The summer of 2022 may be the first in a long time that you and your friends will be embracing festival life to the full once again, following a string of cancellations over the past two years. Just a few of the many exciting upcoming festivals include Summerfest in Milwaukee, Rolling Loud in Miami, and Lollapalooza in Chicago. In many ways, however, there will be a different air to these popular events; one characterized by the zeitgeist of the post-COVID era: togetherness.
Festival-goers, like other tourists, are keen to celebrate the many ways that key relationships enrich their lives. If you want the sense of community to define your summer 2022 festival season, read on for ideas of how to make it happen.
Making a Difference to the Planet
Festivals are doing their best to become greener, but they still leave a relatively large carbon footprint, considering the fact that many people cover quite a few miles to get to music festivals like Lollapalooza. To foster a sense of togetherness with your friends while making a difference in the world, check out green volunteering events that will be taking place when you're in town. If you will be attending Lollapalooza, for instance, contact the Grant Park Conservancy, which can put you in touch with a host of volunteer groups that take part in eco-friendly activities such as mulching and tree planting.
Living in Unison
Just thinking about festival time conjures up the hippy philosophy of the 1970s, which was all about non-violence, love, and a sense of community. If you will be traveling with a big group to an art or music event, think about renting B&Bs or apartments for a weekend located in the same community. One of the best things about hiring apartments in larger complexes is that the latter often have common areas—including gardens, outdoor kitchens or barbecues, and swimming pools— where you can interact with other renters. Before throwing a party, of course, ask for the Homeowners Association (HOA) regulations, which stipulate factors such as times, permitted activities, and music volumes for communal festivities. HOAs also have rules regarding pets, so if you will be traveling with your furry friends, make sure they are welcome in your chosen apartment complex.
Embracing Community-Based Tourism
If you will be traveling to a festival abroad or in another state, consider investing a few days in community-based tourism. This type of travel invites you to really get to know the heart of communities and their people, and it aims to benefit locals in unique ways. Travelers often stay in locals' homes instead of a hotel, observing their day-to-day life, trying authentic local cuisine, and supporting the local economy. This type of travel also enables tourists to discover local habitats and wildlife. Community travel groups like Fairbnb.coop donate half their platform fees to social and sustainability projects which are suggested by local community representatives. For instance, in large cities like Barcelona, where tourism contributes to the establishment of high residential rental fees, support is given to those in need of affordable housing. Community-based tourism exists in many cities in the US as well, so find out if you can experience this uniquely sustainable, ethical initiative in the city or town where your festival is taking place.
Togetherness is the buzzword in the events and festivals sector. After two years of relative isolation, friends and family are happy to travel together and attend one or more festivals during vacation time. If so, think of how you can make the most of your time together, while also enriching the lives of communities living close to festival sites.
Find More Events at FestivalNet
Whether you are looking for live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, or any other local event, FestivalNet can help you find the perfect upcoming festival for you so you won't miss out. Contact us today!
