreaming of those sunny days in JUNE!

This year LOCK’N Festival has thrown fans a curveball…
instead of August, they have moved the date to June 19 – 21, 2020
to celebrate Phil Lesh’s Birthday (from the Grateful Dead)

If you have not been, this one is definitely TOP of my list. It reminds me of the same vibe as the first few Bonnaroo’s. Nestled on a farm in the mountains of Virginia, I have seen some of the BEST performances of my life at this festival over the years. We will have to see the lineup. Only time will tell.

I’ve heard rumors of Tool and RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS at ROO…

and

Tedeschi Trucks Band and WIDESPREAD PANIC at LOCK’N and I will be following these announcements closely!

It looks like I will be up ALL NIGHT for weeks!

Need some MFWSP! Come on, can I get SOME?

I could keep going but these 3 months alone can break anyone’s bank account and there is plenty of time for me to blog about more music festivals and my insider guide articles the rest of 2020, so stay tuned!

2020 Festival Playlists

For your listening pleasure! (if you Spotify)

Sweetwater 420 Festival

I am super excited about the upcoming year and I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Peace and Love!

~Wren

If you like this article be sure to like my page on FB, Instagram, and subscribe to my YouTube for festival updates, new blogs and more camping music festival gear tips!