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Today’s music festivals are about much more than just the music. Festival organizers are offering a plethora of additional shows and activities to keep guests entertained and engaged throughout the event. From arts exhibitions and wellness workshops to culinary experiences and interactive installations, these diverse offerings aim to make festivals an all-encompassing experience. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into what additional shows various music festivals like Dreamville Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and many more have to offer. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned festival-goer, there’s always something new to discover.
Dreamville Festival
Dreamville Festival, hosted by rapper J. Cole, is not only a musical spectacle but also a haven for interactive art installations and thought-provoking panels. Attendees can immerse themselves in a world of creativity through large-scale murals and sculptures designed by local artists. These eye-catching pieces offer perfect photo opportunities and add an additional layer of visual appeal to the festival atmosphere.
Additionally, Dreamville Festival often features panel discussions involving artists, activists, and cultural icons. These panels provide deeper insights into social justice issues, the music industry, and personal development. It’s a great way for festival-goers to enrich their minds while enjoying the musical performances.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Coachella is renowned not only for its star-studded musical line-up but also for its incredible art installations and fashion shows. The festival grounds are transformed into an art lover’s paradise with numerous large-scale, immersive art pieces created by artists from around the world. These installations, often interactive, serve as significant talking points and destinations within the festival.
Fashion is another highlight at Coachella. Attendees flaunt their most adventurous outfits, making it a hotspot for fashion enthusiasts. Some years see dedicated fashion shows, where the latest festival trends are showcased. Additionally, lifestyle and wellness experiences like yoga sessions and sound baths are also popular, offering a holistic experience for attendees.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, affectionately known as Jazz Fest, offers a rich cultural palette extending beyond its eclectic mix of musical performances. The festival prominently features heritage demonstrations that celebrate the local culture and traditions of New Orleans. From second-line parades to Mardi Gras Indian showcases, attendees can steep themselves in the city’s vibrant heritage.
Food plays an integral role at Jazz Fest. The “Food Heritage Area” serves up authentic Cajun and Creole dishes, allowing attendees to relish the local cuisine. Cooking demonstrations often accompany these offerings, providing insights into the culinary traditions that make New Orleans food so distinctive.
Brightside Music Festival
Brightside Music Festival embraces sustainability along with its music line-up. Attendees can explore eco-friendly installations and engage in workshops focused on environmental protection. From learning how to compost effectively to understanding the impact of plastic pollution, these activities provide a platform for important discussions.
Another unique addition to Brightside is its “Silent Disco.” Equipped with wireless headphones, festival-goers can dance to music that only they can hear. This creates a surreal, yet entertaining experience and allows for multiple DJs to play at the same time without disturbing each other’s sets.
BeachLife Festival
BeachLife Festival, held on the sunny shores of California, combines music with a seaside experience. One of the standout features is the “Lost Lands” art installation, a nautical-themed work that resonates with the festival’s beachside vibe. These art pieces offer a serene backdrop against the lively music playing on several stages.
Additionally, the festival offers water sports activities like paddleboarding and surfing, making it an adventure-filled experience. Health-conscious attendees can also participate in beach yoga sessions, blending physical wellness with the relaxing sounds of the ocean.
Shaky Knees Music Festival
Shaky Knees Music Festival is known for its rock and alternative music line-up, but it also brings something extra to the table with its focus on local artisans. The festival hosts a marketplace featuring handmade goods, unique crafts, and vintage finds. This offers a fantastic opportunity for attendees to take home one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
The event also boasts a variety of food trucks and craft beer stalls, often representing the local culinary scene. Food tastings and exploratory culinary workshops add a layer of gourmet delight to the festival experience.
Sol Blume Festival
Sol Blume Festival champions R&B and soul music but enhances the overall experience with wellness and workshops. Visually engaging installations, local vendor stalls, and artisan markets add an artistic angle to the event, allowing attendees to explore diverse forms of creativity.
Workshops focused on mental health and self-care are also a key feature. Activities such as meditation sessions, yoga classes, and insightful keynote speeches offer festival-goers an avenue to relax and rejuvenate amid the music and festivities.
Lovin’ Life Music Festival
Lovin’ Life Music Festival is a celebration of unity and joy, extending its vibe with a variety of additional shows and experiences. The festival frequently features community-building activities like group meditation and interactive art workshops. These aim to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among attendees.
In addition to the music, you will find a wide range of wellness activities such as chakra healing and Tai Chi sessions. Engaging in these holistic practices can create a balanced experience between mind, body, and soul.
Lovers & Friends Festival
Lovers & Friends Festival offers a trove of throwback R&B and hip-hop hits, but it doesn’t stop at music. The festival often incorporates nostalgic elements, including classic car displays and roller skating areas. These features help transport attendees back in time and add a vintage flair to the event.
Fashion and beauty activations are also prevalent, often in collaboration with major brands. Makeover stations, hairstyling booths, and pop-up shops ensure that everyone looks their best while reliving the musical memories of yesteryear.
