Bluesfest 2022 in Australia is the music festival that’s got the entire country buzzing with excitement. And with a lineup that reads like a who’s who of rock, blues, and roots music, it’s easy to see why.
From Beck and Bonnie Raitt to Gang of Youths and The Doobie Brothers, the festival promises to deliver a weekend of non-stop musical bliss. But Bluesfest is not just about the big names. The festival has also curated an impressive lineup of emerging and established artists from around the world, showcasing the diversity and richness of the music scene today.
And let’s not forget about the incredible female artists taking the stage this year, from Lucinda Williams to Bonnie Raitt, making sure that women have a significant presence in the festival. To help you make the most of your Bluesfest experience, we’ve put together a list of 10 festival tips that will make your time at the festival unforgettable. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to rock out in Byron Bay or Melbourne, because Bluesfest 2023 is about to blow your mind.
Now let’s get cheeky with some festival do’s and don’ts!
Do: dance like nobody’s watching (even though everybody is), try the food truck offerings, and make some new friends in the crowd.
Don’t: be that person who brings a giant backpack and takes up valuable dance floor space, wear a headdress or bindi if you’re not of the culture, or forget to reapply sunscreen (seriously, don’t be that person). And if you’re feeling brave, try crowd-surfing, but beware of overenthusiastic fans who might drop you on your head. Happy festival-ing!
Do: plan ahead: Take some time to research the festival schedule and lineup to make sure you don’t miss your favourite acts. Use the festival’s official app to create a personalized schedule.
Don’t: be that guy who climbs on top of the porta-potty for a better view, because trust me, the sight is not worth the smell.
Do: dress comfortably: Festivals can be long and tiring, so make sure you’re dressed in comfortable clothes and shoes that you can move and dance in.
Do: stay hydrated: With all the dancing, walking, and hot weather, it’s important to stay hydrated. Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the water stations.
Don’t: wear your fanciest shoes, unless you want to see them trampled into oblivion.
Do: bring earplugs: Protect your hearing and bring a pair of earplugs to wear during the concerts, especially if you plan on standing close to the stage.
Do: arrive early: Arrive at the festival early to avoid long lines and get a good spot for the shows you want to see.
Do: bring a portable phone charger: With all the photos and videos you’ll be taking, your phone battery is bound to drain quickly. Bring a portable phone charger to keep your phone charged all day.
Do: don’t carry too much: Bring only the essentials with you, like your phone, wallet, sunscreen, and water bottle. The less you carry, the easier it’ll be to move around and enjoy the festival.
Do: be respectful: Be respectful of other festivalgoers and the environment. Don’t litter, be mindful of personal space, and follow the festival rules and guidelines.
Do: take breaks: Take breaks throughout the day to rest, eat, and rehydrate. It’s important to pace yourself and not overexert yourself.
Don’t: for the love of all things sacred, don’t start a mosh pit during a slow acoustic set – unless you want to be swiftly ejected from the festival grounds by security.
Do: have fun: Most importantly, have fun! Festivals are all about enjoying the music, the company, and the atmosphere. Let loose, dance, and have a great time.
Check out our handpicked schedule for an unforgettable long weekend.
Head to Bluesfest for more Festival info.
