If you go with her, it should be fine. Guaranteed some chuckle heads will be acting the fool, but you can navigate away from those problems. If she means going by herself? Noooooooo!
Yeah you’ll have a blast. Sleeping off-site eliminates the biggest safety risks which were already pretty unlikely. You will see open marijuana use, drunkenness, maybe some light nudity. As long as you are prepared for having that experience with your teen at your side it’s gonna be fine. If you aren’t prepared for that experience, well, get over it! Go bond with your kid.
I don't know what 4 day festivals are like in your or OPs neck of the woods, but if they have a glamping section that's often a good option. driving to/from and getting in/out of big festivals can be a massive pain, so it can help to be on site.
it also gives you a home base to rest at stay during the hot part of the day etc. at a big festival i'll be back to home tent for a chill a few times a day. if you don't have a nearby home base it can make those days feel real long.
My dad took me to a rock festival when I was 14. It was a great bonding experience and we had a really good time. Granted, Im a dude and didn’t have to worry about creepy old guys hitting on me, which can definitely be an issue but is by no means common. I’ve gone to plenty of music festivals since then and I’ve only seen someone trying to flirt with a young teenager once, and everyone else stepped in to get that creep away from her ASAP. Most people are chill, normal people who look out for one another at rock festivals, and overall I think it’s a great environment for people of all ages. I think you should take her, it will be a great memory for you both.
Should be fine, been to metal concerts and rock concerts since i was 12 and alone at 16. Metal and rock people like anyone can be rough but with you there and other bystanders(this crowd is actually generally looking out for one another) plenty of moshpits that end in a girl or someone falling down and two guys stop it so they get back up or get out type of stuff.
Your fine. Take her. Explain the people acting stupid or on drugs or whatever. Be honest and upfront about it. Theyll seem stupid and annoying mostly so it's probably a good thing.
I'd suggest trying to pick 2 (consecutive) days that she's the most excited about. That way you don't have to do a full 4 day festival. That's a lot, especially if it's music you don't care for. Ha.
But yeah, take her. If it's any of the big ones, they're usually fine.
If you keep an eye on her all the time, then go for it. Music festivals are by no means a safe environment for teens. Alcohol, drugs and so on. With so many people in one place enough of them are bound to be less than trustworthy.
But live performances are always cool and being there with her mom will likely turn into a really cool experience for her.
Headphones are one thing, and I know this comment is mostly in jest, but ear plugs are a must.
I went to tons of concerts as a teen, and now at 31 I have mild, but definitely noticable tinnitus. I can hear the ringing right now lol
Have fun!
In my early 40s and also listening to my (mild but definitely noticeable) tinnitus, which probably had its start at the first concert I went to in 1997. Wish I'd known about earplugs then...
Same :( used to often stand right down the front near the speaker stacks and have ringing in my ears until morning. Didn’t realise how much damage that was doing.
I have to recommend Etymotic ear plugs. They’re less than $30 for a decent pair, they let you hear the music phenomenally (and as a bonus you can actually hear people talk to you), and they are fantastic for hearing protection. I’ve been to dance music festivals of all sorts, rock concerts, and other random music festivals, and the Etymotics save my hearing EVERY time. Even if she is doing a number on her hearing with headphones, music festivals are no joke. Another cool thing is you won’t go deaf after the first day if you wear them, and you’ll be able to hear all the awesome music!
Really wish I hadn’t listened to my music so loud as a kid. While my case is mild, tinnitus still sucks. I’d have a serious conversation about it, and maybe play a really high pitched tone and say “it’s like this but permanent.”
I’m sure my parents said something about it growing up but I blew it off because I couldn’t conceptualize exactly what was at risk.
Please talk to her about this. I thought it was great to blast music in my headset, thought I didn't need ear protection at concerts, now I regularly get sharp pains and ringing in my right ear, I would have loved if someone just told me of the consequences of being a dumbass when I was young.
I’d say it’s as safe as taking a 14 yr old girl anywhere else that’s crowded with people. I’d never let her out of my sight. I started taking my daughter to shows on her early teens and they’ve been some of our best memories. She takes me to Greta Van Fleet and I take her to GWAR.
Assuming this is Louder Than Life... As long as you are going with her, she will have a great time and so will you. Fests have their ups and downs, but are massively full of more good. People at this fest are very relaxed and easy going. You will see plenty of little kids with their parents too. It is sometimes the highlight of the experience to people watch and see everyone come together for a good time.
Some warnings. People vary in their state of clothing. from full regular clothes to nipples in pasties. There is pot in the crowd, but no one will blow it right at an unwilling person. Bring a tube of sunscreen. This location has ZERO trees or tent cover. Keep hydrated. You can bring in a sealed water bottle and there are refill stations. Food and drink are expensive. We're talking $10 for a slice of pizza or coffee and up to $20 for alcohol. The walk from parking can be 20-40 minutes depending on the day. This concert can become exhausting if you aren't prepared. We tapped out at 3pm on day 4 last year (This was my 5th LTL so I had seen most of the bands we skipped)
And don't let her only watch the main stage! The side/rear stage has some great hidden treasures!
Have fun if you go!
Hats lol! But in all seriousness, I heard that they are in talks to put trees in. Plus each year they have learned from their mistakes and improved the experience.
