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Behind the Scenes: Setting Up a Large-Scale Festival

Event Production
Event Production

Behind the Scenes: Setting Up a Large-Scale Festival

December 5, 20236 min readBy Pavilion360 Team

Producing a multi-day festival is one of the most complex undertakings in event production. From site surveys months in advance to the final strike, here's what goes on behind the scenes.

Pre-Production (6-12 Months Out)

Site selection, permit applications, talent booking, and vendor contracting happen months before the first stage is built. Our team creates detailed CAD drawings and production schedules.

Load-In Week

Multiple semi-trucks arrive with staging, trussing, audio, lighting, and generators. Crews work around the clock to transform an open field into a concert venue.

Show Days

A command center coordinates all operations: stage management, artist relations, security, medical, and guest services. Every crew member has a radio and knows their role.

Strike and Wrap

After the last note plays, breakdown begins immediately. The goal is to leave the site better than we found it. Debriefs help us improve for next year.