all times EST - check local listings.
Deck the HallsTomorrow, 12:00 AM / FAM-E 52As two neighbors in a small town prepare for the festivities of Christmas, they get into an all-out war when one decides to decorate his home with so many lights that they are visible from space, but they soon learn the true meaning of Christmas.
The Most Wonderful Time of the YearTomorrow, 12:00 AM / HALMRK 68A single working mother's disdain for the holiday season is put to the test when her uncle, a kindly, retired police officer, brings a mysterious stranger by her home in an effort to rekindle the Christmas spirit for her and her young son.
Martin - Holiday BluesTomorrow, 12:00 AM / BET 71Martin wants to take Gina to Philadelphia in order to visit her parents for the Christmas holiday, but when their bus gets unexpectedly snowed in at the station, their bags also get stolen, jeopardizing their trip altogether.
A Godwink ChristmasTomorrow, 12:00 AM / HALLMV 84When a St. Louis antique appraiser accepts a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, her aunt invites her to her Nantucket home near Martha's Vineyard, but while there, she meets a charming inn owner and begins to fall in love with him.
People Presents: Once Upon a Main StreetTomorrow, 12:01 AM / LIF-E 38A woman makes plans to turn an empty storefront into a year-round Christmas shop, but when she learns a man has the same idea, they both agree to help the current property owner with his holiday chairman duties with hopes of winning the space.
Finding ChristmasTomorrow, 2:00 AM / HALLMV 84After men from New York and North Carolina decide to switch residences during the holiday season, each one encounters a woman from the other's life, and as romance ensues, the time for each person to return home approaches.
Dear ChristmasTomorrow, 2:04 AM / LIF-E 38A popular podcast host known for being a love expert prepares for her holiday episodes where she shares true romance stories with her listeners, but despite the subject matter of her show, she has never experienced love herself.
PJ Masks - PJ Masks Save ChristmasTomorrow, 2:15 AM / DISNEYJR 179The PJ Masks work alongside Santa Claus when Romeo decides to ruin Christmas for everybody to being placed in the infamous naught list.
Extreme Christmas TreesTomorrow, 3:00 AM / TLC 46From the breath-taking decadence of the largest Christmas tree installation in Las Vegas to a fragrant fir adorned with over $200,000 worth of specifically collected ornaments, the holidays will officially be kicked into high gear.
Disney's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey Saves SantaTomorrow, 3:25 AM / DISNEYJR 179Christmas is in danger of not happening this year when Santa's sleigh breaks down on Christmas Eve and he is unable to deliver all of the presents in his bag, so Mickey and friends come to Santa's aid and help ensure all the gifts are given out.
Rick Steves' Special: European ChristmasTomorrow, 3:30 AM / WEDU-DT 3/ PBS / HDTVHost Rick Steves hosts a colorful celebration of Christmas traditions from all across Europe, with traditions from England, to Wales, France, Norway, germany and others; bright Christmas markets and performances from local choirs.
Felix the Cat Saves ChristmasTomorrow, 3:45 AM / STRZFK 274The Professor and Rock Bottom are plotting to ruin Christmas by creating the world's largest blizzard, and it's up to Felix the Cat and Poindexter to journey to the North Pole and save Christmas with the help of Santa Claus.
Double HolidayTomorrow, 4:00 AM / HALMRK 68A career-driven woman competes for a promotion opportunity at work with her office co-worker, but when the CEO asks the two of them to plan the company's Christmas party, they start to learn more about one another and feelings begin to develop.
The Christmas OrnamentTomorrow, 4:00 AM / HALLMV 84After a widow decides to keep her winter holiday festivities relatively low key, she soon encounters a Christmas tree lot owner who provides her with a decorative item, and she starts to realize that there may be a lot more to life.
Fresh Beat Band of Spies - Christmas 2.0Tomorrow, 4:13 AM / NGN-E 125The Fresh Beat Band of Spies must embark on an adventurous journey to the North Pole in order to deck the halls and prevent Christmas from being ruined by an elf, who is overly enthusiastic, and his mechanical Santa Claus
The Great Christmas Light FightTomorrow, 4:55 AM / AMCALL 64Families from Pleasanton, Calif., Hillsboro, Tenn., St. George, Utah and Duluth, Minn. compete in a contest to see who can impress the judges with creative Christmas house decorations in order to win the prize of $50,000.
Buttons: A Christmas TaleTomorrow, 4:57 AM / STRZFK 274Two orphan girls' only wish is to find a home for Christmas, and when they meet two unexpected visitors, they turn out to be their guardian angels who, with a little help, turn the tide of events and change their lives forever.
Love That Girl! - Happy Hold Up DayTomorrow, 5:00 AM / TVONE 146The holiday season takes a turn for the worst when a group of bank robbers decides it is the perfect time to undertake a Christmas Eve heist that results in the unintended consequence of Imunique and her friends being taken hostage.
Christmas in HomesteadTomorrow, 6:00 AM / HALMRK 68A famous actress comes to a Christmas-obsessed small town in Iowa to shoot a holiday-themed movie and is surprised to find herself falling for a local innkeeper who is also a single father as she receives a lesson in the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas on Honeysuckle LaneTomorrow, 6:00 AM / HALLMV 84When a woman returns to her hometown in order to celebrate the holidays for the last time in the home she grew up in, she discovers a hidden surprise in her mother's antique desk which teaches her the true meaning of Christmas.
What's Happening!! - ChristmasTomorrow, 6:00 AM / TVONE 146Raj and Dee plan to have Christmas dinner at Bill's place because Mama has to work and cannot celebrate with everyone, but she may actually wind up being alone for the holiday when her plans suddenly change at the last minute.
It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas MovieTomorrow, 7:00 AM / FAM-E 52Kermit the Frog and the Muppets have to scramble to raise money to save the Muppet Theater when the bank owner who holds their mortgage wants to transform the building into a casino, and they receive assistance from an angel.
The Andy Griffith Show - The Christmas StoryTomorrow, 7:00 AM / SUN 89Andy empties the Mayberry jail in a gesture of goodwill for Christmas, unaware that the spiteful designs of Ben Weaver threaten to eclipse the festivities of the season unless Andy can find a way to impart some holiday cheer to the cranky codger.
Disney Mickey Mouse - Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse ChristmasTomorrow, 7:00 AM / DISNEYXD 122Donald Duck gets himself into a peculiar situation when he decides to stay with Mickey and the gang to celebrate Christmas festivities with them instead of traveling south for the winter alongside Daisy and the other ducks.
A Christmas Winter SongTomorrow, 8:00 AM / LIF-E 38A musical bond forms between a Christmas shop owner and a former jazz singer who has hit rock bottom as the store owner tries to help the artist reconnect with his daughter and grandchildren in time for the towns annual holiday concert.
CMT Christmas MusicTomorrow, 8:00 AM / CMTV 45/ NewA selection of Christmas-themed music videos is presented from some of the industry's most popular artists, including rising stars and music icons.
On the Twelfth Day of ChristmasTomorrow, 8:00 AM / HALMRK 68A woman is delighted when a man for whom she has long held feelings moves to town, and his lack of holiday spirit motivates her to come up with 12 Christmas gifts that offer tasks she hopes will inspire him to rediscover his passion.
Operation ChristmasTomorrow, 8:00 AM / HALLMV 84After her military officer boyfriend is forced to deploy right before Christmas, a single mother and her children are inspired by their own difficulties to help other families of military members, with their efforts going viral.
...continued in part 2

Last Updated: Feb 24
Map: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1L-UaowXGzmHHw35AOuZwiDn_iiUODm09&usp=sharing
I put together a map of confirmed public parking near the Dome, as well as some information on pricing (though I cannot guarantee these prices, parking companies are really bad about publishing event prices). The map is color coded, with surface lots in blue, garages in purple, free parking (see below) in green, confirmed tailgates in black, and lots to avoid in red. The map also has 18 Metrolink Park & Ride Lots, all of which are free, and my top picks are in yellow (see below).
Be sure to leave your comments about, getting to and from the Dome, parking, tailgating, or anything of the sort, and well be sure to add it to the map and the thread. Would love to try and get some accurate parking prices to save BattleHawks fans some green, and find out where everyone is going to be tailgating.
Gates at the Dome will open 90 minutes before kickoff.
Check the BattleHawks bag policy: https://www.xfl.com/tickets/xfl-clear-bag-policy
Official BattleHawks Pre-Paid Parking link: https://www.stlouisparking.com/parking-reservations/
Tailgating Facebook Groups
Last time I asked, this lot is SOLD OUT It looks like there's one group in particular that has organized a big tailgate. STL BattleHawks Tailgate will be having a tailgate before each home game, hosted by Missouri Bar and Grill. The tailgate will take place in the lot at Convention and N. Tucker. Their page makes it sound like they are selling 'Season Passes' to the lot for $70, and any remaining ones for $20 a game, call the bar to purchase one: 314-202-8791. The whole 'hosted by Missouri Bar and Grill' is a bit unorthodox but sounds fun, they say they'll have shots girls, a 50/50 raffle, and a brunch buffet before the tailgate. I have my pass for the home opener. Set up is very nice, all grilling is okay, there's a guy bringing kegs, it should be a fun time. If it's anything like a Chiefs tailgate, you should be able to trade a few beers or a few bucks for a brat.
Official Pre-Game Tailgate Party at Ballpark Village and in Baer Plaza
"Join us for a tailgate party in the Ballpark Village located right outside St. Louis Cardinals Stadium. The tailgate party begins 3 hours before kick-off and includes fun for the whole family, including drink specials, music, and convenient access to the St. Louis BattleHawks pro shop for all of your gameday gear. You must have a valid game ticket to attend."
The BattleHawks will have an official Pre-Game event at Ballpark Village, starting 3 hours before kickoff and ending 1 hour before kickoff. This is a ticketed event, BPV is selling tickets for $20, which comes with drink specials, a nacho bar, parking at BPV, and a shuttle ride to and from the game. The BattleHawks site implies that you can get into this event with a normal BattleHawks ticket, but it's not very clear if this is the case. This is a +21 event during the ticketed event, but actually watching the game at BPV is all ages. Parking at BPV, without a ticket for this event, is free for 3 hours with a validation.
It also looks like the team is hosting some sort of events in Baer Plaza, which is next to the Dome, between Broadway and 4th Street. I can't seem to find any info on this besides a single tweet.
Taking Metrolink to the Dome
Using the Metrolink to get to the game is a good option for anyone who doesn't want to struggle with parking downtown, and the ensuing traffic after the game. The Convention Center Metrolink station is only 800 feet from the closest entrance to the Dome, with escalators and elevators. The Metrolink may be a smidge crowded, especially immediately after the game, but this it the absolute safest time to use it (though I will argue crime on the Metrolink is a bit exaggerated). Be sure to double-check which train you are getting on, as the Red & Blue lines overlap Downtown, and getting on the right train the first time instead of transferring at Forest Park is definitely preferable. Tickets are $2.50 each way, be sure to validate your ticket when you get to the platform. The map has 18 Park & Ride lots at Metrolink stations, all of which are free, and I've highlighted 3 stations in yellow as the most useful.

