- 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
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 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 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 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 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!
