As seasoned quicker pony goers (8 years and counting), we have a fair idea what to pack and how to run the grounds of the festival. Before we begin, keep in mind our camping experience is on a patch of grass with a couple campers and a lot of tents. We've never had the Big Rig Alley experience although we're sure it's just as good of a time!
Hygiene
This one is for my ladies! Porta-potties, standing showers, doesn't sound great, right? Luckily the festival crew is really good about hosing down and cleaning the bathrooms every day making the bathrooms surprisingly tolerable and stocked.
Next to the porta-potties is typically a large water horse with a bunch of spigots. People will do everything from wash their feet off, brush their teeth, or wash their hair here. If you're not a fan of joining the morning horse party, we suggest grabbing body wipes, gallons of water, or a camp shower bag.
If you don't roll with the camp shower or if you're looking for a deeper clean, some campsites have shower trucks which offer a private space with curtains. The mens line typically isn't too bad but the women's lines can get really long. So ladies, we recommend getting an early start to the morning (8am-ish) if you want to take a warm shower over the weekend. Plan on it being a bit of a wait Saturday-Sunday right around 9-11am .
Body wipes and crocks (shower shoes) are a must. Pack them.
Festival
What you Can and Cannot Bring
Refer to the FAQ link below to see Faster Horses exact do and don't packing items but we have a few extra recommendations.
They do allow you to bring in any, clear bag such as a backpack or purse and WATER bottles! Plastic (has to be sealed) or empty reusable water bottles and camel backs up to 1.5-liters. Fill your bags with water - you'll want them after a day of drinking in the sun and you'll be doing your wallet a favor. They do have water stations that you're able to get a refill at as well.
If you're not planning on standing up front to get Morgan Wallen's attention, there is a ton of standing and sitting space at the festival that gives you a great view of the stage. There is also a large area near the back where you're able to set up lawn chairs if you prefer to sit.
Plan for $11 beers, minimum. Bringing cash will also get you served a bit quicker as they have vendors walking around with buckets of Domestics.
Shoes
Comfort, comfort, comfort. Get your cute pictures in your shoes at the campsite, then throw those keds or broken in boots on. You'll be on your feet for hours and blisters can be a damper on the rest of your weekend.
Cooling Towel
It's July in Michigan... we've seen high 90's with real temp feels of over 100 degrees. We love these cooling towels. Rewet and cool the back of your neck.
Next from Nashville Stage
A lot of people skip out on this one but the atmosphere of the Next from Nashville stage is pretty cool. A smaller stage, under a tent, with some great upcoming artist. Make it to this one day if there is anyone who you're wanting to check out! We saw Jameson Rodgers here years ago!
All in all, we know that your (cheaper) beer is back at the campsite and by mid-day you may be deep in a beer pong tournament, but the festival is an experience that you don't want to miss out on. They have all sorts of attractions including a water slide, a Budweiser tent, whiskey vendors, shops, foam party, ferris wheels, all sorts of food and drinks, and fun photo-ops.
Download the Faster Horses App
Download on your Andriod or iPhone to review the lineup, receive updates about rain delays, view maps, nearest first aide station, and more.
Getting Around the Festival
While there is a ton of walking, they do offer trams to take you to the festival and buses to bring you back to your campsite. If you're looking for a long night of entertainment, the Infield is known to stay up until the sun rises. Head there for some people watching and some pretty rowdy parties.
Restocking and Leaving for Town
This can be a process. Don't count on driving every morning unless you planning on spending a few hours to head downtown Brooklyn.
Our best advice, if you're getting there Thursday, try not to drive on Friday. That's when most people are able to come and traffic in and out of Brooklyn is brutal. Anytime you leave the festival, you have to go through the security checkpoint again (anticipate your car being searched).
Downtown know's we're coming and we do notice that they try to acomodate for us. The nearest grocery store is Country Market about 3 miles away from the speedway. A Dollar Tree and Dollar General are nearby as well.
Ice is probably the number one reason people leave. We stay in Brookfest Acres every year and there is a house that makes bank selling ice. Hand over cash through the fence and they'll toss the bags over. Here is exactly where they're located:
If this isn't an option for you, the festival crew drives around with golf carts full of ice bags that they sell. They're just a bit more expensive.
Getting out of the festival Monday
Another huge traffic jam. Either pack up and get out early or enjoy the morning making breakfast and wait for traffic to clear. It can take up to an hour just to get out.
Helpful Links:
Festival Safety: If you see anything suspicious or have an emergency, please reach out to our safety team by texting HORSES to 69050.
Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the party of the summer!
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