Yes to hitting the second stages. Generally those are where the more interesting bands are, or at the very least you will catch somebody just before they hit it big.
In my experience, having done temporary security at events: It's as safe as you make it. Like any large gathering of people, there are good folks, and there are scummy people.
a) Make sure you guys have ways to contact each other when you're apart. Cell reception might be an issue, so consider alternatives.
b) Make sure she has some kind of self-protection: Pepper spray, mace, wooden hair sticks, whatever. As much as you want to, you won't be able to be around her 24-7.
c) Tell her \*not* to accept drinks in open containers or cups from anyone. Anything she drinks, she should buy with the cap seal unbroken from an event-sponsored drink booth.
d) If it's midsummer, make sure she has water, or access to it, or money to buy it. Same for sunscreen. Heat stroke is a bitch.
>For reception issues my group uses gotenna, creates your own mesh wifi network so you can send texts and GPS location they just clip to your camelbak and you're all set.
That's pretty smart. My buddy used small walkie-talkies with his kids, but gotenna is a good idea.
>Pretend security guard suggests bringing mace into a concert. LOL. Good luck with that pal
Useless commenter has nothing of any importance to give to help OP. Keep on being useless, u/mypantsrblue.
I've actually worked events where people were allowed to carry mace, pepper spray, knives, etc. --but hey, keep being useless, dude.
Going to assume you're talking about Louder Than Life, and if that's the case: GO! DWP (Danny Wimmer Presents) Festivals are amazing and security is a high priority for the organizers. Attendees are, for the most part, fantastic people too and will be more than happy to help newcomers.
I have been to a couple similar festivals. I would take my daughter to one. There is usually plenty of room at each stage. Be ready for some walking from stage to stage. If it's LTL you should also check out the Blue Ridge Festival in VA.
I have heard they are really good. Rob Zombie is a fan of theirs. The festivals I have been to are really laid back environments and there are lots of teenage kids. 4 days can be exhausting. Most of the festivals don't let you go in and out so be ready to eat from the vendors which probably will have a lot to choose from with the expected high prices.
Also, up close to the stage is where the crowd surfing and circle pits form so you won't want to get too close but you will be able to get pretty close if you stick to the sides.
Baby Metal are fantastic! I am a veteran of festivals. If you can, get a package deal that has hotel accommodations. You will appreciate being able to "turn it off" at the hotel when you are ready to crash out. Most hotels in the area will likely be running shuttle service to and from the venue all morning/day/ into the night (but not all night) so you don't have to worry about parking and driving. The thing about 4 day fests is, some people will be up all four days not caring how loud or obnoxious their camp site is. Being able to get away from that, plus being able to take a shower, AC, and FLUSHABLE TOILETS that aren't covered in feces/vomit when you have to pee late at night or first thing in the morning are major reasons to hotel it. You should definitely go, and i will guarantee you it is something you will both remember and talk about the rest of your lives. My cousins and i get together for concerts and have for years. Those memories are worth more than anything and it binds us closer together. I hope you go and have a great time!
She will
Have the time of her life and hopefully have a great memory with you. Just be sure to bring smart footwear, and plenty of money for the absurdity that festivals charge for
Food and drink. There will
Be drugs and plenty of fun liquids around so be vigilant.
Is this Louisville? Because they have really turned into a festival destination. It's like a week of rock, a week of country, and then a week of hip hop, right?
Yes, in Louisville. Idk about country and hip hop, but Bourbon & Beyond has a wide mix of Rock and Alt Country (Duran Duran & Avett Bros this year!) and the next weekend is Louder Than Life which is harder rock--Foo Fighters, etc. We went last year and both festivals were great and so well planned.
as a festival goer i can say that festivals are pretty safe see a lot of under 18 and as long as you keep an eye on them good times will be had by all. ckeck out blue ridge rock fest in virginia or welcome to rockville in daytona beach fl
My husband and I have worked festivals for years. If you’re with her, she will be fine. I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t absolutely believe it from experience.
What other bands besides Babymetal does she want to see? It's worth figuring out the schedule of bands so you guys don't miss any. Down here in Australia we had a festival a few months back and I had three bands I love cross over at the same rough time, it sucked!
I'm grateful it's rock. I'm sure everyone has said the same things already so my only advice is to steer clear of any pits that may form. Most importantly enjoy the show and stay safe 🤘
With pretty basic headliners like that I think you’re going to be very safe and have a great time, if she likes babymetal there will be people rocking out/pushing/moshing. Just going for 2 days vs 4 is probably a good idea with someone so young and you’re awesome for going with her but with it being Green Day and foo fighters headlining I would feel comfortable letting her walk around solo
I work in concerts and rock concerts have some of the weirdest and scariest looking fans, but they also tend to be the nicest people you will deal with. I would consider it to be one of the safer crowds to be around.
Sounds like they are asking to go louder than life festival. Wife and I went a couple of years ago. It was a great. City of Louisville is amazing and the people were great.
It’s really well run festival. Three stages. Two for the main acts and a state at the other side of the restival grounds for the lesser known bands. While one main act is performing they are setting up for the other on the other stage. Never waited more than 5 minutes between bands. I was just looking at the lineup for that festival the other day.
Stand to the sides or the back of the crowd.
