The Way Out West festival, held annually in Slottsskogen park in Göteborg, is one of Sweden’s most iconic cultural events. Since its inception in 2007, the festival has grown into a vibrant celebration of music, art, film, and sustainability, drawing crowds from all over the world. Way Out West is known for its diverse lineup that features both global headliners and rising Scandinavian talent, and it’s also known for its strong commitment to environmental consciousness.

As the festival has evolved, so has the range of ticket options available to attendees. While general admission gives you access to the music, vegetarian food, and late-night club events called Stay Out West, the VIP experience promises an added layer of comfort and exclusivity. But with a price tag that’s nearly double that of standard tickets, is the VIP upgrade really worth it?

Overview of Way Out West

What Is Way Out West?

Way Out West is a three-day festival in Slottsskogen park where music lovers gather to enjoy performances set against the backdrop of towering trees. It’s unique in that it has the feel of attending a festival out in the forest while being located in a city. In addition to music, the festival offers film screenings, art installations, and engaging talks.

Another unique aspect is its commitment to sustainability—since 2012, Way Out West has been a completely vegetarian festival, serving up gourmet plant-based dishes that have become a highlight in their own right​. The festival has even earned ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management, making it one of the greenest festivals in the world​.

The General Admission Experience

I’ve attended the festival a number of times with a standard ticket, and this gives you access to the musical acts that play in Slottsskogen, the late-night Stay Out West shows in venues across Göteborg, various food and drink stands, water refill stations, and more.

However, while the general admission experience provides plenty of excitement, it also comes with some common festival challenges like long lines and crowded spaces. The last time I attended with general admission tickets, I had an especially hard time getting food in the evening due to very long lines, a chaotic ordering process, and nowhere clean to sit.

Pros and Cons of VIP Tickets

Pros

For those willing to spend more, Way Out West’s VIP tickets offer benefits that aim to make the festival experience smoother, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

Access to the VIP Section

The VIP section, located down a path that’s behind and across a pond from one of the festival stages, has a variety of seating areas and several bars and food stands. The main benefit of a VIP ticket is the opportunity for a more comfortable experience. You can take a break from the crowds and have a place to sit down and relax between shows, something that’s harder to find in general admission areas​.

Priority Entry and Shorter Lines

The VIP experience begins the moment you enter the festival grounds. Bypassing long lines at the entry gates can save a lot of time, especially during peak hours. There is also a middle ticket category, Premium, that includes priority entry, so the shorter line at the festival entrance includes both Premium and VIP ticket holders. It’s still much quicker than the general admission line. Lines for food and drinks and for the restroom are typically shorter in the VIP section than elsewhere at the festival as well.

Upgraded Restroom Facilities

One of the less glamorous aspects of any festival is the restroom situation. A VIP ticket gives you access to cleaner restrooms with shorter lines. This can be a game-changer, especially during a multi-day event. The main festival area has some portable toilets that flush and some that don’t, while the VIP section has some portable toilets that flush and some regular indoor toilets. Also, in my experience the toilets in the main festival area tend to run out of toilet paper and soap as the day goes on, and this did not happen in the VIP section.

Ambiance

Overall, the VIP section has a more laid-back vibe, and the service is more friendly and less rushed. There are more drink options such as a wider variety of craft beer and premium cocktails that weren’t available elsewhere at the festival.

Cons

High Cost

The biggest downside to VIP tickets is, of course, the price. For many festival-goers, especially those primarily focused on the music, this extra cost might feel unnecessary. VIP tickets are nearly double the price of general admission, so it’s important to consider whether the benefits they offer align with your priorities​.

Limited Impact on Your Festival Experience

VIP tickets don’t change the core festival experience of the music. If you enjoy mingling with the larger crowd and don’t mind waiting in line, the general admission ticket is all you need. The VIP section is more about comfort, and you still need to go into the general area to see the shows.

Potential for Overcrowding in VIP Areas

While the VIP areas are designed to be exclusive, they can still become crowded during peak times, especially between the more popular shows. This can lead to longer lines at the bars and more difficulty finding a seat, which diminishes the exclusivity that VIP ticket holders expect.

We never had to wait long to buy a drink, but we did notice others in the VIP section waiting a while for food and having a hard time finding seating together for larger groups. Toward the end of the evening, there were long lines for the indoor restrooms and people were cutting in line.

If there’s a popular show that you personally aren’t interested in seeing, this is a great time to visit the VIP section and have a lot of space to yourself with no lines for food, drinks, or the restroom.

Fine Dining at the Pop-up Restaurant

One of the standout features at Way Out West is the food. The festival is well-known for its high-quality vegetarian and vegan offerings, and there’s an even more refined dining option for those seeking a gourmet experience. Unlike the VIP ticket, this upscale meal, while expensive, is not connected to VIP tickets. It’s open to anyone who books a table in advance.

What to Expect from the Pop-up Restaurant

The sit-down dinner at Way Out West is far from your typical festival food experience. Held in an elegantly designed setting within the festival area, the meal features a multi-course menu crafted by renowned chefs.

The dishes focus on local, seasonal ingredients, often with creative twists that showcase the best of plant-based cuisine. From gourmet appetizers to artfully presented main courses and decadent desserts, every element is designed to offer a fine-dining experience in the heart of the festival​.

