The Jewel of the South: Sweetwater 420 Fest (2018)
Every year, I try to find at least one new festival that has an outstanding lineup to attend. This year is no exception with the insane announcement for this year’s stacked lineup for the Sweetwater 420 Fest in downtown Atlanta. Sweetwater 420 Fest will kick off the festival season for me and I cannot think of better way to do so than in the middle of beautiful, downtown Atlanta. I am still a little surprised that I have not attended this festival before this year, but it is never too late to start. Last year’s lineup did boast the likes of Widespread Panic (4 sets over 2 days), Trey Anastasio Band (2x sets), Ween, Slightly Stoopid, Moe., and Dirty Heads to name a few. This year, Sweetwater 420 came out with their guns blazing with their initial lineup announcement of Umphrey’s McGee (2x sets), Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sturgill Simpson, Vulfpeck, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (2x sets)!
Wait that was just the beginning too! Just recently, Sweetwater 420 Fest came out with their last wave of artists and look who just joined the party: The String Cheese Incident (2x sets), Greensky Bluegrass, Soja, Ghostland Observatory, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Motet, and Brandon “Taz” Niederauer – “artist at large”. Now ponder this: The String Cheese Incident + Umphrey’s McGee = “Cheesy McGee” a jam session that could possibly take place during this weekend at any of the sets that each band performs at the festival. I will give you a few moments to let that sink in before going further… I know it’s a lot to take in. I’ll wait. Well enough of the big names on this year’s lineup, let us dive into some of the lower lines of artists/bands: Marco Benevento, Funk You, The Mantras (Beastie Boys Tribute Set), Bird Dog Jubilee, Dr. Stranglove, and Southern Avenue to name a few worthy of checking out. Plus in addition to sick lineup, 420 features a 5K run, the Planet 420 Eco-Village, the 420 Disco, the 420 Lyrics & Laughter (a platform for comedians and up-and-coming local acts), an Artist Market, and a Food Village for all patrons to enjoy once inside the festival grounds.
Late night shows will be announced at a later date and will be held at various venues located within the city of Atlanta. So keep checking back with Concerthopper.com on Facebook/Instagram to see who is playing and where they end up doing so during the 420 festival weekend! One that we know of, the Pre-Party Kick Off with The String Cheese Incident performing at the Variety Playhouse sold out within seconds after tickets went on sale. So do not sleep when these shows are announced online and get your ticket A.S.A.P. You can still grab a 3 day pass for either General Admission or the 3 day Big Fish V.I.P. wristband for this incredible, weekend through the Sweetwater 420 Fest page. I am very excited to partake in my very first Sweetwater 420 Fest and I hope that you can join us at Centennial Olympic Park too!
If you are from out of town and need a place to crash then I suggest www.airbnb.com or www.booking.com. As an added bonus, use this link and get $40 off your first stay with Airbnb.com & use this promo link https://www.booking.com/s/43_8/tzolis90 for $25 cash back on Booking.com. Need a ride while in Atlanta? No sweat! First time users can use the following codes for discounts on local ride shares: Lyft – TARYN273 or Uber – hristost3ue. Got any questions about the festival, check out this link to their information webpage to get that curiosity satisfied.
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Remember don’t think about it, just buy the damn ticket! As always, hope to see you at a show or festival soon!