Welcome to Rockville Festival
Welcome to Rockville is a rock festival that rocks harder with additional motoring spectacles. Motorcycle stunt shows and car exhibitions turn the festival into a high-octane experience. Whether it’s vintage cars or the latest bikes, motor enthusiasts find plenty to admire.
For those seeking a quieter escape, the festival also offers immersive art installations and a marketplace featuring records, vintage band t-shirts, and other rock memorabilia. These additions enrich the festival atmosphere, offering something for every type of attendee.
Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit
Founded by Mary J. Blige, the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit prioritizes female empowerment through its music and additional shows. Workshops and panel discussions focus on subjects like mental health, entrepreneurship, and self-care, providing valuable insights and support for women of all backgrounds.
Art exhibitions showcasing work by female artists and poets further amplify the festival’s empowering mission. By prioritizing personal growth alongside musical enjoyment, the festival creates a holistic, enriching experience for attendees.
Cruel World Festival
Focusing on post-punk, new wave, and goth music, the Cruel World Festival is a nostalgic trip back to the ’80s. The additional shows often include retro arcade games and vintage fashion exhibitions that complement the music perfectly. Attendees can indulge in the playful side of their personalities by immersing themselves in these nostalgic elements.
Beyond music and games, the festival also offers screenings of classic ’80s films, adding a cinematic flavor to the event. This creates a multi-dimensional experience that appeals to various sensory preferences of the attendees.
Hangout Festival
Hangout Festival, set against the backdrop of white sandy beaches, offers much more than a stunning line-up of artists. One of the highlights is its wide array of beach games and activities. From beach volleyball tournaments to sandcastle building contests, there’s never a dull moment.
In addition to these activities, wellness initiatives like sunrise yoga on the beach and guided meditation sessions provide a serene counterpoint to the high-energy music performances. These balanced offerings make Hangout Festival a rejuvenating escape for all who attend.
Lightning in a Bottle Festival
Known for its eclectic mix of music and transformative experiences, Lightning in a Bottle takes additional shows to the next level. The festival offers a range of eclectic workshops, from biohacking and personal development to plant medicine and mysticism. These sessions cater to free spirits looking to expand their minds.
Another unique feature is its array of interactive installations and art cars that roam the festival grounds. These moving spectacles captivate audiences and encourage spontaneous interactions, aligning perfectly with the festival’s community-focused atmosphere.
BottleRock Napa Valley
BottleRock Napa Valley blends music with the finest in food and wine. The standout additional show here is the Culinary Stage, where world-class chefs and celebrities collaborate to create fantastic dishes in front of live audiences. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Interactive food and wine pairings enable festival-goers to indulge in Napa Valley’s finest produce. Cooking demos provide insiders’ tips and tricks, making it an educational and delicious experience. With its blend of gastronomic excellence and musical brilliance, BottleRock stands out as a festival for the senses.
Boston Calling
Boston Calling is as much about the arts as it is about music. The festival often collaborates with local theaters to bring dramatic performances and short plays to its stages. These theatrical elements offer a sophisticated counterbalance to the musical line-up, attracting a diverse crowd.
In addition to performances, Boston Calling features local artists’ showcases and interactive art installations. It also boasts a marketplace where local artisans and vendors display their creations, making the festival grounds a melting pot of artistic talents.
Gazebo Festival
The Gazebo Festival is a smaller, community-centric event that focuses on creating an intimate atmosphere. Aside from music, it offers poetry reading sessions and storytelling circles where authors and performers can share their works. These additions highlight the local talent and enhance the community’s artistic landscape.
Art and craft workshops for attendees of all ages make the festival family-friendly. Participants can try their hand at everything from pottery to painting, providing a tactile and engaging experience alongside the musical entertainment.
TwoGether Land Festival
TwoGether Land Festival is more than just a music event; it’s a celebration of love and unity. Interactive art installations focus on the theme of togetherness, inviting couples and friends to explore and contribute to the artwork. This fosters a deeply connected and communal atmosphere.
Workshops on relationship building, mindfulness, and communication are other key features. These sessions aim to enhance personal connections and provide valuable tools for attendees to take back into their everyday lives.
Movement Electronic Music Festival
Dedicated to showcasing electronic music, Movement Electronic Music Festival also emphasizes cutting-edge technology and digital art. Virtual reality experiences and interactive light shows add an extra layer of excitement. These digital elements immerse festival-goers in a futuristic environment, complementing the electronic beats.
The festival also hosts educational talks and workshops on music production and DJing. Aspiring musicians and tech enthusiasts can gain valuable insights and hands-on experience, making Movement a learning hub as well as a musical extravaganza.
Railbird Music Festival
Set against the backdrop of a horse racing track, Railbird Music Festival combines music with equestrian charm. Attendees can enjoy horse racing events and even place bets, making the festival experience thrilling and unique.
