It’s almost here, the music festival we’ve all been waiting for! I don’t know about you, but ever since this lineup was announced I have been absolutely PSYCHED. My Spotify has been non-stop Chappell Roan, Lizzy McAlpine, Orville Peck, Hozier— and everyone else in between! Here’s our quick guide on preparing/planning for Hinterland 2024. And as always, be sure to check out their website for more information, FAQs, and details.
Written by Madison Stano, Des Moines Girl Contributor
Featured Photo: Theresa Macdonald, Ramic Creative / All other images used are from Hinterland Music Festival’s official Facebook page.
Getting There
Shuttles
Des Moines Shuttle
The Des Moines Shuttle is FREE for all ticket holders. Running constantly during the festival between the Wells Fargo Arena Parking Lot in downtown Des Moines and the on-site festival Box Office.
Friday, 11 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
For Campers:
If you are camping, Hinterland recommends purchasing a campsite or parking pass instead of taking the Des Moines Shuttle. This will ensure you’re able to transport gear comfortably and get your things as close to the campgrounds as possible.
General Parking Shuttle
A free shuttle from the 1-Day General Parking and 3-Day General Parking lots to the on-site festival Box Office.
Shower Shuttle
A free shower shuttle will be available from the showers to campgrounds. For VIP and Saints campers, the shower shuttle will pick up in the VIP campgrounds. Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, and 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday.
Parking
Non Campers
Every vehicle entering Hinterland requires the purchase of a parking pass or campsite. There are multiple packages to choose from, each at a different price point and depending on how long you will be attending.
Campers
Similar to non-campers parking, you will have multiple options of lots to choose from to park your vehicle. Each lot option has a different price point and may come with your camp spot, depending on the level of camping you chose.
Source: Hinterland Music Festival
What To Pack
With the music and sun so close you can almost taste it, it’s imperative that you have all the essentials for your Hinterland day/weekend! As a past Hinterlander, here are my recommendations on the best items to pack for the weekend (and some essentials that, depending on the person, you don’t want to be without!)
- Your Hinterland wristband
- Sunscreen + bug spray
- Sunglasses
- Hat/head cover
- Refillable water bottle
- Blanket, foldable lawn chair, and/or blow up chair
- Microfiber towel/cloth
- Cash and Debit/Credit Card (Pro tip: activate your wristband so you can go cashless!)
- I.D
- Comfortable footwear
- Extra hair ties/clips
- Ibuprofen/Advil
- Pads, tampons, Diva cup
- A bag for all your things
2024 Hinterland Playlist
The Hinterland team has put together a cohesive playlist of all of the acts coming to Hinterland 2024! From smaller one-person shows to our leading headliners, you can listen to all of their greatest hits and their most recent releases. This is essential to listen to at work leading up to the fest, in the car on your commute, or while you’re packing for this exciting weekend.
Hinterland 2024 Playlists: Spotify | YouTube
Food + Bev
As a foodie myself, I am sooo looking forward to the vendor lineup as much as the music one. Hinterland is great about choosing food/beverage vendors who are local to the area. And the best part? There’s food for EVERYONE! Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free. Also, they have a nice list of fun cocktails, beers, N/A drinks, seltzers, and more for those who are 21+!
More Entertainment
How can there be even MORE things to do?! If you need to take a break from the music, Hinterland has lots of activities scattered throughout the grounds. Take a spin at Yoga, browse the merch and craft vendors, and take a look at the Vinyl Cup Records booth for some cool vinyls (and a special Hinterland artists section!)
Tips + Tricks for the BEST Experience
Get Your Rest + Take Breaks Out of the Sun
Running yourself ragged all weekend will only make you feel miserable, and could keep you from having a good time. Hinterland grounds are known for their iconic tree in the general admission area (yes, only one). Make sure to take routine breaks in the shade throughout the day and refill your water bottle often. Yes, it’s tempting to stand in GA for hours just to get up close and personal to those headliners, but your health is WAY more important than that.
Show Off Your Festival Wear While Staying Cool
Music festivals are the best excuse to go out and buy new clothes. Packing what to wear is CRUCIAL, especially considering the weather. As most Hinterlands are, the daytime can be dry or humid, but almost ALWAYS hot. Be sure to show off your unique style in the “coolest” way possible. Trust me, your body will thank you for it.
Note: Rain could be in the forecast (or hey, with this summer Midwest weather, it could come out of nowhere). Keep this in mind when packing! Who remembers the mud from last year?
Go With the Flow
Hey, we’re all here to have a good time. One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to simply go with the flow. Trying to schedule or plan every minute/hour of your day at Hinterland will not only leave you feeling run-down, but can make you feel uneasy. Let the days happen as they are, enjoy the music, stay hydrated, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
PSA: “My friend is up there waiting for me!”- we’ve heard all of the excuses before. Nobody likes pushers and shovers in the GA section, just so you can get closer. Be respectful of others 🙂
Finally, we recommend perusing the Hinterland rules and planning accordingly to make sure you have the best time. Tag us in your pictures next weekend and remember to have a fun, safe time! 😘
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