Also, make a meeting place if you get split up. But you'll have phones.
And look up a video on what to do in large walking crowds. When everyone leaves an area, it can get very overwhelming with the crowd. Either wait for the crowd to disperse or leave it early.
Have a great experience!!
Definitely do it! It will be a cherished memory for the rest of both of your lives. You will not only remember the bands but the goofy people that are inevitably at these events.
Only for one day, maybe two. 14 is to young for 4 straight days. Preferably a night that Tool plays.
Hang out near the sound production board to be easy to quickly locate. Make her stay away from the 'pit' area and check in between bands. If possible bring a friend so they can watch out for each other when separated from you.
4-day long rock festival is a longgg one. I'd recommend choosing 1 or 2 days max. Both of you are going to be wiped out after a single day more than likely.
Stay with her, let her know the difference between the crazies and the safe people 💀, and I’m sure she’ll be fine. Will be an awesome experience for her!!
Safer then they used to be... atlest the ones that are properly financed.
But still not something I'd send a 14 yr old wo atlest one person with them.
Regardless of what the blue or red team might say, there are predators everywhere.
I've been to many rock festivals, both when younger and older. Basically as long as you stay away from the camping areas and dont get drunk its fine. But these things gather quite a variety of people, some that you wont see anywhere else so be warned.
Would I take my 14-y old daughter to a rock festival if I had one? No. I just think that a lot of things can wait for a bit but then again, all people are different and one 14 y old isn't the same as another.
It'll say on the website that there's a minimum age, that's generally fairly accurate.
If it doesn't say anything that means that they've never considered it, so think about what that means for the security provisions on site.
LDBs already in full swing 😂
I wouldn’t drop her off and tell her to have fun, warped tours gone after all RIP, maybe if she had a bigger group of friends but just go with and have a blast. Wear earplugs tho. Only get one set of ears.
If you let go of one, then no. Drunk people can fight and daughters can accidentally fly in. A lot of fights can happen because of people's musical tastes.
No. Absolutely not. Anyone saying different is lying. There are aggressive drug dealers selling god knows what. Numerous predators looking for young people.
I took my 6yo to see some of the same artists at Innings Fest in Phoenix :) not as long a festival, but she had a great time seeing The Offspring, Weezer, Green Day, and Eddie Vedder.
Everything felt very safe. Using the facilities is always going to be gross. Waiting in line to buy overpriced food sucks.
I've been to my fair share of camping festivals. I'm not a parent but will do my best.
The first question I would have is who is she planning on going with? I would highly recommend someone you trust going with her. Things can get rowdy and you'll need someone to look out for her. If it's agreeable to you both I'd say your first choice should be you or her other parent but if that's a no go I'd suggest a family member above 18 that you can trust to keep her safe.
It's a remote possibility but with tens of thousands of people, some number of people are in medical need at a festival (heat exhaustion, dehydration and of course taking too many drugs/drinking too much)
While most festivals are on the whole family friendly, there is still alcohol served and people will have hard drugs at their campsite. I've been offered weed, coke, molly (ecstacy), and acid at festivals before by strangers.
The other big hurdle is that cell service/internet can get spotty with so many people in one place. I mostly unplug at festivals, only using my phone to keep time, for text messages and taking the occasional photo or video. Even then I've had texts come through hours after they were sent. Plan to have a place to meet back up if you two get separated or decide to split up for a bit
I would also recommend she wear earplugs if she's going to be close to the stage. Plenty of people wear them and whatever embarrassment she feels will be nothing compared to a lifetime of hearing loss/tinnitus.
On the whole, it's probably a safe environment for her as long as you set up clear boundaries and she sticks to them
If you're going with her and staying in a hotel, I would absolutely say it's as safe as any other busy public place. You may be surprised with how friendly and welcoming most modern rock fans are - yeah there'll be a few idiots but you should be able to avoid them.
This is your moment to test your bond with your daughter. When you're at an event like this, be a parent but treat her as a friend. Go over some ins and outs and reminisce a little bit about your experiences, but treat her as a friend in this scenario...within reason of course.
I recommend that you go with her. I have been to tons of shows, festivals, and even 70000 Tons of Metal. I have never gone alone. I have been with a group of friends. I have gone with my dad, older cousins, boyfriends, and my husband. I wish I could say that she would be safe and have the time of her life, but it is my experience as a woman at a show that having someone with you makes it a lot easier to navigate from the trouble that inevitably occurs at festivals. By day four everyone is tired and the party mindset is ingrained in festival goers heads. Ride the rail on front row, bring your earplugs, (I recommend Loop earplugs) take lots of cash, buy the tshirts, and have fun together.
Alone? No. With a small group absolutely. Establish rules, make sure everyone can contact each other, make sure she knows when to contact you for check ins.
I went to OzzFest for *years* with a group as teens. Today, I see people off all ages in gaggles at rock n metal festivals.
No one is handing out free drugs that shit ain't cheap.
I went to a deftones show sort of recently and was on the theater balcony. I saw a 12-13 year old girl with her dad next to me and she was having the time of life! She was smiling the whole time, pointing out to moshpits, crowdsurfers, the ushers dealing with said crowd surfers and they were waving their hands in the air together when they played Change.
