Michigan music lovers, rejoice! Bled Fest, the most wonderful day of the year in eyes of indie, emo, hardcore, and plain old music enthusiasts is less than 24 hours away. But be warned, there are a few essentials you would be wise to pack before you head out to the Hartland Performing Arts Center tomorrow. Thankfully, Impact has you covered.
An Extra T-Shirt (or Two)
I have yet to walk out of Bled Fest anything less than drenched. Whether it be your own sweat or that of others, I guarantee that at some point in the day, you will be feeling damp and uncomfortable in the outfit you initially arrived in. Solution? Pack another shirt or two (or buy one there!) so you can make a quick change in between sets. You will not regret it.
Appropriate Footwear
This is not the day to break in your new Docs, folks. You will be too busy screaming the lyrics to your favorite song to worry about babying your bruised, blistered feet. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a necessity, especially if you plan on being part of one of the main stage crowds. But while you are at it, throw a couple Band-Aids in your pocket just in case… it is better to be safe than sorry.
Water
It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day and forget to, well, take a breather every once in a while. In such a hot and sweaty environment like Bled Fest, it is incredibly important to stay hydrated. Note that Bled Fest does not allow unsealed water bottles through the doors, so pack either an empty reusable bottle or a couple unopened plastic ones to keep you up and running throughout your long day.
$$$$
Labels such as Run For Cover, No Sleep, and Count Your Lucky Stars will have a wide selection of CDs, LPs, and posters galore available for purchase. Nearly every band will set up a merch table for you to pick up a new t-shirt or banner. The smells coming from food trucks parked out front will lure you in by your empty stomach. This is no time for an empty wallet. Today is the day to treat yourself.
Backpack
If you plan on buying merch at Bled Fest, you might find it beneficial to carry a backpack. True, it may at times feel like a burden, but do you really want to be sprinting back to your car all the way at the east end of the Target parking lot in order to drop off a stack of records you just bought, sacrificing the first few minutes of the next band’s set? Probably not.
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Bled Fest 2015 is this Saturday, May 23 at the Hartland Performing Arts Center in Howell, Michigan. It has sold out in the past. You would be wise to snag your ticket online instead of waiting to purchase at the door. Plus, you will save $3 by purchasing before midnight.
Check out the set times here, and their new mobile site here – it will come in handy during the fest to see who is currently playing where. Doors open at 11:30 a.m, music starts at 12:00 p.m.
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET: $32.00
VIP TEE PACKAGE: SOLD OUT
VIP ZIP HOODIE PACKAGE: SOLD OUT
