GearFest 2018 is almost here and you can register for FREE by clicking here! In a matter of weeks, more than 15,000 music fans will descend on the Sweetwater campus for two full days of workshops, performances, product demos — and of course deals, deals, deals. Walking through the front gate of the country’s largest FREE public music expo can be a little mind-blowing, especially for first-timers. But don’t sweat it. With the help of our most hard core GearFest veterans, we’ve put together a guide to help you wring every ounce of awesomeness out of GearFest 2018.
Get the app.
That’s right, amigo. You can prepare for your #GearFest 2018 experience by downloading the Sweetwater GearFest 2018 app. This little beauty is loaded with a complete schedule of workshops, performances, and product demos. It also has a campus map, a lineup of presenters and performers, and more. It even has an option to create a personalized calendar with meeting reminders.
Download on iTunes ⎮ Download it on Google Play
Plan your day(s).
Looking at the list of workshops, performances, and product demos is a bit like drinking out of a fire hose. To make sure you see and hear everything you came to see and hear, it’s a great idea to schedule your day(s) before you come. Choose the attractions you absolutely have to see, and plot them out on your personal calendar (you know, on your Sweetwater GearFest 2018 app). That way, when you’re hip deep in the hustle and flow of GearFest, you won’t miss any of your favorite attractions or events.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Friday night Customer Appreciation Concert. This year’s free performance features the Sweetwater All Stars and several celebrity guests.
Do NOT miss these:
While you’re making your plans, be sure to include these attractions to make your visit complete. First is the Marshall wall. This is a towering structure built from 21 Marshall 4×12″ amps, ready and waiting for your photo op. Imagine standing in front of an amp setup that could be heard from space! Speaking of impressive structures, GearFest 2018 boasts a bevy of artist and manufacturer displays that simply have to be seen to be believed. Celebrate 135 years of Gretsch by shaking hands with THE Fred Gretsch, experience the power of Launchpad XL at Novation’s interactive display, and snag a photo op with a piece of music history, generously loaned to us by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Hit the Open-box Tent first.
It’s like that old saying, “The early bird gets the sweetest deals and saves mad cash on top-quality instruments and studio gear.” Every year, Sweetwater loads the Open-box Tent with brand-spanking-new products with a single flaw — the box has been opened. We don’t want this stuff cluttering the warehouse, and we’re definitely not lugging it all back inside after the show, so we mark it down, way down. As a result, the Open-box Tent empties out in a hurry. If you want the best selection and the best deals, an early trip to the Open-box Tent is a smart play. At this point, we should mention that while the deals are good, they’re not worth running, jumping, pushing, or shoving to get to. We know that you already know this, but it’s worth mentioning.
Get into the DealZone.
Think of the DealZone as the “Sealed-box Tent.” It really is the same concept, only this time you can get an insane deal on brand-new, never-been-opened inventory. What kind of deals? We’re not allowed to say — they’re that good. Let’s just say these are some of the best deals you will find all year. Best of all, the inventory in the DealZone constantly reloads. If we run out of something (and we won’t), you can still order it at GearFest 2018 prices.
Don’t be shy.
What are your favorite brands? Who are the people behind the brands that make your favorite pedals, mics, DAWs, drums? Chances are the people responsible for all your gear are going to be here live and in person. They’re here to meet you, so don’t hesitate to shake a hand or bump a fist. (No high fives, that’s just embarrassing.) You’ll also want to keep a sharp lookout for famous artists and producers. When they’re not performing or leading workshops, they’ll be out shopping the deals. They’re always ready to talk music or hand out a quick pointer — and we’re sure they won’t mind handing out an autograph or two. Who’s going to be here? Visit us online for a full list of vendors, performers, and workshop leaders.
Pro Tip: Hang around after workshops and demos. This is your best chance to catch your heroes between sets.
Bring your guitar.
It has become a GearFest tradition for Sweetwater and D’Addario to offer FREE guitar restringing. Our expert guitar technicians are standing by to restring your guitar for free. It’s easy and it’s free. Just let us know that you brought your guitar along when you check in, and we’ll handle the rest.
Eat.
GearFest moves at a hundred miles an hour, and it’s easy to forget to refuel. Fortunately, GearFest also features some of the most amazing food you’ll find in any expo environment. Our award-winning Downbeat Diner uses fresh ingredients and whole foods to provide cafeteria dining that rivals any quality restaurant. This year, some of Fort Wayne’s favorite food trucks will also be parked outside, serving up their unique spin on traditional and contemporary eats.
Pro Tip: Noon is going to roll around and 15,000+ people are going to realize that it’s time to eat. Planning to eat at off hours will reduce the time you spend standing in line.
Drink.
Hot music. Hot deals. Hot weather. We’re not going to lie — GearFest 2018 is going to be hot . That’s why we will have FREE ice-cold water available throughout the campus. Simply walk up and grab a bottle. You can stay hydrated without lugging around a water bottle of your own.
Be merry.
GearFest 2018 is all about having a good time. It’s never about wandering or wondering. If you have any questions or concerns, look for anyone wearing a blue Sweetwater polo shirt. They are there to help you with directions or schedules, share local knowledge, and generally make sure your GearFest experience is a great one.