I know we’re only two months removed from this year’s festival but I’m already planning for 2019 and wondering if people have fresh info to share! For those who may have just done it (or witnessed it), approximately how early must one be in the tarp line to obtain a shade tent spot along the back? As a noob I haven’t been able to decipher how those spots are best obtained, though I gather they’re quite valued by those with children, such as myself.
Also, there’s just one line of shade tents, correct? I see references to people concerned about their shade structure blocking views? Do I have it wrong and there’s multiple lines of shade tents?
Theres multiple lines, but only the front lines have a direct view. The shade option is nice with or without kids. I’m not certain how anyone can do the whole day without a little shade. That sun is brutal!
This year was my 3rd festival but the first with a shade tent inside fest. It is 1000 times more comfortable with the shade. A lot of people use Kelty style shade tents and they block the view for everyone behind them. The EZ up style let the people behind you still have a view. Whichever style you choose, PLEASE anchor them the best you can. Several tents went airborne this year and could really hurt someone. As far as the line, we were in Town Park and the numbers for lineup were randomly distributed. We were in the 200s one day and still had a tent spot.
Come on Matt it was entertainment watching from Run a Muck as you could see them start to "Rise up " from the field and start following the wind! All kidding aside, with kids out there flying tents can be vary dangerous!
First timer… we had ~500 ticket first day in line up and down to about 240-250 final day… 2 Days we wound up just behind the first row of shade tents and usually had some sightline thru others around us. Worked out just fine. First day actually we posted up right at corner along foot path, which was disaster… WAY too much dust in our faces. We were miserable for a bit. 2nd day we were way in the back since they moved everyone out a bit after a trial run and our spot was really pretty poor. We just used time to wander grounds more.
That said, I met folks who didn’t line up and get one of street tickets at all and they got good shade tent spots right beside us. Its kind of a crap shoot a bit once you are clearly not gonna be the front line of tents.