I attended my first-ever Project Glow this year. I saw the lineup and I was instantly sold. I had heard a lot of good things about Glow from my east coast friends so I figured why not give it a try. I had a pleasant time and I’m excited to share about the overall experience in case you’re interested in attending in the future.
Overview
I believe this was the third year that Project Glow has happened. It’s a newer festival within the Insomniac family in Washington DC, but you can still expect the logistics and production that Insomniac festivals have. It’s a cute little two-day event with three stages as well as food options, vendors, and a VIP experience. I stayed with friends in Annapolis, Maryland so we did drive to the festival every day. I also did get a VIP ticket for $340.43 on a payment plan so that will factor into this recap as well. I’ll share a cost breakdown further below. Otherwise, let’s get into the recap and review.
The Venue
The venue is at the RFK Festival Grounds in Washington DC. The festival layout is basically in the parking lot outside of the RFK Stadium (soon to be torn down). You’ll be frolicking and dancing on concrete, but nonetheless I think Glow does a really good job at filling the space with art installations along with the stages, food options, and vendors. Getting to and from the venue by driving was easy for us and getting out of the parking lot after the festival was also a breeze which is surprising. I know other people might Uber or use public transportation to get to and from the festival. This year did debut a new layout compared to years past which my friends definitely were curious to see how it would play out.
Stages and Production
Project Glow has 3 stages: Eternal, Pulse, and Secret Garden. The Eternal stage basically had all the mainstage headliner type of acts like Zedd, Knock2, Illenium, etc. The Pulse stage featured a diversity of house music from Purple Disco Machine, Lane 8, and Wax Motif b2b Acraze. Finally, the Secret Garden highlighted up-and-coming acts and local acts as well. All of these stages were basically in line with one another which made for an interesting dynamic when it came to sound bleed mainly with Eternal and Pulse. They decided to consolidate the VIP area into one area where VIP guests could enter one VIP area and have access to viewing both Eternal and Pulse. It definitely was an interesting choice and you had to pick a decent spot where you couldn’t hear the other stage. Aside from that, the sound was solid and I really liked the production of the stages with the lights and the visual screens. I’ll be curious to see if they stick with this same lineup for next year.
Music
The lineup was the big selling point when I got my ticket aside from being able to reunite with a lot of my friends. It featured a lot of my favorite artists like Lane 8 and Illenium and artists I hadn’t seen yet like It’s Murph and Knock 2.
Favorite Sets from the Weekend
- Knock2 – I can see why so many people love him. He brings high energy and keeps it there.
- Tinlicker – my friend group and I have a soft spot for Tinlicker.
- Lane 8 – duh.
- Acraze b2b Wax Motif – I really was surprised by this b2b and their collaboration. It was a solid and vibey house set.
- Elderbrook (DJ Set) – This set blew me away and was probably the top of the weekend. I’ve seen live Elderbrook sets, but really enjoyed this DJ set and seeing what songs he chose.
- It’s Murph – He is definitely one to watch with his bouncy and playful house sets. This Louis the Child, but more house-y.
Vibes
Crowd
Vibes were high at Glow! Everyone was super friendly and nice. PLUR was alive and well as kandi trades and trinket gift culture was thriving. I didn’t have a single bad crowd instance even when I was trying to get to the front during Illenium to reunite with my friends, everyone was super happy and kind all weekend long.
What to Wear
I wouldn’t say there was a consistent theme in what to wear. However, I feel like it was a more raver style of fun colors and bright prints. Girls did wear typical rave wear and were decked out in accessories. Guys were either in more streetwear festival style or more ravey too. People did wear more kandi and rave-like accessories. Depending on the weather could also impact what you wear.
Overall Experience
All in all, the overall experience of Glow is super easygoing. The festival also ends early (10 pm) compared to other festivals which makes it a fun day festival and you’re home at a decent hour. There isn’t much outside of the music in terms of interactive experiences so you’re really there for the music.
Security
Security was pretty easygoing with metal scanners and bag checks. Didn’t have to wait long at all and we got to the festival towards the beginning of the day.
VIP
I mentioned a little bit about the VIP experience with the sound bleed. I think having one big VIP section definitely consolidates space, but I don’t think it provided the experience they were expecting. I did like that there were bars and food options inside of VIP making it easier to purchase. There were AC trailer bathrooms too which is nice compared to Portapottys; however, at peak times you had to wait a while for a bathroom. The wait times were pretty ridiculous so I’m not sure if there were enough bathrooms to begin with in VIP. There was a point on the first day where I just ended up using the GA bathrooms which is annoying when you pay more for the VIP experience.
Non-Music Features
There isn’t much to this festival outside of the music. There are vendors and art installations, but other than that you’re locked into the music. This isn’t a big deal, just setting proper expectations that it’s really a music-focused event. Some more seating options and shade could’ve been nice for people to take breaks.
Food
Food options were plenty and prices were what you expect with attending festivals in 2024. You’re looking at spending $15-$25 depending on what you get. I got dumplings from the VIP area both days which was solid and also got a slice of pizza on the second day when we got into the festival. One interesting thing is Insomniac is now partnered with Ghost Energy instead of Red Bull, I can’t say I’m a fan of Ghost, but if you need caffeine that’s what you’re stuck with. I also experimented with drinking for the first time at a festival I had a Beatbox and a tequila Ghost (lol wishing it was a tequila Red Bull). Definitely would prefer to stick with not drinking moving forward if I’m being honest because of the pricing and the hangovers.
Weather
The first day did have a little sprinkle, but other than that was cloudy and decent weather. I wore a cropped hoodie when it got cold, but if you were deep in the crowd it was pretty hot. The second day was the opposite sunny and hot. This is where I wished there were more shady areas to help beat the sun because it was pretty draining as the day went on especially being on concrete.
Cost Breakdown
- Ticket – $340.43
- Flight from ATX – Southwest Points
- Place to Stay – Free
- Ride to Festival – Free
- 2 Day Parking Pass at the Festival – $83.59
- Festival Outfits – $119.20 (one outfit from 1:11 the label)
- Target Run: $67.22
- Food and Drinks at Festival: $203.05
- TOTAL: $813.80
Tips for Next Time
I don’t have any specific tips for next time, but I’d be curious to see what they change for next year if anything. I find this festival to be super easy going so if you’re a veteran, you’ll have an easy-going time. If you’re a newbie or looking to take a newbie, this would be a great first festival experience.
Would I attend again?
I enjoyed going to Glow for the first time and I’ll probably keep it at that. I had a great time; however, I feel like I’d be more inclined to attend if I lived on the East Coast. All in all, though, I had fun with my friends and it’s always fun to have a new experience.