While dining, guests can enjoy table service, which offers a pleasant change of pace from the rest of the festival. The ambiance is relaxed yet sophisticated, allowing you to savor your meal in comfort while still being a part of the festival vibe. Whether you’re attending with friends or looking for a memorable culinary experience on your own, this dinner adds a unique layer of luxury to your Way Out West weekend.

Who Should Consider the Pop-up Restaurant Experience?

The sit-down dinner is ideal for festival-goers who appreciate gourmet cuisine and want a break from the quick bites and food stalls that are typically found at music festivals. It’s also a great option if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to elevate your festival experience with something a little more indulgent. Even if you’re not a VIP ticket holder, this dinner allows you to tap into some of the festival’s more exclusive offerings without needing to upgrade your ticket​.

Is It Worth the Cost?

The dinner is certainly more expensive than grabbing a snack from one of the food trucks, but for those who appreciate a top-tier dining experience, it’s worth every penny. The combination of carefully curated dishes, quality service, and the unique setting within a major music festival makes it a truly special experience.

The service was fantastic, the drink packet, an additional cost, paired perfectly with the food, and it was a nice touch that the pop-up restaurant had its own restrooms exclusive to dinner guests. Plus, the emphasis on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients aligns perfectly with the festival’s overall ethos​.

In the end, the formal sit-down dinner is a must-try if you’re a foodie or simply want to treat yourself to something memorable during your time at Way Out West. It’s a great reminder that festival dining doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or creativity.

Are VIP Tickets Worth It?

Deciding whether to invest in a VIP ticket for Way Out West ultimately comes down to what you value most in your festival experience. The VIP perks undeniably add a layer of comfort and convenience that can make the long festival days more enjoyable. However, these benefits come at a steep price, and not every attendee may find the upgrade necessary to fully enjoy the event.

Who Should Consider VIP?

If you prioritize ease, comfort, and a more relaxed atmosphere, you would probably enjoy having a VIP ticket. The faster entry, access to better restrooms, and exclusive lounge areas will give you an overall better experience, especially if you’re attending all three days of the festival. VIP is also ideal for those who enjoy a bit of luxury with curated food and drink options and comfortable seating that allows you to recharge away from the crowds.

Additionally, if you’re someone who dislikes waiting in long lines for food, drinks, or restrooms, the VIP experience will save you a lot of time and stress. The opportunity to escape to quieter, less crowded areas, can make your festival experience feel more personalized and exclusive​.

Who Might Not Need VIP?

On the flipside, if you’re attending Way Out West primarily for the music and don’t mind crowds, the general admission ticket is likely sufficient. If you’re more budget-conscious or simply prefer being immersed in the lively festival energy, sticking with general admission allows you to enjoy everything Way Out West has to offer without breaking the bank​.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the VIP experience at Way Out West is perfect for those who want a more comfortable and seamless festival experience. If your budget allows and you’re looking for an enhanced level of service, upgraded amenities, and a break from the crowds, then going VIP can elevate your weekend. On the other hand, the festival’s core magic remains just as accessible with a general admission ticket, making it possible to have an unforgettable time without splurging.

In the end, whether you choose VIP or not, Way Out West delivers a unique blend of music, culture, and sustainability that makes it one of Europe’s most distinctive festivals. It’s all about finding the experience that suits your style and making the most of your time in the beautiful setting of Slottsskogen.

Tips for Attending Way Out West

Whether it’s your first time at Way Out West or you’ve been lots of times, a bit of preparation can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips!

Plan Ahead for Weather Changes

Göteborg’s weather can be unpredictable in August, and it usually rains on at least one of the days of Way Out West. Slottsskogen gets muddy when it rains, so consider wearing waterproof footwear. At the same time, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat in case it’s hot and sunny.

Take Advantage of the Way Out West App

The official festival app is your best friend for navigating the event. It includes the full schedule to help you plan your day and avoid missing out on your favorite acts.

Stay Hydrated

It’s a good idea to bring a refillable water bottle (allowed if it’s empty when you enter) so you can stay hydrated without relying on buying drinks constantly. Water refill stations are scattered around the park, and staying hydrated will help you enjoy the festival to the fullest.

Be Aware of the Bag Ban

Bags are no longer allowed at events in Sweden, and this includes concerts and festivals, so you need to bring whatever you have with you in your pockets. In 2024, there were canvas bags for sale just inside the festival gates at Way Out West at the relatively low cost of 50 kr. Presumably this was successful and will continue, so you can get a bag to carry the stuff from your pockets once you’re inside. I brought a hoodie, phone, powerbank with cord, and sunglasses. Other things you might want to bring include an empty water bottle as mentioned above, your wallet, a rain poncho, and earplugs.

Get to Know Göteborg

If you’re visiting from out of town, take some time to explore Göteborg. It’s a great city with plenty of museums and parks, plus a lot of brunch restaurants and a big craft beer scene. Popular neighborhoods like Linné and Haga are close to Slottsskogen and are worth a visit for pre- or post-festival adventures​.

Ultimately, your Way Out West experience is what you make of it. You can dance under the trees, discover new bands, and have a good time whether you choose to stick with a general admission ticket or splurge on the VIP experience. There’s something for everyone!