Guys. GUYS. I’ve got to take a minute and keep it real real with you all for a minute.
I went to the Made in America Festival this weekend. Yes. That’s it. That’s what I wanted to tell you.
Made in America is a festival sponsored by Budweiser and Jay-Z and is in its 4th year, taking over Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for Labor Day weekend and turning it into an extreme and always epic two-day outdoor musical extravaganza.
I love a good festival (remember the Richmond Jazz Festival in August?) and Made in America is no exception. I’ve danced and sang along to Janelle Monaé and Kanye and Kings of Leon, thrashed around to Danny Brown and Odd Future and swayed to Jill Scott and D’Angelo. But something felt different this year. This year, I felt old.
I’m a young 30– no kids, single, down with the millennial lingo du jour– but I am also, let’s say, at least 5 years older than the average MIA Festival attendee. I’m here to share my wisdom of how to hang with the young ones but still act your age.
- Be comfortable.
Crop top: H&M or similar
If “Be comfortable” wasn’t specific enough, what I meant was, “Wear Sneakers”.
Sneakers: BP by Nordstrom or similar
Your feet will thank you later because You. Will. Be. Standing.
2. Eat before you get there. This may be the last time you can speak to your friends at a normal decibel level.
Delicious burgers at Miles Table in Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood. milestable.com
3. Meet up with friends. Make new ones. (You’ll feel better about standing off to the side away from all of the tweens in hot pants. ::Sidebar: Did you know that wearing your shorts so short that the bottom of your butt is exposed is a thing?::)
Cue Beyoncé voice: I’m a Groooowwwwn woman!
4. Of course, you GOT to enjoy the music!
5. Dance like no one’s watching. Sing, even though you’re pretty sure you don’t know the words.
6. Sleep. Because even though you’re beat all the way down, you’re pretty sure, against your better judgement, you’ll do it again next year.
What did you do for your Labor Day weekend? Have you outgrown any of your favorite activities?
Loved this post! Iam definitely learning how to make it easy on myself, no need for the extra anymore. ..30 is still cool! #BLMGirl
Author
Thanks Kristin! Seriously, I am still tired. Still. Tired. It was worth it though! (I think.)
Im like you hunni almost 30 but look having fun is not for the youth alone ok! I think this was a great list on having fun but being age appropriate! I think you looked more fun and lively than the teeny boopers anyway and yes unfortunately I am learning booty cheeks hanging out of shorts is a thing (or are we getting older and more observant?). Great captures too!
Author
hahaha Kiwi…it was such a fun event even with the plethora of butt cheeks! It’s amazing how much my energy shifted from even a couple of years ago!
I haven’t been to a festival in so long that I think I would be tired within 30 minutes lol. I have heard good things about made in American and glad you got to enjoy it.
Author
Kita, I won’t even lie to you. I was about to die by the end of Saturday. I was literally cranky. But it was definitely worth it!
I love love love a good music festival. Looks like you had a great labor day. I went camping… I think I would much rather went to event like this. I loved those shoes too…
Author
Camping? Real roughing it or were you glamping? I haven’t beenq camping in so many years!
I love your outfit! You looked fabulous and fun, lol…
Author
Thank you Nancy!
You look fabulous Kerri, and you look like you had a blast!
Hi dear and thank you very much for your friendship on IFB. I’m very happy!!! It was a really beautiful day! Have a nice day, kisses,
Eni
Eniwhere Fashion
Eniwhere Fashion Facebook
Author
Thank you Eni! I love Italian, I’m going to try to read your blog without hitting that Google Translate button…you have beautiful photos!
This looked like so much fun! I heard that this festival is amazing and I would love to check it out someday.
Author
It’s so much fun! It’s a dust bowl and a half but it is SUCH a good time!
Great recap this sounds like a lot of fun. I’m north of 35 so I might feel really old. I didn’t do anything for Labor Day, I clearly need to do better.
Author
I’ve been exhausted for this entire week so your plan is not such a bad idea!
I’m in Brooklyn, so I spent my Labor Day Weekend enjoying the festivities of the NY Caribbean Carnival.
I spent labor day weekend in Brooklyn enjoying family and the West Indian American Day Carnival festivities. Sounds like an awesome time. I know a lot of friends that went and the videos and pics looked awesome.
I haven’t been to a music festival in years. They don’t have many here because it’s cold I guess. Oh well. Looks like you were busy!
You look adorable! I got a chance to watch some of this on Tidal online. However, I am sure it was nowhere close to being there. Looks like you had a ton of fun!
Ha! I love it! And you look so super fab! I’ve heard of it but have never been. I’m so glad to see you had fun and that it’s something that was worth another trip 🙂
So you got to see the Beyonce concert? 🙂 Love the recap – looks like a great time!