• Brentwood I-64: From 40, exit at Brentwood Blvd and go straight towards Hanley Rd, turn right on Hanley, and make the very next right. From 170, exit at Eager Rd and turn left on Eager, then turn right when you pass over the Metrolink station. Take an Eastbound train towards Fairview Heights, and get off at Convention Center. On the way back be sure enter the Convention Center station on the north side of Washington Ave, and take the Westbound Blue Line Train towards Shrewsbury I-44.
• Shrewsbury Lansdowne I-44: From 44, exit at Murdoch Ave and go straight towards towards Murdoch Ave, turn left on Murdoch, turn right on Lansdowne Ave, and immediately turn left into the lot. Take an Eastbound train towards Fairview Heights, and get off at Convention Center. On the way back be sure enter the Convention Center station on the north side of Washington Ave, and take the Westbound Blue Line Train towards Shrewsbury I-44.
• North Hanley: From 70, exit at Hanley Rd and turn right on Hanley, make the very next left, and then turn left again. Take an Eastbound train towards Shiloh-Scott, and get off at Convention Center. On the way back be sure enter the Convention Center station on the north side of Washington Ave, and take the Westbound Red Line Train towards Lambert Airport.

Parking for Free at the Casino
Probably the best option for parking at the Dome is to park at Lumiere Casino, as Trop Advantage Cardholders can park here for free, even for events. Getting a Trop Advantage Card is very simple, just go into the casino, go to the customer service desk, and ask to get a rewards card. Take this opportunity to confirm with the staff about the parking validation situation. Last time I parked here I was told I simply had to show the attendant my card, no need to validate anything inside the casino, but this may have changed. Worst case scenario, you may have to use your card at a slot machine once to get your parking validated. To get to the Dome, there is a tunnel that takes you from inside the Casino to the other side of 44. From the tunnel exit to the closest entrance to the Dome is less than 300 feet, perfect for cold or wet game days. I can't confirm this, but I've heard that in the Rams days, the parking attendant did not seem to mind people tailgating the surface lot, but this policy may have changed since then.
Lots to Avoid

• The parking lot for the HoteLumiere on 1st St is for hotel guests only, not for casino parking. Don't park here, you'll get towed.

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I've also come across the idea of organizing a formalized Team Fan Club, similar to ones organized in Europe for their Soccer teams. The main purpose of this club would be to lease a parking lot for game-day and use the space for tailgating. Club members would pay an annual fee, which would secure the lease on the parking lot, and in exchange would have free use of the parking lot on game-days. Any extra spots could be sold day of game. An added benefit would be the 'Private Property' nature of the parking lot, which would legally allow us to properly tailgate, with legal drinking and grilling. There are a few properties near the Dome that could likely be leased at a reasonable cost.

Thursday, October 17th, 2019:

• Twenty One Pilots (10/17)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXRviuL6vMYThe Bandits Tour, Special Guests - Misterwives$95, Mohegan Sun Arena, 8:00PM

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Friday, October 18th, 2019:

• Harwinton Halloween FestivalDarkside Entertainment Presents: “The Rise of The Green Lady” A haunting, legendary, family experience this October 18-20th & 25th-27th @ The Harwinton Fairgrounds! This fall, as the nights draw longer and the cool damp fog settles over the grounds, discover the excitement, fear, and surprises which await. Step on our grounds (if you dare!) for nothing with free parking included. Experience free Hayride shuttles, free admission, the Largest Fall Food Truck Festival in New England, carnival rides, and of course, The Green Lady's Haunted House of Horror$5.00-$15.00, Fri, Oct 18 – Sun, Oct 20, 9pmHarwinton Fairgrounds, 150 Locust Rd, Harwinton, CT
• Haunted Trail at Harrybrooke*Be prepared to be scared! Follow a self-guided trail that winds through darkness and woods by the Still River, and through the haunted basement of the museum. Wear comfortable shoes. This is a scary event, and may not be appropriate for younger children (under 8 years old), or individuals with physical restrictions. Enter at your own risk. Concessions available.*$10, 6:00PM-10:00PM64 Lanesville Road, New Milford, CT 06776
• TOTOhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTQbiNvZqaYGrand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino$25-$45, 350 Trolley Line Blvd. Mashantucket, CT 06338
• Science Straight UP! & Spooktacular Science Weekend @ The CT Science Center*Join us for Hartford’s Smartest Happy Hour as we explore Climate Change. Whether you are a climate change expert, curious, or somewhere in between, you will love the fun entertainment, refreshing cocktails, and peer-networking with an environmental twist. See how local organizations are making a difference on a global level and explore our NEW permanent exhibition “Our Changing Earth” after-hours in a kid-free environment.The Connecticut Science Center will get a little spooky and a little kooky for our annual Spooktacular Science Weekend! Have a ball at the ultimate Halloween party. Meet Mal and Evie from the Descendants, join the Baby Shark Bubble Dance Party, and see our stunning new exhibition, Our Changing Earth. Enjoy a Hocus Pocus sing along with the Sanderson Sisters and spooky surprises throughout the day.*Oct 18-20, $5 -$23.95250 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT 06103
• Haunted: Victorian Ghost Stories at the Mansion – Halloween Tours*Victorians were known for their riveting ghost stories and Gothic horror. From Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Body Snatcher to Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost, readers in the 19th century were deeply engrossed in dark tales from the other side. In keeping with this Victorian fascination with unexplained phenomena, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum’s Halloween tours will focus on ghost sightings as they relate to the house during the 19th century as well as its more recent history, and the compelling ghost stories that are part of Connecticut’s legends.*Oct 18-27, $10295 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850
• 11th Annual Cove Side Carnival*Rides, food, games and more, right in the heart of one of the largest historic district and location of the famously inspired Witch of Blackbird Pond. Come for the history, stay for the fun! See flyer for more! High-energy thrill rides and rides just for children Also, food, games, and entertainment. A portion of the proceeds will go to support the Wethersfield Food Bank.*Oct 18-20, FREEWethersfield Cove Park, 176 Hartford Ave. Wethersfield, CT 06109
• Jurassic Quest!*Jurassic Quest is America’s largest and most realistic Dinosaur event. Our guests will walk through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic Period and The Triassic period and experience for themselves what it was like to be among dinosaurs of all kinds. Jurassic Quest is the only dinosaur event that has true to life size dinosaurs. From the very small, to the gigantic, sky-scraping dinosaurs that can only be seen at our events, Jurassic Quest has over 80 true-to-life size dinosaurs in each of its two touring shows. In collaboration with leading paleontologists, each dinosaur was painstakingly replicated in every detail. Whether their prehistoric counterpart had skin that was scaly, had feathers or fur, Jurassic Quest has spared no expense in bringing this realism to life.*Oct 18-20, $25-$41Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103
• Museum Children Free Week*The White Memorial Foundation and Conservation Center is located in the Towns of Litchfield and Morris in northwestern Connecticut. Created in 1913 by Alain C. White and his sister, May W. White, the Foundation and Center today comprise 4,000 acres of forest, fields and wetlands. Visitors will find: 40 miles of trails, a nature museum, the Bantam river and shoreline, & more!*Oct 1 - Nov 5, FREE, 9am-5pmWhite Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. Litchfield, CT 06759
• Yale Mineral & Gem Symposium 2019*The main session, on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will feature eight talks by prominent mineral experts. Michael T. Bycroft of the University of Warwick (England) will present the keynote address on the topic of “Gems and the Scientific Revolution.” Friday night’s session will feature a talk at 5 p.m., followed by a reception from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.*Oct 18-20, $75-$100Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven CT, 06511
• Glastonbury Apple Fest 2019The Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival features two stages of live music with 28+ local & touring artists, a full midway of amusement rides, 100+ craft vendors, 25+ food trucks/purveyors, a fully stocked Harvest Pub, and the Angry Orchard 5K Road Race on the festival’s closing day. The festival is proudly presented by the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce. Located at a bend of the Connecticut River, the Apple Harvest Festival and 5K Race has continually been ranked as one of the state’s most popular events. It’s an all-around experience that generations revisit year after yearOct 18-20, FREERiverfront Park, 300 Welles St, Glastonbury, CT

Saturday, October 19th, 2019:

