As we quickly count down the final days until launch for Bass Coast 2017 we can’t help but feel both excited and anxious. Last year we set out to explore new territory, and came back with nothing but good things to say about the event. Easily one of the best festivals British Columbia (and the Pacific Northwest) has to offer, it’s incredible it took so long for us to experience for ourselves.
Despite the festival’s intimate and relatively smaller crowds in comparison to the areas larger events, Bass Coast certainly holds its own. Like so many others, we will be making the journey back to Merritt, BC for another edition of Bass Coast Music Festival this year, and this time we’ve got plenty tlo share before we arrive.
Last year we dove head first into the literal unknown, and returned with plenty of knowledge to share with both first-timers and veterans alike. Regardless of how many festivals you may have been to previously, there’s always room to learn (and it never hurts to be a little more prepared). For 2017 we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of last minute camping essentials, scheduling, and even a peek at the weather. We’re looking forward to being back in the beautiful Nicola Valley for the 9th edition of Bass Coast, and hope this guide serves you well through your own experience this year.
Photo compliments of Bass Coast
Arrival and General Info
Chances are if you’re reading this then you’ve already secured your tickets to Bass Coast 2017. For those unable to snag a ticket, we suggest not losing hope just yet. Tickets have been popping up through the event’s ticket exchange Facebook group, so there’s still a chance for you. Prior to leaving home, we’d suggest going over a few things so you’re ready for the trip.
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The festivals gates are open during the following times…
July 7: 9am – 4am
July 8: 9am – 6pm
July 9: 9am – 6pm
If you’ve purchased an Early Entry Pass, you’ll be allowed to enter on July 6, from noon-10 PM. Early entry passes are sold out and will not be sold at the gate. If you do not have an early entry pass you will be unable to enter until Friday (7/7).
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You’ll be arriving through the festivals Main Gate. We’d suggest throwing “1000 midday valley road, Merritt BC” into your GPS or phone for directions.
Alternatively, you can also check out the festivals Directions Page for full details.
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This goes without saying but you’ll need your ticket! If you have a print-at-home version, make sure you’ve printed that bad boy off. If you have a hard copy, be sure to double check your bag before leaving. No sense making the drive twice just because you left it at home.
Additionally, Bass Coast will require you to have your government issued ID, as this event is 19+.
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Photo compliments of Bass Coast
Camping and Packing
No matter how many festivals you’ve been to, there is always an opportunity to improve. From upping your camping game, to packing lighter or making sure you’ve got your essentials, there’s plenty of room to learn. Whether you’re scrambling last minute, or you’ve been prepared for the last month, it’s always a good idea to go over your packing list one last time before leaving. While some essentials are obvious, there are those items that tend to be forgotten. We highly suggest taking a look at our Not So Obvious Festival Packing Guide for more in-depth packing info.
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We definitely recommend our “Not So Obvious Festival Packing Guide” above, but here is a short list of things we certainly suggest you have.
- Your ticket and ID
- A tent
- Clothing for ALL weather types (Be prepared for a rainy day, or a cold night.)
- More socks/underwear than you think you need
- SUNBLOCK
- Water storage (Camelback, refillable bottle…)
- Positive attitude!
We do also suggest a few space-related items go along with this year’s SPACE theme!
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This list is quite obvious and tends not to be very different from any other event. It crucial for both the success of the event and respect for the staff that you keep to these rules. Bass Coast asks that you not bring the following…
- Glass (especially bottles & mirrors)
- Pets (service animals must be registered at the gate)
- Alcohol (drinks will be available at our on-site bars)
- Illegal substances
- Fireworks
- Flares
- Fire dancing equipment
- Weapons
- Sound systems
- Aerial drones
- Laser pointers
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[accordion-group title=”What’s The Weather Lookin Like?”]
The weather is never for certain so we always suggest planning for the best and worst. Last year things got a little wet and temperatures at night were a tad chilly. Currently, the forecast is showing a beautiful weekend with no rain and cool nights. One thing we can not stress enough is to DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Even if it doesn’t feel hot to you, your body needs it. There are several water stations across the festival grounds so familiarize yourself with their locations and use them frequently.
