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    • Sep 22, 2023
    • 5 min read

Landing Festival Gigs: Plan Ahead to Get Ahead

By Ginny Gillikin


Music festival season isn’t over yet. Securing a spot on those coveted festival stages is like winning the lottery for up-and-coming artists. But how do you make it happen? Here's the lowdown on nailing those festival gigs like a pro. Plus, check out the upcoming festivals around Southeast in September and October while you dream and plan for next year.


Concert goers enjoying a performance

1. Research and Target Festivals:

Picture this: You're a rock band with a killer sound that shakes the earth. It wouldn't make sense to apply to a folk music festival, right? Step one is all about finding festivals that jive with your vibe. Figure out which ones align with your genre, energy, and style. Once you've got your list, do your homework and research each festival's application process, deadlines, and any quirky requirements they might have.


2. Craft a Compelling Application:

No cutting corners here, friend. Every festival is like a different puzzle piece, and your application needs to fit snugly. Take the time to tailor each application. Tell them why your music is a match made in heaven for their crowd. Highlight what sets you apart – maybe it's that crazy guitar solo or your lyrics that hit like a wrecking ball. Show them you're ready to rock their stage like a hurricane. Make sure all your links to your website, Spotify, YouTube, etc. are working, and showing your best and latest stuff.


3. Persist and Follow Up:

Rejection. It's a tough pill to swallow, but even the biggest stars have been there. The key? Keep that chin up and keep pushing. Every “no” detours on the road to “yes!” Keep refining your craft, perfecting your tunes, and applying to a variety of festivals. And here's a secret weapon – the follow-up. If your inbox is echoing, don't hesitate to drop a polite follow-up email. A lot of festival organizers are working hard with small teams, just like you.


Remember, getting into festivals takes a mix of charm, persistence, and knowing how to work the system. So, research, customize, and keep on trucking. The stage lights are waiting, and with the right moves, you'll be under those spotlights before you know it.

In the meantime, support your fellow musicians in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Backstage sign that reads, "Stage door, band and crew only."

Georgia

Highlight: RushSouth Fest will be held in Columbus, Georgia, on Oct. 14 and 15. It is billed as the United States’ newest Americana music festival. Other genres featured include rock, country, folk, indie, and blues. The festival will occur along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Craft beers will be available for sale; Gov’t Mule and Paul Cauthen are the headliners. You can enjoy “a weekend of music, water, [and] art,” according to the festival website.


Kentucky

Highlight: The second annual Roadworn Revival Music Festival will be held in Stanford, Kentucky, on Oct. 7. The location is Englewood Estates in central Kentucky. Local and regional Americana and roots rock musicians will be featured. A percentage of sales from the festival will be donated to the community to support “causes and organizations that make a positive impact on the area,” according to the festival website.


North Carolina

Highlight: The 13th annual Hopscotch Music Festival will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina, from Sept. 7 to 9. More than 100 national and regional indie, rock, and hip-hop artists will play on outside stages at City Plaza and Moore Square. Nearly 60,000 ticket holders can enjoy day parties and late-night shows at downtown clubs and venues, as well. Headliners include Dinosaur Jr., Sunny Day Real Estate, Pavement, Margo Price, Digable Planets, and Denzel Curry.


South Carolina

Highlight: The Albino Skunk Music Festival will be held in Greer, South Carolina, from Oct. 5 to 7. The Skunk Farm is “a unique music and camping venue in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” according to the festival website. Tent and car camping will be offered as well as arts and crafts, local food and craft beers, and children’s activities. Music genres represented include bluegrass, Americana, folk, and roots rock, and most shows are acoustic.

Virginia

Highlight: The 49th annual Virginia Beach Neptune Festival will be held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. Stages featuring local and national reggae, alternative, and rock bands will be located over 30 blocks of the boardwalk. Headliners include Steel Pulse, The Wallflowers, Modern English, and The Ocean Blue. Over 200 artisans will show and sell their wares and sand sculptures will be on display, as well.


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