Kaaboo Del Mar is not for the weak of wallet. It makes it sort of difficult to justify suffering through the traffic, congestion and pepper spray to see this year’s headliner, Weezer, when tickets range in price from $219 to $2,599.
While the rest of the lineup has yet to be announced (it’s set to come out this month), there’s some hope for those of us who aren’t part of the 1 percent. This year, festival organizers have offered festival goers the option of a payment plan. For $49.50 down and a six month installment (with 10 percent APR on a purchase price of $255.45), you can secure your three day pass and whatever you have left in your savings.
Of course, like any payment plan, you end up paying more when it’s all said and done (interest always gets ya). But for some, it’s easier to burn off a box of Krispy Kremes over the course of a week than it is to shed the calories and shame that come from indulging in 10 minutes of gluttonous glory at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday.
The payment plan is just one indication of the changes coming to Kaaboo after organizers took a lot of heat for last year’s fiasco, which we reported on in November. With a new head of security, a new plan to deal with traffic jams and -- thank Bon Jovi -- more restrooms, there’s a lot to look forward to (as far as logistics are concerned) at this year’s festival, which takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Thoroughbred Club from Sept. 15 to Sept. 17.
Let’s just hope the lineup keeps improving, too.
Rutger Rosenborg was almost a Stanford neuroscientist before he formed Ed Ghost Tucker. He now plays in the Lulls and makes music on his own when he's not writing. Follow his updates on Facebook or contact him directly.
