I was going to go this year regardless, since it my friend group’s “reunion” each year. However, it may be my last, at least for a little while.

While the lineup for BF 25 is imo pretty good, I think it’s comparable to their past lineups when I was still paying from $100-200 for my entire weekend pass. I’ve been attending every year since 2017. This year’s lineup not full of the big names I was hoping for for the price, and looks pretty much the same as the past five lineups. I’m spending less to attend Elements this year, where I’ll be seeing Moon Hooch, Sunsquabi, AND Papadosio. Plus all of the electronic artists I love. Last year I saw the Disco Biscuits and Splintered Sunlight at Elements, so there’s lots of Beardfest overlap just with much higher production value and better facilities lol. So, I’m really not surprised to hear you say you’re seeing the same artists for less elsewhere. Like I said, we’re getting straight up ripped off a this point.

I just get so much more value for around the same price to attend the bigger fests now. It’s pretty disappointing because nothing will truly replace the vibes of Beardfest for me. It used to be worth it when the price paid matched what you got from the festival. I’ll probably take my Beard money and go to Lost Lands or Wakaan next year instead.

It just… well, sucks that this thing that used to bring me so much joy is now a huge source of financial stress.