Fan Festival Ready

 

It's no secret I love music. I also love concerts. So music festivals for me are a no brainer. As you may know I recently attended the fabulous Slossfest right here in beautiful Birmingham, AL. You can read all about my experience here! That got me thinking, what are the best music festivals in the country? I have attended several and each year the lineups just appear to get better and better. What's really cool is when festivals book artists several months (possibly a year) in advance and then certain artists blows up and you get to see them at a premiere location without the hefty concert ticket price.  That seemed to be a trend at last year's Atlanta Music Midtown Festival (and it was amazing!). Let's get the list started!

Fest: Tomorrowworld

Where? Atlanta, GA

When? September 25-27

The name is enough for me to want to attend. A spinoff of the very popular Tomorrowland fest (held in Belgium at the end of July) this festival is like fairies, nymphs, woods, and music all rolled into one. Take a look at the line-up below and then buy your tickets  for this one of a kind dream, fantasy style event. They also provide VIP tickets, payment plans (perfect option for those of us on a budget) and "magical bus voyages" meaning they can take you from selected towns (Bham is an option!) right to the festival so that means you won't be the one driving in Atlanta traffic. You can just sit back and relax.

Watch the intro video here!

Tomorrowworld Lineup (photo credit: Tomorrowland.com)

Fest: Secret Stages

Where: Birmingham, AL

When: July 30-Aug 2

Much like the title suggests, Secret Stages is essentially that. This event is perfect for those of you who like up and coming musicians and bands as well as diverse music. The event used to be pretty secretive, hence the name, in fact I didn't even know about until 2 years ago. Definitely more of an underground scene so you will be treated to names that might not be big...yet. I like this option because it showcases new talent from around the country as well as local artist and the price tag makes me super happy ($35 for a weekend pass. And $75 for a VIP pass). Get your tickets now and make this a Birmingham weekend event. Check out the lineup here as well as listen to some of the bands and artists playing that weekend. Get all additional info including hotels, schedules and venues at the official page.

photo credit: Secret Stages.com

Fest: Lollapalooza

Where? Chicago, IL

When? July 31-Aug 3rd

Definitely one of the biggest festivals of the summer kicks off as summer as nearing an end. View the lineup below and then check the schedule (that lineup is intense, I mean Paul McCartney...yes). Tickets have gone fast for this one but there are still several options available for you to make it to the windy city next weekend! If you will be traveling and especially if you are with a group, I would recommend one of the travel packages which include VIP tickets and a hotel room, this option is for two and four people. Want more info? Just check here! I'm seriously so jealous if you are attending this one!

Lollapalooza Lineup (photo credit: Lollapalooza.com)

Fest: Ink-N-Iron Nashville

Where? Nashville, TN

When? August 6-9

Ok, I'll be the first to admit it, I'm not crazy about country music. But this festival looks legit. Nashville is one of my favorite cities (if you haven't been there before, you need to make a trip) and how can you not take this fest serious with the tagline "In the Land of Cash and Elvis"? Find out the entire schedule of where you need to be and when then pack up your cowboy boots and head over to one of the cities hotels currently offering discounts for festival goers. There will also be something called the Tattoo Hall and apparently some burlesque dancing. Ladies, you can break out that bustier for the Pin-Up Pageant (don't forget your red lipstick!). This festival looks like an absolute blast so get your tickets while you can!

Lineup (photo credit: inifestival.com)

Fest: Music Midtown

Where? Atlanta, GA

When? September 18 and 19th

This was hands down my favorite music festival last year. Music Midtown just always seem to get headliner after headliner and I love the variety (this years acts feature Elton John, Drake, Hozier, Van Halen, and Hall and Oates among others) check out the full lineup and schedule now. I would also suggest buying your tickets now as well as booking your hotel. We stayed at one of the hotels within walking distance and it was a great decision. When the city gets crowded it can be easier to tackle this festival (as well as most other fests) on foot if you can. Find out what the best hotel for you is and be sure to book early! They will fill up. The more I look at this lineup, the more I want to try and at least attend one day (probably Friday) of this two-day event. Hopefully I'll see you there!