• Grand Funk Railroadhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8MYsii4DZYWolf Den @ Mohegan Sun, 8:00PM, FREE
• Dane Cookhttps://youtu.be/0iIsgzdDS3I *- Tell it like it is tour!*Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, 8:00PM$29-$59
• 4th Annual Chalk Art Festival*Enjoy a day of art and entertainment in celebration of the local community in the heart of downtown New Haven and Yale University. The Shops at Yale invites all professional and amateur artists, students, and artist groups to participate in the 4th Annual New Haven Chalk Art Festival on Saturday, October 19. The Shops at Yale will provide exclusive offers to retailers and restaurants, raffles, giveaways and more! This event is free and open to the public. Rain date, October 20.*12pm - 4pm, FREEThe Shops at Yale, Chapel Street and Broadway, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
• Manchester Beer Festival*This event is being hosted by the MMNT Foundation and is open to the public. The Manchester Beer Fest will raise money for local veteran organizations, the Curtis D. Robinson Center for Health Equity, and scholarships to local graduating seniors. The Manchester Beer Fest will feature food trucks, unlimited samples (with a ticket) and a wide variety of beers from local CT breweries.*12pm - 5pm, $2515 Purnell Pl, Manchester, CT 06040
• CT Pet Expo 2019*The Family Pet Shows are designed to educate and entertain the public about the wonderful World of pets. It promotes responsible pet ownership and care in a fun filled family event. There are demonstrations and special attractions such as high flying Frisbee dogs, Reptile and bird shows, and much more. Attractions might vary by the venue. There is an outstanding venue of pet products and services for you to buy as well as pet adoptions.*10am - 4pm, $4-$11XL Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut, 06103
• Harvest Market & Dog Costume Parade*The Fairfield Harvest Market features 80 vendors offering artwork, crafts, pet products, jewelry, upcycled and rustic furniture, home décor items, and beauty products. Food trucks and vendors from the weekly Fairfield Farmer’s Market will be there too.*10am-4pm, FREEHistoric Old Town Hall Green in Fairfield, 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
• Let's Go Birding Together*Fall migration is upon us and it’s beautiful outside! Join us for a special celebration of inclusion and take a leisurely walk through the fields and woods of Greenwich Audubon Center to learn about the many colorful birds that live here. We will also spend time watching for migrating hawks, eagles and falcons at the center's Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch. Our “Let's Go Birding Together” (LGBT) walk is for anyone who enjoys community, adventure, and wants to get outdoors! We welcome those who identify as LGBTQ, allies, families, and anyone who wants to enjoy an outdoor experience that is fun and inclusive.*9am-12pm, $5-$8Greenwich Audubon Center, Greenwich, 06831
• Dinner in the Dark*Our primary fundraiser for the year, this event is a true culinary adventure! You will enjoy a gourmet dinner while wearing a blindfold, and we keep the menu secret. Come learn about the exciting ways we are working to transform the lives of those without sight. Be prepared for a unique sensory adventure, good food, fun, and dancing to live music!*5:30pm, $150 - $2,020Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, 625 North Road, Groton, CT 06340
• Goats N' PajamasOct 19 & 26, Every Sat of the month*Come with your family to put the herd to bed, cuddle with your favorite goat, and experience pure silliness together. You will be brushing the goats, feeding them, and putting pajamas, tutus, and other costumes on the goats. We will take some of the goats on a walk in the good weather, or will have a coloring contest for all ages if the weather is cold or rainy. We will end the night with a goat cuddle session and feeding the whole herd hay as their Good Night snack. We will be available to take digital pictures from your camera or ours. All ages are welcome!*6pm, $15Bradley Mountain Farm, 537 Shuttle Meadow Road, Southington, CT 06489
• You Can't Kill the Boogeyman! Halloween IV & V - Double Feature7pm - 12am, $10The Strand Theater, 165 Main Street, Seymour, CT 06483
• The Great Pumpkin Festival*This fun, family annual event is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th from 12pm - 4pm. The popular festival will take place on Stratford’s historic Boothe Memorial Park. This celebration of autumn and Halloween will include a traditional costume parade and contest, a pumpkin carving contest, horse-driven hay rides, a roaming railroad, inflatables and more. The many historic and unique buildings on the Boothe park property will be open to the public.*12pm-4pm, FREEBoothe Memorial Park, 5800 Main St, Stratford, CT

Sunday, October 20th, 2019:

• So You Think You Can Dance LIVE!*SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE is is bringing it's best dancers to Foxwoods Resort Casino on October 20! Following the continued success of the hit summer competition series and 16 Emmy® wins, Sytycd is packing up its best dancers of 2019 and touring the country this Fall with Sytycd LIVE! 2019. Sytycd LIVE! 2019 will feature the show’s Top 10 Finalists including Season 16’s winner, America’s Favorite Dancer plus soon to be announced All Star guests.*7:30pm, $40-$60The Grand Theater at Foxwoods Casino
• Llama Walk*Have you ever wanted to take a walk with a llama? You can! There are many beautiful places in and around Cornwall, Connecticut where this can take place. White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield is working together with Country Quilt Llama Farm to offer llama walks on any one of their 35 miles of walking trails.*2pm-3pm, $20White Memorial Conservation Center Museum, 80 Whitehall Rd. Litchfield, CT 06759
• North Haven Chili Cook Off!12pm-3pm, North Haven Town Green, 18 Church St, North Haven, 06473$10

How about check out a newly released movie this weekend!

• Zombieland: Double Tap
• Jay & Silent Bob Reboot
• Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
• Jojo Rabbit
• Trick

You can also check this link out for a ton more events all around CT!
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User Suggested Events:

• Annual Roadsmary’s Baby Pumpkin Fest at Two Roads Brewing Company Stratford
• Riot at the Eagles, original live rock music. 8pm-2am, $5 suggested donation
• Oct 15-20 The Book of Mormon @ The Bushnell
• Plainville Pumpkin Festival
• Mohawk Mountain Fall Festival
• Hartford Halloween Bar Crawl
• Harry Potter Magical Halloween Pizza Party!
• Uconn football home game vs Houston
• The Haunted Isle 2019
• Immortal Techniques Hip-Hop @ Toads Place

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I think it was removed because I posted o my Tumblr. Sorry!

