Music festivals are the heartbeats of summer, the places where fans gather to celebrate their favorite bands, discover new artists, and immerse themselves in unforgettable experiences. Yet, for every festival-goer looking forward to that electric weekend, the excitement is often tempered by one major hurdle: securing a ticket. With high demand, many popular music festivals sell out in a matter of minutes. So how does one get past the gates of these sold-out events? Let’s break down the strategies and tactics that can turn you from a hopeful fan into an actual ticket holder.
1. Early Bird Sign-Up: Be Ahead of the Game
The first and most obvious strategy is to be ahead of the crowd. Most major music festivals release tickets in multiple phases, with “early bird” tickets being the first batch to go on sale. These tickets are often offered at a discounted price and can sell out quickly. If you’re even remotely considering attending a festival, sign up for their newsletter, follow their social media accounts, and keep an eye on the official website for announcements.
This advance notice is invaluable, as it allows you to plan ahead, determine your budget, and get in early when the tickets become available. Being first in line could mean the difference between securing a ticket or missing out altogether. So, set alarms, mark your calendar, and don’t let a moment slip by when the presale goes live.
2. Pre-Sale Access and VIP Packages
Beyond general early bird sales, many festivals offer presale tickets to loyal fans or specific groups. This includes those who are part of a festival’s fan club, credit card holders, or individuals who sign up for presale access. Credit card companies like American Express or Citi often have partnerships with festivals, offering their customers exclusive early access to tickets before they’re available to the general public.
It’s also worth checking if the festival offers VIP or “premium” ticket packages. While these tickets are generally more expensive, they come with perks such as front-row access, VIP lounges, exclusive merchandise, or even meet-and-greets with performers. VIP tickets might have a separate sales process, which can sometimes allow you to bypass the main ticket rush and get in before the general public.
3. Multiple Devices and Accounts: Maximize Your Chances
When it comes time for the general ticket sale, speed and persistence are key. Many festivals use high-traffic ticket platforms like Ticketmaster, Eventbrite, or AXS, which have notoriously high demand during the sales window. To increase your chances of getting through the virtual line, use multiple devices and accounts.
Log in to the ticketing platform on your laptop, tablet, and phone. You can even ask friends or family to do the same. Make sure each device is on a separate Wi-Fi network or, even better, use mobile data, as that can sometimes speed up your access. The goal is to have as many lines in the virtual queue as possible, giving you a higher chance of snagging a ticket when they become available.
4. Join the Waitlist or Look for Cancellations
Sold-out music festivals often have a waitlist for tickets. This might seem like a long shot, but if you’re truly committed to attending, it’s worth signing up. People’s plans change, and sometimes they’ll have to cancel their tickets, making them available for resale. Some festivals have official channels for resale, which ensures that tickets are legitimate and priced fairly. This can be a great backup plan if you miss out on the initial sale.
Additionally, keep an eye on social media platforms for any cancellations or last-minute ticket releases. Festivals sometimes release additional tickets closer to the event date, either due to unforeseen circumstances or because they’ve made more space available for fans. These tickets typically go fast, so being alert and checking for updates constantly can help you score a second chance.
5. Leverage Resale Platforms: Be Cautious
While some festivals have official resale platforms, there are also third-party ticket marketplaces like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or SeatGeek where tickets can be resold. These platforms allow you to buy tickets from people who initially purchased them but can no longer attend. However, be cautious when using these services. Not all resold tickets are legitimate, and prices can be marked up significantly. Always check the resale platform’s policies and make sure they guarantee the authenticity of the ticket.
If you’re going to purchase from a resale platform, use one that offers buyer protection. This way, if the ticket turns out to be fake, or if there’s any issue with the purchase, you can receive a refund. Be prepared to pay a premium on resale tickets, as sellers often inflate the price, especially for highly sought-after festivals, but it could be your best option if all else fails.
6. Social Media and Fan Communities: Stay Connected
If you’ve missed out on the primary sale, don’t despair. Sometimes, the best opportunities come through fan communities. Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or Twitter conversations dedicated to the festival you want to attend. Many of these communities are filled with fans who share information, tips, and sometimes even offer tickets for sale or trade at face value.
Follow hashtags related to the event and interact with people in these online spaces. Often, people buy tickets in bulk or with friends, and when something comes up, they will offer their extra tickets at the cost they paid. Similarly, a lot of fans will alert others when they see tickets become available again. Having a network of fellow festival-goers on social media can provide the inside scoop on last-minute tickets or unofficial deals.
7. Volunteer or Work at the Festival
One of the lesser-known strategies to get access to a sold-out music festival is to volunteer or apply for a staff position. Festivals are often looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, from ticket scanning to crowd control to vendor assistance. In exchange for your time and effort, many festivals will offer you a free ticket or backstage access.
While working at a festival can mean that you miss some of the performances, it’s an incredible opportunity to be immersed in the festival atmosphere and meet other music lovers. Plus, it gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how everything operates, and it can be a great way to make connections in the industry if you’re looking to go beyond just attending.
8. Plan for Next Year: Set Reminders Early
If you missed out this year, don’t give up hope. A crucial part of being a festival-goer is understanding that tickets usually sell out fast for a reason—these festivals are popular for a reason, and many of them come back every year. Set reminders for next year’s presale and general sale. Many festivals have a recurring schedule, and if you missed one this year, there’s a strong chance you can get in on the next round.
In addition to marking the date for next year’s ticket sales, start planning your budget and accommodations early. Sold-out festivals aren’t just about getting the ticket—they’re about securing a place to stay, arranging travel, and making sure you’re part of the experience from the moment it’s announced.
9. Think Beyond the Big Names: Explore Smaller Festivals
Finally, consider the possibility of attending smaller festivals. While the major music festivals like Coachella, Glastonbury, and Lollapalooza might be your dream destinations, many smaller, more niche festivals offer the same thrilling experience without the insane ticket demand. These festivals can often be just as, if not more, enjoyable. You’ll get more personal interactions with artists, discover up-and-coming bands, and avoid the stress of the ticket frenzy.
Smaller festivals also give you a chance to experience local music scenes and unique, intimate settings. Plus, with fewer crowds, you’ll have an easier time navigating the festival and enjoying every performance without feeling overwhelmed.
