After three years and two postponements, Illfest is back and stronger than ever. With a new venue and more stages and artists, Illfest came back swinging and ready to show the city of Austin that it is deserving of a spot among the top festivals the city has to offer.
Only a few weeks ago I made the move from Southern California to Austin where I will be calling home for 2022. Southern California is home to some of the best event promoters in the country with names like Insomniac and Goldenvoice setting the standard for festivals around the country. With a new group of festival friends and my dancing shoes on I was eager to experience my first festival in Austin. Check out our step-by-step detailed review below.
Parking at Illfest
Parking prices ranged from $20 to $40 and were available directly across the street from the venue. With security consistently driving around keeping our cars safe.
Will call and security check-in at Illfest
Illfest offers wristband pick-up locations prior to the festival which I would recommend using! Will call at the festival did have a long line so if you do not have the opportunity to pick up your tickets ahead of the festival, make sure you come early so you don’t miss any sets. Security lines were quick and easy with no wait at all. Check out the security bag policy and more info on where to pick up your tickets early on the Illfest website.
Illfest Venue
Illfest’s new home at the Circuit of Americas was a great location for a festival. the map was easily navigatable with a stage on each corner of the map and food trucks, vendors, art walls, fire and aerial performances were easy to find. The stages were properly distanced away from each other and we did not experience any sound bleed. A well placed map allows for better communication when finding friends and a less stressful environment when trying to find the restrooms after having a few drinks.
Speaking of drinks, six bars were perfectly placed where you would need them the most. Lines were always fast-flowing and we never spent more than a few minutes away from our favorite stages to grab a drink. Upon entree to the festival, you had the option to activate your wristband by adding a credit or debit card. All transactions at the festival were made using the wristband which sped up the lines for merch, food, and bar.
Music
Illfest’s lineup was packed with multi-genre acts both new and old. As a house music fan, I found myself spending most of my time at bass artists this weekend. Rising acts like Nitti Gritti, Craze, and SoDown kept the dance floor lit up while dance music icons got ready to end the night with a big punch. One of my favorite sets of the weekend was The Knocks, with a sound drawn from soul and funk, the duos live set was electrifying. Liquid Stranger had the crowd hypnotized and bass faces locked in. Many of the fans i spoke with mentioned it was one of the best Liquid Stranger sets they’ve experienced.
After Parties
The last set at Illfest ends at around 11:20pm giving just enough time for attendees to make their way to the after parties held a short 10min drive away. We attended the Kaskade Redux after party set at the Concourse Project. Since coming to Austin I’ve received many recommendations to visit the Concourse Project as it’s one of the best dance music spots in Austin. The venue did not disappoint as the massive warehouse was a perfect vibe for Kaskade deep house Redux sets. The high energy atmosphere of the festival continued to the after party and I would definitely recommend planning for after parties when heading to this festival.