This past weekend, Hard Summer made it’s return to the NOS Event Center for it’s 2022 edition. This year’s event included five massive outdoor stages, plenty of free and available water stations, shade structures, a one-acre lagoon with a massive swan floaty, cooling mist systems running all throughout the venue, and plenty of love from the attendees. We were graced with the opportunity to attend this year’s festival, so we wanted to share our 5 best takeaways from this year!
1. Expansion to 3 Days:
The first ever Hard Summer took place in 2008 and was only 1 day. The festival then expanded to 2 days, starting in 2012. For the first time ever, Hard opened it up to three days this year, which proved to be an absolute success! With an extra day, music lovers were able to enjoy the music lineup with full comfort. When the massive lineup was first announced, there was worry that there would be many set time conflicts, but with that extra day, we felt that the set times were perfect and there were barely any conflicts to see all of our favorite artists! We also overheard from many attendees that they decided to buy another day after having so much fun the first and second days. Thank you Hard for giving us an extra day to rage!
2. The Insanely Diverse and Massive Lineup
Speaking of music, did you see this year’s massively diverse lineup? Hard Summer has always been known for curating one of the most diverse lineups featuring today’s biggest hip-hop and EDM artists, while also spotlighting new sub-genres and sounds gaining traction on the internet and beyond! This year’s headliners included Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Uzi Vert, and Porter Robinson, who all performed amazing headlining sets that ended with a spectacular firework show at the end of each night. Other highlights included, Denzel Curry who performed an electrifying set packed with tons of pyro and fireworks, Tokimonsta who had her own mushroom forest on stage, Three 6 Mafia who have recently reunited to perform all of their greatest hits, and Madeon who performed his insane “Good Faith” live show!
3. VIP Perks:
Every year, Hard Summer delivers with their insane VIP perks. Returning this year, the giant VIP pool houses many attendees who were trying to get away from the heat of San Bernardino. With a clear view of the Hard Stage, the massive pool was filled with cold water, floaties, and infectious smiles. There was also a dedicated VIP viewing area at each and every stage, expedited and seamless VIP festival entrance, plenty of dedicated VIP bathrooms with A/C and clean toilets, exclusive food and drink vendors, and complimentary WiFi and phone charging stations.
4. Beautiful Stages:
One of our favorite things about Hard Summer has always been how beautifully created each stage is. This year’s festival included 5 massive stages: Hard Stage, Harder Stage, Purple Tent, Green Tent, and Pink Tent. Each stage was strategically placed so there was never any music bleeding from any of the stages, plus the stages never felt too far from each other. It never really felt like we had to walk too long or far to see our favorite artists across the stages. Hard Summer also always delivers on how much pyro and lasers they use on every performance. It never felt like too much. It always felt like just enough.
5. The Infectious and Beautiful Vibes:
One thing that sets apart Hard Summer from many other music festivals is the immaculate vibes from the lovely Southern California crowd. Past year’s events have showcased a crowd filled with high-energy, excitement, and plenty of love. Despite being extremely hot in San Bernardino, the festival provided plenty of free water stations, misters, and massive shade structures which proved to lift up the spirits of all of the attendees. We received plenty of smiles, high fives, and kandi bracelets from festival goers all throughout the 3 days. We truly felt the love throughout the festival!
Thank you Hard for another successful and wonderful Hard Summer! Can’t wait to see all of you music lovers next year!
All Photo Credits: Willy Song
Connect with HARD Summer:
https://www.facebook.com/HARDFEST
https://www.twitter.com/HARDFEST
https://www.instagram.com/HARDFEST
https://www.hardsummer.com
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