Going Places with Dina Guzzardo
Festival season is officially around the corner. School is coming to an end, the nights are getting longer and warmer, and we are finally close to what is set to be our first normal summer since 2019. What better way to celebrate this than a music festival on the beach? Wildwood is consistently recognized as the Jersey Shore’s number one family vacation destination, with 5-miles of clean, wide, free beaches; a 2.5-mile-long Boardwalk with 3 amusement piers; 3 beachfront waterparks; and numerous shops, arcades, and eateries. It is the ideal location for a family-friendly music festival this summer.
The Barefoot Country Music Festival is New Jersey’s original country music beach festival which takes place between the world-famous Morey’s Piers in Wildwood (3601 Boardwalk). More than 40 artists are set to take the stage at this year’s festival from June 16-19, and there is still time to grab your ticket for this amazing 4-day event. The festival will feature a mix of international artists and local, up-and-coming performers. BCMF is brought to you by Southern Entertainment, the same production company that is responsible for the Carolina Country Music Fest, Wild & Wonderful Country Music Fest, Gracedigger’s Ball, and more.
This year’s line-up includes Country Music Association winner Eric Church; ACM Artist of the Decade, Jason Aldean, and Grammy nominated artists Florida Georgia Line and Cole Swindell. Additionally,Dustin Lynch, Walker Hayes, Chris Janson, Bret Michaels, and several more will be performing on the Miller Lite Main Stage.
The Jim Beam Stage will see performers such as King Calaway, Lily Rose, Ernest, Davisson Brothers Band, and many more entertain the crowds. There will be several smaller stages which will feature emerging artists, pop-up shows, comedians, and local talent. There will also be a wide range of vendors selling food, drinks, and crafts.
The celebrations kick off at 6pm on Thursday 16th at the Planet Fitness Kick-Off Concert with performances by Cole Swindell, Jameson Rodgers, Frank Ray, and Bowman. Friday to Sunday, the festival starts at 1pm and finishes at 11pm, making for an entire day of music and entertainment However, if you are not finished by 11pm, the after-party will be taking place at Seaport Pier, which has a beachfront concert stage with a world-class sound system.
There are a variety of tickets available, starting at $99 for a one-day ticket to $239 for a 4-day general admission pass. There are also options for VIP and super VIP, which have several added benefits including access to restricted areas and money towards food and beverages. The Super VIP ticket includes an elevated platform viewing area with full bar, air-conditioned catering tent with seating, hors d’oeuvres and an evening buffet, $500 credit to use towards food and beverage, and posh private restrooms. All this will set you back $1499 though, but you will have the best seats in the house. The festival is also offering military discounts for all levels of tickets to show appreciation to our nation’s troops, public servants, and first responders. Discounts for large groups or corporations will also be available; however, you will need to contact them directly about the specific pricing and benefits available.
Don’t want to take cash? The organizers have created cashless wristbands that can be used to make any onsite purchases over the weekend. Cash and card will also be accepted; however, this is a safe and secure way to make purchases and you won’t have to worry about losing any of your money.
It is also possible to leave the festival site and renter, allowing you to enjoy all the wonderful things on offer in Wildwood itself. All ages are welcome; however, make sure you leave your pets at home. For some added fun, each day will have a specific theme to plan your outfits around. Friday is Diamonds and Denim – your favorite cut off shorts, dazzling belt buckles, and rhinestone adorned jewelry. Saturday is WILDwest, where you need to dig out your sexiest boho/hippie/western clothes. Think fringe, chaps, bandanas, and funky patterns. Then, close it out with Stars and Stripes on Sunday. Things will be getting patriotic, and festival-goers will need to wear all things red, white, and blue.
There are several hotels in Wildwood, so you are sure to find somewhere great to stay. The festival’s website suggests several options which can be found here: https://barefootcountrymusicfest.com/accommodations/. Beach parking passes, located between Wildwoods Convention Center and Morey’s Adventure Pier, are available for purchase, starting at $49 for one-day and $140 for the weekend. For more information and to be kept up to date with news about performers and other entertainment, be sure to check out their website at: https://barefootcountrymusicfest.com/.
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent.www.dinamediagroup.com
