Festival Merch That Moves Culture Forward
Festivals are more than just events - they’re living, breathing expressions of art, community, and freedom. For over 15 years, Grassroots California has been right in the middle of it all, crafting head-turning festival merch, vending at iconic events, and helping artists, organizers, and brands tell their stories through high-quality gear.
And now with Grassroots Customs, we’re putting that same creative power directly into your hands - with fully custom hats and hemp-based apparel for musicians, teams, and visionaries ready to level up their brand.
Whether you’re shopping from our booth, rocking one of our signature hats on stage, or designing your own line through Grassroots Customs, you’re joining a movement that blends design, sustainability, and culture like no one else in the industry.
Why Festival Merch Matters
For artists, brands, and fans alike, great festival merch is more than a t-shirt - it’s a memory, a movement, and a message. Here’s why it hits so hard:
- Create Lasting Memories
A hat or hoodie from your favorite set becomes a time capsule for that unforgettable weekend.
- Build Loyalty
High-quality, well-designed merch deepens fan connection and keeps your name in rotation long after the music stops.
- Drive Real Revenue
For independent artists and small businesses, merch can be a major income stream - and a strategic tool for growth.
From the Stage to the Booth: Festival Merch That Works
Want your festival merch to stand out in a sea of vendors? Here's what we've learned from 10+ years in the field:
1. Know Your Audience
Understand their style, values, and budget. The best-selling items are often designed with your community in mind.
2. Design Like You Mean It
Whether you're going bold or minimalist, work with artists who understand your sound and aesthetic. This is where Grassroots Customs shines - bringing your vision to life in every stitch.
3. Never Skimp on Quality
From soft organic cotton to rugged hemp blends, high-quality materials mean people will actually wear your merch, not toss it in a drawer.
4. Mix It Up
Offer variety: staple items like tees and hats, plus limited editions or collabs that drive urgency and buzz.
5. Sustainability Sells
Today’s festival-goers care about impact. Hemp fabrics, water-based inks, and recyclable packaging can set your brand apart - and it's baked into everything we do at Grassroots.
Selling Smarter at Festivals
You’ve got the gear - now it’s time to move it. Here are some pro tips:
1. Your Booth Is Your Brand
Make it visual, welcoming, and easy to shop. Think flags, signage, lighting, and clear pricing.
2. Bundle and Incentivize
Limited-time offers, bundles, or merch drops tied to performance times can boost engagement and sales.
3. Take All Payment Types
Don’t lose sales - be ready with cash, card, or mobile pay options.
4. Train Your Team
Whether it’s you or your street team, genuine fan interactions convert browsers into buyers.
5. Go Beyond the Grounds
Push your merch online before and after the event. Create FOMO with fan photos and behind-the-scenes content.
Where to Catch Us in 2025
Come visit the Grassroots booth at some of the biggest and best music festivals in North America. Here’s our 2025 schedule:
- Infrasound - May 17–19
- California Roots - May 23–25
- Electric Forest - June 19–22
- Pretty Lights: Yahn Dawn - June 27–28
- Tipper Gorge (Interstellar) - July 3–7
- Phish Dicks - July 3–5
- Secret 7/10 Event TBA - July 10
- Phish Chicago - July 19
- Champs Vegas - July 23–26
- Shambhala - July 23–29
- Terp Float Festival - August 1–3
- Reggae on the River - August 1–3
- Elements - August 8–10
- Gathering of the Juggalos - August 13–16
- North Coast - August 29–31
- Wicked Woods - Aug 29–Sept 1
- Miracle in Mundelein - September 5–6
- Lost Lands - September 19–21
- Wakaan Festival - September 24–28
- Symmetry Festival - October 3–4
- Seven Stars: GRiZ - October 10–12
- Hulaween - October 30–Nov 2
- MJ BizCon - December 2–5
Design Your Own Festival Merch
Looking to launch your own merch line? Collaborating on an artist drop? Want a limited edition piece for your crew or brand? Fill out this form here or...
Grassroots Customs makes it easy to go from vision to finished product. We specialize in:
- Custom Hemp Hats
- Sustainable Tees and Accessories
- Full-Service Design Support
- Small Batches, Big Impact
Let our 15+ years of design and production experience support your next merch drop - from scratch to stage.
Final Thoughts: Wear the Moment
Festival merchandise isn’t just a souvenir - it’s a symbol of connection, a way to carry the moment long after the music fades. For fans, for artists, for organizers - it’s all part of the magic.
Grassroots has been doing this for over a decade, and we’re just getting started. Whether you’re stopping by our booth, wearing our gear, or designing your own with Grassroots Customs - you’re part of the movement.
See you out there.
