festfest

Festfest is a term used to describe an event format that aggregates multiple sub-festivals or thematic strands under a single umbrella. Rather than a single-program festival, a festfest coordinates several distinct experiences—such as music, film, food, arts, or regional celebrations—into one combined schedule. Attendees often purchase a unified access pass that grants entry to the various components, with some editions offering separate tickets for individual sub-festivals.

Origins and conceptually, festfest emerged in online festival discourse during the early 2010s as a descriptive label for events that emphasize multiplicity and cross-genre collaboration. It is not typically an officially recognized category, but rather a way for organizers and communities to express a meta-festival idea: a festival about festivals, or a festival that functions as a festival ecosystem. The format has been implemented in different regions with varying levels of integration between components.

Format and operations, a festfest usually involves multiple venues or stages, coordinated programming, and shared safety, accessibility, and sustainability commitments. Programming is often constructed through partnerships with local organizers, artists, producers, and sponsors, allowing sub-festivals to retain some degree of identity while benefiting from joint promotion and logistics. Scheduling aims to minimize clashes between popular acts and to create cross-pollination opportunities across disciplines.

Reception and impact are mixed. Proponents cite broader exposure, cross-genre discovery, and potential efficiencies, while critics warn of overextension, brand dilution, and audience fatigue. The success of a festfest commonly hinges on clear branding, coherent logistics, and genuine collaboration among participating sub-festivals.