From Roots Picnic to ‘Philadelphia Fyre Festival’: What Went Wrong—And How It Could’ve Been Avoided
Despite projected thunderstorms and muddy conditions, festival-goers showed up in full force for Roots Picnic this past weekend. Unfortunately, what many hoped would be a weekend of music, culture, and celebration was muddied—quite literally—by inconsistent communication, logistical oversights, and a lack of preparedness that left thousands stranded for hours.
As creative consultants and designers dedicated to enhancing festival operations and audience experience, SINNI Art Lab believes there’s a better way to ensure festivals like Roots Picnic live up to their promise. Here's a breakdown of what went wrong—and how thoughtful planning and design could have prevented it.
1. Hours-Long Waits Without Communication
Attendees, including those with GA+, VIP, and general admission tickets, waited in line for up to four hours—only to receive sporadic updates via Instagram posts, some of which were later deleted. What made the situation more frustrating was the lack of bathrooms or basic amenities outside the gates. As lines were stopped regarding safety concerns, some guests resorted to relieving themselves in grassy areas, while others left due to dehydration, hunger, or exhaustion.
How SINNI Art Lab would have helped: A multi-platform communication plan (social, email, SMS, app) with real-time updates, emergency info, and an FAQ could have mitigated panic and confusion. For high-traffic festivals, we also advise installing temporary external rest areas with seating, hydration stations, portable toilets, and ADA-compliant support zones outside the entry gates—especially when delays are likely.
2. Inadequate Weather Planning for a “Rain or Shine” Festival
Despite promoting the event as “Rain or Shine,” the festival grounds at Fairmount Park became treacherous because of days of prior rainfall. While wood chips were used to manage mud, they weren’t enough to stabilize the terrain. Many attendees had umbrellas confiscated due to unclear rain gear policies.
How SINNI Art Lab would have helped: For truly rain-or-shine events, site-specific solutions must be implemented. We would’ve advised the use of gravel mats, lime and sand soil treatment, and tented walkways to reduce slipping hazards. A visual guide about acceptable gear (umbrellas, footwear, ponchos) and ground conditions could have been issued ahead of time to prepare guests. Planning should have also included drainage mapping and alternate ground routes with non-slip materials—details we specialize in during pre-festival consulting.
3. Confusing Site Design and Navigation Issues
Poor signage, hard-to-find festival map, and unclear pathways made navigation a challenge. The general exit wasn’t clearly marked, and accessibility zones were under-resourced.
How SINNI Art Lab would have helped: We would have designed a clear, cohesive festival wayfinding system using color-coded zones aligned with ticket tiers, illustrated maps inspired by amusement park layouts, and consistent iconography across print, app, signage, and digital channels. For accessibility, we recommend integrating ADA-specific design solutions, including wide paths, rest stops, signage at eye-level, and guided assistance hubs.
4. Overcrowded Layout and Vendor Placement
Festival grounds were congested, with the majority of space dominated by VIP/GA+ areas, food vendors, and sponsor activations. This made walking between stages extremely difficult, especially through deep puddles and mud.
How SINNI Art Lab would have helped: We design spatially balanced festival layouts that allow equitable access for all guests. Our team would have optimized the grounds with wider pedestrian pathways, perimeter-based vendor placement, and better circulation zones between stages. Sometimes this means recommending fewer activations—but higher quality engagement—for a safer, more fluid experience.
5. Low Nighttime Visibility
Once night fell, lighting across the grounds was minimal, especially between stage areas. This created safety hazards on already slippery terrain.
How SINNI Art Lab would have helped: Our team would have installed low-impact, solar-powered lighting throughout common areas using design-minded placement to enhance visibility without distracting from performances. Safety lighting near exits, bathrooms, walk paths, and food zones is a standard we advocate for at any outdoor event.
6. Lack of Accessibility and Inclusion Infrastructure
The absence of ASL interpreters, accessible seating, and mobility accommodations alienated some guests. While PrimaMats were present, additional supports were needed given the terrain and crowd size.
How SINNI Art Lab would have helped: We believe accessibility is not an afterthought—it’s the foundation. We would’ve ensured that ASL interpretation was available at all main stages and collapsible seating was allowed. These are core elements we implement into every operation and layout plan we consult on.
People traveled from Atlanta, Houston, and New York to attend Roots Picnic. The music, artists, and community deserve to be celebrated. But the shortcomings in logistics and design compromised the experience, with attendees comparing the event to the infamous “Fyre Festival” on social media. One bad experience can deter future ticket buyers, jeopardize brand reputation, and strain sponsor relationships.
How SINNI Art Lab Can Help Moving Forward
As creative consultants and spatial designers, SINNI Art Lab specializes in crafting immersive, safe, and scalable festival experiences—from operational planning to layout design and communication strategies. We would’ve supported Roots Picnic in:
Developing a comprehensive “rain-or-shine” contingency plan
Designing intuitive, ADA-compliant layouts with strong way-finding
Advising sponsor activation design for flow and interactivity
Strengthening pre-festival guest education and in-event responsiveness
Roots Picnic remains a beloved cultural staple. With the right design partners and operational foresight, it can continue to grow—without growing pains.
