10 Ways to Save Money at Summer Music Festivals
The temperature is slowly dropping here in Kentucky, and I already have my eyes on summer. Like most millennials, attending music festivals is one of my favorite summer activities. This year I’ll be heading to the Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, for the second time, and the word excited doesn’t do me justice! Although these trips can create lifelong memories, they can also leave short-term dents in your bank account. So I put together this list so you can still have the best summer without spending all your savings.
1.) Volunteer
Probably the best bet if you are trying to save serious cash
.
Usually, you will have to work a few shifts and receive free access to the festival. However, with tickets ranging from $200-$500, this is a great way to reduce your trip’s cost drastically. Festivals will usually post volunteer application forms to their websites in early spring.
2.) Buy a Single Day Ticket
This is the way to go if you live close to the venue or are making the trip for one specific band. Keep a close eye on when the schedule is released, so you know which day your favorite artists are playing. A single-day ticket is your best option if you can forgo seeing the acts scheduled for other days.
3.) Get Cash Before Your Trip
This may be obvious for some, but if you are a procrastinator like me, listen! Save $$$ on ATM fees by withdrawing cash before your trip. Then, you won’t have to worry about tracking your bank’s ATM in an unfamiliar city or paying service charges at on-site ATMs. I found out the hard way in Portland this summer and discovered there wasn’t a branch of my bank within 500 miles!
4.) Stay Should Be the First Priority
Your hotel stay is usually the most significant trip expense, but it doesn’t have to be! Booking a room as far as possible usually guarantees you the lowest rate, but now even if you’re the last-minute type, you won’t have to sell your GoPro
to cover accommodations. Airbnb is an excellent service that lets you rent a personal home or room for a rate that is usually much cheaper than traditional hotels. Or if you can hang-style outdoors, pitching a tent
is always an economical option.
5.) Set A Daily Money Allocation
These events can get expensive, and it’s straightforward to lose track of your finances with all the fun going on! Impulse buying will happen, and you need to be prepared for that. Organizing your money in daily allotments (don’t forget travel days) will save you from going broke halfway through your trip. This tip can be used for anything in your everyday life and is referred to as “The Envelope System. “
6.) Watch For Deals From Festival Twitter Accounts, Sponsors & Local Eateries
These festivals are major marketing events for some of the world’s biggest brands, and they are doing everything in their power to get you away from the stages to check out their products. Follow the Twitter accounts of the summer festivals you’re attending and sponsor companies. Keep your eye out for giveaways, discount codes, and promotions. You may go home with something extraordinary or score backstage passes! Some of the most famous music festival’s Twitter accounts include @lollapalooza, @hangoutfest, @coachella, @GovBallNYC, and @forecastle.
7.) Buy A Bus/Shuttle Ticket
This step saves time and money. Festivals offer these tickets for around 50-$7o dollars and make daily stops to multiple locations, including the most popular hotels and camping grounds.
8.) If You Craft, Why Not Sell?
If you can produce things that can be used or worn at festivals, chances are you can sell them inside at a reasonable price. For example, things like handmade necklaces, bags, earrings, and purses are enormous hits in the festival-going community, and if you have a good enough demand, you could cover the cost of your trip.
9.) Pack Staples to Avoid Inflated Prices
Whether you believe it or not, the city of your festival will be anticipating the sudden influx of tourists in the area. As a result, retailers will have higher prices while you are there, and you should prepare as much as possible. Umbrellas, ponchos
, tents, and other festival staples become gold during these times, so it doesn’t hurt to buy what you can at home.
10.) Do Not Pay $7.00 For Water!
I repeat… DO NOT PAY $7.00 FOR WATER. Staying hydrated will be the number one key to success during your experience. Festivals go on all day, and it can get hot. Dehydration can quickly happen. Hydration Packs have become increasingly popular, with most festivals having free refill water stations. Either load up a backpack full of water bottles (find out the per-person limit) or bring a handy Hydration Pack.
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