One of the great joys of visiting the Azores is the spontaneous discovery of local events. I didn’t plan on attending two late-night festivals in a row, but when I was offered two free tickets to the N Wave Sound Music Festival in Ribeira Grande, I couldn’t say no!
This festival was a fantastic change of pace. Unlike some massive events, the setup was perfect. It wasn’t overly crowded, which meant you could easily get close to the stage to see the performers up close and personal. The intimate setting created a great vibe, allowing everyone to truly appreciate the music.
While they did have a VIP section that we couldn’t get into, it didn’t detract from the experience at all. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, and with the beautiful Azorean weather, it was the perfect night to be outdoors.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the generous amount of time between bands. This wasn’t a festival where one act rushed off the stage as the next one began. The breaks gave me plenty of time to explore the various vendors, grab a drink, and just enjoy the ambiance. It’s a great way for festival organizers to encourage people to engage with the local businesses and artists who set up shop.
Overall, it was a wonderful and unexpected night out. The N Wave Sound Music Festival proves that you don’t need a massive crowd to have a great time—sometimes, the best experiences are the ones that are a little more relaxed and personal.
