Festivus: Top 5 Trends of 2010 Festivals

posted in: Features

Well we’re deep in the heart of it, folks. This year’s festival season is in full swing, and many a music fan (this reporter included) have begun their festival runs. Now while free spirits flock to music festivals to flaunt their individuality amongst those who are happy to embrace it, overlaps are unavoidable, and trends undoubtedly manifest. So without further ado, I give you the Top 5 trends of the 2010 festival season.

Ironic Mustaches

The hipsters and the hippies have begun an inevitable meld with hipster folk music attracting free spirited love-children and jam bands incorporating synthesizer sounds. So it was only a matter of time before the hippies’ shaggy unkempt facial hair got trimmed up into the ironic mustache or beard. It says “I don’t care enough to shave, but I’m still cool and different.” We get it.

Balancing Acts

Whether this generation is simply more musically enlightened or the economy is causing festivals to appeal to wider demographics, the outcome is clear: Fests are filling bills with a much broader range of musical genres. From Jay-Z to Muse to Stevie Wonder, fans are taking in every genre from hip hop to punk-rock. And we like it.

Florence Faithfuls

Whether its flowing angel dresses or floral headbands and bare feet, Florence Welch (Florence and the Machine) has become the patron saint of Forever 21 manufactured hippie-chicks everywhere.

Rain Dances

The tell-tale colorful wrist bands marking which festivals you’ve attended are no longer the only giveaway. That tan! That sunburn! Sweltering circumstances have swept all the way from Tennessee to Glastonbury, leaving fans to pray for the relief of rain. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Sunscreen!

Going Green

While soccer moms and liberals have been pushing for greener pastures for a while now, festivals are now fully embracing the movement as well. Recycling water, providing receptacles for plastic vs. cans and encouraging festival goers to “Take It With You,” festivals are doing their part in the green initiative.

These are only a few of the trends you’ll undoubtedly encounter in the coming months as you make your way to and from your favorite fests. Neon colors (we can only assume inspired by glowsticks), vuvuzelas (carried by only those rebellious enough to go against festivals that have banned them!) and comedian appearances (trying on their rockstar hats, no doubt) have also come across our radar. Noticed any others? Let us know in the comments.