Plan A Festival Season Vacay with Teens

Festival season is just about here, and that means a celebration for every age and interest. There is a festival for just about everything, from fruit to frozen dead guys and everything in between. They are a great excuse to get the family to a new destination, especially if you’ve got teens who are more interested in having fun, unique experiences rather than a cookie-cutter vacation. Choose the right festival and you not only get to share some culture and good times with them, but you also get to discover a new destination together. Check out these fun, festive and sometimes downright eccentric celebrations to plan a family trip around this year.

Frozen Dead Guy Days, Estes Park, Colorado (March 28)
Sometimes festivals are as odd as they are fun, and Frozen Dead Guy Days ranks up there with the best of them. Honoring the life of Grandpa Bredo, a man who was frozen in liquid nitrogen upon his death, this festival is packed full of weirdness. There will be coffin races, costume contests, and plenty of great local food and music. While the cryogenically frozen body of Bredo Morstoel, also known as local legend Grandpa Bredo, resides at the infamous Stanley Hotel, you can plan a stay at nearby Seven Keys Lodge where the family can get a break from the weird and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.

Shabang Music Festival, San Luis Obispo, California (May 2 and 3)
The Shabang Festival is a great way to experience Central California’s local music scene. Hosted at Dairy Creek Golf Course, this two-day music festival goes far beyond just the music. The festival also includes plenty of local artists and food vendors, along with activities like yoga and workshops to make sure there is something for everyone in between sets. This annual festival draws people from all over to be part of the great SLO vibe and is a great family-friendly environment for a spring getaway immersed in fun and culture. Camp at Shabang festival grounds or stay at one of the great local properties, like Hotel Cerro, where you can also get in some pool or spa time when you want a relaxing break from the festivities.

Digital Graffiti, South Walton, Florida (May 15 and 16)
If your teens aren’t already into art, Digital Graffiti in Alys Beach will definitely change that. On May 15 and 16, this charming beach town will transform when the sun goes down. The white walls of the buildings will become a digital canvas as they are lit up with electronic artwork of some of the world’s most creative digital artists. In other words, technology, art and architecture collide. Pair your festival experience with a relaxing stay at Pearl, just steps from the sandy shore, where you and the family can take plenty of naps either poolside or in the sand, so you have the energy to roam the streets taking in the massive visual displays at night.