For many, 2017 will be remembered as another year of calamity… And not just because of Fyre Festival! “Fake news” successfully has people polarized on more issues than I can list. Tragedy struck in Vegas, and far too many places worldwide. And the world faced several “100 Year Storms”–hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, Houston even got snow!

And while all that can seem like a buzzkill, I remembered this Henry David Thoreau quote, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” So rather than focus on the challenges of 2017, it’s important to see all the ways we rose to the occasion: marches for human and civil rights, relief flights, #metoo, monetary donations, and blood drive lines for miles.

People coming together is something we love here at Festival Squad, particularly to a backdrop of really good music and lazers. So with no further ado, these are our favorite festivals bringing people together in 2017….

Name: Stephanie Rosa

Position: Founder

Time with FS: 2 years

Number of Festivals in 2017: 8

Favorite Festival of the Year: Shambhala

“Shambhala celebrated its 20th anniversary… and in a cloud of smoke. But the smoke did not stop anyone from having the best time. The vibes are high, every stage and decoration permanently lives on the farm, and you’re apart of the family the second you step foot in Salmo.”

Name: Connor McAuliffe

Position: Editor

Time with FS: 1 year, 7 months

Number of Festivals in 2017: 5

Favorite Festival of the Year: Electric Forest

“The lineup weekend 1 included numerous artists that I was thrilled about seeing. The overall production of the festival made walking around the grounds memorable. And group camping made my first year at Electric Forest easy to get the full experience of the Sherwood Forest.”

Name: Alyssa DiCaterino

Position: Contributing Writer

Time with FS: 1 year, 5 months

Number of Festivals in 2017: 10

Favorite Festival of the Year: Suwannee Hulaween

“The art alone could seal the deal for me to say that it is my favorite festival. It’s so incredibly beautiful, the only way someone could truly understand and appreciate it is to see it for themselves. I knew this festival was something special when I stopped worrying so much about what set to catch and how up close I could get. The people and their costumes they created gave me enough laughs to last all year. What better way to celebrate one of your favorite holidays than with a music festival?”

Name: Hatim Hafid

Position: Music News Manager

Time with FS: 1 year, 3 months

Number of Festivals in 2017: 6

Favorite Festival of the Year: Northern Nights

“This was my first camping festival, and it included one of my favorite lineups. Everyone was kind and willing to help out. It was definitely the best festival experience I’ve ever had, especially since I went by myself.”

Name: Nathan Manuel

Position: Contributing Writer

Time with FS: 1 year, 6 months

Number of Festivals in 2017: 2

Favorite Festival of the Year: Electric Forest

“The most accepting, helpful, friendly community around. Everyone has their “easter best“ outfits on. Each person is so excited to be there! Huge lineups, and incredible production/artwork throughout the venue.”

Name: Andrea Hnatievych

Position: Editor

Time with FS: 1 year, 6 months

Number of Festivals in 2017: 9

Favorite Festival of the Year: Global Eclipse Gathering

“I was able to meet people from all over the world and learned about new cultures and music. Oregon is absolutely breathtaking and the venue/art installations were some of the best that I’ve seen. Being 7 days long made it so much more immersive than any other festival I’ve been to, it became truly HOME.”

Name: Jennifer Fall Alexander

Position: Contributing Writer

Time with FS: 2 years

Number of Festivals in 2017: 9

Favorite Festival of the Year: ABGT250

“The vibes at this festival were the best I have ever encountered. Anjuna family really is no joke. The sets were so well organized, and each seamlessly flowed into the next with precision. Not only was every single set incredible, but I met the most amazing people, and flew out on my own to glamp at the gorge. I had always wanted to visit not only this venue, but Seattle itself, and the trip did not disappoint. Everything from the glamping, to the venue, to the music and crowd was absolutely stellar. The family atmosphere made it magical. There will only be one episode 250, and we were there.”

Name: Hayden Fischer

Position: Contributing Writer

Time with FS: 1 year

Number of Festivals in 2017: 6

Favorite Festival of the Year: Paradiso

“Paradiso doesn’t compare to any other venue I’ve been to–the Gorge is the most gorgeous backdrop for a festival. Being able to watch the main stage from anywhere on the hill and watch the sunset go down behind it, is something you can only experience in person.”

