At one time, I used to like going to music festivals. Of course, it means leaving the house and being around people. A few years ago, I had some issues with kidney stones. Then I had a job that took up a lot of time that I used to spend going to concerts. Since 2016, my concert attendance has dropped to almost zero unless you count going to see my kid’s band concert. You’re probably all out there thinking –

It’s time to stop whining about not going anywhere and just do it. I still like the idea of going to festivals. This spring and summer, the plan is to go to smaller events and get back into the habit of being social in real life. There are three things that are really enjoyable about music festivals – music, band merch and meet & greets.

• Music everywhere. At most of the festivals that I’ve been to, there are bands playing on at least three different stages. Bigger festivals have more stages. However, at small festivals you can get closer to the stage.

• Band Merch. I’m a sucker for band t-shirts. Unfortunately, I don’t have the space for every band t-shirt. It doesn’t mean I won’t buy band shirts ever again.

So if I find something – like a cool print or a patch- and don’t regret anything. If I could get Manny Pacquimeow to wear shirts, I would buy him one. He’s so cranky though. Maybe he’s jealous because he doesn’t get to go to the show.

• Meet & Greets. There are opportunities to meet your favorite bands. Sometimes you have to pay too much. Sometimes you might only have to spend $5-$10 for a poster that the band signs. How much it means to you + your festival budgest = whether you can or will seize the opportunity. I love meet & greets. Obviously.
• Do not seize the musicians. It’s frowned upon.