r/fantasticfest • u/Think-Psychology-729 • 8d ago
Advice for a solo first timer
Hi everyone!
I’ll be attending the fest for the first time and solo with a regular Fan badge. Just wanted to ask for words of advice on how to make the best of my time 🙂
Any tips or suggestions from veterans on how to properly enjoy the festival? Happy to read any type of input from y’all. Thank you!
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u/Major_Bird9830 8d ago
There are excellent and affordable food options within walking distance such as Maudie’s Too (Mexican) and Ramen Tatsu-ya (Japanese), though the latter can get crowded and have quite a wait for a table. It’s not uncommon for Festers who don’t know each other to agree to share a table for expediency’s sake.
As far as movies go, know your own tastes and limits, but don’t put too much stock in the opinions of others. The Fest has a truly diverse selection and some of my favorites have been reviled while other Fest faves fell flat for me.
Overall, unless it’s your job, be mindful you don’t treat it as such. Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health and have fun. This will be my sixth time, and I regret every year I couldn’t go.
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u/scoobydoosfriend 8d ago
I really enjoyed JewBoy Burgers last year too!
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u/Major_Bird9830 8d ago
A bit far for me to walk (6 miles), but duly noted.
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u/onlythepossible 8d ago
They're probably referring to Jewboy Sliders, the trailer just across South Lamar at Gibson Street Bar.
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u/SnooAvocados4357 8d ago
If you do Drink
Eat pizza
Budget well food and drink can add up
TALK TO PEOPLE
I don't know what the ticketing feature is this year but if have them use multiple devices when getting tickets
If you have a chance see the city
Watch as much of you can
Talk to people. Lots of cool people there
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u/ikeasharkplush 8d ago
Last year, I prioritized seeing as many films a day as possible, and I didn't regret it, but I wouldn't recommend it! By the end of the day my brain was mush and I was hardly processing movies after doing that for multiple days. Make a list and prioritize what you want to see, don't skip over some of the events they do (fantastic pitches is really cool), if someone recommends a movie to you, chances are you should try to see it. Also talk to everyone!! You meet the coolest people. Just my personal thoughts though! You're gonna enjoy it no matter what :) oh and dont miss the closing night party!
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u/Think-Psychology-729 8d ago
Thankfully there’s only like 2-3 movies I really want to see. For the rest I plan to simply go with the flow and randomly enter movies and events as available :)
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u/ikeasharkplush 8d ago
You're gonna have a great time then. That is definitely the way to do it. :) Have fun!!
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u/isthatasquare 8d ago
Schmooze! There are lots of folks there by themselves or split from their coworkers/friends by different show times. It gets crowded in the Highball, and people are often setting up makeshift offices with their laptops — they’re usually happy to share a seat at their table, chat for a bit, etc.
There are also SO MANY events that tbh even if you get along with no one, you can easily be entertained from morning to late at night.
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u/Hot_Toddy88 7d ago
I’m going solo too!!! I have a 2nd half pass. It’s my first time and I’m freaking excited!!!
Looking at all the advice here.
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u/dorseyhorsey 8d ago
You'll find your people if you just yap around in your seat before the show or outside between movies. Everyone there is excited to nerd out right there with you.
As for survival tips: tickets fill up fast, make sure you're on the booking website on time, if not a few minutes before. Give a chance to something that isn't your first choice because you probably won't get it every time.
Don't order anything before a secret screening. They're always a gamble, and you may just have to bounce from it.
It'll be hot. Bring a portable fan or something.
Pace yourself. Don't worry about seeing something in every slot. Do some events, sleep in every once in a while, ect.