4 tips to enjoy festivals without breaking the bank

Does your tight budget prevent you from attending all the hottest festivals? Here are some tricks from true enthusiasts to ensure you don't miss out on the big events.

For many festivals, a part of the program is free entry. And don't head down under the assumption that a free show is second-tier.

• Big-name celebrities make appearances at free shows often in outdoor settings.
• Once the festival organizers publicize the lineup, draft a schedule of all the free shows.
• Then, customize your own program around the events that interest you most.

For many festivals, it's incredibly difficult to find last-minute tickets. Every show is offered once, making each one a coveted event.

• Don't rely heavily on last-minute tickets at a reduced price.
• If you do get your hands on a pair of tickets, they will likely cost you more than the original price.
• On the other hand, if you buy early, you might be eligible for a discount. This often applies to passports and other festival packages on offer.
• Scour the festivals' websites early to take advantage of great prices. The early bird gets the festival ticket!

Organizing large events like festivals requires an incredible amount of work in all areas. That includes support from a number of volunteers.

• Being a part of the organization, even in a volunteer capacity, grants you privileged access to the festival and other benefits throughout the year.
• Visit the websites of festivals that interest you. Many of them include a section inviting prospective applicants to list their name as a volunteer.
• If you aren't able to locate a specific volunteering section on their website, don't hesitate to make a call and offer your services.

Generally, festivals are home to large crowds in a contained area, with organizers offering free performances for a guaranteed attendance.

• Here, you can wander the area for hours — even days.
• You'll make all kinds of discoveries, and you never know who you'll encounter.

There are an abundance of festivals all year, all over Canada and it's possible to head to all of them if you employ these tips that don't break the bank.