TBD Fest

Only based on the Saturday of TBD 2015. Bought the ticket through livingsocial for a pretty sweet deal.
It was balls to the walls hot in Sactown. This place is covered in dirt. Mix those two together with a group of unsober people — disaster. haha. Be sure to hydrate. take advantage of those free water stations.
All I remember from that day was hanging out at the First Aid tent for most of the day and then being able and ready to see the performers I wanted to see — which included Ratatat, Mobb Deep, and Porter Robinson. First Aid tent was great — don’t remember much but they let me and my friends hang out there until we got better and were able to function out on our own. Real nice people.
Not a lot of merch offered. Their selection lacked. Maybe because of the festival isn’t that well known… nonetheless I bought myself a TBD tank to remember over the years. And the booths were more of a flea-​markety vibe…

This festival definitely has some starting struggles, but it’s still a blessing to Sacramento. Part of me wants to rate it higher simply because I’m proud to be able to attend a festival in my hometown. Instead, I’m going to give some honest response and update my review (hopefully) when the improvements are made. Every festival takes some growing, and this one has potential once it gets goes.
The Bridge District is this special little space of Sacramento down by the water, right across the bridge from Downtown. The festival itself is set up in the shadow of Raley Field. Parking is right out front for the price of $ 15, and you’re quickly sent through the security line to get inside. Mostly in the dirt, the festival offers multiple stages with various genres and performances. There is a shopping section with a variety of neat little shops, clothing to homemade accessories to body paint to new businesses in town. Throughout the festival you’ll find some neat art pieces, as well as pop-​up performances by dancers and aerial artists. Three days, ranging from afternoon to night.
Seriously wish I could elaborate on that more, but the truth is it was all rather basic. Yet, they tried. They tried to embody a variety of elements that would play into the diversity of Sacramento. They tried to give it that festival vibe by including art and cool lounge section. All in all, if this was a festival anywhere else but Sacramento I would have been disappointing in the amount I paid for a ticket. It’s value comes in that it is close to home, and they did have a bunch of really good artists. When you’re out dancing your heart out you kind of forget about everything else.
PROS
–It brought out a huge crowd from the area, and it’s always great being at a festival where you get to run into so many of your friends. Plus, there was variety in age/​style in the crowd, and I appreciate that diversity.
–The art! The art pieces that were there were absolutely awesome. It gave a chance for some local artists to showcase their talent.
–The line-​up (for Sacramento), they had a good mix of artists. It’s always a blessing when big artists come close to home and I get to dance my booty off. Chromeo killed it! Porter melted my heart.
–Stages that played sets at different times. It was pretty dope that an entire crowd would mob from one stage to the next together.
CONS
–Paying for parking. When I paid 100+ for a ticket and I’m parking in a dirt parking lot, I shouldn’t have to pay for parking. That should definitely be included and/​or covered by those tickets — especially when it’s per day. Rarely is there a festival or rave that is charging me for parking.
–The water line was WAY too long. Definitely appreciate the free water, but one station with a couple handles for an entire festival in Sacramento summer heat isn’t going to cut it — especially when the water is not very fresh or cold. They need to set up water stations on both sides of the festival, or at least have shading over the line.
–And on that note, either more shade or more seating or better water during the day. It was so hot it was really hard to dance without having anywhere to rest because the people far outnumbered the spots to stay cool.
Overall, it was really just alright, although after suffering all day both nights I did have an amazing time at a set purely because of the music and my friends. I’m happy that a festival is making it’s way into my hometown, and hopefully with a couple more tries it will reach even greater levels.
I’ll be here supporting the growth!

I guess I’m a Primadonna. Dust, my supple lotioned skin, and freshly coiffed hair, do not mix.
Outdoor festivals are _​OFFICIALLY_​not my thing.
People throwing up, the outdoor bathrooms are HORRIFIC. Gag worthy. To the point I’d rather wear a Depend adult diaper.
I’m too old for this shit.
Have fun 18 and ups poppin’ Molly passing out on dirt.
UGH. Never again.

Amazing adventure. The best of Sacramento showcased over three days. Can’t wait for next year!

