Forecastle Festival 2018 + Music Festival Tips

There's nothing I love more than live music. I went to my very first concert (Hi, Hilary Duff) when I was 8 or 9 and since then, I've gone to at least 20+ concerts. Four years ago, when I first started getting into the whole indie/alternative music scene, I went to my very first music festival. I'm lucky that Louisville, KY, where I grew up, has a super cool music festival that happens every July called Forecastle. And I'm even luckier because the majority of the time, a good amount of my favorite (obscure) alternative bands come.The first year Sam Smith headlined, then Alabama Shakes the next, last year I was excited about Odeza, LANY, and COIN, while this year I almost cried over Oh Wonder, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Father John Misty. Needless to say, for the past 4 summers, Forecastle has been my favorite weekend of the summer. Always good music. Always good food. Always good company. Always a lot of glitter, one of my favorite parts.

day 1

highlights: RKS, Father John Misty, fish tacos...mmmmmAs the years have gone on, I have let go of planning everything but my outfits until a few days before. I didn't know who I was going with this year until like two days before. I didn't know what time I wanted to go or really what bands were playing what day.I'll be honest, I did have my outfits picked out about two weeks before I even went home for Forecastle. I shopped at local boutiques like Brightside Boutique and White Fox Boutique and bigger stores like Forever 21 and Abercrombie (they actually have cute stuff, who knew?)

TIP #1

Wear what you will be comfortable in but also wear something that you'll be cool in. Not comfortable in a bathing suit top and short shorts? Just because everyone else is wearing it, doesn't mean you have to. Stay true to yourself and your style–I've gotten caught up in mainstream festival wear and I always end up uncomfortable which is no bueno. Music festivals should be a time for you to stop caring! People are there for the music, not you! (blunt, i know, sorry)

day 2

highlights: donut holes (with oreos!), Houndmouth, tigers blood snowball from Snowhat, and honestly just laying in the grass listening to the musicFestival food is always good. It's a time where I let myself eat whatever I want. Pizza and fries and donut holes in a span of an hour? No problem. This is a weekend where I practice balance and trust that my body isn't going to spontaneously combust if I eat dairy, gluten, and a ton of sugar. (SPOILER: I'm still here so I guess it's all good) Louisville does have some really amazing food trucks which are always at Forecastle. Some of my favorites are Hi-Five Donuts, Snowhat Lou, Mellow Mushroom Bake Bus, and Hippie Dips. Surprisingly, I did find a few healthy options like smoothies and salads which served as a great snack/break in between the heavier foods.

TIP #2

Eat what you want...like seriously...ENJOY IT! But stay hydrated. I have made this mistake one too many times...it can be annoying to carry around a water bottle but hydration is vital. When it's hot and humid and you are standing, dancing, and probably drinking things other than water–YOU. NEED. TO. DRINK. WATER. Also, make sure you eat enough in general. By the end of day 1 and 2, I had the worst headache because I kept snacking but never had a proper meal. So yeah, bring money and eat and drink yo H20, peeps.

day 3

highlights: Mellow Mushroom pizza (a Forecastle tradition for me), Oh Wonder, nachos from Hippie Dips, Party CoveLive music and events like Forecastle always remind me to be in the present. Forecastle has always served as one of my favorite times in Louisville and it has always been a reminder that focusing on what matters is what is most fulfilling in the long run. I (we as a society, too) care about what people think. I care about doing things wrong or not good enough but for some reason when I get to Forecastle, all of that goes away. I can slow down and focus on enjoying the music, the food, the people around me, and just really embracing the atmosphere. I am doing this new thing where I try to figure out why certain experiences (trips, events, etc.) are so good and how I can bring those good things in my everyday life. It really comes down to letting go of control. I can't control the rain. I can't control the fact that I am going to sweat and my hair and makeup will look a mess by the end of the night. Focusing on thing that are out of my control is a waste of energy. So thank you, Forecastle, for always bringing me back to myself and always giving me a good time.

TIP #3

Let go of caring what people will think. Whether it is caring about what bands you want to see, what you want to wear, or who you want to go with – as long as that's what you want, that's all that matters. Music festivals are a beautiful place filled with good energy and good people. You are there for the music so focus on that. Focus on what you're there for. I think that can be a good piece of advice for life in general, focus on why you're doing what you're doing and the rest of the good stuff will follow. 

In conclusion: wear what you want, stay hydrated, and be present. Easy as that and you'll have a good music festival experience. I will always have a deep love for Forecastle Festival but I think it's time I start going to bigger music festivals...any suggestions?