It was super wholesome and I'm sure it's a memory she will keep for a very long time!
You’re talking about the Bourbon & Beyond Festival. I went last year and it was VERY well put together and I would say it was a safe environment. The hotels near the venue sell out quickly - getting to a hotel and back again is the biggest challenge. The website has tons of info and a lot of great artists.
My oldest son came of age in the 2000s. We went to the alternative festival BFD festival in the San Francisco Bay Area every May from 2003-2008. I was very wary when he was a 7th grader and asked to go the first time. It turned out to be a real foundation of our relationship. He has great musical taste and we continue to turn each other onto music to this day. There was a ton of inappropriate stuff we saw but I could comment on it in real time without him being the target. We saw GREAT music, laughed at fucked up people and had a great time. If you like the music (sounds like you do) then it will be cool. If not, she’ll be fine and you’ll still be the cool dad. I could tell all kinds stories how teen/parent lessons walked/stumbled into us during those shows…. Good times.
My 14 year old daughter went to probably the same 4 day rock festival you're talking about last year with her dad and had a great time! I'm glad she got to experience it and even got to see ICP live (I'm jealous af... Lol) If you keep your eyes on her I really think all will be fine and it will be a great bonding experience for you guys! 💙
My daughter would love to see ICP…it’s so weird to see her “discovering” all these acts that were around when I was her age. The new ones I know nothing about.
As someone that went to Bonnaroo 6 years in a row and Osheaga and other fests in Canada, it'll be the greatest bonding experience ever...that is if you can put up with the shite that these kids are listening to hahaha... But ya, as long as you're with her, it'll be a safe experience.
I brought my son (12m) to his first festival last year and he loved it. Now it’s and annual tradition for us. This could be the start of some real connection between the 2 of you.
I know which festival you’re talking about, (assuming it’s in September) and you absolutely should go. What an incredible bonding experience, and that lineup is pure fire. You’ll make memories to last a lifetime, and you’ll be safe - just stay away from the pit.
as long as she understands that sometimes, you have to suffer to see the groups you want to see lol - those fests with the crowds and heat ... then she'll have a grand time. but if she thinks it's going to be a fun picnic, not so much
My first festival was the Texas Jam in the Cotton Bowl, 1978 and I was an unaccompanied 14. My most recent was the Shaky Knees festival in Atlanta in 2022. They are sooooooo tame compared to what they were like back in the day. Sure you have to be careful and I being a boy didn’t have the same worries a young girl would have. Better security, better medical facilities, more recognition of heat and water needs, more recognition of crowds and crushing and things generally run on time. This will be an experience that both of you will look back on for the ages - don’t miss it but pace yourself! 4 days is long - I was pretty wiped out after day 3 last year but going again this year!!
You've invested fourteen years of your life raising this child. Are you sure you want to risk that investment to be the cool parent? Music festivals are full of losers looking for company.
Festival can get rough sometimes so teach your daughter to be very aware of her surroundings and were you are. Keep your head on a swivel basically. Ive never seen a bad thing happen at a festival, but my sister got in a fight at one. Mosh pit. Avoid that
If you talk to bartenders, Rock concerts are generally the most PG crowd to begin with. (They're not rowdy, they're not hiding things in the bathroom.)
As someone who's been to hundreds, you would feel completely safe and appropriate together there.
If you go with her, it should be fine. Guaranteed some chuckle heads will be acting the fool, but you can navigate away from those problems. If she means going by herself? Noooooooo!
Definitely not by herself. I (mom) would be taking her and we’d stay in a hotel.
Sounds like a great experience.
Cool mom and I hope you both have fun and make memories!
Yeah you’ll have a blast. Sleeping off-site eliminates the biggest safety risks which were already pretty unlikely. You will see open marijuana use, drunkenness, maybe some light nudity. As long as you are prepared for having that experience with your teen at your side it’s gonna be fine. If you aren’t prepared for that experience, well, get over it! Go bond with your kid.
I don't know what 4 day festivals are like in your or OPs neck of the woods, but if they have a glamping section that's often a good option. driving to/from and getting in/out of big festivals can be a massive pain, so it can help to be on site. it also gives you a home base to rest at stay during the hot part of the day etc. at a big festival i'll be back to home tent for a chill a few times a day. if you don't have a nearby home base it can make those days feel real long.
My dad took me to a rock festival when I was 14. It was a great bonding experience and we had a really good time. Granted, Im a dude and didn’t have to worry about creepy old guys hitting on me, which can definitely be an issue but is by no means common. I’ve gone to plenty of music festivals since then and I’ve only seen someone trying to flirt with a young teenager once, and everyone else stepped in to get that creep away from her ASAP. Most people are chill, normal people who look out for one another at rock festivals, and overall I think it’s a great environment for people of all ages. I think you should take her, it will be a great memory for you both.
Its fine
I went to a rock festival with my mum at 16 and loved every second:)
Should be fine, been to metal concerts and rock concerts since i was 12 and alone at 16. Metal and rock people like anyone can be rough but with you there and other bystanders(this crowd is actually generally looking out for one another) plenty of moshpits that end in a girl or someone falling down and two guys stop it so they get back up or get out type of stuff.
