Why Parents Should Take Teens to a Music Festival

If you’ve been on the fence about taking your teenager to a music festival, consider this your push to do it!

Taking teens to a music festival may sound intimidating, but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever share with them. When my own daughter was 15, I took her to a stop on the Vans Warped Tour. Since then, we’ve made memories together at Forecastle in Louisville, Kentucky, and Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee.

Music Festivals Build Independence and Trust

Music festivals are a special kind of place, offering something hard to find anywhere else. There is a sense of community and connection wrapped up in one big, loud, colorful package. It also offers a safe space to fully express yourself with creative outfits, fun hairstyles, and cool makeup looks. Hello, Glitter! In fact, I have never felt more welcome and accepted than I have at music festivals.

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For teens, attending with a parent offers an opportunity to explore their independence while still having the safety net of knowing someone they love and trust is with them.

Discovering New Artists Together

Going to music festivals with my daughter has helped us both discover new artists, and it has given her the chance to connect with people who love music as much as she does. Attending a music festival is also a masterclass on learning how to navigate big crowds and new environments responsibly.

I’ll be honest, music offers a great opportunity to bridge the generational gap, too. My daughter regularly shares new artists and new music with me, and it has added an extra layer to our relationship that I really love.

Bonding Moments Between Sets

When you go to a music festival together, you aren’t just tagging along to “their thing.” You are actively experiencing it side by side while you build shared memories that last a lifetime. Some of my best conversations with my daughter have happened between sets, sitting on a blanket in the grass, just soaking in the energy of the crowd.

The Generational Bridge of Music

One of my favorite memories is of us holding hands, running through a crowd from the end of one artist to catch the start of another across the festival grounds. We were laughing and giggling the entire time, and were so out of breath when we reached the second stage, but we didn’t miss a note of either performance!

Why You Should Try It With Your Teen

If you love music and want to build unforgettable memories, bring your teen to a festival. The music will fade, but I promise, the bond you create will last forever. Keep reading to find 10 reasons you should definitely take them to a festival soon!