The outdoor concert event, which is being put on by the local radio station on Sunday, April 29, will feature eight hours of live performances by a mix of indie and alternative bands, including Dreamers, The Unlikely Candidates, and Robert DeLong.
According to Alt AZ morning show host Mo Rodriguez, Band Splash came about because the station's staff wanted to do “something unique and cool.”
“We were trying to do something different where it wasn't just about seeing bands at a concert,” she says. “It was also about the experience of having fun with your friends and other things to do in between checking out bands.”
Hence the reason why the event is taking place at a local waterpark.
And like Wet Electric, the similarly themed electronic dance music festival that will happen at Big Surf the day before, performances will take place on a large stage set up in the park's enormous wave pool.
What else can you expect at the event? Check out our comprehensive guide to Band Splash, which contains everything you need to know.
Robert Delong.
Courtesy of Glassnote Records
Prices: General admission is $25 and includes access to both the festival and the waterslides. VIP tickets are $75 and feature express entry, free zip-line rides, a commemorative T-shirt, and unlimited bottled water, as well as access to a private viewing area with shaded cabanas, bean bag chairs, and a nacho bar.
Age Limits: Band Splash is open to anyone 18 and over. If you're 21, you can drink.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high 90s throughout the day, so be sure to drink water, use sun protection, and seek out shade.
Getting There: Big Surf is located on McClintock Drive in Tempe less than a mile north of the Loop 202 freeway. If you'd rather not drive, consider using a ride-sharing service like Lyft or Uber.
Parking: Big Surf will be charging $10 per vehicle for parking.
Getting Inside: Security screenings, including bag checks, will be performed at the entrance.
Lockers: You can rent one for $15 for the entire day. Phone-charging cords for both Android and iPhone are located inside.
Schedule and Set Times: Performances will start a few hours after the festival gets going. Here's the complete schedule of who's playing and when:
Noon: Gates and waterslides open
3:35 p.m.: Mikky Ekko
4:45 p.m.: Banners
5:50 p.m.: The Unlikely Candidates
6:55 p.m.: Robert DeLong
8:10 p.m.: Dreamers
Food and Drink: Big Surf's concession stands will be open and offer such options as hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, french fries, and other fast-casual eats. They'll also have soft drinks available for purchase. If you're of legal age, adult beverages can be purchased from full bars that will be set up at the event.
Water: It's going to hot, so it's absolutely necessary to stay hydrated. Patrons can bring one sealed bottle of water with them into the event. The concession stands and bars will also have H2O for sale and several drinking fountains are located throughout the park.
Bring: Sun protection is an absolute must, including hats, sunglasses, and sunblock. A towel and a change of clothes is also a good idea, as is a backpack or small bag. And pool toys and inflatables will be allowed. “If you want to bring an [inflatable] doughnut or pizza floatie, that's cool,” Rodriguez says.
Don't Bring: Weapons, illegal substances or drug paraphernalia, fireworks, chairs, outside food or drinks, or anything that might be considered dangerous or disruptive.