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
This section is a bit erratic as I had to jump around a lot and it may not flow well. I almost didnt post it and instead did a short version, but it did the story no justice imo. The tail off in these posts are going to end with a lot of self reflection and things I have learned through all of this. I hope to keep the remainder to less than 3-4 parts but could genuinely make it 30-40 if I wanted to. This part (the bulk of it) is going to cover the least amount of actual time but its a pretty important juncture in my life.
I am about 3-4 weeks clean of opiates but I am still withdrawing badly, though no where near as bad as I was early on it was still bad. Could not sleep was always sore and achey sneezy runny nose etc etc. They say a month is what it takes to cold turkey but I was taking so much that it wasnt pacing well. One thing I realize in my current day and I will probably elaborate on it more later but taking oxy or opiates was only about the high for a month or two in the beginning. If you know anyone who struggles with it they arent taking it to get high, they are taking it to not hurt, taking it just to feel normal. Opiates are so unbelievably addicting its mind boggling to me. They are the most evil thing I have ever encountered.
I am driving to go play as I am trying to start playing live for income and I reach into my center console to grab some aspirin (it kinda helped the joint pain and physical pain of the withdraw) and I dump a few aspirin out and a little blue/green pill falls into my hand. As it turns out there were three 30s in that bottle. I remember this so vividly. I havent had an ounce of opiates since WSOP. Im 2-3 weeks from being clean of withdrawal and the worst is behind me, and I stumble onto these. I clench them in my hands for the rest of the drive to the casino. I even call my dad to tell him to try and get motivation to rid of them. He told me to throw them out the window obviously. Its why they were clenched in my hand. I rolled down the window and just hang my hand unable to open it. I cant bring myself to get rid of them. I remember laughing at it. A weird thing about being on oxy/heroin then getting clean is the emotions, despite being in pain from withdrawal I was laughing again, I hadnt laughed in a while. Emotions are strong when you havent felt them in a long time, whether it be anger or joy or sadness it is overwhelming. Anyhow I convince myself that I can handle doing 3 more and be fine. So I crush one up and blow it. I go into the casino to play, and within an hour I am getting the other two crushed up. My tolerance was still sky high even after a month roughly. I blow all 3 in an hour and play for a couple hours and leave once they wear off, withdrawals end up increasing a bit and now I am just wanting some hydrocodone to make the withdrawal go away.
So now I break my 3-4 weeks clean (immediately following WSOP) and buy some loritabs. These just took the pain away. There was no high from them but it took a lot to make the pain go away, was taking 3 10s at a time 5-6 times I day. Ashamedly I was actually snorting these too :/ which is a lot of powder and aspirin.
My body has been waking up from not having oxy. What I mean is oxy numbs you physically and mentally. You could jerk off for 3 hours and make your dick bleed but you wont get off. Youre emotionally and physically numb. So my sex drive is coming back. I have about 6k to my name. I am playing cards one day and I just snap. I lose it. I cant handle the monotonous live game. Not to mention I was playing 1-2nl as thats what was available in Tulsa outside of weekend nights and a scheduled big game.
So I text a girl I messed around with before oxy. I havent talked to her in 18 months she had no clue I was even doing oxy but I still remember the text I sent (for the most part)
I sent her a text asking her if she wanted to go on a mini road trip. (Im absurdly blunt and overly analytical and it hurts me with women) She asked to where and I responded by jokingly saying theres a good satanic cult meet up in Kansas. A few messages exchange and I tell her to just pack a bag and I will be there in an hour. She agrees. I run home and pack myself a bag. I go to pick her up and shes having second thoughts and I convince her once again. We go to the airport (yea its changed to flying somewhere) with intention of taking the next flight out to anywhere really. Well Tulsa has few options so we have to go to Dallas and we will assess from there. I only have cash mind you and they rape you for buying cash. We get to Dallas and its either Vegas or Orlando. Vegas it is. We get to Vegas and I we have no reservation so we go to Caesars (decent rooms much cheaper than Bellagio etc) and all they have are Junior Suites. Fuck it give me two nights (its a Friday and were going back Sunday because she works Monday) at 650 a night. Then we eat a couple nice meals and money already running thin.
Now, I am supposed to be having fun on this trip. I like this girl actually, shes a great girl. However what I have yet to mention is when I ran home and packed my bag I left my bottle of hydrocodones... every passing hour after flying to Dallas I am further into withdrawal. I end up drinking most of the trip. I have the shits. Im sneezing. Im paranoid and over analytical and it just made an awful trip.
At one point on that Saturday night she gets frustrated and cries and tells me “I like love you _, but this _” the first __ is my name, the second I dont remember. I basically just got hit with the first part and I actually cry, standing in front of the Bellagio fountains. It was a combination of frustration with life having gone broke, opiate withdrawals, was drunk trying to mask withdrawals and that aided it and lastly hearing her say that just hurt me because I had clearly hurt her. I had messed with her 18+ months ago but was always playing cards never really made any efforts, essentially unavailable emotionally. Then I take her to Vegas and I am drinking and so fucking paranoid to fool around with her cause I am withdrawing and will blow a load in seconds or wtf ever else. Those words hit me hard though. I am too dumb to know that she felt that way. That is pretty much my assessment of that and a common theme with women for me. I do not pick up on subtle cues very well, and I am so analytical that any cues I do pick up I find a way to chalk it up to something else.
She was angry the rest of the trip and I never once talked to her again. I tried once but its irrelevant. I am in my early 30s and have never had a serious relationship in my life, thanks to poker and drugs. Honestly I think poker is the biggest reason. At the end of the day when you first start playing poker it is an addiction. I at one time in my life was a poker addict (spoiler alert I still play) and it consumed me. Time away from poker was spent altering my mind. I never was available to anyone. Before I played poker I had normal encounters with women. The longer I played the worse I became.
Ok I will try to rev this up a bit, those two or three months I reflect on a lot though. I think about her occasionally and had even meant to tell her this stuff at one time but never did (shes still unaware of everything outside of the shutdown breaking me, and that was more me than the shutdown).
So part 6 ended with me selling my truck. This actually happens now. I get home from Vegas with her and have relief with hydrocodones. I shatter my relationship with her, and actually one with a good friend who had owed me money and I had him run his card for my flights from Dallas to Vegas to save like 2000$ and made the mistake of saying I will write his debt off which was 3x what the flights cost. In fairness he used a company card, I agreed to terms and failed them. He was a very good friend to me and I have never talked to him since either. Partly because he is kind of a psycho (I say this kindly, hes just good friend or a bad enemy, not much in between) and told me if I ever see him I should turn around and run (to this day if I see him I would be tempted to do so, the guys a brute, hits harder than anyone I know, and I could write several pages of stories about him, I have seen him shatter the front window of a brand new corvette with a punch, not joking, shattered not cracked, be it a fluke or not I saw it, was in 2010 sometime, he went to jail obviously, quite the ramble on this but am tempted to share the story as its something out of a movie)
Fuck it. Short version.
At a bar 2010 with him his roommate and one of my friends in Dallas where he lived and we were visiting. His roommate walks over to a table of girls to hit on them and comes back saying her brother is mad. His roommates back turned to the table, my friend Joey is facing that table. The brother starts walking towards us angrily as Joey watches. This guy has 40lbs on Joey, but Joey is a freak of nature.
Once in range Joey swings and lays this guy out cold. Bar fight ensues. Joey breaks another guys jaw and has the original guy knocked out and the first guy in torn up. Theres a pile of security and shit with Joey on the bottom. It gets split up (Joey never got hit somehow, or had no bruises) and the bouncers are taking him outside. On the way outside with bouncers routing him by pushing him in front he bumps a table. Asshat hero at the table with two guys two gals says “hey buddy watch the table”. Joey breaks his right arm free and swings around his body (guys on his left) and literally knocks this guy on his back while still in his chair. Basically got a wind up and a 180 degree turn for that punch.
Outside they push him off and tell him to get the fuck out of here (cops are called already, I am not sure why they didnt try to detain him tbh, he fucked 3 guys up at this point) so Joey being Joey he kicks a potted plant over walks out towards his car to drive off and on the way to his car hes walking between two cars, one of which is this brand new 2011 Camaro and he just shatters the window... hits it dead center and fucking shatters it. Cops arrive pretty quickly and scoop him up.
One of the guys had his jaw wired shut and one needed reconstructive surgery on his nose if I remember right. The third guy got out good I guess. There was a fuck load of blood though.
Ok back to my shit. Had to tell that though, its a nuts story that doesnt even sound real. I wouldnt believe it from an anonymous source either, its ok.
As 2011 wears on I am losing control further. I end up having to move out of the house I dump like 40k into (while my sister refuses to show me any of the note progress and its now her house again, though she loses it eventually)
I have nowhere to go basically. My parents wont let me come if I am doing opiates. So I end up staying with a friend in Joplin MO. I am unable to stay afloat on pills and poker. I go busto a few times. Random money would arrive to me from old carbon checks to Stars paying out to running ok on TruePoker (kept a 10-15k roll alive long enough to do opiates for a couple months) but I am bouncing from hydros to oxycontin back and forth, running out quite often.
I end up in a methadone clinic early 2012 and eventually quit doing the pills. I am beyond depressed, barely leaving the room I had at my friends house. I am sure I laid in bed for 7 days straight a time or two. I pay him no rent and have to borrow money for my clinic trips. He had the house for free via a mutual friend though. Once my True account ran out I go on poker hiatus.
From 2012 to 2014ish I play essentially no poker aside from a few hands on Intertops from left over cake money. Which I bust eventually.
One isolated poker story from this stretch goes as such. I am staying at a hotel my grandfather (poker one) owns in a small town in NE Oklahoma. Hes letting me stay in one of the cabins on the property. I drive 45 minutes 3-4 days a week to get methadone here. I am depressed have no job and hustle money somehow. I dont even know where it came from but I would stumble onto a thousand here and there.
Tulsa is having tourneys one weekend. So I go play this 350$ two day. I forget the guarantee (it wasnt wsop or wpt it was local) but I think its 100k. It is one of the two or three times I enter a casino over these two years but I bag day one and day two goes well and we end up chopping it 3-4 ways with me and another guy taking two best spots at 15-16k. I remember zero hands from this tourney.
I go back to the cabin I was staying in. I have 15-16k now. I remember being alleviated about having money. I hadnt held 10,000$ in 12-18 months. I dont play a single hand of poker with it. It was so calming to have this money, I was content and didnt want to lose a dime of it. I did buy some oxy with it despite being on methadone and it doing nothing basically. This actually all happened before moving to Joplin, so it is chronologically wrong here. I slowly bleed this money off over a couple months. I just remember the contention I had for having it.
I get accustomed to methadone eventually and move back to Tulsa with another friend. I get a normal job slinging Pizzas at Papa Johns and fucking hate it. What an awful company, they make good pizza (for chain) but they are a joke to work for. Tip those drivers well, they make shit and get (at the time) 50 cents a delivery. PJs charges people 3$ and gives 50 cents to the driver...
Later on I have a buddy who deals circuit events and I get him to help me get hired. He gets me on under the assumption I have dealt before, I have not. I have dealt at my home games back in the day a time or two, I ended up being fine. I deal an event in St Louis then am trying to get set up for Tunica, buuuut I have a felony from when I was 18 (pre poker, never told story but long story short I got B&E charges for getting into a bunch of unlocked cars) and that ends my dealing career. So I move back home as the friend I was sharing a place with in Tulsa was on methadone and genuinely the dumbest guy I know. He was a highschool friend who I partied with a long time, but he ended up fucking me out of rent and didnt pay (just kept my money) and we get evicted.
Side note to the dealing job I had. I did play some poker in St Louis because the stop was so slow. I ended up making like 800$ dealing and 2k playing 1-2nlh while there. I play no poker when returning though, once again content to have any money at all.
I am still on methadone which my parents hate me being on it for obvious reasons. I get a job near them at a mushroom farm doing manual labor. I needed the exercise. Then get hired on to work in a warehouse driving a forklift for dick money. I do this for 6~ months or so.
I will do the next part picking up here. I make an unusual style return to poker. It is a great story imo and things get more positive.

Please, feel free to add any events below! Check out the Events Calendar and Visitor's Guide for more info!

Looking to meet up with people? Check out Meetup St. Louis.

New Year's Eve Events

• Ballpark Village
  • Ballpark Village is ringing in this New Year with added entertainment featuring the region's best DJ's along with the Pop 2000 tour hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of *NYSNC with performances by O-Town, Ryan Cabrera & LFO's Brad Fischetti.
• Brennan's Work & Leisure
  • Brennan’s Work & Leisure and Anti-Agency invite you on a space odyssey to celebrate the New Year, 2020.
  • Once aboard the ship, enjoy a premium bar selection, heavy appetizers of the future by Chef Josh Galliano (Companion Bakery, The Libertine) and interstellar desserts by Pastry Chef Tai Davis. Groove to the night's soundscape provided by DJ Black Guy, then step into the Zero Gravity Live Feed Photo Booth to send evidence of your journey back home.
  • All passengers must report to the orbiter near midnight for a live music performance, projection show and champagne toast to the New Year. Dress: modern cocktail attire / space shuttle launch
• Casino Queen
  • Casino Queen invites area residents to partake in one of St. Louis’ biggest parties of the decade during its New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, December 31. Guests will enjoy a specialty buffet, live DJ cranking out the tunes on the casino floor, a countdown to midnight with party favors for all and exclusive prize giveaways throughout the evening.
• Chase Park Plaza
  • Dress to impress for 7th Annual New Year's Eve Ball at The Chase Park Plaza. The celebration takes place in the legendary Khorassan Ballroom and will feature musical performances of DJ Greasy, Lamar Harris & The L, and a Frank Sinatra tribute.
  • Also, the event will have a premium open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, a balloon drop, and a champagne toast at midnight.
• Downtown NYE Bar Crawl
  • Take your tribe into the New Year at the 2020 NYE (New Year’s Eve) Bar Crawl taking place Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at many locations in St. Louis
  • Washington Ave Venues (List Can Change)
    • Lucas Park Grille (1234 Washington Ave)
    • Flannery's (1324 Washington Ave)
    • Rosalita's (1235 Washington Ave)
    • Hair Of The Dog (1212 Washington Ave)
    • 314 The City Bar (1137 Washington Ave)
    • Missouri Bar & Grill (701 N Tucker)
    • OveUnder (911 Washington Ave)
  • The Landing Venues (List Can Change)
    • Big Daddy's Landing (108 Morgan St)
    • Morgan Street Brewery (721 N 2nd St)
    • The Lou Eats & Drinks (710 N 2nd St)
• Evangeline’s Bistro and Music House
  • On New Year's Eve, Evangeline’s Bistro and Music House will host live music of all genres beginning at 6 p.m. until 12:45 a.m. The restaurant's full menu is served until 10 p.m. with a complimentary appetizer buffet from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and a champagne toast at midnight. No cover; cash bar. Tuesday, December 31, 6 p.m. to 12:45 a.m.
• From Skybar & Union 30
  • Your evening begins with a three-course, prix fixe dinner at the swanky Union 30 restaurant in Hotel Saint Louis, where options include a 30-ounce tomahawk ribeye, a 24-ounce dry-aged sous vide pork chop, or king crab legs. The $125 price includes admission to the NYE Blast at FORM Skybar on the 14th floor, which will host the Kim Massie Band, an open premium bar, and an appetizer buffet. There’s no charge for the prime view of the fireworks show at Kiener Plaza
• Four Seasons
  • In one of the most picturesque locations in all of Downtown St. Louis, meet us in the exclusive Sky Lobby to ring in the New Year. Recreating the eclectic energy of New York City, join us to watch the ball drop under the stars at midnight and move your feet to Spanky's Dueling Piano!
• Gateway Arch Riverboats
  • Ring in the new year with a view of the magnificent St. Louis skyline at this party cruise hosted by the Gateway Arch Riverboats. Featuring an elegant three-course dinner, open bar, DJ entertainment and a midnight champagne toast, the fun kicks off at 9 p.m. Reservations required.
• Helium Comedy Club
  • Ring in the New Year with an evening filled with laughter courtesy of Ryan Niemiller! Skip the chaos of the bars and enjoy a special night with food and drinks from the comfort of our restaurant, bar, lounge, and showroom.
• Hollywood Casino
  • Put a little Great Gatsby in your New Year’s Eve celebration with the Roaring '20s New Year’s Eve party at Hollywood Casino.
• Hyatt Regency
  • Ring in the new decade with two ballrooms with live music and fun at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch’s Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party. The celebration will include a delicious dinner buffet, an open bar, photo booth, party favors and live music throughout the evening from Groovethang and Broseph.
• The Last Hotel
  • Celebrate the last day of 2019 at The Last! Join others in the Lobby Bar + on their fabulous Rooftop and toast to the New Year in style.
• Molly's in Soulard
  • Get ready to party! Molly's In Soulard has one of the THE BEST New Years Eve parties in STL. They've got: 5 open bars, Two balloon drops, Champagne toasts, VIP buffets, VIP tables, and cabanas
• POP & Baileys' Chocolate Bar
  • One of the more appropriate places to ring in the new year and decade is POP, Dave and Kara Bailey’s bubbles bar and restaurant in Lafayette Square. This year, POP and Baileys’ Chocolate Bar (located upstairs) have teamed up to provide an all-inclusive celebration on December 31. The all-inclusive celebration begins at 9 p.m. Food stations include appetizers from POP and specialty desserts from Baileys’ Chocolate Bar. Tickets include beer, wine, bubbles, and cocktails, including chocolate martinis and dessert cocktails.
• Powell Symphony Hall
  • Music Director Stéphane Denève and the SLSO bring 2019 to a close at the BMO Wealth Management New Year’s Eve Celebration. Enjoy an evening of music and surprises at St. Louis’ best-kept secret. Bring family and friends together for this musical celebration you’ll remember throughout 2020.
• Tin Roof
  • Out with the old and in with a new decade. Celebrate with Tin Roof at their NYE "End of a Decade" Black and White Ball. Dress up in your best or come as you are and catch the best live music and DJ's around.
• Westport Social
  • Celebrating NYE at Westport Social means you can play like a kid while partying like an adult. For just a $25 cover, guests can play the full range of games at the Westport Plaza watering hole while also indulging in a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight and dance to live music.
• Wheelhouse
  • Another year in the books and there’s no other holiday party like Wheelhouse NYE. And nothing is better than closing out 2019 and starting 2020 with you, your closest friends and WH doin’ what they all do best, wild out.

