The Local Music Festival is a Treasured Gift

2024-08-04

An outdoor music festival. Sure, the big-ticket music festivals often get the most coverage and attention, but the local music festival is just as important.

The local music festival is alive and well, and here’s what people love about these community affairs – Author: Cat Badra, Photo via Anne Erickson

Sure, the big-ticket music festivals often get the most coverage and attention, but the local music festival is just as important. Events such as Coachella, SXSW and Shaky Knees draw thousands upon thousand of attendees every year. But, that doesn’t mean local music festivals aren’t important. The local music festival is alive and well, and here’s what people love about these community affairs.

The Local Music Festival is a Gift

There’s really nothing that beats the traditional local music festival. Having a music event in your local town can have major benefits over traveling to a festival that’s far away. For one, it’s a lot cheaper. You still get to experience live music and being outdoors while you take in that music, but you don’t have to pay for travel, whether that’s by vehicle or airplane, or a hotel. You can just walk or drive to your local community event and enjoy without all of that extra baggage, literally.

Another big benefit to local music festivals is that you get to experience them with your local community. Now, I do love meeting new people at festivals that are outside of my area. It’s fun to make new friends who have traveled from far away all for the love of music, and that love for music creates an instant common bond. But, spending time with my local community is even better. I love running into people I know who I haven’t seen in a while, and that almost always happens at area festivals and events. It just feels good to be surrounded by your community.

One reason the local music festival is a treasure to the community is because it draws a lot of people to one area, helping to boost the local economy. Whether attendees are from down the street or neighboring cities, the money they spend at the festival on food, local shops and more is a big push to that local economy. All of that money helps local communities continue to thrive.

If you enjoy discovering new music, then that’s another reason to favor local music festivals. These events often have up-and-coming artists from the area who you wouldn’t see at a larger festival, at least yet. In turn, these newer musical acts often get exposure at these festivals and find new audiences. It can really help increase their visibility and launch their career. Performing at local music festivals can also help these artists hone their live skills.

Finally, local music festivals are a great way for local businesses and the community to work together. Area businesses often sponsor these events, and that strengthens their relationship. Local businesses are important in any small town or community, and these festivals can help bring them together.

So, before the summer is over, I ask you to hit up at least one local music festival in your area. I went to my local jazz festival this past weekend. Maybe you’ll hear something new. Maybe you’ll see friends you haven’t seen in forever. Either way, I’m guessing you’ll have a great deal of fun.

Cat Badra
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Posted by Cat Badra | Alternative, Features, Local Music Beat, Music, Rock