Introduction:
Attending festivals has become an increasingly popular pastime, with people from all over the world gathering to enjoy live music, food, art, and unforgettable experiences. However, getting your hands on festival tickets can be a stressful process.
Tickets often sell out quickly, and prices fluctuate wildly depending on when you buy them. To help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters of festival ticket purchases, we’ve compiled a list of essential tips to make sure you score the best tickets at the right price.
1. Plan Ahead and Mark Your Calendar
The most crucial factor in successfully buying festival tickets is timing. Festivals announce their lineups and ticket sales dates well in advance, so make sure you stay informed. Follow these simple steps to stay ahead of the game:
Follow Festival Social Media Accounts: Most festivals make announcements via their official social media channels like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Subscribe to their accounts and turn on post notifications to stay up-to-date with all announcements, including presale information, lineup drops, and ticket sales.
Join Email Lists: Sign up for newsletters or mailing lists from your favorite festivals. Many festivals offer early access to tickets or discounts for email subscribers.
Set Calendar Reminders: Once you know when tickets are going on sale, set a reminder on your phone or calendar a few minutes before the sale starts. Ticket sales often begin at 10 a.m. local time, but it’s always a good idea to log in a few minutes early to be ready.
By planning ahead, you can increase your chances of getting the tickets you want at the lowest possible price, without worrying about sold-out events.
2. Know the Different Ticket Types
Festivals typically offer various types of tickets, each with different price points and perks. It’s essential to understand the differences to choose the best option for your needs. Here are the common ticket types you’ll encounter:
General Admission (GA): The most basic and affordable ticket option, GA provides access to the festival grounds but typically excludes VIP areas or any additional perks. GA tickets often sell out first, so if you’re going for the budget option, act fast.
VIP: VIP tickets generally cost significantly more than GA tickets but come with added benefits like faster entry, access to exclusive viewing areas, and special amenities (e.g., VIP lounges, private restrooms). If you want to enhance your festival experience and avoid some of the crowds, VIP is worth considering.
Presale Tickets: Some festivals offer presale tickets at a discounted rate. These are often available for a limited time before the official ticket sales. Getting in early can save you money and give you peace of mind.
Camping/Bundle Packages: For festivals that last several days, camping packages are often available, bundling tickets with camping accommodations. These are convenient for multi-day events and can offer significant savings compared to booking separately.
Understanding your ticket options ensures you choose the one that best fits your budget and preferences.
3. Use Multiple Devices and Browsers During Sales
Ticket sales can be highly competitive, especially for popular festivals. To increase your chances of successfully buying tickets, it’s a good idea to use multiple devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) and web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) when attempting to purchase. This way, you can maximize your chances by having several devices in virtual queues at once.
Some tips for using this strategy effectively:
Avoid Using the Same Wi-Fi: If possible, try to use different internet connections. Sometimes, having multiple devices on the same Wi-Fi can slow down your connection, putting you at a disadvantage during a ticket sale.
Use Auto-fill for Faster Checkouts: Enable auto-fill in your browser to quickly fill in your payment and shipping information. A faster checkout process reduces the risk of losing your tickets to other buyers.
Don’t Refresh Too Often: Many festival ticketing websites have waiting room systems where refreshing the page too often can kick you out of the queue. Follow the on-screen instructions and be patient.
4. Consider Early Bird and Payment Plans
Many festivals offer early bird tickets at a lower price point for fans who are willing to commit before the lineup is even announced. If you’re confident that you’ll attend the festival regardless of the artists, this can be a great way to save some money. However, keep in mind that early bird tickets are typically non-refundable.
Some festivals also offer payment plans for more expensive tickets, allowing you to split the cost into smaller monthly payments. If you’re working with a budget, this can be an excellent option for festivals that offer higher-tier tickets, such as VIP or camping packages.
5. Look Out for Presales and Promo Codes
Presales are often available before the general public ticket sales, and they can be a golden opportunity to secure tickets at a lower price. Festivals usually offer these presales to loyal fans, email subscribers, or followers of the festival’s social media accounts.
Here are some tips for maximizing presales:
Sign Up for Credit Card Offers: Some presales are exclusively available for certain credit cardholders (e.g., American Express, Chase Sapphire). If you have one of these cards, keep an eye on their promotions for presale opportunities.
Use Fan Club Memberships: Artists performing at festivals often offer presale codes to members of their fan clubs. Joining these clubs, even for a fee, can be worth it if you’re committed to attending the event.
Search for Promo Codes: Before purchasing your tickets, do a quick online search for any promo codes. Sometimes, partners or sponsors offer exclusive discounts.
6. Be Aware of Hidden Fees
One of the most frustrating parts of buying festival tickets is discovering the hidden fees added to the final purchase price. Service fees, processing fees, and shipping costs can inflate the price of your tickets by as much as 20% or more. Here’s how to minimize the impact of hidden fees:
Check Fee Details Early: Before you finalize your purchase, review the ticketing platform’s terms of service and FAQ sections to understand the fee structure.
Consider Local Pickup Options: Some festivals offer local pickup or digital tickets, which can help you avoid expensive shipping fees.
Use Fee-Free Presales: Occasionally, festivals or ticket platforms will offer fee-free presales, where the price you see is the final price you’ll pay. Keep an eye out for these deals, especially around holidays or during special promotions.
7. Buy from Official Sources Only
There are many scams in the world of festival ticket sales, and the last thing you want is to fall victim to a fake ticket or an inflated price. Always purchase your tickets from official sources, such as the festival’s website or authorized ticketing partners like Ticketmaster, AXS, or See Tickets.
If you are considering buying a ticket from a third-party reseller, here’s how to do it safely:
Use Trusted Resale Platforms: Stick to reputable resale platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or the official festival ticket exchange, which often offers buyer guarantees.
Avoid Social Media Sellers: Be cautious of individuals selling tickets on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These sales are risky, and there is little recourse if you receive a fraudulent ticket.
Check for Refund Policies: Some festivals allow for official ticket transfers or offer refund protection, ensuring that you can get your money back if plans change.
8. Prepare for Sold-Out Festivals
Even with the best preparation, tickets for highly popular festivals like Coachella, Tomorrowland, or Glastonbury can sell out in minutes. If this happens, don’t despair—there are still ways to secure tickets:
Join the Waitlist: Many festivals offer a waitlist for fans who missed out on the initial sale. If additional tickets become available (due to cancellations or expanded capacity), you may still have a chance to buy them.
Consider Authorized Resellers: As mentioned earlier, some festivals have official ticket resale platforms that allow you to purchase tickets at face value or slightly above.
Look for Reputable Ticket Brokers: If all else fails, consider using a trusted ticket broker with buyer protection guarantees. However, be prepared to pay a premium for tickets on the secondary market.
9. Double-Check Travel and Accommodation
Before making a final ticket purchase, consider the logistics. How far is the festival from your home, and what transportation options are available? Accommodation can also get pricey if you’re traveling far, so it’s important to have a plan in place.
Book Accommodation Early: Hotels, Airbnbs, and camping spots near popular festivals sell out quickly, so make sure to secure your accommodation early. Some festivals also offer official travel packages that bundle tickets with accommodation and transport, saving you money and hassle.
Check Transport Availability: Whether you’re driving or flying, double-check your transportation options and book early to avoid last-minute price hikes.
Conclusion
Buying festival tickets doesn’t have to be a stressful experience if you plan ahead and follow the right strategies.
From staying informed on sale dates to understanding different ticket types and avoiding hidden fees, these tips will help ensure that you get the best tickets at a price you can afford. And most importantly, once you have your tickets in hand, you can look forward to an incredible festival experience!
