Your Guide to the 2022 Middle Waves Music Festival
Beyond this year's top-notch music lineup, there is so much to celebrate at Middle Waves. Wondering how to plan your best festival experience? We checked in with the Middle Waves crew for their top festival tips!
Photo Credit: Danielle Doepke
10 Tips from the Middle Waves Organizers:
1. Live Your Life Alive 🤘
The #1 rule of Middle Waves —
Have a crazy good time and abide by the festival motto: Live Your Life Alive
2. See the Bands You DON'T Know!
Of course, Young the Giant and Big Boi are going to put on one heck of a performance, but arguably the best part of any music festival is discovering your new favorite band. Browse your full 2022 MW Lineup.
Better yet, check out the 2022 Official Middle Waves Playlist ahead of the festival and get PUMPED! Throw the playlist on repeat and enjoy some great tunes.
3. Bring the Whole Dang Family
Not only are children 12 and under allowed into the festival for FREE (when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket), but MiniWaves — the festival-within-a-festival — takes the family-friendly vibe to the max, with activities galore for kids and their parents and caregivers. Check out MiniWaves by the Free Community Stage on Saturday, June 18 in the free area of the festival.
NOTE: It's possible there may be some PG-13 stage banter during some Middle Waves performances.
4. Volunteer!
From the board that organizes the festival to the people that hang up balloons, Middle Waves is a non-profit, volunteer-run festival! More deets and perks at middlewaves.com/get-involved.
By the way, volunteering isn't just for locals! If you're coming from out of town, the team would love to have you on board to help spread the Middle Waves vibe loud and proud during the festival, lending a hand where you're needed. Rock your shift, get a sweet MW shirt, and enjoy your discounted festival ticket. Learn more.
5. Water. Water. AND MORE WATER.
Let's be honest. There is no time in your busy festival schedule to get dehydrated and not feel your best. You've got great performances to see! So remember to drink LOTS of water, stay hydrated, eat some snacks, and while you're at it, apply that SPF generously.
6. Get Artsy and Support Local
Visit The Village, full of local and regional artisans and vendors, or enjoy the vibe and unique art experiences throughout the festival.
7. Upgrade to VVIP
We don't offer a VIP experience — we offer a VERY VIP experience including catered food, dedicated parking, your own viewing area, and more. For what it's worth, the festival's ONLY full-service liquor bar is located in the VVIP lounge!
If you already have a GA ticket, don't worry, you can still upgrade. Swing by the ticket tent when you get to the festival to upgrade from GA to VVIP. Go ahead and treat yourself!
8. Go to the Afterparty!
If a two-day, destination music festival isn't enough excitement for you, then buckle up. After Young the Giant closes out the festival, we're keeping the party going at AfterWaves — The Official Middle Waves Afterparty — taking place at Flashback. The afterparty will feature local garage rock/proto-punk band Namen Namen, and Middle Waves performer and local EDM artist LÜBS.
Plus, a paid MW wristband gets you FREE entry to the afterparty! Otherwise, there's a $5 cover at the door. Ages 21+
Photo Credit: Ruth Yaroslaski
9. Check Out the Locals... FOR FREE!
Come out and enjoy some favorite local bands and artists at the FREE Community Stage during the festival!
10. Get Weird ✌️
We're a music festival. We don't judge what you wear. Better yet, we'll encourage you to dress up and have a blast! We love glitter. We love bright colors. We love loud style. And most of all — we love you.
Tickets, Lodging, and More
Okay, now that you have the inside scoop, here's all the other great stuff to know before your festival weekend.
Tickets
Grab your tickets early before prices increase! Choose between two-day GA, two-day VVIP, or single-day GA or VVIP.
- Now through June 11, prices range from $40 – $175.
- Starting June 12, prices increase to range from $45 – $185.
Children 12 and under get in free, as long as they're accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket.
Get tickets online OR in-person at the Foellinger Theatre Box Office (3411 Sherman Blvd.) open 6-10pm on concert days.
P.S. — Parking is FREE! Enter the Foellinger Theatre lot off of Goshen Rd.
Food
Expect plenty of food and drink options from the amazing vendors keeping things tasty at the festival! If you're looking for places to grab a bite before or after the festival, let me tell you, Fort Wayne has you covered. Wander downtown to find a foodie destination on The Landing, with 15 restaurants within a block of the historic pedestrian street. Or enjoy some fresh air while dining at these local restaurants with outdoor dining. Looking for some great local brews? Check out these craft breweries around the area.
Lodging
You'll need some good shut-eye to be able to rock out all day long. The Foellinger Theatre Campus is a quick and easy 6-minute drive from four great hotels in downtown Fort Wayne, from The Bradley boutique hotel to the Hampton Inn & Suites overlooking the Minor League Ballpark downtown. Or, opt north and choose the Tru by Hilton or one of the other options just off of the I-69 highway. Find hotels in Fort Wayne.
Accessibility
Middle Waves welcomes everyone! There will be a raised viewing platform at the St. Marys Stage, with an ADA-compliant ramp for festivalgoers with accessibility needs and their friends. Guests will also find ADA-compliant restrooms throughout the festival grounds.
Accessible parking is available to anyone with a disability parking placard or plate. For accessible parking, please enter the parking lot off of Sherman Blvd.
Get Ready to Rock
The momentum and vibes of this festival will take over Fort Wayne this June! Find all the information you need at MiddleWaves.com.
Finally, friends, get ready to Live Your Life Alive at Middle Waves Music Festival.
Photo Credit: Danielle Doepke