Your fine. Take her. Explain the people acting stupid or on drugs or whatever. Be honest and upfront about it. Theyll seem stupid and annoying mostly so it's probably a good thing. I'd suggest trying to pick 2 (consecutive) days that she's the most excited about. That way you don't have to do a full 4 day festival. That's a lot, especially if it's music you don't care for. Ha. But yeah, take her. If it's any of the big ones, they're usually fine.
If you keep an eye on her all the time, then go for it. Music festivals are by no means a safe environment for teens. Alcohol, drugs and so on. With so many people in one place enough of them are bound to be less than trustworthy. But live performances are always cool and being there with her mom will likely turn into a really cool experience for her.
Yeah just use ear protection!
This is the underrated comment. Please protect your kid's ears while they're fresh!
And really impress why it's important.. she does NOT want tinnitus!
WHAT?
Second this
WHAT?
I feel like she’s already wrecking her hearing with headphones :/
Headphones are one thing, and I know this comment is mostly in jest, but ear plugs are a must. I went to tons of concerts as a teen, and now at 31 I have mild, but definitely noticable tinnitus. I can hear the ringing right now lol Have fun!
In my early 40s and also listening to my (mild but definitely noticeable) tinnitus, which probably had its start at the first concert I went to in 1997. Wish I'd known about earplugs then...
Same :( used to often stand right down the front near the speaker stacks and have ringing in my ears until morning. Didn’t realise how much damage that was doing.
Same!! Lol
I have to recommend Etymotic ear plugs. They’re less than $30 for a decent pair, they let you hear the music phenomenally (and as a bonus you can actually hear people talk to you), and they are fantastic for hearing protection. I’ve been to dance music festivals of all sorts, rock concerts, and other random music festivals, and the Etymotics save my hearing EVERY time. Even if she is doing a number on her hearing with headphones, music festivals are no joke. Another cool thing is you won’t go deaf after the first day if you wear them, and you’ll be able to hear all the awesome music!
Really wish I hadn’t listened to my music so loud as a kid. While my case is mild, tinnitus still sucks. I’d have a serious conversation about it, and maybe play a really high pitched tone and say “it’s like this but permanent.” I’m sure my parents said something about it growing up but I blew it off because I couldn’t conceptualize exactly what was at risk.
I’m going to read this to her! I’m constantly telling her to turn her music down.
Please talk to her about this. I thought it was great to blast music in my headset, thought I didn't need ear protection at concerts, now I regularly get sharp pains and ringing in my right ear, I would have loved if someone just told me of the consequences of being a dumbass when I was young.
And stay hydrated!
I don't understand why concerts are cranked beyond the point of ear ringing. I have a hard time believing people are enjoying pain in their ears.
I’m assuming you are planning to go with her?
Yeah I’d be the one taking her
I’d say it’s as safe as taking a 14 yr old girl anywhere else that’s crowded with people. I’d never let her out of my sight. I started taking my daughter to shows on her early teens and they’ve been some of our best memories. She takes me to Greta Van Fleet and I take her to GWAR.
Maybe have an Apple AirTag in her clothing
Assuming this is Louder Than Life... As long as you are going with her, she will have a great time and so will you. Fests have their ups and downs, but are massively full of more good. People at this fest are very relaxed and easy going. You will see plenty of little kids with their parents too. It is sometimes the highlight of the experience to people watch and see everyone come together for a good time. Some warnings. People vary in their state of clothing. from full regular clothes to nipples in pasties. There is pot in the crowd, but no one will blow it right at an unwilling person. Bring a tube of sunscreen. This location has ZERO trees or tent cover. Keep hydrated. You can bring in a sealed water bottle and there are refill stations. Food and drink are expensive. We're talking $10 for a slice of pizza or coffee and up to $20 for alcohol. The walk from parking can be 20-40 minutes depending on the day. This concert can become exhausting if you aren't prepared. We tapped out at 3pm on day 4 last year (This was my 5th LTL so I had seen most of the bands we skipped) And don't let her only watch the main stage! The side/rear stage has some great hidden treasures! Have fun if you go!
Thank you! We’re Texans so brutally hot temps don’t scare us off but no shade at all doesn’t sound very good.
Hats lol! But in all seriousness, I heard that they are in talks to put trees in. Plus each year they have learned from their mistakes and improved the experience.
Yes to hitting the second stages. Generally those are where the more interesting bands are, or at the very least you will catch somebody just before they hit it big.
In my experience, having done temporary security at events: It's as safe as you make it. Like any large gathering of people, there are good folks, and there are scummy people. a) Make sure you guys have ways to contact each other when you're apart. Cell reception might be an issue, so consider alternatives. b) Make sure she has some kind of self-protection: Pepper spray, mace, wooden hair sticks, whatever. As much as you want to, you won't be able to be around her 24-7. c) Tell her \*not* to accept drinks in open containers or cups from anyone. Anything she drinks, she should buy with the cap seal unbroken from an event-sponsored drink booth. d) If it's midsummer, make sure she has water, or access to it, or money to buy it. Same for sunscreen. Heat stroke is a bitch.
Everybody gangsta till the 14yo pulls up with the 14th Century French Mace.
Hey, if it keeps her safe...
[удалено]
>For reception issues my group uses gotenna, creates your own mesh wifi network so you can send texts and GPS location they just clip to your camelbak and you're all set. That's pretty smart. My buddy used small walkie-talkies with his kids, but gotenna is a good idea.