Alongside the races, the festival features bourbon tasting sessions and masterclasses led by experts. These tastings highlight the region’s rich bourbon heritage and offer guests a sophisticated palate experience.
Roots Picnic
The Roots Picnic, curated by the legendary Roots band, is a blend of musical performance and cultural enrichment. The festival offers live podcasts and panel discussions featuring noted artists and influencers, diving deep into various cultural topics.
Community initiatives and workshops focusing on social justice and personal well-being are also integral parts of the event. These sessions provide practical tools and knowledge for attendees to engage with critical social issues while enjoying the music.
OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride
OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride celebrates LGBTQ+ culture along with its musical acts. Drag shows and dance performances enhance the liveliness, showcasing a range of artistic talents in vibrant displays of color and energy.
In addition, the festival features panel discussions and workshops focusing on LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and community engagement. These enriching sessions provide attendees with valuable resources and information, making it more than just a musical event.
Hot 97 Summer Jam
Hot 97 Summer Jam centers on hip-hop and R&B acts but also spices up its program with dance battles and rap battles. These high-energy competitions showcase emerging talents and offer attendees a chance to witness the next big stars in action.
Graffiti art installations are another focal point, allowing renowned street artists to display their work. These visually engaging pieces add a gritty, urban feel to the festival, perfectly aligning with the musical genre.
CMA Fest
CMA Fest, dedicated to country music, amplifies its offerings with dance halls and line-dancing classes. These additional shows offer an interactive element, allowing festival-goers to engage directly with country culture through movement and dance.
Autograph sessions, meet-and-greets, and intimate Q&A events with artists provide a close-knit experience. Fans can get up close and personal with their favorite country stars, creating memorable moments beyond the music performances.
The Governors Ball Music Festival
The Governors Ball, set against the scenic backdrop of New York City, often features art installations and food experiences alongside its broad musical lineup. Immersive artworks by local artists provide a visually stimulating experience, making wandering through the festival grounds an artistic journey.
The culinary offerings here are top-notch, with pop-ups from some of NYC’s best eateries. Food pairings and tasting sessions highlight the city’s diverse culinary scene, making it a gourmet paradise for festival-goers.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Bonnaroo is a festival synonymous with a broad range of music genres, but it further enriches its program with wellness activities and a vibrant arts village. Attendees can participate in yoga, meditation, and even mindfulness workshops, encouraging a holistic approach to festival-goers’ well-being.
The arts village, filled with handmade crafts, live painting, and DIY workshops, adds an extra layer of creativity. Interactive activities and installations make the space a must-visit, offering hands-on experiences that appeal to all ages.
Summerfest
Often called “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” Summerfest in Milwaukee goes beyond music with its rich variety of comedy shows, film screenings, and interactive experiences. This multi-genre festival offers something for everyone, making it a family-friendly event with a diverse range of additional shows.
Cooking demonstrations and local food showcases add a culinary twist to the festival, ensuring that attendees leave with not just musical memories but also gastronomic delights.
Four Chord Music Fest
Four Chord Music Fest focuses on punk rock and emo music, adding a DIY ethos to its additional activities. Workshops on screen printing and zine-making allow attendees to explore their creative sides and take home unique, self-made souvenirs.
Skateboarding ramps and competitions add an adrenaline-pumping element to the festival, complementing the rebellious spirit of the music. It’s a haven for those who love high-energy activities alongside stirring performances.
LadyLand Festival
LadyLand Festival, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, features cutting-edge performances and fashion shows. Avant-garde drag shows and voguing competitions provide an eye-catching spectacle, emphasizing inclusivity and creative expression.
Workshops on makeup artistry, styling, and performance techniques are also part of the mix, providing valuable skills and insights for those looking to express themselves in bold new ways.
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic is an all-American celebration featuring country music, BBQ cook-offs, and firework shows. The barbecue competitions attract grill masters from all over, providing attendees with a taste of authentic southern cooking.
The day culminates in a grand firework display, adding a patriotic flair to the musical celebrations. It’s a festival where attendees can indulge in great food, spectacular fireworks, and iconic country music, all in one place.
Levitate Music and Arts Festival
Levitate Music and Arts Festival offers an immersive celebration of music and arts. Festival-goers can participate in art installations, sculpture workshops, and live painting sessions. These interactive art experiences provide a creative backdrop to the musical performances.
Eclectic food vendors offering everything from vegan dishes to barbecue ensure that every culinary craving is satisfied. This combination of music, art, and food makes for a truly dynamic festival experience.
Mosswood Meltdown Festival
Mosswood Meltdown, known for its punk and alternative acts, also features a “Punk Rock Flea Market.” Attendees can shop for vintage clothes, vinyl records, and handmade crafts. It’s a treasure trove for those looking for unique items with a punk twist.
The festival also offers informative talks and panel discussions on topics like activist movements and DIY culture. These sessions provide both inspiration and knowledge for attendees interested in socially conscious topics.
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