Festies cover art

Festies

Festies

By: Sunny Balopole Vanessa Gutierrez Clark Lawson
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Festies Podcast - a music festival podcast


Festie (noun): A music-loving adventurer who flourishes in the vibrant energy of festivals. Known for dancing to any beat, making new friends at every stage, and offering unwavering support to fellow festies in their crew. A true festie views every festival as a fresh opportunity to immerse in the moment and create lasting memories.

Festies isn’t just a podcast—it’s our backstage pass to the wonderful world of music festivals! We’re Vanessa and Sunny, lifelong besties with 20+ festivals under our belts (14 of those together), and we’re here to be your go-to source for festival stories, tips, and all the glittery chaos in between.


Think of us as your festival spirit guides. We share advice, chat with the coolest folks in the industry, and spotlight hidden gem festivals you need to know about.

From reggae to rock, EDM to indie, and hip-hop to country, we dive into the music, vibes, and people who make festivals magical. We also highlight innovative products and festival hacks crafted by the community because the best ideas always come from fellow festies.


Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, we’ve got your back. So grab your hydration pack, lace up your comfiest shoes, and tune in—because the festival adventure doesn’t stop when the music does.


Let’s keep the vibe alive, one episode at a time!

© 2026 Festies Art Music Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Ep. 53 Festies Recap: Lightning in a Bottle 2026

    Ep. 53 Festies Recap: Lightning in a Bottle 2026
    May 29 2026

    Sunny and Clark are back from Lightning in a Bottle and giving Vanessa the full recap.

    We cover favorite sets, workshops, camping adventures, festival lessons, new friendships, and the moments that made LIB unforgettable. Plus, we read notes left by fellow festies at our campsite, including stories, advice, confessions, and shout-outs from the community.

    --

    Shout out to everyone who left us a note at our welcome table!

    @casas-colorado @_pleaseletusrave_ @torib.diary @a_break_in_time @weareravetrash

    Check out the Festies Tool Kit for festival packing lists, planning resources, helpful guides, and products we actually use to make festival weekends smoother and more fun: Free Festival Planning Toolkit

    Eargasm Earplugs
    Protect your ears with Eargasm Earplugs. Use code FESTIES10 for 10% off!

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Follow Festies Podcast. Share with your fest friends. @festiespodcast
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Ep. 52 How SideQuest Grid Is Changing the Music Festival Experience

    Ep. 52 How SideQuest Grid Is Changing the Music Festival Experience
    May 15 2026

    In this episode, we talk with Lauren and David, the creators of Sidequest Grid, a festival-based social game that helps attendees meet new people and discover the magic between the sets.

    Lauren and David have spent the last few years living full-time in their van, traveling to music festivals across the country and sharing their experiences on Soundchecks to Stage Dives. After attending more than 20 festivals, they turned their passion for community into a creative way to help festival-goers connect.

    Going to Bonnaroo? Head to their website to get the Bonnaroo Adventure Box! Pre-orders available until May 21st, 2026.

    SideQuest Grid Socials: Instagram TikTok Facebook Group: The Wandering Order


    Check out the Festies Tool Kit for festival packing lists, planning resources, helpful guides, and products we actually use to make festival weekends smoother and more fun: Free Festival Planning Toolkit

    Eargasm Earplugs
    Protect your ears with Eargasm Earplugs. Use code FESTIES10 for 10% off!

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Follow Festies Podcast. Share with your fest friends. @festiespodcast
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Ep. 51 Lightning in a Bottle 2026 Preview: Lineup, Tips & Our Plan

    Ep. 51 Lightning in a Bottle 2026 Preview: Lineup, Tips & Our Plan
    May 1 2026

    We're officially approved for media at Lightning in a Bottle 2026! In this episode, we break down what LIB is all about, why the community is so unique, and what we’re excited to cover on-site. We share lineup picks, can’t-miss experiences beyond the music, and real tips from our audience and Reddit to help you prep smarter. See you at LIB!

    Check out the Festies Tool Kit for festival packing lists, planning resources, helpful guides, and products we actually use to make festival weekends smoother and more fun: Free Festival Planning Toolkit


    Eargasm Earplugs
    Protect your ears with Eargasm Earplugs. Use code FESTIES10 for 10% off!

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show

    Follow Festies Podcast. Share with your fest friends. @festiespodcast
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
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