Name: Bridgette Reynolds

Position: Contributing Writer

Time with FS: 1 year

Number of Festivals in 2017: 3

Favorite Festival of the Year: CRSSD

“Although this isn’t a camping festival, the vibes at CRSSD are incredible. Everyone is so positive and it’s right on the water so the views are even better. It’s also one of the less expensive fests, but still two days. Worth every penny!”

Name: Daniella Hughes

Position: Contributing Writer

Time with FS: 8 months

Number of Festivals in 2017: 7

Favorite Festival of the Year: The Untz Festival

“For being only the 2nd edition of the festival, the lineup was insane. Full of underground bass artists that brought so much to a small, intimate festival. Everyone there was so warm and friendly. Since it wasn’t a very commercialized event, everyone that was there was there for the music.”

Name: Helen Vivas

Position: Artist Relations Manager

Time with FS: 1 year, 4 months

Number of Festivals in 2017: 12

Favorite Festival of the Year: Dirtybird Campout West Coast

“Dirtybird is unlike anything else. You immediately join a team which encourages everyone to become friends. The artist are competing in the sport activities with you. The activities were awesome, they even had archery. And the music is straight FIRE!”

Name: Alex Rowland

Position: Assistant Editor

Time with FS: 1 year

Number of Festivals in 2017: 6

Favorite Festival of the Year: Bonnaroo

“This year’s lineup had a good balance of genres and a lot of my personal favorites. This was simultaneously the biggest festival and one of the smoothest running festivals I have ever attended. The energy was unlike anything I’ve experienced. Everyone was so happy to be there and made sure everyone was having a good time. The Bonnaroovian spirit is a beautiful thing and I made some lasting friendships here. The food selection here was AMAZING. I still celebrate High Five Friday!

Name: Brigette Burgman

Position: Photographer

Time with FS: 8 months

Number of Festivals in 2017: 3

Favorite Festival of the Year: Mamby on the Beach

“It was my first time at Mamby, I did not quite know what to expect. I loved the setting and atmosphere so much. There was a good mix of music for everyone to enjoy. I loved being on the beach dancing at a stage in the sand, looking out at the water and city skyline! It was also my first festival I attended with Festival Squad as a photographer, and I had so much fun being able to capture the beauty of the people and vibe.”

Name: Amanda Cosenza

Position: International Editor

Time with FS: 7 months

Number of Festivals in 2017: 11

Favorite Festival of the Year: Oregon Eclipse

“Not only was the total solar eclipse one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen, the festival itself was one of the most incredible I have ever attended. The transformational fest not only opened me up to new music but introduced me to permaculture, sound healing, and traditions from other cultures like Native American ceremonies. It was a festival where everyone looked at for each other and howled at the moon together.”

Name: Mara Mannella

Position: Editor

Time with FS: 1 year

Number of Festivals in 2017: 7

Favorite Festival of the Year: Hard Summer

“Year after year Hard Summer reaches the top of the list for me. The incredible mix of genres combined with this year’s last minute relocation to my favorite venue on the west coast, I knew going in the 10th anniversary HSMF was going to be one for the books. The fans are well-informed and loyal and you can tell the artists are honored to be there. The setup makes for an easy cruise around the grounds. Destructo’s last set as the head of Hard Events remains one of my favorite memories of 2017 and I can’t wait to see what 2018 will bring.”

Name: Jordan Kausin

Postion: Guest Contributor Editor

Time with FS: 1 year, 8 months

Number of Festivals in 2017: 5

Favorite Festival of the Year: Dirtybird Campout West Coast

“DBC West Coast 2017 was hands down my favorite event, thanks to the perfect combination of in-the-moment, wild-blooded, fun-loving, house heads (my people!), adult camp activities, and of course THE HOUSE! I have encountered a plethora of free spirits over many years, but I may now confidently say there is no fam like Dirtybird fam! Collectively, the inclusivity, music, and especially artist participation is what made it unforgettable and one to never miss again.”

TELL US YOUR FAVORITE FESTIVAL OF 2017 IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!