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What
could be better than enjoying music, food, drinks and friends during
the summer months? In our opinion, absolutely nothing! That’s why we’ve
compiled a complete guide to navigating all the Indianapolis-area summer
music festivals with style.
Summer Music Festival Prep List
Check out our tips on how to prepare for festivals and organize your group so that you can maximize the fun quotient!
- Don’t
forget the following: foam mat or cushion, toilet paper roll, baby
wipes, facial tissues, spare bottle of water, towel, camera
- Be
sure to get your tickets early! There would be nothing worse than
road tripping it to your destination, just to be turned away
because the festival is sold out.
- Know
the schedule in advance. Some festivals post preliminary schedules
or which band is playing on each stage. Highlight your “must-see”
bands to be sure you don’t miss a thing!
- If camping, try and camp on a slight hill. If it heavily rains, you'll be at an advantage.
- Locate
a group landmark. If someone in the group gets lost, everyone can
meet at said landmark easily. Cell phones obviously help in this
type of situation, but if you have a designated location to meet,
it will simply aid your reunion.
- Know
the rules! If you are permitted to bring your own food, beverages
and items such as captains chairs, that’s good to know in advance
so you can come prepared. The rules are different everywhere. Some
festivals welcome your four-legged pal and others do not. The same
holds true for glass containers and other common festival-specific
items.
- Take
a cheap rain poncho. These will help keep you dry and will also
cover you up when you have to do your business in the bushes if
you're particularly shy.
- During
the night, it could become several degrees cooler. Be sure to
dress in layers or bring a jacket or blanket to keep you snug.
- Never
bring any type of valuables to a festival. No iPods, iPads,
expensive watches or jewelry unless you want it lost or stolen!
- Remember
that it’s going to be a long night or weekend and it will be wise
to pace yourself when consuming alcoholic beverages. Try the old
water trick by having a glass of water after every alcoholic
beverage and before you choose to indulge again. The worst thing
would be to wind up with a hangover and unable to enjoy the
fantastic tunes!
Monthly Summer Music Festival "Top Picks" List
Check out these Indianapolis-area festivals of varying musical styles to see if anything happens to sparks your interest:
May Summer Music Festivals
May 11-13: Fair on the Square 317-374-5332
Greencastle’s
courthouse square in historic downtown will include a weekend of
musical entertainment, children’s rides, crafts, art, vendors, delicious
food
May 19-20: Broad Ripple Art Fair
225 artists, four stages of entertainment, two food courts
May 25: Rockin’ on Main
Main Street in Speedway features this street festival with live music, food, activities
June Summer Music Festivals
June 8-9: Med Flory Jazz and Blues Festival
Logansport’s Little Turtle Waterway presents great music, tasty food, free Saturday music workshop
June 9: South Bend Blues and Rib Festival
Downtown South Bend features some of the world’s best blues and area’s best ribs
June 16: Blues, Grooves and Spirits Festival
Five blues bands, beer, wine, food, arts
June 22-24: Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering
Tippecanoe
battlefield is the site for this three-day acoustic music festival
featuring the best in old time folk, swing and Celtic music
June 30: Pennsy Trail Art Fair & Music Festival
Greenfield’s Historic Pennsy Trail will feature artists, children’s art activities, live music, BBQ, food, winery, micro-brewery
July Summer Music Festivals
July 13-14: Cedar Valley Bluegrass Festival
Live bluegrass music both days, arts and crafts, camping, family show
July 13-21: Three Rivers Festival
Located in Fort Wayne Headwaters Park, marching bands, food, crafts, amusement rides
July 14: Fremont MusicFest
Varying types of musical entertainment from jazz to country, parade, kids games
July 20-21: Oldenburg Freudenfest
German music, dancers, food, games, beer garden
July 21: Dancing in the Streets
Downtown Lafayette features two stages of live entertainment, classic car and motorcycle cruise, food, beer, wine
July 21: Noblesville Streetdance
The courthouse square of historic downtown Noblesville will include local food, children’s games, car show, live bands
July 28: Biggest Block Party Ever
Downtown
Columbus will consist of two musical stages, 12 bands, children’s
activities, downtown restaurants with special menus, wine, beer
August Summer Music Festivals
August 2-5: Jasper Strassenfest
German music, food, dancing, rides, games, beer garden
August 25: Uptown Jazz & Blues
Downtown Lafayette will include three stages of continuous live jazz and blues music, dancing, food, beer, wine
September Summer Music Festivals
September 1-2: Metamora Old Time Music Festival
Lane’s End Barn on Whitewater Canal will host free performances on two stages, including the dulcimer, banjo, guitar and more
September 8: BBQ & Blues
McCormick’s Creek State Park will feature live blues, BBQ, children’s activities
September 8-9: Columbus Scottish Festival
Celtic music, bagpipes, dancing, food, beer garden
September 14-16: Indy’s Irish Fest
Three days of Irish music, dance, shopping, food, beer, wine
Whichever festival you choose, remember that as long as you’re surrounded by friends, you can’t go wrong! Share your summer music festival stories and photos with us on Facebook or Twitter!
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