Although this year’s festival was plagued with severe weather issues on Friday, and an alleged flight delay on Saturday (Lil Wayne), Panorama Music Festival still churned out an incredible weekend full of entertainment and excitement. With 2019 on the horizon, it’s never too soon to start planning for one of New York City’s best music festivals. Here are five reasons to look forward to next year’s edition:

  1. The Heavy Hitting Openers

Early acts on the bill at Panorama might not even be considered openers in some circles. Chart-topping artists like Dua Lipa, SZA, and The xx continue to rise in prominence as other lower billed artists like Sabrina Claudio, Rex Orange County, and Japanese Breakfast are slated to be the next big thing (with ample critical praise to support the hype).

  1. The People Watching

There’s one thing New York City is known for the world over, and Panorama is no exception to the rule—it’s a melting pot of people (most as eccentric and fascinating as anyone could hope for with a festival of this scope in the city). While festivals are increasingly becoming known fashion runways, Panorama is a great place to see the latest trends from around the world (accents confirm that a portion of the festival goers here are tourists).

  1. The Food

Not exactly the main pull at most/many/any music festivals, Panorama offers New Yorkers and tourists alike quick access to some of the city’s toughest tasting hotspots (albeit slightly abridged menus). Power players like Emmy Squared, Ice & Vice, Matchabar, Cookie Dō, and Roberta’s—who usually have lines out the door and/or hour-long waits—are a welcoming surprise to those who haven’t been fortunate enough to experience the hype firsthand.

  1. The Headliners

Admittedly a draw for any major festival, Panorama presents a wide array of talent topping the bill each of its three nights. From The Killers to Janet Jackson to The Weeknd, it’s safe to say no genre is left uncharted when it comes to the headliners. It’s an eclectic mix that keeps things different as the weekend plays out.

  1. The Fans

Camaraderie runs high at Panorama. There is no shortage of friendly faces or shared experiences on Randall’s Island, making it easy to strike up conversations with just about anyone. Panorama isn’t just a music festival it’s a massive social outing—and it makes the festival not only interesting but fun, between sets.