>Always been this way. More than a few hours of loud music,
>crowds and no chill and my brain is fried, no matter who's
>performing. Haven't been to AfroPunk for a few years (ever
>since they got rid of the free, wait-in-line tickets). Never
>managed to stick around for the headliners as I'd be DONE well
>before then. I was probably showing up too early.

I understand. I arrived late (after 6 or 7 p.m.) for AfroPunk this year because the festival doesn’t allow reentry. I was fortunate that most of the people I wanted to see were headliners/evening acts.

I only prefer the festival format because I’m a loner and assigned seating can give me anxiety. Nearly 10 years ago, my babyfaced 20-something self sat sandwiched between two groups of 40somethings at a Maxwell concert. No one engaged me and I felt so awkward. LOL.

Oh, and festivals can be a good value if the lineup is good. You can see several acts in a short duration for a fraction of the price you’d might pay to see them individually.