Are Outdoor Music Festivals Popular?
There are several factors that contribute to outdoor music festivals' popularity. These include the return of country music festivals, the rise of electronic music, and the increased popularity of camping at music festivals. The following is a quick overview of some of the most important factors. To understand these factors, we must understand the history of festivals and their varying influences.
The return of outdoor music festivals after the COVID-19 pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the outdoor music festival industry, the question of whether these festivals are safe is a pressing one. Although a significant number of concerts and festivals were cancelled in the wake of the disease, Coachella has announced that it will not require festival-goers to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 results. The announcement comes amid an increase in coronavirus cases throughout the United States. This is particularly troubling given that the festival is largely outside and attracts an average of 125,000 people per day. Many festival goers also camp during the festival, making it an even more risky proposition.
While officials at the Hollywood Bowl say that the delta variant is a cause for concern, they also point to the large percentage of attendees who have been vaccinated. In addition, attendees at the venue are required to wear masks to prevent infection. Public health officials and festival programmers hope that the increased anxiety and desire to avoid risking illness will motivate concertgoers to get vaccinated.
The emergence of electronic music festivals
The rise of electronic music festivals in the US has been quite rapid, with the first EDM festival in California in 2006. From there, it has grown to become a lucrative industry and is now influencing the global festival circuit. While some festivals are relatively new, some have been around for more than two decades, and their growth parallels that of the global rave scene of the '90s.
In 2011, the electronic music festival circuit expanded to include new events like Escape From Wonderland and Electric Forest. These events are now considered some of the largest music events in the world. Even after the global economic crisis in the 2000s, the massive cultural affairs have come back in style and continue to attract music fans from across the globe. These events also boost consumption and tourism in economically disadvantaged areas.
Although most people associate electronic music with urban clubs, outdoor non-urban electronic music festivals have been around for decades. The KaZantip festival in Ukraine, the Destiny/World Electronic Music Festival in Toronto, and the Boom Festival in Portugal have all started as outdoor music festivals. Other festivals include Melt! in Ferropolis, Germany, EXIT in Novi Sad, and Decibel Festival in Seattle.
The resurgence of country music festivals
The popularity of country music is exploding. With the rise of crossover pioneers such as Lil Nas X and Kacy Musgraves, the genre has become more diverse and accessible. Other notable artists that have branched out of the traditional realm of country music include Darius Rucker and Mickey Guyton. A recent article in GQ explains how this genre suddenly went from being a niche genre to a mainstream force. In 2020, country music's stream popularity is projected to rise 16%, compared to an overall increase of 3%.
Country Summer, an outdoor music festival in Northern California, has been growing every year. It attracts over 70,000 people and features a stacked lineup of country music legends and big-name artists. Its spectacular video walls and state-of-the-art staging make it an outdoor concert experience for country music fans. In addition to headlining big-name acts, the festival also features a large roster of local acts.
Another festival with a country music twist is the Moondance Jammin Country festival, held in Walker, Minn. This festival features a range of country acts, as well as themed camping competitions. There are also beer pong and softball games on-site. The festival has featured acts such as Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, Dwight Yoakam, Sara Evans and others.
The growing popularity of camping at music festivals
If you haven't attended a music festival in a while, it's probably not the best idea to try it. You may be worried about the heat and how to stay hydrated. That's why most music festivals offer camping packages with pre-built tents and bedding. It's also a good idea to bring some easy snacks like cheese, trail mix, and peanut butter to keep you hydrated. Most festivals also provide drinking water, so you don't have to worry about running out of it.
Some festivals have embraced the environment by donating donations to local charities. The Green Man Festival in the Brecon Beacons, for example, encourages audiences to donate food and camping gear. The donation money raised is then donated to charities such as Help Refugees. Festival goers are also encouraged to recycle their tents and other camping equipment.
Camping at a music festival offers you the chance to get away from civilization and enjoy the outdoors while still enjoying your favourite music. Not only will you be able to see hundreds of bands over a weekend, but you'll also have the chance to meet new people. These festivals are so much fun and provide priceless memories, so it's worth checking them out.