Welcome to my review of the TBD Fest 2015, i be da realest.
Location is in West Sacramento, in the bridge district, right next to Raley field. Parking is super convenient, only $ 15, easy to get in and out, and really close to the venue. Line for getting in only took 10 minutes, which is fast for a music festival.
Music, ITS ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC. Ok I have a confession, I only went on Sunday. The music Sunday was poor. It kinda sounds like the lineup was stacked on Friday/​Saturday so Sunday we got the leftovers. I got there at 5pm, and was pretty unimpressed with the music. Although this festival does range from rap/​hiphop to alternative to electronic, it was pretty much mostly indie/​rock Sunday. Variance of music was low. However, once 8pm came along, everything changed. Madeon killed it. He’s an electrodance performer for those that don’t know. The crowd was into it, everyone was dancing, and it just takes that one performer to set the mood for the night, he did it. He was at the Jukely stage. It was super spacious for the crowd, it wasn’t elbows to elbows, there was personal space. The lights from the stage were beautiful and mesmerizing. Good times.
One of the unique things about this festival is that it really promotes Sacramento. There’s art for days! because they bring so many local artists to display their talents. There are all types of different vendors that are local. For example, there was Midtown Jerky which is a Sacramento based beef jerky company. As you walk around all the booths, the common theme is that they’re right around the corner. I had to impulse buy a sushi kitty tank for my girlfriend, true story. This tank was apparently from a boutique which resides in midtown. Good job TBD, you didn’t sell out.
Here’s my ratchet highlight of the night. So me and my lady friend were just sippin on our drank stayin out the sun observing this beautiful white/​blue art pyramid (see my picture). OUT OF NOWHERE, there’s this white guy, shirt off douche mode activated, and he comes charging full speed into the directly into the pyramid. He went through the posterboard material of the pyramid and made a hole in it. Quickly, he got out and ran off. One security guy saw him, but there was no sense of urgency of finding this douchelord. Luckily, one of the guys was able to reassemble the posterboard on the pyramid by stapling it back together but you could see the rip. 10 minutes later, the guy came and took selfies and snapchats of the rip he made. Clearly his life does not amount to much. Moral of the story, security you really gotta step your game up.
This music festival is very young, I believe this was only the second ever TBD festival. There’s tons of room to improve. Keep workin on bringin the big names and the Sacramentans will come through!

The VIP experience was a rip off in my opinion. Being a «VIP» buys you the privilege of standing in a tent. For $ 140 to see the 1 act I wanted to see (Tears for Fears), I could have gone to 3 full length concerts in San Francisco.

Overall, it was aight. Nothing to brag about the following day. I’ve seen better days. I’m so glad that I didn’t do the three-​day thang omg (VIP was not even all that rofl). It would’ve been a waste of money for me plus I’d cry outta boredom. Rather save up my hooker money for Coachella instead.
Lineup didn’t take my breath away. /​/​Zimmer, Joywave, Porter Robinson, Pretty Lights, and The Growlers were exceptional though.
Will I go again? 1.) If it’s for free, 2.) if someone wanna win my love and get ‘em for me, 3.) and/​or if the tix were under 20 bucks.
+ Only ONE water station and that line was Black Friday long. I’d suck it up and go buy their overpriced water and/​or Gatorade instead.
+ Lots of cute vendors. I spontaneously bought a cute homemade bracelet for $ 18. ;)
+ Wear comfortable shoes
+ Bring a bandana for yo face if you want to avoid second hand smoke and dust.
+ Empty water bottles/​canisters only, duh
+ I hear parking is $ 15, but we got drop off here like teenagers, walk back to a friend’s place after for the afterparty, then friend drop us home so $Free.99 fo’ me. Booya
+ Beer is $ 7 and margarita (strong) is $ 11
— No ratchets or pasties during my sight seeing :(
I dunno what else to say… Already bored outta my mind writing this review…
Disclaimer: To each it’s own. I’m a spoiled brat when it comes to shit like this. Sacramento is a small city so for what it’s worth, they did a good job with what they got. My friend and his friends had a blast though so that’s saying a lot. Haha! Kthxbi

