A Reddit attendee from ACL Festival Week 2 shared a scenaio after a packed set turned into a test of boundaries: people kept tapping and asking to squeeze to the front despite there being literally “no room.” The OP says two girls and another guy repeatedly tried to push through after being told there was no space.
“Babe idk what you want me to say. There’s no room.” — Reddit attendee (u/acl_l)
The post points out that the people pushing up looked like adults (around 19–20), not lost children, and that OP would help a child or someone clearly vulnerable — but they’re not obligated to make space when a set is packed like sardines.
Quick rules for crowded sets
- Read the room — if the crowd can’t move, don’t try to force a path.
- Don’t expect strangers to give up their spot just because you say “excuse me.”
- Arrive early if you want to be front-and-center — the front belongs to whoever claimed it first.
- If someone is truly separated from family (kids, older adults), help them locate their group — not everyone asking to pass is entitled to special treatment.
- Be aware: pushing through a packed crowd is dangerous and can ruin the set for others.
Short version: you’re not being rude for saying no when there’s zero space. This one’s for the ACL crowd — keep the vibes safe and read the room.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/aclfestival/comments/1o4k8ey/its_okay_to_say_no/
