Ohana Fest 2025 Pollstar Music Festival of the Year

RedMosquitoSmile28 said:

Spiritual_Chaos said:

weird. my experience is that people show up for the last show of the night at festivals. Last thing to go do. 

But seems americans do festivalthings weird like;

- mailing out the festival wristbands instwad of giving them out on location
- Not allowing you to leave the area and come back (i mean, thats the main purpose of the festival wristband is it not)

I kind of hate the lack of in-and-out privileges, although I haven't minded being there the whole time once we're in. It does make you need to plan when you want to get in, though.

In my experience it has been pretty darn crowded for the headliners, although one of those experiences was Pearl Jam, which people were clearly there for. I did see a review from a 20-something last year who went specifically to see Haim, who was great by the way, and she made a comment about the weird festival atmosphere with old people and families!

There isn't much to do once inside.. except eat, drink, sit and wait.. once you've seen the art exhibit and listened to a few speakers... it's a very small space

RedMosquitoSmile28 said:

gotthebottle said:

RedMosquitoSmile28 said:

Spiritual_Chaos said:

weird. my experience is that people show up for the last show of the night at festivals. Last thing to go do. 

But seems americans do festivalthings weird like;

- mailing out the festival wristbands instwad of giving them out on location
- Not allowing you to leave the area and come back (i mean, thats the main purpose of the festival wristband is it not)

I kind of hate the lack of in-and-out privileges, although I haven't minded being there the whole time once we're in. It does make you need to plan when you want to get in, though.

In my experience it has been pretty darn crowded for the headliners, although one of those experiences was Pearl Jam, which people were clearly there for. I did see a review from a 20-something last year who went specifically to see Haim, who was great by the way, and she made a comment about the weird festival atmosphere with old people and families!

There isn't much to do once inside.. except eat, drink, sit and wait.. once you've seen the art exhibit and listened to a few speakers... it's a very small space

I've enjoyed the music.

The biggest thing about planning when to get in in my mind is things like food (might be better to eat a large late lunch than deal with the lines and stuff), or merch whether being there early enough to get things or how long you want to carry it around or just stamina. 

I eat at Carlos Restaurant before going in once we get parking...usually gotta get there before 1. Nice patio. And yes the music is the thing of course.

Spiritual_Chaos said:

weird. my experience is that people show up for the last show of the night at festivals. Last thing to go do. 

But seems americans do festivalthings weird like;

- mailing out the festival wristbands instwad of giving them out on location
- Not allowing you to leave the area and come back (i mean, thats the main purpose of the festival wristband is it not)

The purpose of the wristband is to make it easier for them to separate your money from your wallet. Most purchases can be made with your wristband. 

chitty said:

 Saw them in my city firs two shows this tour, but new album is awesome and I want to see them again this tour. the setlists have been top notch.

I went in 2022, and I think they did about 22 songs. Do we think they play a full 25 at both shows this year?

My guess is they play a few less songs at the festival, closer to a 2 hour setlist. 

Thanks this is what I figured, may try go to Seattle show then instead

Looking at going all out for this, 10th wedding anniversary and coming up on my 50th bday. (Or at least that’s how I’m justifying it) We can afford it, is VIP package worth it? 

melwert said:

Looking at going all out for this, 10th wedding anniversary and coming up on my 50th bday. (Or at least that’s how I’m justifying it) We can afford it, is VIP package worth it? 

I've done both. There are some nice things about VIP. Mostly these relate to less crowded lines and a few nice areas to relax in. Otherwise not much different. No real advantage to seating, etc. Bathrooms were a bit easier to access in VIP. They have plenty in GA as long as you head to the east side of the venue where the port-o-lets are but a lot of people would line up at at the permanent restrooms either unaware that there were multiple open port-o-lets or they just didn't want to use them I guess.

We were laughing at the "free food" tent when we were VIPs back in 2021. People would hover near the tent like vultures and as soon as they brought out trays they would swoop in and snatch it all up. We were up in the bleachers taking it all in. Not sure if that was such a good idea to offer that.