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• Anheuser Busch Brewery Lights
  • November 22, 2019 - December 30, 2019
  • Brewery Lights is a family-friendly event, open to all ages at no cost. Guests can attend every Friday through Sunday, from 5 to 10 p.m.
  • Join others when they Flip The Switch on November 22nd with St. Louis Blues Captain, Alex Pietrangelo.
  • Witness and experience the magic of more than a million twinkling lights during the 34th annual Brewery Lights at the Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery! Guests are invited to stroll down Pestalozzi Street to marvel as the brewery is turned into a remarkable holiday experience with something for everyone, including a Kids Zone.
• Candy Cane Lane
  • December 2019
  • Every holiday season, the neighbors of this Saint Louis Hills street transform this ordinary lane into a winter wonderland that most of St. Louis knows as “Candy Cane Lane.” Hundreds of strands of Christmas Lights are strung, inflatable snowmen and Christmas trees are blown up, wreaths are hung, and even sand displays are made. Every year, hundreds of family-packed cars drive down Candy Cane Lane to see the wonderful Holiday sights.
• Disney on Ice Presents: Celebrate Memories
  • January 2-5, 2020
  • Your favorite Disney stories come to life at Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories, coming to Enterprise Center January 2-5! Sail along with Moana on her high-seas adventure and dance with Woody, Buzz and all the Toy Story friends. Feel inspired when love wins in Frozen and dreams come true for the Disney Princesses. Share the excitement and make new memories the whole family will treasure forever!
• First Fridays at the St. Louis Science Center
  • January 3, 2020
  • Learn the real science behind science fiction and mingle with others interested in the geekier side of life. Each month, First Friday features a different theme, hands-on activities, pub-style trivia, engaging presentations, photo opps for showing off your costume, and food and drink specials.
• Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden
  • November 23, 2019 - January 4, 2020
  • Garden Glow features a million lights surrounding visitors with a spectacle of unique installations amid some of the Garden’s most iconic locations. Enjoy interactive photo opportunities, traditional holiday music and festivities, delicious food and drinks and more as the Garden is transformed around you into a winter wonderland.
  • Santa will visit Garden Glow from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday nights from November 25 through December 17. (Note: Garden Glow is not open on Dec. 9.)
• History Made: St. Louis Blues Exhibit
  • Running until January 26, 2020
  • History was made on June 12, 2019. It’s a date that will forever live in St. Louis sports history. On that day, the St. Louis Blues hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time. On Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, the Missouri History Museum, in collaboration with the St. Louis Blues, will open History Made.
  • Featuring more than 20 artifacts on loan from the St. Louis Blues from the historic playoff run and the Stanley Cup Finals, History Made tells the story of the underdog team that took home the NHL’s highest honor and united its community in the process.
• Holiday in the Park at Six Flags
  • November 23 - January 1, 2020
  • A dazzling winter spectacular featuring more than a million glittering lights, holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, visits with Santa and many of our popular theme park rides. Combine holiday traditions with a thrilling family experience that is uniquely Six Flags.
  • Six Flags St. Louis extends its season and will be open weekends and select weekdays from November 23 through January 1, 2020 for this one-of-a-kind magical event.
  • A unique mix of holiday cheer with some of your favorite coasters & thrill rides makes Holiday in the Park a family tradition like no other. Meet Santa Claus in the North Pole or jump on Mind Eraser or Roar for a mid-winter rush. Then you can roast marshmallows near a cracking wood fire before you catch one of our many holiday shows.
• Holiday Spirits Holiday Pop Up Bar
  • November 29, 2019 - January 9, 2020
  • Looking for somewhere new to get your party on this Holiday Season? For just a few weeks only, Oaked will be providing the very best in holiday-themed libations, good food, and an immersive atmosphere.
  • Housed in a historic brick building with almost 6,000 sq. feet of space (excluding the outdoor heated patio & bar), featuring 3 bars, and 2 levels of fun. Once inside, you’ll be transported to a Winter Wonderland and treated like family. Santa Claus will be on hand to spread holiday cheer and greet our guests as they arrive.
  • Oaked is located at 1031 Lynch St. St. Louis, MO 63118
• Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits at the Botanical Garden
  • Kwanzaa is a Swahili term that means “first fruits,” and this contemporary African-American holiday centers around the feast table of the harvest. A Kwanzaa ceremony highlights a day of storytelling, craft and jewelry displays, and authentic African drumming and musical performances.
• The Loading Dock Ice Rink in Grafton, IL
  • November 23, 2019 - March 8, 2020
  • It’s that time of year! The Loading Dock Bar & Grill in Grafton is gearing up for the Grand Re-Opening of their Ice Skating Rink on Saturday, November 23rd. Each November The Boatworks is transformed into a Winter Wonderland offering ice skating, s’mores tables, and a full menu and bar, that is sure to entertain adults and kids alike.
  • The rink will be open Friday, Saturday, & Sunday through March 8. 2020 with extended hours during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. Special events this year include a visit from Santa and a New Years Eve party.
• Miracle Christmas Pop Up Bar
  • November 25, 2019 - December 31, 2019
  • Venue: Small Change 2800 Indiana Avenue St. Louis, MO 63118
  • Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.
• Polar Express Train Ride
  • November 29, 2019 - December 30, 2019
  • Guests will take a real train ride from St. Louis Union Station to the 'North Pole' and discover the magical journey of one boy's search for the real meaning of Christmas. The Train Ride departs from St. Louis Union Station for a 45-minute adventure to the North Pole. The train ride is promised to be filled with magic, songs, and cheer.
• Soulard Farmer's Market
  • Wednesday - Saturday
  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Soulard Farmers Market is located at 730 Carroll Street in St. Louis, Missouri, a half mile north of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. The market is open Wednesday through Saturday, year round. They feature locally grown and shipped in goods, including: produce, meats, cheeses, spices, gourmet kettle corn, flowers, baked goods, and general merchandise. There are also several different eateries that have many food options, which allows customers the convenience to grab a quick bite to eat and a drink while shopping.
• Steinberg Ice Skating Rink in Forest Park
  • November 15, 2019 - March 1, 2020
  • Steinberg Skating Rink is the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, offering public skating all day, everyday—including all holidays. Your skate admission is valid for all day. You may arrive at anytime during business hours & skate as long as you like.
• Up on the Rooftop Holiday Pop-up Cocktail Experience
  • November 29, 2019 - December 31, 2019
  • Go "Up on the Rooftop" for a whimsical holiday cocktail pop-up experience with extreme decor and delicious seasonal drinks, small plates and more. Three Sixty at the top of the Hilton at the Ballpark overlooks the downtown lights and the glowing Gateway Arch. Cozy indoor spaces and outdoor patio fire pits.
• Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
  • November 29, 2019 - December 30, 2019
  • Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo offers a chance for you to stroll through an enchanting holiday experience.
• WinterMarkt at Urban Chestnut
  • November 30, 2019 - December 21, 2019 (Saturdays Only)
  • Usher in the holiday season with a “traditional” European WinterMarkt at Urban Chestnut’s Midtown Brewery & Biergarten. Eat, drink, and be merry with local vendors on hand for holiday shopping
• Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park
  • November 22, 2019 - January 2, 2020
  • 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
  • Enjoy a stroll through more than one million twinkling lights at Winter Wonderland. Tickets are $6, not including MetroTix fees. Pre-registration is required. Dogs on a leash, cameras, strollers and wagons are all welcome. Desserts, hot chocolate, and other beverages will be available for purchase. Also, be on the lookout for a special visitor from the North Pole until 8:45 pm!
• Winterfest at the Arch
  • November 23 - January 26, 2019 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)
  • A favorite St. Louis winter tradition for all ages, the fourth annual Winterfest, presented by Bank of America and World Wide Technologies returns to Kiener Plaza and features a community ice rink, a Winter Market shopping district, reserved Igloo seating with Sugarfire table service and more exciting events than ever before.

