Maybe you love music, but don’t know your way around a music festival; I’m in the same boat! As an overly-organized A-type, I decided to talk to a few experienced Sled Island-goers for the inside scoop on how to make the most of my all-ages pass. Here are the tips they came up with:
1. Bring a bike
Someone who is not familiar with the unique set-up of Sled Island may hear “music festival” and be instantly transported to a field dotted with tents and hippie vans, where all of the events are laid out neatly in one location. The cool thing about Sled, however, is that its concerts and shows are held at several different downtown venues, each with its own vibe and creative potential- an experience that makes the difficulty of travelling between these concert spots worthwhile.
Cycling is the best way to make the most of your Sled Island pass; it allows you see as many concerts as you would like, without the inconvenience of having to crawl around looking for a parking spot, or to walk for half an hour between venues. Not to mention, part of the Sled experience is travelling in a “bike pack” with friends or fellow music enthusiasts. Sled even encourages biking by providing ample rack space close to their shows.
If you don’t have access to a bicycle, just rent one! Several downtown stores, such as BikeBike on 17th Ave (displayed above), offer daily rentals.
2. Go to Tubby Dog
According to seven-year Sled veteran Shelley Arnusch, concerts at Tubby Dog are known for being the wildest and the most memorable- not to mention, they make great hot dogs. If you want to make the most of your Sled Island experience, a Tubby Dog show may be in order. Check out the all-ages show happening there today! (Wednesday)
3. See an art show
Sometimes, a few weeks before a building is scheduled to be demolished, this really cool thing happens; several artists get permission to use the space to create and display their artwork. This space, already destined for destruction, allows them an amazing creative freedom. This year, the exhibition, called “Wreck City”, is taking place at the old Penguin Car Wash in Ramsay, and is part of Sled Island. Personally, I am over the moon excited to experience it for the first time!
4. Need a break?
Get thee to a nunnery! No, really, some of Sled’s most tranquil, powerful instrumental bands will be performing at Central United Church; sitting in the pews, eyes closed, and listening to bands like Godspeed You! Black Emperor for an hour or two could be just what you need to recuperate between rock concerts.
5. Don’t miss the main show at Olympic Plaza
Saturday’s show will run from 2-11 pm, and is the “big event” of the festival. Tickets are available online for $50, or at the gate for $55. As Under-18s, we get FAR more value out of an all-ages pass, which we can purchase online for the same amount.
Check out Sled Island’s website for more information!