Putting my money where my mouth is—literally—I decided to go solo to Dallas' newest and biggest music festival, Together.land. I couldn't find a friend to join me, but I wasn't going to miss out on this spectacular event. So here I am, sharing my solo festival journey and some essential tips for anyone considering a solo adventure. Make sure to check out my Festival Prep 101 for solo travelers. It’s packed with tips and tricks to make your solo festival experience safe and enjoyable.
Dallas was buzzing this Memorial Day weekend with the inaugural Together.land music festival (#TGL2024), curated by the creative minds behind One Music Festival (#OMF). Spanning two days, this festival brought some of the biggest names in the music industry to the city, making it a landmark event for Dallas. Featuring artists like Lil Wayne, Summer Walker, Gucci Mane, Dru Hill, and Three 6 Mafia, it promised an unforgettable experience. And despite some hiccups, it largely delivered.
Two.getherland Review:
A Weekend to Remember Dallas' Biggest Music Festival
Adding to the festival’s allure were its sponsors, including Mielle Organics, Gain, Febreze, Martell, and Jack Daniels, each offering brand activations that engaged and entertained attendees. The live podcast sessions, especially Lip Service with Angela Yee, were a highlight. Located on the TGL Live Stage and Toyota Music Den providing an intimate and interactive experience for fans.
A Weekend of Highs and Lows
Entering the festival grounds proved challenging for many. Reports of confusion and mixed information were rampant, with many festival-goers missing Kenyon Dixon's performance at 12:15 pm due to late gate openings. For $30, you could park at the event with three gate options:
Nimitz Gate
Dart (Green Line) Gate
Grand Ave Gate.
My experience was smooth using the Nimitz Gate. Parking was a breeze with clear directions, helpful staff, and convenient transportation to and from the parking lot. However, others weren’t so lucky. A friend who parked at one of the other gates didn't get into the venue until 12:40 pm.
DAY ONE, despite some delays, eventually found its rhythm. However, Shaboozey’s set, scheduled for 1:30 pm, was upset by sound issues, leading to him walking off stage early—a major letdown that caused a significant gap between performances. This delay led many attendees to arrive later, a smart move in hindsight.
The festival also enforced a surprising and unannounced rule against lawn chairs, leaving many attendees frustrated. The chair policy specified the style of chairs allowed but did not state that attendees carrying chairs would be prohibited from entering areas near the main stage, Twogetherland Stage. This policy made the grounds look sparsely populated for a significant part of the day. With no option to re-enter the festival this left many choosing to either leave their chairs behind and hope they’d still be there upon return or sit far from the action.
I, for one, had too many incidents with festival personnel not being able to give me clear and concise instructions. I was often left without answers to my questions, given wrong information, or shooed off to find another group to ask. With Dallas police, fire, and varying workgroup assignments working this event, the lack of consistent and accurate communication was very annoying and added unnecessary frustration to the experience.
One of the most innovative additions to Together.land was the free roller skating rink, complete with air conditioning. It provided a fun and nostalgic escape from the heat and crowds, making it a standout feature of the festival. The same place holding space to sit and recoup from the Texas heat in air conditioning.
The option to buy one-day passes was also a smart move, allowing more people to experience the festival without committing to the full weekend.
Looking back, there are a few things I’d do differently for an even better experience:
Ditch the Chair: The unexpected rule about lawn chairs made it clear that they’re more trouble than they’re worth. A yoga mat or beach towel would have been more practical.
Jack Daniels Lounge: Spending more time in the Jack Daniels Lounge would have been a great way to relax and enjoy the festival. They offered constant music, free samples of different Jack Daniels cocktails, and free giveaways.
Roller Skating: Even though I’m not great at it, I would have given the roller skating rink a try for a unique festival experience. It was a great way to pass the time between acts in air-conditioned comfort.
VIP Experience: Splurging on VIP tickets would have elevated the experience, offering exclusive perks and a more comfortable setting.
TGL Ambassador: I wish I knew about the TGL Ambassador opportunity sooner. It would have allowed me to bring more content to you all, with better access and fewer restrictions.
Despite the challenges, Together.land was a fantastic addition to Dallas’ scene. The festival showed immense potential, and I’m excited to see how it evolves in the coming years. It’s clear that the organizers are committed to learning and improving, which bodes well for future events.
Dallas, get ready because Together.land is here to stay, and it’s only going to get better. Here’s to many more memorable festivals ahead!
Festival Prep 101
I don’t want you to be afraid to explore this world. I want you to have the confidence and resources that make it easier to enjoy travel.
Best selling Items
Shop the Classic Collection: This is what started it all for us! Join the Crew by repping you Travel Style or Travel Personality. Great for the next group trip or leadership retreat!