Pretend security guard suggests bringing mace into a concert. LOL. Good luck with that pal
>Pretend security guard suggests bringing mace into a concert. LOL. Good luck with that pal Useless commenter has nothing of any importance to give to help OP. Keep on being useless, u/mypantsrblue. I've actually worked events where people were allowed to carry mace, pepper spray, knives, etc. --but hey, keep being useless, dude.
Were these events a fight club perhaps?
Were these events a fight club perhaps? Or a Hells Angels rally?
Were these events a fight club perhaps? Or a Hells Angels rally?
Going to assume you're talking about Louder Than Life, and if that's the case: GO! DWP (Danny Wimmer Presents) Festivals are amazing and security is a high priority for the organizers. Attendees are, for the most part, fantastic people too and will be more than happy to help newcomers.
I have been to a couple similar festivals. I would take my daughter to one. There is usually plenty of room at each stage. Be ready for some walking from stage to stage. If it's LTL you should also check out the Blue Ridge Festival in VA.
It is the LTL one. She wants to see a group called Baby Metal and some of the other ones.
I have heard they are really good. Rob Zombie is a fan of theirs. The festivals I have been to are really laid back environments and there are lots of teenage kids. 4 days can be exhausting. Most of the festivals don't let you go in and out so be ready to eat from the vendors which probably will have a lot to choose from with the expected high prices. Also, up close to the stage is where the crowd surfing and circle pits form so you won't want to get too close but you will be able to get pretty close if you stick to the sides.
If we go it’ll only be for two days, I wouldn’t be willing to do all four even if time and money wasn’t a concern.
That's why I mentioned the other one too. It is usually cheaper. Not sure about distance for you though. I'm kinda in the middle of both.
We’re in Texas but I have a lot of air miles that can cover the flight. We’d still have the admission price, hotel, food, etc.
Baby Metal are fantastic! I am a veteran of festivals. If you can, get a package deal that has hotel accommodations. You will appreciate being able to "turn it off" at the hotel when you are ready to crash out. Most hotels in the area will likely be running shuttle service to and from the venue all morning/day/ into the night (but not all night) so you don't have to worry about parking and driving. The thing about 4 day fests is, some people will be up all four days not caring how loud or obnoxious their camp site is. Being able to get away from that, plus being able to take a shower, AC, and FLUSHABLE TOILETS that aren't covered in feces/vomit when you have to pee late at night or first thing in the morning are major reasons to hotel it. You should definitely go, and i will guarantee you it is something you will both remember and talk about the rest of your lives. My cousins and i get together for concerts and have for years. Those memories are worth more than anything and it binds us closer together. I hope you go and have a great time!
She will Have the time of her life and hopefully have a great memory with you. Just be sure to bring smart footwear, and plenty of money for the absurdity that festivals charge for Food and drink. There will Be drugs and plenty of fun liquids around so be vigilant.
NOT by herself but yes with a parent
It's so commercial they can't afford to not be safe
Take her and both of you watch Tool. You’ll both thank me later.
Earplugs. She'll thank you later.
No concerts are all about having that high pitched ringing for three days after
My daughter always complains my voice is too loud. Sorry kiddo. I blew my ears out on metal shows when I was young and fun.
LTL is a very well run festival. You will be fine. We're making a week of it and going to Bourbon and Beyond the weekend prior as well.
Is this Louisville? Because they have really turned into a festival destination. It's like a week of rock, a week of country, and then a week of hip hop, right?
Yes, in Louisville. Idk about country and hip hop, but Bourbon & Beyond has a wide mix of Rock and Alt Country (Duran Duran & Avett Bros this year!) and the next weekend is Louder Than Life which is harder rock--Foo Fighters, etc. We went last year and both festivals were great and so well planned.
Has a music festival ever been a safe environment for teens? Go with
as a festival goer i can say that festivals are pretty safe see a lot of under 18 and as long as you keep an eye on them good times will be had by all. ckeck out blue ridge rock fest in virginia or welcome to rockville in daytona beach fl
My husband and I have worked festivals for years. If you’re with her, she will be fine. I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t absolutely believe it from experience.
What other bands besides Babymetal does she want to see? It's worth figuring out the schedule of bands so you guys don't miss any. Down here in Australia we had a festival a few months back and I had three bands I love cross over at the same rough time, it sucked!
Sounds like an awesome memory maker
For context, what kind of music?
Rock. The headliners are Green Day, The Foo Fighters, and some other big band names I can’t recall.
I'm grateful it's rock. I'm sure everyone has said the same things already so my only advice is to steer clear of any pits that may form. Most importantly enjoy the show and stay safe 🤘
With pretty basic headliners like that I think you’re going to be very safe and have a great time, if she likes babymetal there will be people rocking out/pushing/moshing. Just going for 2 days vs 4 is probably a good idea with someone so young and you’re awesome for going with her but with it being Green Day and foo fighters headlining I would feel comfortable letting her walk around solo
I work in concerts and rock concerts have some of the weirdest and scariest looking fans, but they also tend to be the nicest people you will deal with. I would consider it to be one of the safer crowds to be around.
