Great South Bay Music Festival
The Great South Bay Music Festival, with its long musical history and outstanding lineup, is a must-visit in your RV this summer.
Event information
The Great South Bay Music Festival is an art and music festival that takes place in Patchogue, New York. Shorefront Park, located on the scenic Great South Bay, serves as the venue for the event.
The festival celebrated its 14th anniversary in 2019, making it the longest-running event of its kind in Long Island. It is also the largest music festival in the region, and the performances and shows take place over four days.
Over 60 bands and artists perform on stages that are set up at various parts of the venue. The line up features many genres of music, including jazz, rock, county, zydeco, and folk. Internationally acclaimed legends, as well as emerging new acts, entertain the crowds with their incredible talent.
Artists who have performed at Great South Bay Music Festival in the past include Kiss The Sky, Sublime With Rome, The Edgar Winter Band, Electric Hot Tuna, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Frank Iero, New Found Glory, Taking Back Sunday, and The Front Bottoms.
In addition to world-class music, there is a large artisan market, beautiful art installations, a children’s entertainment zone, and plenty of delicious food at this family-friendly event in Shorefront Park.
Tickets
General Admission, VIP, and Ultra VIP tickets go on sale a few months before the event. The VIP and Ultra VIP tickets will give you access to exclusive privileges like a covered tent with seating, VIP parking, separate viewing areas, and wait service. Only 100 Ultra VIP tickets are available for each day of the event. The festival is open to guests of all ages, and children under the age of 11 can enjoy it for free. Choose your tickets for the Great South Bay Music Festival.
Explore Great South Bay Music Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Great South Bay Music Festival is held at Shorefront Park, which is about 60 miles from New York City and 40 miles from the Hamptons. Once you reach Rider Avenue, there are usually signs to guide you to the parking field. Be prepared to cross one or more bridges and have cash for one or more tolls as you near Long Island. Take a look at the event’s social media pages or call 511 to check if any weather alerts have been issued in Suffolk County or the surrounding areas.
Parking areas
Free street parking is available for cars, close to the venue. Festival organizers request that patrons are respectful of the homes and residents of the area and avoid parking in no-parking zones. Paid premium parking is also available, and there are designated spaces for guests holding VIP and Ultra VIP tickets. RV parking is not available, so it’s recommended to park your rig at your campsite and take a pilot vehicle or public transportation to Shorefront Park.
Public Transportation
You can get to Shorefront Park by train. The closest station is Patchogue train station, which is less than two miles away. You can also hop on a bus and get off at a walkable distance from the venue. There are designated drop-off and pick up points for taxis and ride-hailing services.
Where to stay
Onsite
Onsite camping or overnight parking is not available at the Great South Bay Music Festival. Fortunately, the area is popular with RVers, so you’ll have several options to choose from in the vicinity.
Nearby
RVers will find a couple of good options within a 30-mile radius and several options on Long Island for parking a rig. Wildwood State Park is about 25 miles away and is a great place to set up camp. The sites come with full hookups, excellent hiking trails, and even a private beach. Caumsett State Park also welcomes travelers to camp near the water and only 35-miles from Shorefront Park.
Getting around
Carts, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, or other motorized vehicles will not be permitted into the grounds. Be prepared to get around on foot. Guests with disabilities will be allowed to use walkers, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices. Some parts of the venue are grassy, which can make them challenging to navigate.
What to pack
Clothing
Great South Bay Music Festival takes place at the height of summer, so choose lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics. You can't go wrong with jeans, shorts, casual shirts or sundresses. Since the park is right by the bay, it can get considerably cooler at night. Pack a lightweight jacket and covered shoes for any outdoor treks, but don't forget to drop a swimsuit in your suitcase, too.
Gear
Pack a small bag with all the essentials you need to stay comfortable throughout the day. Your sunscreen, bug spray, and other products must be packed in non-aerosol and non-glass containers. Seating will not be available for General Admission ticket holders. Unless you have a VIP or Ultra VIP ticket, you may want to consider taking a lawn chair that meets festival regulations.
Health & Safety
Shorefront Park is situated right by the water and will be crowded, so keep an eye on young children. Several ATMs will be available throughout the grounds. If you lose something, head to the lost and found area at the box office. Prior permission will need to be obtained if you'd like to bring a service animal to the Great South Bay Music Festival.
Where to eat
Cooking
Nothing beats a hot campfire cooked meal on a chilly night. One-pot meals like stews are easy to throw together and are ideal for the end of a long day. Make a list of all the produce, spices, and condiments you’ll need and pick these up at one of the stores close to the venue. The store at your campsite may only sell basic supplies like firewood.
Restaurants
The culinary scene in Patchogue has grown tremendously in the last decade. Thanks to a growing population and visitors that frequent the area, it has a vibrant, youthful vibe. You’ll find plenty of trendy cafes, juice bars, and burger joints to choose from during your travels in the area. Some of the must-try dishes are the broiled oysters, fish and chips, and smoothie bowls.
Vendors
A wide range of food and drinks, including vegan and vegetarian options, will be sold at the centrally located food court during the Great South Bay Music Festival. There will also be several wine and beer gardens where you can grab a drink. Beer lovers can choose from a number of local craft brews in addition to the more well-known brands.
Safety
Security
All bags and belongings will be checked at the front gate. After entering the grounds, festival-goers will not be allowed to exit and re-enter at will. Only VIP and Ultra VIP pass holders will be able to access some areas. Anyone not following the rules of the event will be asked to leave the premises without a refund.
Weather
The weather is often warm during the day, but a cold breeze blows in from the bay at night. Be sure to bring some warm clothing for the evenings. The festival’s social media accounts are updated with weather information regularly. So check these out before getting dressed for your day at the Great South Bay Music Festival.
Medical
EMTs will be present at designated locations throughout the site. These stations will be marked with a red cross making them easy to spot from a distance. Medics will be available around the clock to provide assistance to patrons in need. If you require immediate help, you can flag down one of the ushers or security guards. Pharmacy options can be found within 10 miles of Shorefront Park and near campgrounds on Long Island in case you need to restock a few items during your RV trip.
