Now that winter has officially ended, many of us are already ‘springing’ ahead with an eye towards summer.
Over the past several years, festivals have become all the rage with music lovers. Despite their growth in popularity, there’s a growing number of music fans who don’t want to deal with some of the hassles and discomforts associated with these large outdoor gatherings.
A recent Festicket survey found that a large percentage of festival goers were not only willing to travel long distances to events, they wanted to do so in comfort. While only 8% of people stayed in a luxury hotel when attending festivals in 2013, a whopping 80% are planning to travel in style and stay in a luxury hotel this year.
To cater to this growing market, more and more event organizers are offering “glamping” as an alternative for their more discerning ticket holders. Here are some examples:
Wakarusa Music Festival– June 5-8th at Mulburry Mountian in Ozark, Arkansas:
The rapidly growing global trend of glamping has made it’s way to the Ozarks. This is the classy and elegant way to experience the festival at its fullest. So whether you’re going General Admission or VIP, specially designated glamping tents will give you the opportunity to rest up in luxuery (and privacy) in-between acts like The Flamping Lips, Michael Franti Spearhead, and String Cheese Incident.
Firefly Music Festival – June 19 – 22 in Dover, Delaware:
For 2014, Firefly camping will provide concert goers with unique and exciting amenities outside the festival gates including a farmer’s market, yoga, food trucks and even more live entertainment. For $699, you can buy a Glamping Package that includes:
4 nights/5 days camping for up to 2 people
Private air-conditioned tent (12’ x 9.5’)
Minimum 20’ x 45’ site with space for a standard car or SUV
2 cots with pillows and blankets
Preferred check-in location
Power source for personal electronics
Glamping Lounge access
Complimentary shower fast passes
Private restroom facilities
Access to “The Post” for cell phone charging stations, ice sales, and water refills
Alt Fest – August 15-17, 2014 in Northamptonshire, England:
If you’re into bands like The Cult and Marilyn Manson and want to survive The Alt in style, the organizers have you covered. Compared to other festivals whose camping rates are based on a per-person charge, Alt Fest offers an inclusive flat rate to keep things simple. Each of their glamping options comes with a variety of perks, such as memory foam mattresses, solar powered lighting, rugs, scatter cushion, and more.
The legendary US punk band, the Dead Kennedy’s once said, “Give me convenience or give me death.” Thanks to glamping, attendees don’t have to lug all their camping gear back and forth and there will be no precarious tent-based construction to deal with. Best of all, when the concert is over, you can simply walk away knowing that the Alt Fest “glamping gophers” will take care of everything.
The Indianapolis 500 – May 22-26th in Indiana:
Not all large gatherings revolve around music. Although the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been used for a lot of things in its long and storied history, storied history, but never for anything quite like this.
For the first time, Indy 500 fans will be able to go glamping during race weekend. The Speedway is offering packages ranging from $650 to $1,100 that include an assortment of luxuries, such as a tent with tarp floor and windows, queen-sized beds, a private shower area, electronic hookups and access to a glamping lounge.
All packages include four nights and five days. Tickets for Coors Light Carb Day on May 23, Legends Day on May 24, and the race on May 25 are required and must be purchased separately.