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Sporting Events This Week

• St. Louis Cardinals schedule
• St. Louis Blues schedule
• St. Louis FC schedule
• Gateway Grizzlies schedule
• Gateway Motorsports Park

Attractions Around the Area

• Anheuser-Busch Brewery
• City Museum
• Gateway Arch
• Missouri History Museum
• National Blues Museum
• St. Louis Aquarium
• St. Louis Art Museum
• St. Louis Science Center
• St. Louis Zoo

Recurring Outdoor Activities

• Big Muddy Adventures – STL Riverfront Adventure
  • Big Muddy Adventures was established in 2002. They are the first professional outfitteguiding company providing access to the wild wonders of the Middle Mississippi and Lower Missouri Rivers.
• Hidden Valley Zip Tour
  • ZipTour zip lines take about 2.5 hours to complete. Tours run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Riders are assigned to tour groups which are escorted through the course by two safety guides.
• Hidden Valley Ski Resort
  • Running until March 1, 2020
  • Always check the Snow Report before coming out to Hidden Valley for updates on snow and tubing conditions. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are weather-dependent activities and conditions and hours are subject to change without notice.​

Recurring Events on the Mississippi River

• Gateway Arch Events

Comedy This Week

• Funny Bone Comedy Club
• Helium Comedy Club
• The Improv Shop

Live Music This Week

• SoFar St. Louis
  • Experience the Gateway to the West with Sofar! From The Grove to Cherokee Street to The Loop, they're reimagining live events through curated, secret performances in intimate settings. Come mingle with touring acts, local and international artists, fellow music lovers and our imaginative hosts.
• St. Louis Symphony Concert Calendar
  • Celebrated as one of today's most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 140th year with the 2019/2020 season and its first with Music Director Stéphane Denève. Widely considered one of the world's finest orchestras, the SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community connections – all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.
• This calendar includes the following venues.
  • Blueberry Hill Duck Room
  • Delmar Hall
  • Halo Bar
  • The Pageant
• Other Live Music Venue Calendars
  • Atomic Cowboy
  • BB's Jazz, Blues & Soups
  • Chesterfield Amphitheater
  • Broadway Oyster Bar
  • Enterprise Center
  • The Fabulous Fox Theatre
  • Fubar
  • Game 6 Honky Tonk
  • Firebird
  • Off Broadway
  • Old Rock House
  • Sheldon Concert Hall
  • Stifel Theatre
  • St. Louis Blues Museum
  • The Ready Room
  • Venice Cafe

Recreational cannabis is not legal yet, but many Canadians are taking advantage of it to make a fortune. At least 77 of them have accumulated millions of dollars in just a few months thanks to their investments in the industry, according to data compiled by our Investigation Bureau.
"I knew the pot was a good investment, but no one in the community thought it would pay so much," says Chuck Rifici, head of the Cannabis Wheaton investment fund and former chief financial officer of the Liberal Party of Canada. (PLC).
At 43, the one who is described as the "pot godfather" in Canada sits on a personal fortune that he himself estimates to "more than 100 million", including $ 47.7 million in potato producer shares , according to public financial documents.
He owns a Ferrari 458 red and a Tesla S.
It all started with a first investment of $ 70 in shares in his company Tweed, a pot producer (now Canopy Growth). "I thought I was rich when I made my first $ 500,000," jokes the Ottawa businessman.
Mr. Rifici said today that he continues to work only "for pleasure". "It's a lot less stressful."
Big risks
On the other side of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Sébastien St-Louis, 34, has a fortune of $ 15.4 million. His company founded in 2013, Hydropothecary, is valued at $ 660 million on the stock market.
The path to get there was not easy. "I almost went broke at least four times. My credit card was used up to $ 30,000.
Stories like that of Rifici and Saint-Louis, who have become millionaires before even a single gram of recreational pot is sold legally, are in the dozens of industries.
Establishing the list of Millionaire Canadians in the pot helps to make the following observations:
The vast majority, 58% (45 out of 77), are from Ontario. Only 4 come from Quebec (5%). Out of 77 millionaires, there are only three women. Wealth is extremely concentrated Speculative bubble ?
The stock market value of pot companies exploded last year as a result of Trudeau government announcements on the upcoming legalization in 2018.
New Brunswicker Denis Arsenault bought a medical cannabis producer in 2014 for $ 1.7 million. Its acquisition, the company Organigram, is worth half a billion dollars today. "It was like going to the casino when I invested in it, at first," he laughs.
Although Canadians are still divided over the legalization of cannabis and the banks are very reluctant to invest in this industry, investors are now jostling to the gates to the point where there is fear of a speculative bubble.
According to several experts, the current frenzy is similar to the tech bubble in the late 1990s, because they are extremely volatile.
"There are companies that are not in cannabis, just saying that they are interested in the industry and boom, their shares are tripling," says portfolio management analyst Ken Lester, president of Lester Asset Management.

• With the collaboration of Marie-Christine Trottier and Andrea Valeria

They roll on gold thanks to their investments in the pot
THE GODFATHER OF THE POT
PHOTO ANNABELLE BLAIS Chuck Rifici has inherited the nickname "godfather" of the pot industry. And for good reason, this 43-year-old Franco-Ontarian estimates his fortune to more than $ 100 million (including at least $ 47.7 million in shares of pot producers, according to public financial documents).
He has two characteristics common to many millionaires in this industry: he is an entrepreneur and he has political connections, particularly with the Liberal Party of Canada (PLC).
In 2013, Mr. Rifici co-founded Tweed, now Canopy Growth, Canada's largest pot company.
Since 2017, he has been CEO of Cannabis Wheaton, an investment firm in pot companies, including producers or manufacturers of accessories. Wheaton has about fifteen partnerships, a huge spider web.
Two ex of the PLC
In parallel, the businessman was also CFO of the PLC from 2011 to 2016.
"Being treasurer of the PLC, it gives credibility when you meet investors for pot," he says. Wheaton's vice president of external affairs, Sarah Bain, was also vice president of communications for the LPC from 2010 to 2013.
Mr. Rifici even believes that the controversy provoked by this situation has helped him to talk about his businesses. "All press is good press," he says.
But this has exacerbated tensions between him and his partner Bruce Linton and Rifici left Tweed in 2014 (see other text).
He is now investing mainly in accessories such as vape. "I believe the future of this industry will be in these value-added products," he says. It's important to have a distribution and production network, but in a Starbuck coffee, it's not the coffee bean that pays the most, "he says.
THE SOCIALIST IN JAGUAR
PIERRE-PAUL POULIN PICTURES Wearing a three-piece suit and cell phone in hand, Bruce Linton, CEO of Canopy Growth, is the image of the successful businessman.
"Because I sell cannabis, people always expect to see a guy in a faded T-shirt," he jokes.
Mr. Linton now heads one of the largest cannabis producers in Canada. He first founded Tweed in 2013 (then joined Canopy Growth) with Chuck Rifici, former CFO of the Liberal Party of Canada.
When asked why there are so many Liberals in the industry, he replies, "I do not know why there are a lot of Liberals in the industry. I'm not. You know what I am? I am a socialist who likes to ride in Jaguar. "
And he has the means to pay for luxury cars. On paper, Mr. Linton's fortune is valued at more than $ 67 million.
Potty drink
In five years, Canopy Growth has acquired 13 cannabis production sites in eight Canadian provinces, including two in Quebec. The company has also developed partnerships to export or cultivate with Australia, Brazil, Germany, Jamaica, Denmark and Chile.
Bruce Linton does not want to stop there. He has a clear vision for the future: to sell a cannabis drink. Canopy has signed an agreement this fall with Constellation, which sells Corona beers.
Linton is already following in the footsteps of Seagram distiller Bronfman family, who made a fortune with alcohol at the end of the prohibition.
"I want to provide a bottle-like format with 12-13% that produces effects after 7 minutes," he says. This is the socially accepted way to be impaired. "
NOT YET MILLIONAIRES, BUT ALMOST
MARTIN ALARIE PHOTO Quebecker Philippe Depault is not yet a millionaire of the pot, but he is about to succeed.
The 26-year-old entrepreneur (left) and his partner Alexandre Lalancette, 23 years old (right) have just sold their cannabis accessories business, Maïtri, for $ 550,000 in addition to an amount of up to 1.2 M $ to be paid to the performance.
Pretty surprising when we know that Maïtri made his first sale in July 2017 only.
Mr. Depault was a cyclist with the Canadian team dreaming of the Olympics until fibromyalgia changed his life in 2013.
No medicine was able to relieve him, except cannabis. He then gave himself the mission to fight against the stigmatization of consumers.
Soon more Quebeckers?
The chemical engineering student started by blogging in the summer of 2016. Then in March 2017, he joined Mr. Lalancette to create neatly designed cannabis accessories with Quebec materials.
"Cannabis is still associated with stoners ," he says. But around me, almost everyone uses cannabis, either once a day or once a year. They are engineers, doctors, lawyers. It was to this clientele that he wanted to address himself. An investor has injected from $ 30,000 to $ 100,000, says Mr. Depault. And in July, the company was about to open a round of financing when Hiku, which owns the DOJA pot producer, made an offer to buy. The agreement was concluded in February.
Mr. Depault hopes to see more Quebeckers in the industry. "We start to feel the wave. "
A QUEBECER WHO SEES BIG
PHOTO ANNABELLE BLAIS When Sébastien St-Louis was younger, his idol was not a hockey player, but Alain Bouchard, the founder of Couche-Tard.
"It's the biggest company in terms of sales in Canada and it [Mr. Bouchard] started with only one store in Quebec. I recognize myself a lot in this story, "he says.
The 34-year-old is describing himself as an entrepreneur who seized the business opportunity of medical cannabis in 2013.
His firm, Hydropothecary, based in Gatineau, is the first licensed pot producer in Quebec. Recently, the company won an agreement to supply 22,000 kg to the Quebec Cannabis Company, the SAQ subsidiary that will market the substance.
With a market capitalization of $ 660,000 million for Hydropothecary, Sébastien St-Louis is sitting on a fortune of more than $ 15.4 million.
But this son of teacher parents has not changed his lifestyle so much, except that he travels more.
"I drove in Grand Am for 12 years. I changed to a 2012 Acura, he says. A Ferrari is not my style. "
Thanks to the family
It must be said that the path of the producer was fraught with difficulties and that the bankruptcy was avoided more than once.
At 16, he already had his own 3D simulation company and he was investing in real estate. With a master's degree in finance from the Université du Québec à Montréal, he later worked at the Business Development Bank of Canada.
In June 2013, at age 29, his friend Maxime Cyr, who worked for Health Canada, told him that the federal government would allow private producers to sell medical cannabis. Sébastien St-Louis had never seen a pot plant before, but he smelled the potential.
He embarked on the project his brother-in-law Adam Miron, a political enthusiast who became involved with the Liberal Party of Canada until 2009.
Unable to get finance from the banks, the two men appealed to friends and family for a first round of private funding in 2013. "With $ 10,000, we could put $ 1.5 million," he said. His parents even mortgaged their home to invest $ 100,000.
"If it did not work, I went bankrupt and lost my house, but there was no longer a couch of friends I could have slept on because I would have lost money to all those I knew, "he says.
Light appeared at the end of the tunnel when Health Canada authorized the company to sell medical pot in 2015.
Big names on the board
In 2016, he approached large families in Quebec looking for partners. Vincent Chiara, a Montreal businessman close to the Saputo family, has agreed to invest several millions in the adventure. He currently sits on the Board and his fortune in the company is valued at $ 25.5 million.
Sébastien St-Louis is also very proud to say that Nathalie Bourque, who serves on Couche-Tard's Board of Directors, has joined Hydropothecary's board since the fall. The convenience store chain has already announced that it wants to sell marijuana.
The boss of Hydropothecary believes that in the near future, there will remain only two or three companies that will be multinational cannabis. "I intend to be a leader from our platform in Quebec," he says.
MUSIC AND POT FOR THE TRAGICALLY HIP
PHOTO COURTESY DAVID BASTEDO Music and cannabis have always been closely linked. Newstrike understands it. For almost a year now, the company that markets Up Cannabis, a pot producer in Ontario, has developed a partnership with The Tragically Hip.
The Canadian rock band is a shareholder in the company and is involved in important marketing decisions.
Their managers, Bernie Breen and Patrick Sambrook, also sit on the company's advisory board. Up Cannabis can, for example, use the band's songs to promote its products or to name its pot varieties.
It is worth $ 20.9 million
"We've approached them because they can help us create a brand and they represent Canada," says Jay Wilgar, CEO of Newstrike.
The latter made a fortune with a wind energy start-up he founded in the early 2000s and sold it to the French multinational GDF Suez in 2010.
In 2013, he launched into cannabis by investing 1.5 million with a partner. Mr. Wilgar is worth about $ 20.9 million today. The Hips' fortune in the business is at least $ 2.2 million
"We did not expect such a large and fast growth in the last year, it's amazing," he says.
The strategy of Up Cannabis is to address Mr. Mrs. Everybody, like the Hips. The company will focus on the recreational and has no medical patient.
MORE PROFITABLE THAN CUCUMBERS
PHOTO COURTESY APHRIA For John Cervini, growing cannabis was a natural extension of his vegetable growing career in Ontario.
"I am the fourth generation of farmers. For 23 years, I ran the family business with my brother, "he says. The company was growing well, but John preferred to leave because the two brothers had different visions.
His friend Cole Cacciavillani, an industrial engineer in agriculture, told him about cannabis in August 2013. The company, Aphria, is one of six producers who signed an agreement to supply Quebec with cannabis through the subsidiary of the SAQ.
"As a farmer, we knew we had a good base for marijuana," says Cervini. It is our specialty to grow plants, we have experience in logistics and large-scale supply, "he says.
He seems to have won his bet. The best-performing stock on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2017 was Aphria, which rose 271%. The fortune of the two founders today stands at more than $ 200 million.
Thanks to Google translation http://www.journaldequebec.com/2018/03/03/au-moins-77-canadiens-millionnaires-grace-au-cannabis

