The Northeast focused festival, Hijinx, is great every year, but here’s some info and tips for future attendees…
Every year, Hijinx Music Festival promises to end December on a high note, and it delivers. Held in the heart of Philadelphia, Hijinx once again transformed the final days of the year into a two-night celebration of bass, lights, and community. From the moment doors opened to the final drop, the festival felt like a carefully crafted collision of chaos and connection.
However, there are some things to note if you plan to attend Hijinx in 2026. Hijinx is held entirely indoors, but December in Philadelphia is chillyyy! (Plan ahead for snow if you’re driving in) Remember to bring a jacket to the festival and reserve a locker in advance, so you have a convenient place to store it. A locker costs an extra fee, but I assure you, as a frequent raver… It’s worth it. So stash that pashmina in a locker for later.
Hijinx offers three ticket types: GA, GA Plus, and VIP. I have purchased both GA and GA Plus and can confidently say that GA has roughly the same value as GA Plus – so save yourself the money and buy GA. The priority line gets you into the venue just as quickly as the GA lines, and the GA Plus lockers are located in an inconvenient area. VIP may be worth it if you’re seeking an elevated experience with guaranteed proximity to the stage.
Hijinx also offers hotel packages for your convenience; however, if you’d like to save money, I’ve found it’s much cheaper to book the tickets and hotel separately. There are several affordable hotel options within walking distance of Hijinx. Book as early as possible for the best price! Another thing I love about Hijinx is how walkable the area is. There are so many options for restaurants, bars, shopping, and activities during the day.
Hijinx is a great festival, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some of the reasons I keep returning: it’s a small festival with only one stage and two days, which makes it much more doable and less overwhelming than most bigger festivals. The lineup usually also has something for everyone, rather than only satisfying one or two specific genres. Having some diversity in tastes gives the opportunity to discover artists and potentially interact with people you wouldn’t normally have. But if you’re looking for multiple stages, extreme production, and a genre-focused festival, Hijinx might not be for you.
HiJinx will always be known for its stacked lineups and its organized production. But for many attendees, its impact isn’t measured in decibels or lasers. It’s measured in how people feel when they leave: lighter, connected, and a little more human. In a world that often feels overwhelming, spaces that allow people to release, connect, and feel understood are needed. Sometimes, healing sounds like a bass drop.
Hijinx has always been a great way to start off the new year with a bang! My rave gang and I have enjoyed it year after year, not only as a fun weekend but also as a life reset every year.
As always…
Stay fabulous,
-Jenna Leigh Berry
