Festivals can offer a priceless experience that not only helps create treasured memories, but can lead to continued personal growth via authentic connection to community. As summer approaches and Rising Dawn appears on the horizon, we know that funds can be limited and wanted to offer some tips for frugal festivaling so you can stretch your dollars and make the most out of festival season.

1. Acquire That Golden Ticket on a Budget

The ticket can be the bulk of the cost associated with attending a festival. Lucidity offers multiple ways to help with the cost of the ticket. The first thing you can do is buy tickets early (well, too late for that one, sorry, but so you can set a reminder for next year, our tickets are usually on sale in early November) and use the payment plan to pay for it in installments.

We do still offer Applications for Low Income Tickets which close on March 24th. This program allows those who can demonstrate financial need a chance to purchase a deeply discounted $111 ticket. We encourage anyone affected by the fires or severe weather in our local area to apply!

2. Give More Time & Less Money by Volunteering

Get Involved and become a Dream Maker. This option connects you to a team, works with your  availability and gets you some sweet perks onsite, like delicious meals and early arrival. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of being a part of making the magic happen! Volunteers are accepted on a rolling basis, and there are positions available for Build and Strike before and after the event, which would leave you free to enjoy the festival all weekend.

3. Share Rides, Save Money

Carpooling and ride sharing not only lower the environmental impact of travel, but also lowers the cost of fuel, makes the ride more enjoyable and might even help you make a new friend! Parking passes onsite will be cheaper for those who carpool this year, so offering a ride to Lucidity is a great way to make the trip more affordable for everybody. You can offer a ride or look for one on our RickyRides rideshare page.

4. Eat Better for Less

Sign up for the Mindful Feeding meal Plan, which can be purchased here. While this is an additional cost, the price associated is less than what most would spend on groceries for a 3-day camping trip, and you can save time since we handle food prep for you. This plan covers Dinner on Friday plus Brunch and Dinner on Saturday & Sunday. Meals in our Mindful Feeding Kitchen are made with seasonal, organic and locally sourced produce to create delectable offerings that leave you feeling nourished and ready to take on any adventure that comes your way.

Mindful Feeding Passes are a great option for people who do not have a propane camping stove and all the gear associated to set-up a camp kitchen, so skip packing a full kitchen and have room to pack more FUN stuff like costumes and snacks. Win-Win!

And speaking of saving on food… The onsite Farmer’s Market at Lucidity is accepting EBT. So you can get fresh & healthy snacks between meals, support local farmers, and save money all at the same time. Don’t forget to pack reusable dishware and utensils to help us End Single Use!

5. Get Creatively Thrifty with Costuming

Looking fabulous doesn’t need to break the bank. We guarantee your natural glow is already a beautiful accessory to your upbeat attitude and positive personality. There are many different takes on festival fashion from jeans and a t-shirt to coordinated attire for entire groups. The most important thing is that you are comfortable. If you want to spruce up your wardrobe, an often inexpensive and fun way to do so is visiting your local thrift shop. There are often some stellar finds or you can get creative and add elements of multiple pieces for a custom creation. Repurposing existing items in your closet and adding thrift store scores can keep the costs of festival costuming down and ensure you have a one-of-a-kind look. For some thrifty costume shopping while you’re at Lucidity, stop by the Trixster’s Trading post on-site (check the Mapdana you’ll receive when you arrive). Bring pre-loved items and swap out for other cool stuff in need of a home!