Your Own Perfect Festival

i would buy bonnaroo

If you were to start a festival from stratch:

Realistically how do you acquire start up funds to either purchase or lease land?

I've got the land. Being born and raised in Iowa, I know several farmers with acres and acres of unsued land.

Where do you locate the festival(best spot you can think of for all things considered)? What would be the crowd size?

See above. I have one in particular with acres of unused land that is still wooded and would be perfect for the camping portion.

Would there be onsite camping or would it be strictly day pass only?

Camping!

What bands would you try to get to play and how diverse would it be?

As diverse as possible, though I would tend to lean toward more "rock"-type bands.

What other forms of entertainment would you provide?

I'm a theatre guy, so along with some comedy I'd probably get some local theatre groups to join in.

How long would the festival be and what time of year would you plan it?

Four days is good. I'd set it in late August, when tornado alley has mostly calmed down.

Would you put caps on what the vendors can charge for food and beverages?

I'd have to think about that one. Depends on what I'm charging them in rent. I would want them to make a profit without overcharging the guests.

What sort of sponsorship would you seek?

I'd try to stick with green companies, local small businesses, etc.