Since 2014, «The Bridge District Festival» aka. «TBD Fest» brings all various attractions, music, and fun for Sacramento residents and tourists alike all weekend long! It’s like Coachella, Bonnaroo &/​or Lollapalooza meets Radio 94.7 Electric Christmas combined making this festival a total unforgettable moment!
Before I head inside TBD Fest, there’s a security check-​in here making sure everyone is safe. The only problem for me is I cannot bring my own sunscreen spray or lotion inside. I know it’s an outdoor event, and I’m sure likely to sunburned my skin again just like watching an outdoor baseball game in a hot afternoon. My suggestion: place your sunscreen spray or lotion first before you go in because it’s easier to attend the event faster. Additionally, your personal water bottle container must be empty before you can go in. It sounds average for me. I cannot find the refillable water station right here at this event which I can pay the water bottle for $ 4 each at the non-​alcoholic drinks kios every time. I’m sure the organizer could do the refillable water station for the next year’s event in the future just like Radio 94.7’s City of Trees event has months ago.
After the security check-​in, the ambiance and the atmosphere of the TBD Fest is remarkably and totally Urban Outfitters feel place for this festival! There’s many attractions here from acrobatics, ballet dancers inside the outdoor pyramid, one Ferris wheel, shopping tents, Demolicious Derby, and many, many more! One of the good things for the Demolicious Derby is free food! Yep, free food here as I picked up one homemade taco from this food truck, «Food Coma.» Additionally, they have an awesome photo booth side, so you and your friends can take 4 poses for free! It’s a win-​win deal!
Now onto the music performances. First, I did seen Cathedrals performance for the first time, and they did performed very well! On the other hand, DJs (Beckwith & Vincenzo so far) on two different tent booths also performed very «fist-​bump feel» good! I can hear these wicked EDM BPMs beating right into my heart. Second, Ty Dolla Sign performance (2^nd performance so far for me) rocked the stage! The crowd was feeling Ty’s performance so hard that everyone in the crowd including myself will feel the rapper’s excitements! Finally, good indie musicians like Toro Y Moi, Purity Ring, and Death Grips performance have done not bad which I really enjoyed it a lot!
The parking atmosphere is alright for me. You can park your automobile closest to the event for $ 15 cash which surrounds near Raley Field. Otherwise, you can ride a bike, walk, or use public transit easier without the hassles.
One last thing, if you have the 3-​Day or 2-​Day pass (VIP or GA,) or One Day ticket, you cannot re-​enter the TBD Fest after you came in. It’s sad, but it’s the event policy to make sure the attendance population entry goes. I just hope they need a re-​entry format in the next year’s event too.
In the end, the 2015 TBD Fest is the coolest and the wildest indie music festival right in the Bridge District area in West Sacramento neighborhood! Since I have a 3-​Day pass, I’ll take a chance to see some other musician’s performances later this weekend. I cannot wait what will next year’s TBD Fest holds. A well, worthy unforgettable event!

The festival was a lot of fun this year. Looking forward to seeing it grow. The lineup, was excellent. They obviously went to a lot of effort to get great acts. Was incredible to be able to see Empire of the Sun, Blondie, The Drums, War on Drugs, and other similar acts. They need to work on making sure everything is set up BEFORE the festival starts, Friday seemed like it was still a set up day. The VIP experience was a bit flat, people were very disappointed to find out upon arrival that you had to RENT the cabanas that were inside the VIP area. Some of the food trucks closed as early as 9pm, right when everyone wants/​needs something to eat. They also need more shade although I think they are building an actual structure on the riverfront where they will host events like this so hopefully that will help. Overall it was fun, it’s growing and it will come together more and more as it matures. Looking forward to seeing how it is next year.

Great festival. This is my 2^nd £¥€ new location Dust was a problem but there’s a drought so there was a playa aspect ;) parking: $ 15 good, easy in & out. Location: great. Walking distance to downtown/​old sac. Easy to get to from freeway. Id like to see more events like this utalizing the whole «Riverwalk area» In w.sac. vendors: alot of local food and crafts, large carnival rides gave it a nice twist. Entertainment: I loved the mix. 3 days of music !!! I went for Moby and Blondie and found a few new bands I like. The things I would change: more bathrooms & hydration stations for water, alow coolers/​personal water bottles/​chairs/​blankets, shade/​mist tents. Other than that I had a blast looking forward to next year :)