Year after year, North Atlanta students count down the days until Music Midtown, Atlanta’s annual music festival since 1994. Music Midtown generally hosts over 30 artists on 4 separate stages spread among the grassy fields of Piedmont Park. Hosting artists of all different genres, the festival has music for every student. Typically held in mid-September, it offers students a refreshing break amid the hectic start of the school year.
However, due to unknown circumstances, Music Midtown was canceled this year. This left students broken-hearted, as it has long been one of the most eagerly awaited events of the school year. Some North Atlanta students couldn’t bear not seeing their favorite artists perform, so they took matters into their own hands. After extensive research, students discovered One MusicFest, also in Piedmont Park, on October 26th and 27th. Several students immediately bought tickets, hoping it would live up to the renowned Music Midtown experience.
2023 Music Midtown surpassed everyone’s expectations by a long shot. All the students who attended last year’s festival describe the event as surreal. The energy was unmatched, and people truly enjoyed all the artists, regardless of whether or not they were familiar with the songs. The highlight of most students’ weekend was Pitbull’s Friday night performance. Junior Piper Curnow recalls the crowd jumping around, having fun, singing along, and screaming their hearts out. “I wish I could go back, more than anything,” said Curnow. “It was my favorite weekend of the year, so I am praying it will return in the future.”
Traditionally, very few freshmen attend Music Midtown, so attendance is primarily categorized by sophomores and upperclassmen. Current sophomore Kenzie Hart was not allowed to go freshman year, but she was able to convince her mom to let her go with friends. Consequently, she was devastated to hear the festival was going on hiatus this year. Hart couldn’t bear to miss out on another year, so One MusicFest immediately intrigued her. “I already bought my tickets, and they’re non-refundable,” said Hart. “I’m really hoping this festival will live up to the Music Midtown hype.”
One MusicFest is celebrating its 15th anniversary, so the artist lineup is phenomenal. With headliners like Cardi B, Gunna, Glorilla, and Nelly, students can’t wait to watch their favorite artists take the stage in Piedmont Park. Having been to Music Midtown twice, senior Mali Piernik is a huge fan of music festivals. Piernik and a few friends already have tickets for One MusicFest and can’t wait for the late October weekend. In particular, she is a big rap music fan, so this festival called her name. “This festival is basically Music Midtown, just later in the year,” said Piernik. “I think it has the potential to be more fun than Music Midtown, which is saying a lot.”
Although One MusicFest isn’t called Music Midtown, it is still a music festival in the exact same place. With the right people and a good attitude, this festival can be just as fun as previous years. North Atlanta students know how to have a good time, so this won’t be a challenge for them!