Edit 4/4: The lineup has dropped, bold denotes acts playing
This is a list of acts that are potentially in and are most certainly out for OSLs 2017, I mostly stuck to notable names so that I only had to turn over hundreds of rocks rather than thousands. I intend to update this list via edit from now until the lineup drop (within 30 days at this point I should think). If you want to add someone to this list just comment below and I will modify the list and credit your handle next to the edit. If you want to find someone in particular quickly I suggest you use ctrl F.
Out due to gigs at AT&T Park/Levi's Stadium in San Francisco and Santa Clara CA (May through November)

• U2: Levi's Stadium May 17th
• Mumford & Sons: Levi's Stadium May 17th
• James Taylor: AT&T Park July 29th
• Bonnie Raitt: AT&T Park July 29th
• Lady Gaga: AT&T Park August 13th
• Coldplay: Levi's Stadium October 4th
• Tove Lo: Levi's Stadium October 4th Edit 3/29/17: moved from "Potential undercard" (undeadsinatra)

Out due to gigs at the Oracle arena in Oakland CA (May through November)

• E-40: May 20th Edit 3/20/17: added
• Schoolboy Q: May 20th Edit 3/20/17: moved from "potential undercard"
• IAMSU!: May 20th Edit 3/21/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Nef The Pharaoh: May 20th Edit 3/21/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Roger Waters: June 10th
• Tool: Edit 4/3/17: moved from "Potential Undercard" June 21st (BurtCracklin)
• Iron Maiden: July 5th
• Shawn Mendes: July 11th
• J. Cole: July 14th & 15th
• Ed Sheeran August 2nd Edit 3/8/17: moved from "potential undercard" (basedgod94)
• Green Day: August 5th
• Catfish and the Bottlemen: August 5th
• Depeche Mode: October 10th
• Bruno Mars: November 3rd

Out due to gigs at the SAP Center in San Jose CA (May through November)

• Chris Brown: May 18th
• 50 Cent: May 18th
• Roger Waters: June 7th
• Queen + Adam Lambert: June 29th
• Bruno Mars: July 20th & 21st
• Daryl Hall & John Oates: July 25th
• Tears for Fears: July 25th
• Depeche Mode: October 8th

Out due to gigs at the Golden One Center in Sacramento CA (May through November)

• Lionel Richie: May 2nd
• Mariah Carey: May 2nd
• The Chainsmokers: May 4th
• Kiiara: May 4th
• Chris Brown: May 13th
• 50 Cent: May 13th
• Roger Waters: June 12th
• Tool: June 23 Edit 4/3/17: added
• Bruno Mars: July 18th
• Daryl Hall & John Oates: July 23rd
• Tears for Fears: July 23rd
• John Mayer: July 27th
• Ed Sheeran August 1st Edit 3/8/17: added
• Lady Gaga: August 15th

Out due to gigs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View CA (May through November)

• Chris Stapleton: June 2nd
• Dead & Company: June 3rd & 4th
• Future: June 15th
• Migos: June 15th
• Tory Lanez: June 15th
• Kodak: June 15th
• Korn (lol): June 22nd
• Train: July 8th
• John Mayer: July 29th
• Steve Miller Band: August 12th Edit 4/1/17
• Jimmy Eat World: August 16th
• Incubus: August 16th
• Kings of Leon: August 24th
• Nathaniel Rateliff & the NightSweats: August 24th Edit 3/17/17: (dml26 from the Coachella forums)
• Cheap Trick: September 2nd Edit 3/22/17
• Nickelback (lol): September 3rd
• Muse: September 15th
• Thirty Seconds to Mars: September 15th
• Sublime with Rome: September 27th Edit 3/15/17: added
• The Offspring: September 27th Edit 3/15/17: added
• Zac Brown Band: October 27th

Out due to gigs at the Concord Pavilion in Concord CA (May through November)

• Kidz Bop (lol): June 2nd
• Deftones: July 6th
• Rise Against: July 6th

Out due to gigs at the Greek Theatre in Berkley CA (May through November)

• Jean-Michel Jarre: May 26th
• John Legend: May 27th
• Ryan Adams: June 2nd
• Elvis Costello & the Imposters: June 3rd
• Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: June 24th
• Miike Snow: July 1st Edit 3/20/17: added (COAchillENT)
• Phantogram: July 1st Edit 3/20/17: moved from "potential undercard" (COAchillENT)
• Slightly Stoopid: July 22nd
• Iration: July 22nd Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• J Boog: July 22nd Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• The Movement: July 22nd Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Third Eye Blind: July 23rd
• Jack Johnson: July 26th & 27th
• Portugal. the Man: July 28th
• Local Natives: July 28th
• Hans Zimmer: August 9th Edit 4/3/17: added (mknap24)
• Primus: August 18th Edit 3/20/17: added (COAchillENT)
• Clutch: August 18th Edit 3/20/17: added
• Willie Nelson & Friends: August 19th Edit 3/23/17: added
• Rancid: August 20th
• Dropkick Murphys: August 20th
• Mac Demarco: September 8th

Out due to gigs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco CA (May through November)

• The Chainsmokers: May 5th & 6th
• Kiiara: May 5th & 6th
• Kyle: May 6th Edit 3/23/17: added
• At the Drive in: May 12th
• Martin Garrix: May 17th to 19th Edit 3/17/17: added (siberian_huskies)
• DreamSTATE: May 27th & 28th
• Kehlani: June June 17th
• Run the Jewels: July 22nd
• Slayer: August 9th
• Lamb of God: August 9th

Out due to gigs at the Masonic in San Francisco CA (May through November)

• Brandi Carlile: May 6th
• Dan TDB: May 7th
• PJ Harvey: May 9th
• Modest Mouse: May 27th
• Julieta Venegas: June 1st
• Duran Duran: July 8th
• Natalie Merchant: July 20th
• Adam Ant: September 29th

Out due to gigs at the Fox theater in Oakland CA (May through November)

• Flogging Molly: May 4th Edit 3/15/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• White Buffalo: May 4th Edit 3/15/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Old Crow Medicine Show: May 6th
• The Flaming Lips: May 10th
• Conor Oberst: May 12th
• Julien Baker: May 12th Edit 3/22/17: added
• The Jesus and Mary Chain: May 20th
• Midnight Oil: May 27th
• Trey Songz: June 2nd Edit 3/22/17: added
• King Crimson: June 16th & 17th Edit 3/22/17: added second date
• Seu Jorge: June 24th Edit 3/22/17: added
• Duran Duran: July 7th Edit 3/22/17: added
• All Time Low: July 8th
• The Decemberists: August 17th Edit 3/27/17: added (COAchillENT)
• Sylvan Esso: August 22nd & 23rd Edit 3/22/17: added second date
• Elbow: November 13th

Edit 4/3/17 (undeadsinatra) added: Out due to gigs at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga CA (May through November