Lineup (photo credit: Music Midtown)

I just mentioned a FEW of my picks but there are plenty of options coming up in the next few weeks and it's never too early to start planning for next year. If you are in a music mood check out all the festivals (USA and beyond) you can attend! The next big question...what to wear?

Here are my top 5 festival fashion picks!

1. Backless Dress

This Free People dress is perfection (also comes in a beautiful blue and light peach) plus the tassels are on trend and on point for this summer. Also, the color is great for fall with grey boots. Pair with a bandeau for more support or coverage if needed.


Free People Ayu Dress

 

2. Flower Halo

I know they are becoming cliché and "basic" but I just feel the need to put on one of these sunny halos when it comes to being outdoors and listening to music. Sunflowers are classic flower child.

Festy Besty Sunny Halo


 

3.  Birkenstock Sandals

Your feet will hurt at a festival. Take it from a girl who wore wedge heels to her first one, go for the comfort factor. They don't get much more comfortable than these, yes Birkenstocks are back. But this time they are more stylish and come in a wide array of styles and colors. I like this simple black option that will go with just about anything.

Birkenstock Sandal
 

4. Hip Bag

I know what you are all thinking...she wants us to wear a fanny pack? Yes...and no. These are not the bags you remember your mom wearing at Disney World in the 90's, they actually have very fashionable ones now. You may not trust me on this one but believe me having your hands free and not having to worry about a purse is a Godsend at an all day outdoor event. I love this fringe option to keep up with boho inspired fashions! Check out all these great (and stylish) options.

Hipsters for Sisters Fringe Belt Bag

5. High Waist Denim Shorts

I love a good denim short. These have practically been a go-to this summer and I have been living in them since I bought them way back in May. High waist shorts can be easier at a festival since you will most likely have to sit on the ground throughout the day and these are much easier than hip hugging or low rise options. Also, remember to bring a towel or blanket to sit on! Rain showers are common in the summer and the last thing you want is to sit in a muddy area or get dirt on your clothes in general. I suggest just bringing an old beach towel or if you really desire one of those fold up chairs (if you have the space).



Lovers+Friends Jack High Short

Happy Thursday! Hope you find the festival for you!

XOXO,





Sloss Fest 2015 Event Review

Hey guys! Hope everyone is recovering nicely from the weekend. Is it me or does July seem to fly by? I can't believe we only have ten days left this month! I'm trying to make the last part of summer count and take advantage of all the exciting things going on in Birmingham. I was so excited to attend the first-ever Sloss Fest this past Saturday. The event held at historic Sloss Furnaces, was a two-day music and art festival and let me just say it was AMAZING!
 

I was supposed to be out of town this weekend but when that got nixed at the 11th hour, I was sad about not going to Florida but a little relieved. I had already gone out of town last weekend and have several upcoming trips that I would rather save my money for. But what to do? A friend quickly reminded me that our own Birmingham, AL would be hosting a brand new music festival. I love music festivals and travel to them quite frequently so how could I pass up the chance to attend one right in my own backyard? I put on my flower halo (my trusty Festy Besty) and the comfiest dress I could find to head over to Sloss Furnaces.

What is Sloss Furnaces? Well, if you want to know the history, don't worry I took the above pic just for you. If you want more of a one sentence answer, it's an old, former furnace in the middle of downtown Birmingham, AL. Think it sounds a little creepy...it is. So much so that legend says the furnace is haunted and it has one of the best Halloween themed attractions in the South by the name of Sloss Fright Furnace. But last time I checked it's July not October so back to the festival. I was pumped about a festival being right here in my hometown and was pretty amazed at the lineup.