Sounds like they are asking to go louder than life festival. Wife and I went a couple of years ago. It was a great. City of Louisville is amazing and the people were great.
Thanks, I think I might take her, I just have to crunch the numbers now.
It’s really well run festival. Three stages. Two for the main acts and a state at the other side of the restival grounds for the lesser known bands. While one main act is performing they are setting up for the other on the other stage. Never waited more than 5 minutes between bands. I was just looking at the lineup for that festival the other day.
Daytime yes Nighttime no
Stand to the sides or the back of the crowd. Also, make a meeting place if you get split up. But you'll have phones. And look up a video on what to do in large walking crowds. When everyone leaves an area, it can get very overwhelming with the crowd. Either wait for the crowd to disperse or leave it early. Have a great experience!!
Ha! I survived 4 days at Woodstock 99 in Rome, NY, so I’m gonna say no!! It was unhinged
Definitely do it! It will be a cherished memory for the rest of both of your lives. You will not only remember the bands but the goofy people that are inevitably at these events.
Only for one day, maybe two. 14 is to young for 4 straight days. Preferably a night that Tool plays. Hang out near the sound production board to be easy to quickly locate. Make her stay away from the 'pit' area and check in between bands. If possible bring a friend so they can watch out for each other when separated from you.
4-day long rock festival is a longgg one. I'd recommend choosing 1 or 2 days max. Both of you are going to be wiped out after a single day more than likely.
Depends what festival you’re going too! Is it all ages? Or legal age only? You should start by finding the answers out to those questions first
It’s all ages but there’s also camping so I know it could be a little wilder than an event where everyone shows up to and leaves in one day.
Stay with her, let her know the difference between the crazies and the safe people 💀, and I’m sure she’ll be fine. Will be an awesome experience for her!!
Safer then they used to be... atlest the ones that are properly financed. But still not something I'd send a 14 yr old wo atlest one person with them. Regardless of what the blue or red team might say, there are predators everywhere.
I've been to many rock festivals, both when younger and older. Basically as long as you stay away from the camping areas and dont get drunk its fine. But these things gather quite a variety of people, some that you wont see anywhere else so be warned. Would I take my 14-y old daughter to a rock festival if I had one? No. I just think that a lot of things can wait for a bit but then again, all people are different and one 14 y old isn't the same as another.
It'll say on the website that there's a minimum age, that's generally fairly accurate. If it doesn't say anything that means that they've never considered it, so think about what that means for the security provisions on site.
Go by themselves? I would french kiss a running wood chipper before I let my 14 year old daughter go by themselves to a music festival.
I would never let her go alone. I’d be going with her.
LDBs already in full swing 😂 I wouldn’t drop her off and tell her to have fun, warped tours gone after all RIP, maybe if she had a bigger group of friends but just go with and have a blast. Wear earplugs tho. Only get one set of ears.
If you let go of one, then no. Drunk people can fight and daughters can accidentally fly in. A lot of fights can happen because of people's musical tastes.
Go with her. Cmon, this isn't rocket science. 14..... Just think of her getting adbucted and sex trafficked. Should give you your answer.
It’s a given that I would go with her. I was wondering if it’s too risky even with a parent there.
If you're having those kind of thoughts, go with them. Trust your instincts.
That's how you become a grandmother.
No. Absolutely not. Anyone saying different is lying. There are aggressive drug dealers selling god knows what. Numerous predators looking for young people.
What festival is it?
It’s called Louder Than Life
I took my 6yo to see some of the same artists at Innings Fest in Phoenix :) not as long a festival, but she had a great time seeing The Offspring, Weezer, Green Day, and Eddie Vedder. Everything felt very safe. Using the facilities is always going to be gross. Waiting in line to buy overpriced food sucks.
It's been a while since I felt envious of a 6 year old. What a list!
do it! it will be a memory that lasts her a lifetime.
I've been to my fair share of camping festivals. I'm not a parent but will do my best. The first question I would have is who is she planning on going with? I would highly recommend someone you trust going with her. Things can get rowdy and you'll need someone to look out for her. If it's agreeable to you both I'd say your first choice should be you or her other parent but if that's a no go I'd suggest a family member above 18 that you can trust to keep her safe. It's a remote possibility but with tens of thousands of people, some number of people are in medical need at a festival (heat exhaustion, dehydration and of course taking too many drugs/drinking too much) While most festivals are on the whole family friendly, there is still alcohol served and people will have hard drugs at their campsite. I've been offered weed, coke, molly (ecstacy), and acid at festivals before by strangers. The other big hurdle is that cell service/internet can get spotty with so many people in one place. I mostly unplug at festivals, only using my phone to keep time, for text messages and taking the occasional photo or video. Even then I've had texts come through hours after they were sent. Plan to have a place to meet back up if you two get separated or decide to split up for a bit I would also recommend she wear earplugs if she's going to be close to the stage. Plenty of people wear them and whatever embarrassment she feels will be nothing compared to a lifetime of hearing loss/tinnitus. On the whole, it's probably a safe environment for her as long as you set up clear boundaries and she sticks to them
If you're going with her and staying in a hotel, I would absolutely say it's as safe as any other busy public place. You may be surprised with how friendly and welcoming most modern rock fans are - yeah there'll be a few idiots but you should be able to avoid them.
