Fans in r/festivals swapped receipts and horror stories this week after a thread asked: “Worse rip off/price grab you seen at a festival?” The answers run the gamut from eye-watering drink prices to vendors charging for basic necessities — and a few surprising standout takes on why some fests feel worse than others.
Quick highlights from the thread (user comments summarized):
- EDC Las Vegas — $75 for a six-pack of water.
- Lightning in a Bottle — $20 White Claws.
- Secret Dreams — $24 onion quesadilla (plus a 30-minute wait).
- Electric Forest — $50 ear plugs.
- Tahoe Live (small festival) — $75 for two cocktails; $25 for chicken fingers.
- Texas eclipse — $24 “beatboxes” (mini Bluetooth speakers) sold on-site while crowds were stranded after a weather cancellation.
- Brooklyn Mirage (Wakaan takeover) — $30 lemon drop “drink” (card only).
- Someone recalled being hit with a $35 lobster roll at Bonnaroo and a $20 grilled cheese at another fest.
There’s a broader thread of comparison, too: many commenters say U.S. festivals feel way more gougey compared with European events once you factor in ticket price + food and drink. Others defended certain vendors as “supply-and-demand” or blamed corporate takeover of festival grounds.
One user offered a counterpoint: Waynestock — a small, 26-year-old fest that keeps things low-key with BYO food and booze, permissive camping, flushing toilets and showers. It’s presented as a reminder that not all festivals have to be gas-lit into being expensive experiences.
Bottom line: festival season still delivers amazing memories, but bring a grain of salt (and maybe a cooler) — and an extra $75 for water if you’re heading to EDC Vegas.
Source: Reddit /r/festivals — original post by KitchenStructure1012 (Feb 7, 2026). Compiled from user comments in the thread.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/festivals/comments/1qyt30r/worse_rip_offprice_grab_you_seen_at_a_festival/