WayHome 2017 is nearly upon us. The music festival just outside Toronto - at Burl's Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte - turns three this year and it feels like this iteration will decide whether it actually has staying power in the southern Ontario market.
Money
For the second year in a row, WayHome is going cashless thanks to its snazzy RFID bracelets. These make it easier for organizers to track attendees (and their spending habits). As a festival-goer, you don't need to remember to carry a wallet, which you might inevitably lose.
After last year's edition, vendors agreed that the system was pretty simple to use. Since you pay for everything with a tap of your wrist, folks seem to spend more money. But, the payment system takes a cut from all sales and some vendors think they don't receive as many tips.
Regardless of how you feel about it, to enter the festival you have to register your bracelet. You can do so online before you get to Burl's Creek. You can also add money to your account before you arrive.
If you want to turn your brain off, you can set it to top up automatically - just beware of how much your spending, it's super easy to burn through money this way.
Food and Drinks
Once you've topped up your card, you're ready to spend your hard-earned cash on junk food (or healthier dishes, if that's what you're here for) thanks to the many on-site food vendors.
There will also be a farmers' market open daily from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. with produce, baked goods and other prepared food items. Unlike the rest of the fest, this will be cash only.
Here are the food vendors you can expect to see on site:
- Barque
- BeaverTails
- Born2Eat
- Buster’s Sea Cove
- Cara’s Rocket Luncher
- Chacha Churros
- Chevy’s Big Bite
- ChipMonk’s Food Truck
- Eva’s Original Chimneys
- feasTO
- Heavenly Dreams Ice Cream
- Heirloom Toronto
- ICEE
- Jimmy Guaco’s
- Kungfu Dawg
- Mangia Mangia Italian Kitchen
- Mustache Burger
- Not Just Dogs
- Pappas Greek
- Pita Pit
- Pizza Pizza
- Prince Edward’s Fries
- Rancho Relaxo
- Shine Juice Bar & Cafe
- Smoke’s Poutinerie
- Smoothie Solutions
- Station Cold Brew
- Sub and Sandwich Factory
- Summer Time Lemonade
- The Colossal Onion and Chicken Tenders
- The Food Dudes
- The Kind Kitchen
- The Poutine Supreme
- The Ultimate Food Truck
- Tropical Temptations Kona Coffee
- Uncle Betty’s
If you're camping (and are over 19), you're allowed to bring your own alcohol, but the rules are as follows: "No more than two bulk alcohol items per person in aluminum or plastic containers only. No glass containers of any kind."
WayHome defines bulk alcohol as:
- One (1) case (24 cans) of beer or malt-based beverage
- One (1) 26 oz. of liquor
- One (1) 4L Box of wine
Camping
Camping is not included for the second year in a row. You can grab a regular campsite, suitable for four to six people, for about $140. Larger sites are available too as are sites with gear included (and assembled!) - these fancy ones will cost you $499 for two people.
Parking
If you're not camping, you can buy a three-day parking pass for $70. Single day passes are available too. You won't be able to park overnight though. The lots empty out at 2 a.m.
Busing
Shuttle buses are running for those that don't drive and don't want to camp out. A one-way ticket will cost you $28.
Attractions
Like most big music festivals, WayHome will be filled with corporate activations, so look out for the Coors Light hot air balloon, fitness classes from Equinox and clothing from Top Shop, among the many brands on site.
Things you'll probably forget to pack, but really should bring
- Hand sanitizer
- Flip flops for the shower
- A rain poncho
- Sunscreen
- Fanny pack
- Water bottle
- Chapstick
- Tarps
- Ear plugs
- Toilet paper
- Portable phone charger
- But set a meeting spot for your friend because good luck getting service.
Music
Unlike the past two years, for 2017 there will be only three stages: WayHome (main stage), WayBright (side stage with a big field) and WayAway. The daily schedule is out, so start planning your weekend so you can see as many artists as you can.
Flume is headlining on Friday and in terms of late night performances, you'll have to choose between Justice and Danny Brown. Andy Shauf and Tanya Tagaq also play on day one.
Jazz Cartier, Death From Above, PUP and Solange will all take to the stage on day two before headliners Imagine Dragons. Russ and Marshmello have late night sets.
Sunday features Banks, Mitski, Porter Robinson and Tegan and Sara before Frank Ocean closes the festival.
Controversies
For a feel-good summer festival, you'd think WayHome would be all unicorns, glitter and flower crowns. Not so. CBC News broke a story about how festival goers would not be allowed to bring naloxone kits into the grounds because WayHome can't test what folks are bringing in.
Many disagree with WayHome's decision to ban this drug that can reverse the effects of opioid intoxication. WayHome says its first responders will be equipped with Narcan (naloxone in nasal spray form).
by Amy Grief via blogTO
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