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Photo compliments of Bass Coast
MUSIC! (Set Times, Scheduling, and Must-See Acts)
It wouldn’t be Bass Coast without well…BASS! This year’s lineup is seriously stacked with amazing artists from top to bottom. With over 100 acts to catch (70% of which are British Columbia locals), this year’s festival is looking like another memorable weekend. As always, the Bass Coast team have done an amazing job putting together some of the best of the known and unknown names in bass music. Part of what makes the festival so great is discovering new sounds, and 2017 will certainly be no exception to the rule. While we have our list of must-see artists, we highly expect our ears and curiosity to be taking the lead now and then.
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Unless you’ve been living on the moon, you probably know who’s playing already, and have meticulously gone through the lineup to pick the artists you want to see. If you needed a reminder however…
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The absolute easiest way to answer this question is downloading the Bass Coast app and building your schedule beforehand. The app also features a ton of other useful tools and features that will serve you well once you’ve arrived.
Download the Bass Coast App for iPhone
Download the Bass Coast App for Android
Cell phone batteries die eventually so if you’re looking to make sure you’ve got a schedule on hand for when it does be sure to print one out before you leave home.
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This is likely the most subjective portion of the guide. Musical taste very between each individual, but there are a few acts on this year’s lineup that are can’t-misses. Most times the sets we’ve enjoyed the most are the ones we’ve stumbled upon by chance or let our ears do the walking. However, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t looking forward to catching this sets at Bass Coast, so we put together a list of one for each day.
Thursday 9:30pm – 11:00pm @ The Cantina (Mat the Alien b2b The Librarian)
This one is going to be a treat and certainly one not to miss. Any time you’ve got the opportunity to catch Mat and festival co-organiser go back-2-back you should take it. Both have such a deep bag of tracks that no 2 sets are ever the same.
Friday 2:00am – 3:00am @ Main Stage (Longwalkshortdock)
There’s no other way to say it but, we love Dave! Dave King is the mastermind behind the chaotic bass machine that is Longwalkshortdock. A combination between a musical madman and one-man show, a LWSD performance is always a treat.
Saturday 10:30am – 12:00am @ Radio Stage (Loefah)
A serious bass heavyweight and pioneer of the dubstep genre, Loefah has been producing classic tracks since the golden days. This one will certainly be one to remember, and is likely to be a nice trip down memory lane for anyone who got into the scene years ago. With a dub-plate large enough to feed a crowd, Radio Stage is the place to be Friday night at 10:30pm.
Sunday 12:15am – 1:30am @ Radio Stage (Shades)
Composed of Alix Perez and Eprom, Shades has already given us a taste of what to expect after stopping through on the Bass Coast Mutiny Tour last month. This set will also be following up festival co-organizer, The Librarian, so the hype will already be high. Also worth mentioning is Alix’s solo set just 2 hours prior at Slay Bay. There’s no doubt in our minds this set is going to be legendary.
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Photo compliments of Bass Coast
Miscellaneous Resources
Outside of general Bass Coast tips and info we proudly have amassed a host info festival information to help make your weekend just a tad better. From totem guides to safety and dance moves we’ve collected all the good and placed them in one easy to find location!
The Do’s and Dont’s of Totems – A guide to totems for festivals
Festival Crowd Etiquette – Respect the venue, others and yourself
The DMNW Safety Guide – How to prevent festival injuries
Consent is Sexy – Don’t be “Some Guy,” and respect each other at all times!
The BEST Dance Moves – According to science
Also: The First Timer’s Guide to Bass Coast (From Bass Coast)
Bass Coast 2017 is shaping up to be out of this world and we just can’t wait to be back. Festival season has hit the PNW, and we’re officially into the thick of it. The DMNW team will be on-site all weekend shooting photos, doing interviews, and even getting some much-needed rest by the river.
As we all count down the days until we return, we hope this guide serves you well for this year’s festival. If you’re unable to make it but want to live vicariously through the DMNW perspective, be sure to stay tuned to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. We’ll be on the festival grounds for nearly a week shooting photos, talking to attendees and sharing the experience with you in the days to come.
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
