When people attend music festivals, they often don’t consider bringing their kids. And I get it. Music festivals aren’t always the best place for kids to explore, although when it’s a safe space with a crowd that is not there to get ridiculously drunk, it can be such an enriching experience for a child. Cruel World was such a beautiful experience for my kiddo.

My daughter’s been going to music festivals since before she could walk. She’s been to Beach Goth, Joshua Tree Music Fest, Just Like Heaven, ALT Summer Camp, Primavera Sound LA, iHeartRadio Music Fest, BeachLife, and most recently, she attended Cruel World in Pasadena, CA. She was supposed to go to Just Like Heaven with my husband and me the weekend prior, but considering the heat wave that ensued, we opted out of putting our child through that, regardless of how much she pleaded that she’d be able to handle it.

My daughter is often around artists, bands, and stages, and understands the lifestyle that comes with it. While a music festival may not be the best experience for every child, because let’s be real, people are paying $100s and $1000s of dollars to experience this festival without the burden of a tantruming or unattended child cramping their style — if you and your kid can respect that, then bring that cool kid to a festival. And before the crunchy moms come for me, I get that little ones’ tantrum and cry, but I also would never take my child to a music festival if I knew it was going to make them unhappy, which in turn, could hamper the experience of adults that paid a lot of money for this experience. I have a lot more to express on this topic, but I’ll save that for another post.

Here’s why I absolutely loved taking my 7-year-old to Cruel World in Pasadena, and why you should consider attending this festival with your kids.

1. Kindness

Despite the festival’s descriptive title, I was so taken by the genuine kindness and love that my daughter and I were met with at Cruel World. There is something to be said about the unity that is felt and seen at music festivals, especially when they’re as niche as Cruel World. Considering that not too long ago, being goth or alternative was frowned upon by society, there is a special kind of camaraderie at Cruel World. She was able to see thousands of diverse humans embracing all sorts of styles and identities, all under a dark musical umbrella that unified them. To be exposed to such a community in the name of music was a beautiful thing.

It doesn’t hurt that even artists were charmed by her presence. From the genuine smile she received while crossing paths with Nation of a Language singer Ian Richard Devaney, to the quick conversation had with Justin Warfield of She Wants Revenge as he just finished his set and was walking quickly with his squad (she was taking pics with my phone but wanted to know if the tattoos on his arms were arm warmers or tattoos), my daughter was able to experience first-hand, the joy and community that is felt at music festivals.

Even the bartenders were so kind. While we were watching Alison Moyet perform, my daughter found the coolest-looking “dragon egg” on the grass. She lit up and squealed with joy. The bartenders in the kiosk across the way had rolled the dragon egg over in her direction in the hopes that she would discover it. My daughter, being the incredibly good kid that she is (I swear I try to teach her to break the rules sometimes), insisted on bringing it back to the bartenders. She assumed the egg had accidentally rolled over from their kiosk. When the bartenders explained it was meant to be found by her and that she could keep it, she was literally over the dark side of the moon. She opened the iridescent green and blue egg in front of them to find a matching baby dragon cozy inside.

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2. A Visceral Education on Good Music

Growing up in a music family with two parents who work in music, almost every day offers a music 101, but nothing quite compares to the IRL (in-real-life) experience of witnessing a live band before your eyes. While she is now at an age where she cares about fashion (more on that later), she has outgrown her protective ear muffs that she’s been wearing since she was a tot. Instead, she wore my EarPeace earplugs so that she could safely consume every bit of the live music experience.

This little music lover got to experience the wildly talented Nation of Language, a band that is constantly celebrated in our home. She gleefully swayed to the sounds of Alison Moyet and ‘Til Tuesday, as she wrapped herself in her black cloak to keep dry from the drizzle. Dancing to OMD with Daddy left her so in love. She was captivated by She Wants Revenge’s lead singer, Justin Warfield, and couldn’t understand why he was not wearing a shirt; “isn’t he cold, mami? Or do his arm warmers keep him warm like mine? Wait, are those arm warmers?” Devo made her laugh and dance, along with many other children. She especially loved the fact that Mark Mothersbaugh is her friend’s grandpa.

But what truly took the gold for this precocious little human was Shirley Manson of Garbage. She adored every bit of Shirley’s being. From her fabulous dress to her colorful ponytail, and especially when it started to sprinkle again during “I’m Only Happy When It Rains.” She truly felt the magic of Shirley. When the beloved singer shouted “Free Palestine!” my little girl’s face lit up. She felt the love of this incredible human who has so much kindness and empathy in her heart, but is also a badass. In our household, we call that a baddie with a heart of gold.

3. Delicous and Overpriced Food

Our kid loves food. She was smiling all day long, trying all the different festival foods her little belly could hold. She also received a quick education on just how tasty and expensive festival food can be. She feasted on a lobster roll and fries ($32) and had some of my ropa vieja loaded fries ($22) while we danced in between bites at OMD. During Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, we picnicked on the grass with some “doughy soggy pizza slices,” which we did not enjoy. My husband bought them without knowing they were vegan cheese. I don’t think they were cooked long enough (wouldn’t be the first time festival pizza came out raw). To appease her and get her through Nick Cave, I got her some Monty’s Good Burger ($32). That Monty’s combo meal with tots and a cheesburger definitely passed the vibe check. And in between all this, she had plenty of water, sparkling water (aka bubbly agua as she calls it), and snacks from the press tent.

