Amplify Christian Music Festival — Local services in Benton

Great outing for your family or youth group, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind when preparing for it. There are A LOT of people who are going to be there. Which is awesome, they are impacting many lives with this festival, but if you're not a fan of large crowds be mindful of that! The staff is very friendly. If you have any questions or concerns, they are quick to be helpful or point you in the right direction. Bring your lawn chairs or a big blanket! This is a festival, not an indoor concert, you're going to want to sit down at some point and for your comfort definitely come prepared. There are several food vendors available. Food and drinks are not allowed through the gate, but you have several food options so no worries. Many porta potties available for use, but they do not have a bathroom building so I know that is important for some. I also did not see a changing station for younger kids, but I could've just missed it. Several activities for the kids, including water activities, face paint, bungee swing, etc. Some cost and most don't. Concerts themselves was great! Special effects with different artists and just many different musicians, singers, artists, and speakers. They do take some time in between each set so get comfortable or grab something to eat, you have time. I really wish they had a lineup list available so if you wanted to leave to eat or let your kid take a nap, you knew when certain artists would be performing. Overall, a lot of fun! Still places that could improve, but worth it! Oh, and don't forget to...

Matthew West was the only good thing about this festival. It is not handicap friendly at all. The biggest problem we had was the water. It felt like 104 degrees and the only free water was a garden hose pumped into a plastic container. Therefore you not only get lukewarm water it also tastes like metal and plastic (i grew up on tap and garden hose water and am in no way, shape or form of a water snob). So instead we tried lemonade and guess what it was made with the same exact water and a barely chilled bottle of water was $3 a round. Based on the water situation and it being another scorching hot day we didn't even go to the second day due to it the harm it puts on not only us but to all the patrons there. Most definitely will not come back. Also the pastor screamed so loud we couldn't even stay for Switchfoot because it was very obnoxious and...

The whole experience would have been SO much more enjoyable if the festival was moved to later in the year!! It was over 100 degrees with very few spots of shade to cool down. We stayed long enough to see Charity Gayle and left because it was just absolutely miserable! I was really looking forward to the event, but feel like I wasted my money because we couldn't stay long enough to enjoy it. Probably won't plan to go again unless the date is change,...