I don't understand a lot of what people pay for these days.  Some people pay $20 to run in a race.  I can run in the park for free.  Some people pay $500 to go watch the Cowboys not win a playoff game - again.  I got to watch them lose for free (on TV).  I once paid $30 so my wife and I could look at RVs, but I'm only going to do that once.  I don't relate to the concept of paying money to look at merchandise, but not buy it.  So your alternative is, don't go to the festival.  You can pitch a tent in your back yard for free.