Pro Tip: If you want your kid to last at a music festival, keep them well fed and hydrated.

4. Fashun

In terms of fashion and style, Cruel World was my kid’s dream come true. Now that she’s at an age where she picks out all her clothes and with pride, she was pleased to arrive at the Rose Bowl in her black wide-leg jeans, her favorite Boss Dog shirt, a green and pink striped sweater, and her black Vampire cloak (from when she was obsessed with Hotel Transylvania). She felt at home here with so many uniquely styled festival-goers, most clad in black. In awe of the giant black fluffy go-go boots worn by some people, and the Cruel World branded black parasols, my baby bat felt seen. It wasn’t too long ago that she was bullied at school for identifying as a witch, and often wearing her Wednesday and Lydia Deets costumes to school (beyond Halloween). For her to see so many happy and confident people dressed in their unique style was a definite confidence booster, and it provided a lot of fun inspiration!

5. Cultural Experience

People from all over the world come to Pasadena, California during the month of May to experience Cruel World. Right from the jump, she witnessed firsthand the love people have for this music festival and how far they are willing to travel. While in the VIP line at the entrance, a woman who had flown in from Michigan was chatting us up. She commended me for bringing my daughter to a music festival and shared how it is such an enriching experience for children. Once inside the festival, my daughter overheard different languages. There was a couple that flew in from Mexico, and another group that sounded as though they were speaking German. Traveling and experiencing different races and cultures is an important thing in our family. Music festivals, such as Cruel World, offer a truly global experience, from the artists to the fans.

And when OMD asked the crowd, “What the fuck is up with this British weather?!” I had to explain the concept of British weather in sunny Southern California to my daughter.

6. A Safe Space

Nestled inside the grassy and spacious Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl, Cruel World offers a lush playland of music to explore. It’s a safe space because the natural grounds offer soft grass to sit on (or fall on) and trees throughout the space for a bit of shade. It’s an even safer space because everyone is welcome here. Considering Cruel World attracts a diverse older crowd, where most attendees are Gen X and likely grew up as a punk, goth, or some other form of alternative kid who was probably teased at some point in their life, the vibe is a welcoming one at Cruel World.

Unlike most festivals that attract a college crowd, people aren’t there to get smashed (although there’s nothing wrong with a little elevation and levitation). But I will say, my kid did not like the amount of cigarette smoke at Cruel World. “Mami, why do people smoke like buelo (her grandpa)?, she asked me as we navigated a pocket of smokers on the green. “Isn’t it bad for you?” I explained to her that Gen X were 80s teens and they grew up in the old days where …” Before I could finish, she interjected in her best old-timey voice, and yelled, “Trampolines with no nets, biking with no helmets, the 80s were some wild times.” I think the Instagram meme her father shared with her stuck.

Final Thoughts

Attending Cruel World with our child was such a beautiful experience. We created some loving core memories that day. While going to a music festival with your child may not be the best choice for every parent and child, it is an excellent option for some. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to take your child to Cruel World, I hope our experience inspires you to do so next year, especially if your child is approaching or in their teenage years. Just be honest with yourself when deciding. After all, only you and your child can decide if Cruel World is a good fit.

One thing I hope festival organizers implement next year (especially for Just Like Heaven) is to create an in-and-out option for parents who want to share the day with their kids, but then meet their babysitters at the drop-off lot to safely get their kids home. I would have loved to have seen New Order again. Unfortunately, my child became incredibly tired during Nick Cave and was exhausted. Living in Pasadena, we have a home-court advantage, and it was a quick jaunt back home. I would have loved to have had the option to re-enter the festival after dropping the kid off at home with grandma or a sitter.

Pro Tips:

Children 5-and-under are FREE (must be accompanied by a ticketed adult).

You can not bring in your own food and drinks. Budget enough money to keep your child fed and hydrated.

You can bring in an empty reusable water bottle to fill at the refill water stations.

Bring a picnic blanket to relax.

Pack disinfecting wipes. Those bathrooms (even in the VIP area) and portos can get nasty.

Get your kid protective ear muffs or earplugs! It’s crucial to protect their hearing.

Pack a rain poncho (it wouldn’t be the first or second time it rained at Cruel World) and SPF and a hat if the sun blazes during the day.

Dress them in layers for both hot and cold weather. Make sure they have a jacket, pants, and socks for nighttime.

Always read the FAQs when taking your kid to a festival. It’s always best to be prepared, especially if this is your first time.

There are plenty of kids at Cruel World. From toddlers to teens, we saw many baby bats and teen wolves with their parents (including Dave Grohl and his daughter).

If possible, bring your partner, friend, or someone from your village to help lighten the load. It’s a lot easier and more enjoyable for all.

Have fun!

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