A festival is an event that attracts a large group of people, generally over a period of several days. Its purpose is to celebrate a specific theme or idea, such as art, music, or culture. The event is usually organized by a public or private entity, and often has an admission charge. Some festivals are religious, while others are based on local history or culture, such as a city’s Italian Heritage Festival. A festival may also be used to raise funds for a cause or to promote tourism.
Whether you’re hosting a music festival, foodie fest, arts show or a community gathering, creating a successful event requires planning and execution. Identify your goals (the WHY and WHAT) and create a team to help you deliver on those goals. A successful event is a result of teamwork and collaboration, so choose your team members wisely.
Determine Your Demographics – Figure out who you want to attend your festival and plan accordingly. For example, if you’re targeting young children, consider having carnival-style games or a music stage. Organize Your Activities – Make a list of the activities your festival will include and assign lead volunteers to oversee each one. Genius Tip: If you’re using SignUpGenius, you can use custom reminders and messages to communicate with your volunteers and establish roles and responsibilities.
Create a Fundraising Plan – Most festivals are held for charitable causes or to raise awareness about an issue, so it’s important to plan ahead to find ways to raise money. Typical fundraising methods include collecting donations, selling tickets, and advertising. You can also apply for a grant from your city or state and find business sponsors.
Find a Location Site – Choosing a venue is essential to the success of your festival. Make sure it can accommodate your expected attendance and is within your budget. Also be sure to research the area to ensure there’s plenty of parking, accessibility and safety.
Secure a Venue – Once you’ve found the perfect venue, reserve it with as much advance notice as possible to avoid conflicts and increase your odds of getting your preferred date. Also check with the site to ensure it has all the necessary amenities, such as power and water, and to discuss any fees.
Set Up Booths and Tents – Depending on the size of your festival, this may require days or even weeks in advance. It’s a good idea to hire tent rental companies if your festival will feature multiple vendors or will be outdoors, as this can help save time and energy for everyone involved.
Finalize Entertainment – Decide on the bands, DJs, dancers or other performers you’ll bring in for your festival. Be sure to coordinate with each artist to ensure their schedules line up and that their music fits the tone of your event.
Educate Your Visitors – No matter the theme or intention of your festival, you can bet your visitors will learn something new or become more aware of something that’s important to them. For instance, if your festival is focused on the native Lady Slipper plant, be sure to include information on its importance in a way that’s fun and engaging.