Festival planning takes a lot of work, and not just by those throwing it.
Sure, the festival team has been busy actually putting it together — co-ordinating volunteers, finding lodging for out-of-town artists, building a 30-foot geodesic dome, and planning a magical mystery tour (where? No one knows, yet!) — but even just attending a festival takes a bit of work.
Think you’re ready? Think again.
To get the most out of Up Here 4, the urban art and music festival taking place tonight, Aug. 17 (although there was a sneaky surprise show yesterday at lunch) until Sunday evening, you’ll want to plan ahead.
Here are a few to-dos to take into consideration, some before the festival, some during.
Get the app
The first step to take, if you haven’t already, is getting the app. Don’t have a fancy-shmancy smartphone? Make friends with someone who does, because this is how the festival communicates critical information about things like their secret shows that are announced right before they start. The app is available in The App Store or on Google Play.
Listen to the artists
There’s so much going on, and such a variety of musical artists, it’s a good idea to get a feel for what you want to see. There’s a convenient Spotify playlist, but if you don’t get around to this, don’t worry too much, sometimes it’s nice to be surprised. Up Here is all about discovery and trying new things, so give it a shot!
Make a schedule
Feeling overwhelmed by the jam-packed days? You can make a custom schedule in the app. By logging in with your social media accounts you can see where your friends are going, too, making group plans super efficient.
Tune into CKLU
Laurentian University’s radio station — CKLU at 96.7 FM — is featuring festival coverage for the weekend, and you can tune in online to stream it as it happens. There will be shows from 6-8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight on the Friday; 12-2 p.m., 6-7 p.m., and 10 p.m. to midnight on the Saturday; and 9-11 a.m., 1-2 p.m., and 3-4 p.m. on the Sunday. Expect expert coverage from Claudine Gagné and her crew.
Pack your bag
Don’t count on a going home between sets, with the surprise shows and chance encounters with friends (and artists), you might get stuck downtown. Pack accordingly: it’s supposed to be sunny, so bring sunscreen and a water bottle (which you can refill downtown), some money to buy some snacks and drinks, and maybe a couple emergency granola bars.
Bring your walking shoes
The festival spans the downtown area, and while that may not be large, all the walking between different venues, plus all the standing and Sunday’s surprise adventure, will leave you wanting some comfy shoes. This is not, I repeat this is not, a weekend for those achy-breaky ankle-breakers.
Get your tickets
This is an important step, don’t forget this one. Some shows usually sell out, but if you have a passport, you gain access to every single show. Grab one before they’re gone at uphere.com, and be sure to at least snag tickets for the shows you really want to see well in advance.
Pick up swag
Once you’re actually at the festival, consider picking up some of the sweet threads for this year’s festival. The organizers always wind up with a wicked new design that you’ll rock for years to come (I still see people wearing sweatshirts that say “Up Fest” from when it was called that year one!)
Do the art crawl
Up Here is a symbiotic sort of festival: other local groups have planned complementary programming and each benefits the other. A good example is the Downtown Sudbury Art Crawl. It takes you to more than 30 downtown visual art venues, and, you can go at your own pace.
Fuel up
Since you’re downtown for the festival anyway, don’t forget to grab a bite to eat while you’re there. There’s been an explosion of good food in the city’s core in recent years, and you’ll be happy to know there’s excellent sushi, cute cafes, and even a Syrian bakery serving up falafel and shawarma.
Try the beer
You’ll want something to wash down the snacks you get, so if you’re a beer drinker why not make it the official festival beer made by Stack Brewing? You can get it at their outdoor bar on Durham street, or at several of the venues.
Check out the murals
Last, but not least, it’s easy to get tied up hitting all the shows, but don’t forget to stop and check out the murals along the way. They’re scattered throughout downtown so you’re sure to find some accidentally either way.
The clock is counting down now, there are mere hours till the festival’s launch. What are you waiting for? Get checking.