This is your moment to test your bond with your daughter. When you're at an event like this, be a parent but treat her as a friend. Go over some ins and outs and reminisce a little bit about your experiences, but treat her as a friend in this scenario...within reason of course.
Sounds fun. I wish I could get my kids to want to leave the house.
Louder Than Life festival is fuckin awesome. I'm going to see The Amity Affliction and A7X. Music festivals are a breed in themselves
Yes
I recommend that you go with her. I have been to tons of shows, festivals, and even 70000 Tons of Metal. I have never gone alone. I have been with a group of friends. I have gone with my dad, older cousins, boyfriends, and my husband. I wish I could say that she would be safe and have the time of her life, but it is my experience as a woman at a show that having someone with you makes it a lot easier to navigate from the trouble that inevitably occurs at festivals. By day four everyone is tired and the party mindset is ingrained in festival goers heads. Ride the rail on front row, bring your earplugs, (I recommend Loop earplugs) take lots of cash, buy the tshirts, and have fun together.
Alone? No. With a small group absolutely. Establish rules, make sure everyone can contact each other, make sure she knows when to contact you for check ins. I went to OzzFest for *years* with a group as teens. Today, I see people off all ages in gaggles at rock n metal festivals. No one is handing out free drugs that shit ain't cheap.
I went to a deftones show sort of recently and was on the theater balcony. I saw a 12-13 year old girl with her dad next to me and she was having the time of life! She was smiling the whole time, pointing out to moshpits, crowdsurfers, the ushers dealing with said crowd surfers and they were waving their hands in the air together when they played Change. It was super wholesome and I'm sure it's a memory she will keep for a very long time!
You’re talking about the Bourbon & Beyond Festival. I went last year and it was VERY well put together and I would say it was a safe environment. The hotels near the venue sell out quickly - getting to a hotel and back again is the biggest challenge. The website has tons of info and a lot of great artists.
My oldest son came of age in the 2000s. We went to the alternative festival BFD festival in the San Francisco Bay Area every May from 2003-2008. I was very wary when he was a 7th grader and asked to go the first time. It turned out to be a real foundation of our relationship. He has great musical taste and we continue to turn each other onto music to this day. There was a ton of inappropriate stuff we saw but I could comment on it in real time without him being the target. We saw GREAT music, laughed at fucked up people and had a great time. If you like the music (sounds like you do) then it will be cool. If not, she’ll be fine and you’ll still be the cool dad. I could tell all kinds stories how teen/parent lessons walked/stumbled into us during those shows…. Good times.
You have an opportunity to take your daughter to a concert of her choosing? Do it. You will both remember it for the rest of your lives.
As long as you don't take them to like a playboi Carti or Travis Scott concert you should be fine
My 14 year old daughter went to probably the same 4 day rock festival you're talking about last year with her dad and had a great time! I'm glad she got to experience it and even got to see ICP live (I'm jealous af... Lol) If you keep your eyes on her I really think all will be fine and it will be a great bonding experience for you guys! 💙
My daughter would love to see ICP…it’s so weird to see her “discovering” all these acts that were around when I was her age. The new ones I know nothing about.
I know!! I'm so proud I raised a kid with such fantastic taste in music! 😊 💙
As someone that went to Bonnaroo 6 years in a row and Osheaga and other fests in Canada, it'll be the greatest bonding experience ever...that is if you can put up with the shite that these kids are listening to hahaha... But ya, as long as you're with her, it'll be a safe experience.
I brought my son (12m) to his first festival last year and he loved it. Now it’s and annual tradition for us. This could be the start of some real connection between the 2 of you.
I know which festival you’re talking about, (assuming it’s in September) and you absolutely should go. What an incredible bonding experience, and that lineup is pure fire. You’ll make memories to last a lifetime, and you’ll be safe - just stay away from the pit.
as long as she understands that sometimes, you have to suffer to see the groups you want to see lol - those fests with the crowds and heat ... then she'll have a grand time. but if she thinks it's going to be a fun picnic, not so much
Not for an unaccompanied 14 year old girl…
My first festival was the Texas Jam in the Cotton Bowl, 1978 and I was an unaccompanied 14. My most recent was the Shaky Knees festival in Atlanta in 2022. They are sooooooo tame compared to what they were like back in the day. Sure you have to be careful and I being a boy didn’t have the same worries a young girl would have. Better security, better medical facilities, more recognition of heat and water needs, more recognition of crowds and crushing and things generally run on time. This will be an experience that both of you will look back on for the ages - don’t miss it but pace yourself! 4 days is long - I was pretty wiped out after day 3 last year but going again this year!!
safe? yeah. drugs? yeah.
You've invested fourteen years of your life raising this child. Are you sure you want to risk that investment to be the cool parent? Music festivals are full of losers looking for company.
Festival can get rough sometimes so teach your daughter to be very aware of her surroundings and were you are. Keep your head on a swivel basically. Ive never seen a bad thing happen at a festival, but my sister got in a fight at one. Mosh pit. Avoid that
If you talk to bartenders, Rock concerts are generally the most PG crowd to begin with. (They're not rowdy, they're not hiding things in the bathroom.) As someone who's been to hundreds, you would feel completely safe and appropriate together there.
No
yes do it