Music Festival Food Prices Are Getting Entirely Out Of Hand

After swallowing the substantial ticket cost and picking the perfect outfit, everything seems to be on the path for a memorable day at a musical festival. Unfortunately, the real cost of singing to favorite bands happens on those festival grounds. For guests who did not budget properly, those music festival food prices could leave them hungry and thirsty.

During the first weekend of Coachella 2023, Independent UK reported that TikTok user Jackie Tanti shared two coffees and two burritos that cost $64. While some people might argue that Starbucks coffee prices have soared out of hand, a meal for two priced at $64 still might seem substantial for festival attendees. Although Tanti did admit that the food was decent tasting, the value of the meal is still questionable.

Other festival goers joined the musical festival food prices outrage. Whether it was cold cereal and milk for $12 or $20 for avocado toast with tomato, the reality is the festival has a captive audience. Although no one is saying that vendors should be allowed to overcharge for any food offering, food is not going to be given away. Unlike the candy snuck into a movie theater, people often cannot bring food into a music venue. At the same time, there can be some balance between profit and convenience. For anyone with a music festival on the horizon, budgeting for ticket cost is only part of the story. Having enough in the bank when the hunger and thirst hit mid-show is another added cost of the experience.

When Coachella 2023 began, the Frank Ocean debacle and the return of Blink-182 were only part of the story. Although celebrities basked in the corporate lounge haven, the other concert goers lined up to purchase food and beverages. Even though the desert oasis might have seemed like Shangri la, the cost for those refreshments was far from idyllic.

According to Groove Cartel, Coachella's food options were many. From the iconic fried chicken sandwich to grilled cheese to other classic food festival offerings, these dishes are far from gourmet. But, the price tags are greater than those quick service restaurant options. From $17 for chicken tenders to $16 for a grilled cheese, the cost might make the dish seem bougie, but the taste is more basic.

Even the beverages have people digging a little deeper into their wallet. From $20 for a Red Bull and Vodka to $15 for an oatmilk latte, some people might prefer to stick with just water. Whether it is the desert locale, a smart marketing plan, or just hoping that guests avoid dehydration, water is priced at $2 a bottle. Even if those bottles can add up over time, no festival wants that unfortunate swamp water scenario from Woodstock 1994.

While the term reasonable can be debated, attendees better be ready for more costly music festival food items. Unfortunately, there is no free lunch with paid admission.

As the first beat drops and the stage is illuminated, the focus is on the performance. The audience sings, dances, and cheers every moment. During a music festival, the longer duration means that hunger and thirst are part of the experience. Unfortunately, some of the offerings create lack of  satisfaction and wallet empty.

Some people might recall the Fyre Festival debacle of sad cheese sandwiches served in Styrofoam containers. Far from the promised gourmet food, the reality is that festival food is not always five-star. Granted, events like Lollapalooza tout celebrity chefs serving special corn dogs, but the reality is a large scale event cannot offer white tablecloth service. At the same time, charging exorbitant prices does not make for positive social media feedback. Sofi tells attendees to expect prices to mimic airport or other big event food and beverage costs.

While the $20 beer or the $15 latte might cause a social media buzz, the reality is music festival food is a basic lesson in supply and demand. The number was not picked on a whim. Plus, no one has to buy that beverage. In some scenarios, attendees can bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and choose only the more budget friendly options. In the end, if concert goers only talk about their food and drink expense, it might be more telling than anyone realizes. Shouldn't the focus be on the memorable performances not the food on the plate?