Prepping to head to Hinterland? SAME. Make sure you’re ready for the FOUR DAY (!) festival with these last minute tips, packing ideas, and ways to support local businesses while you’re there.
Photography by Theresa Macdonald, Ramic Creative Co. and DSMG Contributor
Shuttles Are Back This Year!
In order to get there, you need to get to St. Charles. For those who have been to Hinterland a time or two, you might remember that there were shuttles to and from Des Moines for attendees. The shuttles are officially back this year and will pick up from Val Air Ballroom and drop off at the festival grounds.
Purchase a 4-Day Des Moines Shuttle pass for unlimited rides at hinterlandiowa.com/passes. No single day shuttle passes are available, but for $40, it’s worth it to not deal with parking! The shuttle is free for VIP and SAINTS Pass holders.
Des Moines Shuttle Hours:
From Val Air Ballroom (301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines) to the festival grounds.
Thursday: 3:00 p.m.* – Midnight
Friday: 1:00 p.m.* – Midnight
Saturday: 10:30 a.m.* – Midnight
Sunday: 10:30 a.m.* – Midnight
* = First pick up from Val Air Ballroom
Early Check-In
According to the Hinterland website, attendees can save time by picking up their wristband, camping, and parking passes early – and are encouraged to do so! We recommend beating the lines and heading to Val Air Ballroom with your ID and ticket order to get your Hinterland passes early.
- EARLY CHECK IN: Monday, August 1 through Thursday, August 4 from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. daily.
- Where? Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines
Note: Single Day General Admission and 4-Day Saints tickets not eligible for early check in. Click here for all the details.
2022 Hinterland Playlist
Did you know that Hinterland curates playlists of the full lineup for you to pregame as you pack and prep this week? It’s a perfect way to familiarize yourself with all the talented acts, and not just the one or two that you’re most excited for. Take a listen on the platform of your choice at the links below.
Hinterland 2022 Playlists: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Music
Don’t Forget To Pack…
Cute + Cool Outfits
We know music festivals are about the music, but planning your outfit is at least half of the fun. Be sure to wear something that is breathable and allows you to truly rock out and relax. We recommend visiting local sustainable boutiques like MARNe to find all of your festival attire, from cute sundresses and sun hats to mesh totes and sunglasses. I mean, look at this packable sun hat from Baggu!
Looking for even more outfit inspo? Check out this summer fashion trends guide and local boutiques where to find them.
SPF
Whether you’ve been to Hinterland before or this is your first time attending, there’s nothing worse than getting burnt to a crisp at the festival because you forgot to pack your sunscreen. We recommend swinging by Eden and grabbing all things SPF like sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF that will leave your skin protected all weekend long.
Pro Tip: Angela Poldberg, MARNe owner, swears by Eden’s SuperGoop!
Reusable Water Bottle
Whether you plan on day drinking or are the designated driver of the group, staying hydrated is a must! Hinterland is prepped and ready to supply you with free cold water at their hydration station so don’t forget to bring an empty refillable water bottle for the weekend. Need to grab a water bottle before heading to the festival? THE COLLECTIVE DSM is your one stop shop for all things reusable and eco friendly. There you can stock up on a reusable water bottle for the weekend as well as toiletries and reusable utensils!
Food + Crafts
Photo: Meanz Chan
Hinterland is ON IT with food vendors to satisfy any dietary restrictions. From gluten free to dairy free to vegan, their website lists out all food vendors who will be at the Festival and notes what dietary restrictions each provides. It’s a handy little table to take a sneak peek at if you fall into one of those categories OR, if you’re like us, and enjoy planning out your food ahead of time.
Don’t forget to bring some extra cash for your visits to the 20+ craft vendors who will be on festival grounds including KIN DSM, Wander & Co, and PepperHarrow Farms. There’s always great stuff for treating yourself or gifting to friends and family!
Knowing what you can and cannot bring to the festival is important too so we recommend perusing the Hinterland rules and planning accordingly to make sure you have the best time. Tag us in your pictures next weekend. 😘
Want more guides like this from cool people around DSM? Want us to give tips for an upcoming event?
