Tips for an Epic North Coast 2025
Get ready for the Midwest’s biggest Labor Day party as North Coast returns to SeatGeek Stadium this weekend. This is my first time attending this massively stacked fest, and I couldn’t be more excited. As a first-timer, I did plenty or research into how everything works after I finished drooling over the lineup. Here are my top tips to have the best experience possible.
Step one – Buy the ticket!
Bag Policy – As you pack, be aware traditional backpacks and purses are not allowed inside the fest. You can have CLEAR BAGS no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, a clear gallon Ziplock or similar. Your bag does not need to be clear if it’s a fanny pack or clutch the size of a hand, or a hydration pack with clear and empty bladder (hydration pack does not need to be clear). Check out the posted examples on their website.
Getting there – It’s best to buy a parking pass or shuttle pass ahead of time. Be sure you plan out your entry and exit to the fest, including any afterparties you plan to go to. Since this isn’t a camping festival, you’ll need to arrange for safe passage out of the fest.
Self Care – This festival is a marathon with unlimited things to see and do. Dressing comfortably, staying hydrated, eating and sleeping, drinking electrolytes and listening to your body are the most valuable pieces of advice any article can give. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the festival, including WHERE THE MED TENTS ARE. Keep yourself safe, and keep an eye on those around you. We all play a role in keeping the community safe.
Comfort – There’s nothing worse than feeling too miserable to get to the next set. Some of my comfort staples are smart shoes, sunglasses, a pashmina, and hand fan. Don’t forget the hearing protection and sunscreen! Finding shade can be difficult at times, but having your own supplies to get out of the sun and cool off is clutch. I hear there’s an air conditioned soccer dome dubbed The Chill Dome, a great place to hang out if you’re . Take a look at Savannah’s video outlining what you can expect inside!
Afterparties – With the music ending around midnight in past years, it’s best to attack the night by purchasing tickets to afterparties ahead of time. This years ‘NIGHT LIGHTS’ afterparties series takes place in 27 venues across Chicago. Check out the afterparties lineup HERE! There are SO many options. I personally plan to check out Kai Wachi at Joe’s On Weed St on Friday. Saturday, catch me at Magoos,to watch Zingara throw down. Sunday, I’ll be closing out my North Coast experience with Daily Bread at House Of Blues. Other options at other venues include Kaskade, Ray Volpe, Louis the Child, Chris Lake, Excision, Of The Trees, ATLiens, Brownies & Lemonade, a crazy sounding Zeds Dead b2b Liquid Stranger, and way more.
More than Music – North Coast prides itself on providing an experience for all the senses. This festival has legendary artwork, secret missions and performers working the crowds. New in 2023, check out the Ferris wheel and engage with the interactive installations. There is no shortage of things to do and see between sets. Check out the official aftermovie for 2024 if you don’t believe me!
Secrets within the App – In my research I learned there’s a speakeasy called Club Coast which you’ll need a password to enter. The password can be accessed in the official festival app – I wonder if there are more secrets living within…?
Frick Frack Black Jack – It’s a no-cash, no-limits barter-style version of blackjack. This is my all-time art installation found at many festivals, and features a unique and everchanging mix of oddities, gambling and improv comedy. This is more than just a game: it’s an interactive performance-art piece. The dealers are theatrical, carny-style characters who turn the experience into a comedy show as much as a game of blackjack. You bring whatever you want to bet—anything except money—and the dealer offers something in return. If you lose, Frick Frack keeps your item. if you win, you keep it—and also score the dealer’s matched item. Often there’s hilarious negotiation around what’s “equal value,” leading to comedic banter that involves the whole table. They don’t just want ordinary stuff—they encourage bringing odd, meaningful, or quirky items. The more outlandish or symbolic, the better the experience (just be sure your items don’t fall on the prohibited items list).
Stay Flexible – Aside from travel accommodations and getting to the festival itself, try not to plan too much else. Of course we all have our non-negotiable sets we want to see…but there may be amazing things happening that pull you in. Follow your heart and intuition to get the most out of your experience. Stop to smell to roses along the way. Talk to strangers, discover new music, take the long way to your destination, and be open to new experiences. You’ll leave with more than trinkets and footage of your favorites – you’ll leave with a full heart, maybe a new squad member, and most importantly, you’ll leave with the ability to take this wonder and whimsy into your everyday life.