Summer Smash: Lyrical Lemonade 🍋
Heyyyy Cousins,
We just had the most incredible weekend in Chicago, and I couldn't wait to share our Summer Smash Festival adventure with you all. As a travel blogger, millennial mom & wife, I always look for new experiences, and this one was definitely unforgettable.
We had VIP access for the festival, which promised all the perks—exclusive lounges, great views, and easy access to amenities. But, in true rebellious fashion, our son wanted to ditch the VIP comforts to dive into the General Admission area and experience the infamous mosh pits.
As any mom would, I was a bit hesitant at first. But hey, it's all about making memories, right? So, we found ourselves in the heart of the action during Playboi Carti's set. The energy was insane! People were jumping, pushing, and just going wild. At one point, the mosh pit got so intense that I had to get picked up and sat on the fence for safety. It was chaotic, exhilarating, and definitely something neither of us will ever forget. The highlight of this night was hearing “this guy is lit he brought his mom to a Carti mosh” not realizing Jackson is only twelve. Our gentle giant.
Let's talk about the logistics and pricing of food, merch, and games at the Summer Smash Festival.
**Food Trucks**:
The festival had an amazing selection of food trucks offering a variety of delicious options. Expect to spend around $15-$25 per meal, with snacks and smaller bites costing about 10. From gourmet tacos to loaded fries, there was something for every craving, but keep in mind that festival prices are generally higher than usual. We enjoyed a fat pizza slice for $15 and each of us got a frozen cup for $10 each the infamous lyrical lemonade were $11 each with bottled water being $6. (Don’t worry they have water stations)
**Merch**:
Festival merch is always a big draw, and Summer Smash was no exception. Official festival T-shirts and hoodies ranged from $55 to $125x Limited edition items and artist-specific merch were slightly pricier, especially the exclusive drops. If you’re planning to snag some souvenirs, budget around $50-$100.
**Games and Activities**:
There were various games and activities scattered throughout the festival grounds. Prices for these ranged from $15 per game. Some booths offered bundled deals if you wanted to try multiple games. It’s a fun way to take a break from the music and enjoy some friendly competition.
In short, while the prices can add up, the experience is well worth it. It's always a good idea to plan and budget accordingly to make the most of your festival adventure without breaking the bank.
The highlight, though, had to be witnessing Chief Keef's legendary performance. Seeing him live in Chicago, especially after not being able to perform there for over a decade, was nothing short of historic. The crowd's energy was electric, and you could feel the significance of the moment. It was a powerful reminder of the influence and impact of his music.
Watching Jackson run from one stage to another when trying to catch artist and set times was comical as well. When Ken Carson set started Jackson took off running saying “I’ll be back to find you Mom” 🙄
All in all, our Summer Smash Festival experience was a rollercoaster of emotions and adrenaline. It was a perfect mix of wild fun and meaningful moments, making it one for the books. If you ever get the chance to attend, especially with your kids, don't hesitate—just be ready for the ride!
Catch the full video on our YouTube channel ✨
