Do you love live music, but the thought of packing up the kids (and alll their things) kills your motivation?
If you attempted to bring your kid to a show, you likely spent a lot of money on snacks and not enough
time listening ot the music. Too loud, too dark, or too crowded, most concert venues aren’t going to
cater to your little one’s waning attention span and desire to play tag.
Not to fret, it turns out, music in the summertime is when you can get your live music fix. Our number
one favorite way to experience live music with children is a weekend-long music festival. They tend to be
safer, friendlier and more focused on the experience than 21+ only events.
They’re ideal for children because:
• There is space to run around and play, and space to lay down a blanket and rest.
• You and kid have autonomy to go as near or as far from the stage as you both feel comfortable.
• Snacks! Plenty of tasty and diverse food and beverage options, thanks to food trucks and vendors.
• Fun, kid friendly activities that are separate from the music, so kids will never get bored.
Kid friendly concerts and festivals are the summer vibe you never knew you were looking for.
Now that you’re fully onboard and ready to party with your kids, let us give you some tips on how to
make the magic happen and keep the tantrums and meltdowns (for both of you!) at bay.
How to Know if a Music Festival is Actually Kid-Friendly
Just because your fave fest says it’s OK to bring the kiddos, doesn’t mean it actually is. To prevent you
and your little one from getting the stink eye, do your research first to see if your fest of choice features
two or more of the following:
- They highlight actual child-centered areas and scheduled activities beyond a table with crayons.
- They provide family camping, quiet camping and/or quiet hours.
- They offer a children’s stage with child-centric performers or kindie performers.
- The website features more than one photo of children having fun.
- They have drop off childcare so you can have a propr break.
What to Pack
Bring water bottles. Pro tip: Bring a backpack or a water bottle strap so you don’t have to carry them. You want your hands free to dance!
Bring snacks. All the snacks. Plus actual food if you don’t want to buy all your meals from vendors. Most festivals don’t allow personal fires, so consider that when meal planning.
Mornings are cold and grass is wet, so rain boots are a great option. And if you’re camping, these are easy to slip on for those middle of the night porta-potty (or tree) breaks. For the same reason, flashlights or headlamps are clutch.
A bathing suit, as you never know when a water balloon, kiddie pool, misters, on site swim spot or
simple heat wave will have your children desperate to cool off.
Pack easy-to-add colorful accessories. Think Mardi Gras beads, flower lei, funky sunglasses, sparkly
headbands. Festivals have few clothing rules, so let them wear the tutu and the cowboy boots,
Superman cape and Speedos, or face glitter and soccer jersey. They’ll fit right in and love the goofy joy of
fun costumes.
Bring a set of noise-cancelling headphones. This allows your kid to get good and close to the stage to
dance and watch the performers without you worrying about their eardrums. We also suggest ear plugs, too, for any nearby snoring neighbors if you’re staying overnight.
Wagons are hugely helpful. Not only can they help you transport your gear, but it’s also
perfect for carting kids through crowds when they’re feet are tired and maxed out. Plus the kids
kids can have fun decorating them.
Staying Overnight
If you’re willing — and we can’t suggest this enough! — to find a music festival that offers either quiet camping or family camping, this can end up being one of the best parts of the experience. Pro tip: Be the first to show up, so you can pick the best camping spot. Only you know just how important it is to get that shaded, quiet spot. Pay if you must to get there early – it’s worth it.
When we camp at festivals, you don’t have to apologize or fret if your baby cries in the night. You don’t have to worry about your kids being too noisy playing kickball at 8 am, and you certainly don’t have to be concerned about a drum circle next to your sleeping family lasting into the wee hours. Quiet or family campsites are super
chill – everyone has the same mindset. It is not the party zone, but the friendly zone. Plus, it naturally
brings all the children of the festival together making impromptu games and friendships much more
likely.
And as an added bonus, your tent site makes a great place to take a break from the constant sounds
and excitement of the festival. It’s a little peaceful oasis for down time and naps, something kids and adults appreciate. Because of that, be sure to choose a place near trees or shade, as it can get hot and stuffy in a tent in the full sun. You can always layer up and get cozy at night.
Festivals with your kids is going to be your new favorite thing.
Upcoming Music Festivals for the Family
Wildwood Music Fest
When: June 20-22
Where: Tindle Creek Ranch in Willamina
Newly returned after a COVID-hiatus, this smaller festival headlining Portland’s Glitterfox is located on
125 acres of pasture and forest that is neighbored by hundreds of acres of wildwoods. While there’s no set
quiet hours or camping, there is the opportunity to camp away from others in the woods.
Children are welcome and childcare at night will be offered, with a dance party, snack and movie,
so everyone has a fun night out. This fest is giving casual and low-key in the best way. Kids 14 and
under are free.
Mojo Family Fest
When: June 27-29
Where: Oregon City
Mojo Family Fest, held on a riverside ranch in Oregon City, is for a very specific music fan. Local and
well-loved jam bands are this festival’s particular focus and with it, patchouli, tie-dyed tees and kind
interactions. This festival describes itself as community first, music festival second. Take note:
Despite the name, there are no quiet hours or family camping area, and clearly state they will play their
dance-inducing jam, funk, indie and house well into the wee hours. Children 12 and under are free.
Shady Pines Music Festival
When: July 17-20
Where: Camp Tasty’s in Sandy
In its fourth year and getting deservedly more popular, this smaller festival is right on the Sandy River, with
lots of nice nature to escape the heat or noise. Four nights of excellent local music paired with arts,
crafts, games, food and drink helps establish the strong DIY community feel. Pro tip: There’s an
opportunity to select quieter camping when purchasing a ticket. Kids under 12 free.
Pickathon
When: July 31-Aug 3
Where: Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley
If music is the true motivator for you, this highly respected and stylish festival is a must if only to deep
dive into a plethora of wildly diverse indie musicians, most known and some about to be known.
Incredibly eco-friendly, with fun art instillations, hipsters galore, and a kid zone complete with child-
care. While fun, Pickathon is pricy, and the adds-on add up, but kids 12 and under are free. Pro tip: Pay extra to arrive early and use a wagon to assist in your camp set up.
Concerts and Festivals for Beginners
If you’re not ready to take the plunge of a bigger or out-of-town festival, here are a few local options to look into for an entry level experience. You can get those funky festival vibes and still sleep at home. What’s not to love?
Topaz Farm
Really excellent live music at night happens on this Sauvie Island farm, with food and drink to purchase, so there’s plenty of kid friendly distractions. The catch? Kid ticket prices are the same as adults.
Tabor Dance
Held every Wednesday, this free, year-round sunset rave draws attendees to dance it out to house music until the sun sinks below the horizon. The warmer the weather, the bigger the crowd, so expect a full-on party in the summer months, complete with glow sticks. Pro tip: Don’t stay too late as the scene gets more adult as
the sky gets darker.
Waterfront Blues Festival
Held on July 4-5, this is more classic music concert set up, but it’s from noon to late, so you will get a full day
of world class music and dancing under your belt. The Playin’ Ground children’s area features
music activities, art, face painting,, and more. Pro tip: Bring a picnic blanket to take breaks and relax.
Kids 12 and under are free.
Zoo Nights
For most of the summer, every Friday from 5-9 pm, are concerts at the zoo. The main
elephant exhibit is open, plus there are kids activities, and keeper chats along with food, drink
and music. It’s crowded but a unique experience.