Squamish Valley Music Festival

"Hello, Squamlings!" It is the first statement that I laid my eyes on as I opened my festival tickets for the Squamish event held from August 7 until 10. I purchased my tickets a month ago and got them two weeks prior to the event. I guess all I'm saying is Andrew and I had a good laugh with the word 'squamling'. Well, I would prefer squamlings over squamlets any day. Hahaha! 

Regardless of their term choices, this event was one for the books although I did not attend the whole weekend. That one Sunday was more than enough of an experience to know that music festivals will be one of my things from this moment on. It was tough picking between Friday (Bruno Mars & Foster the People) and Sunday (Arctic Monkeys & Eminem) but after realizing that I already watched Bruno live and it was ten years ago since Eminem last visited Vancouver - not to mention the act before him is Arctic Monkeys, I knew, then, that Sunday was the way to go!

I ain't no hippie shiz, I am a kid of the 90's

Since I know Burnaby to Squamish can be a long ride, I opted not to drive. One of my friends, Andrew, and I decided to book a shuttle ticket so we do not have to worry about traffic, energy for driving, directions and parking fees. The $50-dollar shuttle ticket was a good decision because the ride back and forth was our moment to take naps and get our music vibe on [c/o the shuttle driver who busted out some pop songs on our way there]. 

For the first couple of hours, we just explored around the area. If I am not mistaken, there were four stages, namely: Stawamus, Blueprint, Meadows and Tantalus, the main stage. 

Right here is one of their pathways to the different stage areas. 

Blueprint Stage

Stawamus Stage

They had food stalls everywhere. The entire place had a cashless system but as long as you load money onto your wristband through their top-up booths, you are good to go! They also had booths for clothing apparels, tattoo shops, and SVMF merchandise.  

cashless food stalls

dino walking around

ya know, just 9-foot people chillin'

this guy and his artistic skills

For the reason that we did not know most of the bands who played in the daytime, Andrew and I decided to eat our packed lunch and play cards under this awesome tree with disco balls for a short while.

When we were full from lunch, what better drink to complement our meal than one from Beer Garden, right? My drink of choice was really good!

Jack Daniel's Coktail Punch

At around 5 in the afternoon, Andrew and I decided to go back to the Tantalus Stage, where Arctic Monkeys and Eminem played at 8 in the evening, to get a good spot. 

On our way there, we had too...

....anchor a long strand of balloons for photo opp

...take photos at the SQUAMISH sign

...and admire the beauty that is this weather in this fine fine music fest day.

If you have been reading this blog since the beginning, you know I would not pass on taking fashion photographs for my lookbook account. So here they are:

Check out that art piece behind me!

We reached the Tantalus Stage and believe me when I say, I was pumped to see Arctic Monkeys and most especially Eminem perform I had to run for it! Haha! Just kiddin'.

...but for real though.

We found a pretty decent spot and listened to the indie band, Lord Huron. I did not know them but I think they were really good! 

Lord Huron

When the clock struck 8, the Arctic Monkeys came out and played their hearts out! I was so stoked to hear Do I Wanna Know, Arabella, and Snap Out of It live, you have no idea!

Right by Arctic's last few songs, I had to go to the pit stop and I kid you not, it was the longest wait I have ever had for a pee-pee. The sun was still out when I fell in line and it was dimming when I finished. It may be the only con I can think of with outdoor events like this. Thank God the cubicles still smelled decent by the end of the day and they never ran out of sanitizer 'cause truth be told, I am a slight germophobe.

VIP area

And yes, the moment we have all been waiting for the whole day, Eminem in flesh!!!

Truly beyond satisfied by his song choices! I told myself as long as he performed Airplanes, Love the Way You Lie, Not Afraid, and Lose Yourself I am good, and he did!!! Thank you, Eminem for a great concert!

Around 11:00 late evening, 15 minutes before his act ended, I told my friend that we should sneak out of the area because it will be crazy to exit together with thousands of other bodies. Not to mention, our shuttle leaves at 11:30PM. Luckily, we had a smooth exit and we were able to catch our ride home.

This event was, indeed, one for the books! I cannot wait to attend my next music festival! I am thinking one of the biggest music fests, Coachella! What do you think? Yes or yes? 

Anyway, this is already becoming a long rant about my experience which only goes to say I really enjoyed and would do it again! To the others who love music and festivals in general, you have got to experience this at least once. It was worth the tan, although God knows I did not need to get any darker. Hehe. To the other squamlings, care to share your experience as well? I hope it was similar to mine! GREEEAT.

'Til the next,

Macy