 

We arrived a little after 6pm, it was really humid that day due to previous thunderstorms a few hours before but the atmosphere was super energetic. Also, this was the BEST dress ever for a music festival. It was comfortable and I loved the tie-dye in soft pink hues. I will definitely post about the entire outfit and other fashion/beauty tips for any music festival. It was crowded but not unbearable by any means, I think the event team did an excellent job of crowd control and having the three stages set in different locations made things easy to find and watch. I mean just look how relaxed the crowd looks.

After a bit, we got thirsty and needed to rehydrate so the first thing I saw was a juice bar amongst the line of food trucks. Local business Sprout and Pour were offering up some delicious juice options and I just had to try the Watermelon Lemonade. Let me just say it was heaven on a hot summer night. It was delicious! I will definitely be picking up some juices in the future and hope to see them at other events. I took a pic (blogger rules obviously) and then later realized that I had the wrong side facing (blogger fail) so of course I took another one. It was in the dark but hey I got the name in there this time!

 

Sprout and Pour Take 1

Sprout and Pour Take 2...seriously try this stuff!

It was fun walking around the old furnace with music in the background and beautiful once the sun began to set. It's funny how something like an old building can look so serene and lovely at night.

There was also plenty of lighting. If someone were to trip and fall, believe me I would be the victim. But not to worry there were lights all around and every spot of the event area was covered. It was really cool to see how they changed this place up to fit a music festival. Although I shouldn't be too surprised since this venue actually holds lots of weddings. This was the perfect ambiance for the night.
 

As I said earlier there were three stages aptly titled Blast, Steam and Shed (all furnace things ha-ha get it?). Blast and Steam seemed to be the bigger stages and Shed was literally in a Shed, it could have been bigger but that area was packed at the time we checked it out.
 

Blast Stage

Loving the neon pink décor

This can kind of provide you with a better glimpse of Shed, it had these pretty fountains in front and surrounded by a lot of really cool art vendors. I picked up two posters that I can not wait to add to my home! If you live in Bham, I would suggest looking at Yellowhammer Creative, they have some really cool vintage style posters and pictures along with specialty tanks and tees that remind you of landmarks and such from the city.

The Shed lit up

They also had iron pouring stations which went along with the theming of the location. That's right we had IRON POURING at a music festival. Getting pretty hardcore here.
 

Iron Pouring Action Shot

The night was perfect for a music festival, just look how clear the skies were. I think what makes music performances sometimes is the crowd. The crowd stayed hyped and energetic throughout all the performances and no one seemed to be getting out of hand (that I saw) just a really chill group.
 

I also liked how all three of the stages were close enough that you could make your acts on time but also enough space that if you needed a little break for food and rest, you could easily move away from the crowd.
 

Steam Stage

Birmingham has also welcomed lots of new local breweries the past few years and have an extensive lineup of homegrown brews. It was only fitting that they have their own "beer garden" showing off local favorites. I would highly suggest visiting several of the Ham's breweries exclusive to the state (my picks are Avondale and Good People). This was a fun touch to make the event even more "localized" and show attendees from out of state something new to try.

Craft Brew Garden

 After a few hours, my feet were hurting (one of my frequent festival going besties texted me and said if your feet aren't hurting then it wasn't a good festival) and I was pretty tired from the day so we decided to call it a night. I would have to say out of the bands we saw (Young the Giant, Cathedrals, Cage the Elephant and Modest Mouse were so good live) my favorite had to be Band of Horses, they were amazing! I loved Sunday's Lineup but I have to get up super early Monday morning and I'm trying to save money for other trips and concerts so I sadly had to opt out of day 2.

Yes, tickets were a little on the high side ($85) but it's a music festival with legit artists so what do you expect? If you live in Birmingham, I encourage you to experience all the exciting things this city has to offer! There is seriously something going on all the time. And if you are thinking of coming from out of state for this festival, I can not say enough good things about the event. It was run smoothly and efficiently and for a first year fest, I thought the team who put it together really hit it out of the park. Next year I hope they have the event starting on Friday instead of Saturday so I can attend both days, other than that I see this event growing and can't wait to see what's in store!

Happy Festival Season!

XOXO,