I have a friend/neighbor with a farm out in Western MA with an ice cream stand and he's interested in doing a small-ish outdoor event next summer and I'm helping with some logistics. There's a lot in flux right now but let's say 500 attendees and musical acts that trend toward the folky/acoustic side. I'm trying to work out some rental costs and I'm thinking of the following:

Medium/small stage 10x20' and like 1-2 feet high
A couple decent powered speakers on poles over subs
A couple foldback wedges
Some small lighting rig
Individual to run sound for the day

I'm going to assume, for now, power can arrive from the on-site buildings and a generator isn't necessary.

Anyone have any experience setting up something like this? This whole thing is a click above what I'm used to with A/V and I'm wondering what to expect if I give an A/V company a call.

Paging FM garth to the thread.

Garth has been THE soundperson for the PRF Campouts, which have mostly had music outside. If anyone could give you advice, he's the guy!

oh thanks for the bump.

Note that we're also thinking of starting with something a little more DIY with a weekend series of local acts. I think starting smaller could give them some time to build relationships and figure out logistics. Would hate to shoot too big and end up with some Fyre Fest situation.

one thing to think about is that sound dissipates a lot without walls to keep the air pressure contained, for a audience of 500, you may need a higher wattage system than you think. Good news is that it has never been easier and cheaper to put together a very decent quality live sound rig than it is today. Even my tiny Allen Heath CQ18t which can fit on a music stand is capable of more than multiple road rack rigs I used to haul Chicago for Park concerts, and Powered speakers are better cheaper and lighter than they have ever been. Garth is a great pull for this for sure, and if you have any specific questions I am listening.