Festivals are more than just a series of concerts; from the music to new friends and to potentially even camping, they are a whole experience. Delaware’s Firefly Festival began with a muddy start as rain pushed the festival’s opening time from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The midday showers were no match for the festival goers, who showed up unfazed and determined to have fun.
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Billie Eilish stopped mid-performance during “Billie Bossa Nova” after reading a fan’s sign: “Sign my tits.” To the crowd’s delight, she walked off the stage and complied. She then indulged everyone in a lengthy, 21-song setlist backed by just her brother Finneas and drummer Andre Marshall.
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Phoebe Bridgers was another favorite. Sporting a simple, black suit, she opened with her top song “Motion Sickness” and delivered a smooth performance to an enthusiastic crowd.
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The Killers delivered a dynamic set in front of 50,000 audience members. They even brought up a fan, Caden Long, to join them on the drums.
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Beyond the music, the wide array of activities ensured festival goers were never bored. The Treehouse featured up-and-coming artists, a silent disco provided a break from the large crowds, and morning yoga was available to help recover from the previous nights of partying. The North Hub Beach Club featured beach volleyball, a tiki bar, and DJ performances, and a roller rink provided skates for attendees to show their moves.
The Bazaar Central Market had festival goers covered in case they had forgotten something or wished to buy unique items. Dozens of other shops were interspersed throughout the grounds.
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A drag brunch with performances by Monique Heart, Heidi N Closet and LaLa Ri from RuPaul’s Drag Race and a Christmas dinner starring Peek-a-Boo burlesque were two smaller highlights. Attendees of each enjoyed a delicious, multi-course menu.
See also: 10 Acts to See at Firefly Festival 2021
The Good Hub showcased 7 different non-profit organizations including mental health-related organizations, a LGBTQ+ community center, a disability rights and awareness organization, and even Harmonium, an organization with a program for music fans who chose to abstain from drugs and alcohol during the festival.
Despite the initial poor weather, Firefly Festival was a small return to near-normalcy. All attendees showed proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test prior to entering the 105-acre grounds. This year’s festival pulled all stops; 2022 has big shoes to fill.
Photography by: Mike Vitelli, BFA
