How to Get a Large Crowd for Outdoor Festivals

Outdoor festivals can attract a variety of people of all ages.

Outdoor festivals can be unique parties. They can include celebrations of music, food, art, wine, culture and history. Because they are held in outdoor settings, they often can accommodate large crowds of people. However, it is incumbent upon organizers to spread the word about the festival in order to attract large crowds. Advertising outdoor festivals should be done several months in advance of the festival and in the days leading up to it.

Instructions

1. Create a website for the festival. Make sure that the website includes the date, time and location of the festival. Include contact information for festival organizers so that those interested can obtain more information and/or offer their services to help organize the festival. List all of the vendors, musicians, artisans and others who will participate. If you are selling tickets to the festival, provide a way to purchase tickets on your website. Link to the website on social networking websites.

2. Spread the word about the festival at least several months in advance. Distribute fliers to local businesses that might have clientele with an interest in outdoor festivals. For example, if the festival is an outdoor music festival, distribute fliers to local music stores and concert venues. Indicate the time, place and date of your event, and if there is an admission charge for the festival, indicate the price on the flier. If any notable performers or artists will appear at the festival, include their names on the flier.

3. Place advertisements in local newspapers and on local radio stations. Tell your friends and family members to spread the word about the festival. Bring it up with everyone you meet and tell them something interesting about it that might make them want to attend. Arrange for advertisements on popular social networking sites, including Facebook.

4. Place fliers and posters throughout the community in the days leading up to the festival. If you have the resources to do so, make an announcement on your local television station. Call everyone you know who lives in the area, invite them to the festival and ask them to spread the word about it.

5. During the festival, play music so that people within walking or driving distance will hear it and stop by. Make sure that there are numerous booths and activities to keep interest high throughout the festival.

References

• Organising an Event: Interview: Rock en Seine on How They Attract Big Crowds and Bigger Stars
• Sustainable Pittsburgh: A Guide for Organizing an Outdoor Festival
• Voodoo Experience: 2010 Experience