• The Moody Blues: June 6th
• Sheryl Crow w. Margaret Glaspy: June 10th
• John Mellencamp w. Emmylou Harris, Carlene Carter and Lily & Madeleine: June 13th
• King Crimson: June 15th
• TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb' Mo' Band: June 16th
• The Specials: June 17th
• Gordon Lightfoot: June 18th
• Ziggy Marley: June 20th
• Andrew Bird: June 30th (moved from "potential undercard")
• Martina McBride: July 2nd
• Blondie & Garbage w. John Doe & Exene Cervenka: July 5th (Blondie moved form "potential undercard)
• Chris Isaak: July 9th
• Happy Together Tour 2017- The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, The Association, The Cowsills, The Box Tops, The Archies & Ron Dante: July 12th
• The Roots: July 13th
• The Temptations/The Four Tops: July 14th
• Lyle Lovett & His Large Band: July 18th
• Natalie Merchant: July 19th
• 2CELLOS: July 20th
• Retro Futura: featuring Howard Jones, The English Beat, Men Without Hats, Modern English, Paul Young & Katrina.: July 21st
• R&B Remix Tour featuring Bobby Brown, After 7 & Tony Toni Tone: July 22nd
• Kool & The Gang & The Village People: July 23rd
• Buddy Guy & Johnny Lang: July 29th
• Frankie Valley & The Four Seasons: July 29th
• Violent Femmes / Echo & The Funnymen: July 30th
• The Band Perry: August 1st
• Diana Krall: August 2nd
• Morris Day & The Time, Zapp & Lakeside: August 3rd
• Rodrigo y Gabriela: August 4th
• ABBA tribute act: August 6th
• Boz Scaggs / Michael McDonald: August 8th
• Jake Owen w. Drew Baldridge: August 9th
• Huey Lewis & The News: August 12th
• Jill Scott: August 13th
• Wille Nelson & Kacey Musgraves: August 15th (Kacey Musgraves moved from "potential undercard")
• Gregory Alan Isakov / Blind Pilot: August 16th
• Seal: August 17th
• Beatles tribute band: August 18th
• The Chick Corea Elektric Band / Bela Fleck & The Flecktones: August 19th
• Brian Ferry w Judith Owen: August 21st
• St. Paul & The Broken Bones / Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue: August 22nd
• Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo / TOTO: August 23d
• Pink Martini: August 24th
• Kamasi Washington: August 25th
• Lake Street Dive: August 26th
• Dwight Yoakum with The Blasters & King Leg: August 27th
• Yes: August 28th
• ZZ Top & The Doobie Brothers: August 29th (ZZ Top moved from "potential undercard")
• Chicago: August 30th
• Lost 80's Live - featuring Tony Hadley formerly of Spandau Ballet, Cutting Crew, Wang Chung, Berlin, The Flirts, Naked Eyes, Missing Persons, The Motels & Pretty Poison.: September 2nd
• I Love The 90's Tour featuring Salt-N-Pepa, Color Me Badd, O-Town & Young MC.: September 3rd
• Steve Winwood.: September 5th
• George Benson / Kenny G: September 7th
• Indigo Girls: Septmeber 8th
• The Gipsy Kings: Septmber 10th
• Café Tacuba: September 14th (moved from "potential undercard")
• Tribal Seeds / Pepper: September 16th
• Il Divo: September 17th
• Michael Franti & Spearhead: September 19th
• The Beach Boys: September 22nd
• Adam Ant: September 28th
• The Mavericks w. special guest JD McPherson: October 7th
• Brian Wilson Performs Pet Sounds: October 13th (moved from "potential headliners")

Out due to gigs at the Warfield in San Francisco CA (May through November)

• Rodriguez: May 25th
• Bush: June 1st
• Streetlight Manifesto: June 29th
• Kansas: September 12th Edit 4/3/17: added (amwoods13)

Out due to gigs at the Fillmore in San Francisco CA (May through November)

• Willie Nelson & Family: May 2nd-6th
• Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness: May 7th
• Atlas Genius: May 7th
• Aimee Mann: May 12th
• Jonathan Coulton: May 12th
• Wale: May 13th
• Sammy Hagar: May 15th Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Pat Benatar: May 15th Edit 3/28/17: Moved from "Potential Undercard" (undeadsinatra)
• Neil Giraldo: May 15th Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Don Felder: May 15th Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Mick Fleetwood: May 15th Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Dave Grohl: May 15th Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Viv Johnson: May 15th Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Sarah McLachlan: May 15th Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Steve Vai: May 15th Edit 3/28/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Bob Weir: May 15th Edit 3/28/17: Moved from "Potential Undercard" (undeadsinatra)
• Dustbowl Revival: May 20th
• The Mountain Goats: June 1st & 2nd
• Seether: June 5th
• Vulfpeck: June 6th & 7th
• Corinne Bailey Rae June 8th Edit 4/3/17: added (amwoods13)
• Hurray for the Riff Raff: June 11th
• The Record Company: June 16th
• Cat Power: June 25th Edit 4/3/17: added (amwoods13)
• The Revolution July 11th-12th Edit 4/3/17: added (amwoods13)
• The Psychedelic Furs (with Robyn Hitchcock): July 25th Edit 4/3/17: added (amwoods13)
• Toad the Wet Sprocket: August 3rd Edit 4/3/17: added (amwoods13)
• Alison Moyet: September 25th Edit 4/3/17: added (amwoods13)
• Saint Etienne (October 4th) Edit 4/3/17: added (amwoods13)

Out due to playing Bottlerock in Napa CA (May 26th-28th, this is just the first several lines)

• Foo Fighters
• Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
• Maroon 5
• Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
• Modest Mouse
• Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
• The Roots
• Silversun Pickups
• Band of Horses
• Fitz & the Tantrums
• Dirty Heads
• Live
• The Naked and Famous
• The Devil Makes three
• Michael Franti & Spearhead
• Gavin Degraw
• St. Lucia
• House of Pain
• Bob Moses
• Catfish & the Bottlemen
• Saint Motel
• The Strumbellas
• Alunageorge
• Galactic Edit 3/20/17: added
• Con Brio Edit 3/20/17: added
• Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires Edit 3/22/17: added

Out due to playing Santa Cruz American music festival in Santa Cruz CA (May 27th & 28th)

• Melissa Etheridge
• Devil Makes Three
• The Rides (Stephen Still, Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Barry Goldberg)
• Mavis Staples
• JJ Grey & Mofro
• The Wood Brothers
• The Record Company
• The Brothers Comatose
• Baskery
• Barns Courtney

Out due to playing Colossal Clusterfest in San Francisco CA (June 2nd-4th)

• Ice Cube
• Tegan and Sara
• Chromeo
• Lil Dicky
• Ty Segall
• Vince Staples
• Lizzo
• Preservation Hall Jazz Band
• Jidenna

Out due to playing Phono Del Sol Music and Food Festival in San Francisco CA (June 17th)

• Thee Oh Sees
• The Coathangers
• Jay Som
• Sean Hayes

Out due to playing Id1ot Fest in Mountain View CA (June 24th & 25th)

• Weezer
• Girl Talk
• TV on the Radio
• Madeon
• Zeds Dead
• OK GO
• Lord Huron
• Car Seat Headrest
• The Mowgli's
• Ron Gallo
• Animal Collective
• Crystal Castles
• Robert Delong
• Mothers
• Jai Wolf
• Troyboi

Out due to playing Burger Boogaloo in Oakland CA (July 1st & 2nd)

• Buzz Cock
• X
• John Waters
• Guitar Wolf
• NRBQ
• Edit 3/8/17: Iggy Pop (moved from potential undercard)

Out due to playing San Jose Jazz Summer Fest in San Jose CA (same weekend as OSLs)

• George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
• Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio
• Angelique Kidjo
• Chris Botti
• Maceo Parker
• The Whispers

Out due to playing Flow festival in Finland (same weekend as OSLs)

• Lana Del Rey
• Aphex Twin
• Young Thug
• Car Seat Headrest
• The xx
• Flume
• Sampha
• Frank Ocean
• Ryan Adams
• Moderat
• Vince Staples
• Angel Olsen
• Jenny Hval
• Sparks
• Edit (amwoods13) 3/30/17 added: London Grammar

Out due to playing Boardmasters festival in the UK (same weekend as OSLs)

• Two Door Cinema Club
• The Flaming Lips
• Jagwar Ma
• Gorgon City
• Jake Bugg
• Pete Tong
• Alt-J Edit Contested by mknap24 on 3/8/17 to be put back in the "potential undercard".
• Stormzy
• Ziggy Marley
• Hot Since 82
• Edit (omik11) 3/12/17 added: Tourist

Out due to playing Way out West festival in Sweden (same weekend as OSLs)

• Angel Olsen
• Chance the Rapper
• Danny Brown
• Feist
• Frank Ocean
• Lana Del Rey
• Mac Demarco
• Major Lazer
• Pixies
• Ryan Adams
• The Black Madonna
• The Shins
• The XX
• Thee Oh Sees
• Young Thug

Out due to playing Smukfest in Denmark (same weekend as OSLs)

• DJ Snake
• Ellie Goulding
• Major Lazer
• Mark Ronson
• Alesso

Out due to playing Oya Festival in Norway (same weekend as OSLs)

• M0
• Vince Staples
• Car Seat Headrest
• Pixies
• The Shins
• Cashmere Cat
• Angel Olsen

Out due to playing SonneMondSterne Festival in Germany (same weekend as OSLs)

• Major Lazer
• Steve Aoki
• Marshmello
• Galantis
• Dillion Francis
• Boys Noize
• Zeds Dead
• Martin Garrix
• Edit 4/3/17 added: Bloody Beetroots

Out due to playing Boomtown Fair in the UK (same weekend as OSLs)

• M.I.A
• Cypress Hill
• Sublime with Rome
• The Original Blues Brothers Band
• Ziggy Marley
• Toots & the Maytals
• Edit 3/8/17 added: The Specials

Out due to playing Haven Festival in Denmark (same weekend as OSLs)

• Band of Horses
• Beach house
• Chance the Rapper
• Conor Oberst
• Feist
• Iggy Pop
• SBTRKT
• The National

Probably out due to Sziget Festival in Hungary (same weekend as OSLs, note that this festival is seven days long and therefore it is possible that some of the names below will make it to OSLs, we'll know more when the day by day breakdown comes out)

• Kasabian
• Major Lazer
• Flume
• PJ Harvey
• Interpol
• Two Door Cinema Club
• Charli XCX
• George Ezra
• The Kills
• Steve Aoki
• Bad Religion
• the Pretty Reckless
• DJ Shadow
• Danny Brown
• Crystal Fighters
• Mac Demarco
• The Naked and Famous
• Oh Wonder
• Cashmere Cat
• Edit added 3/8/17: Alt-J Edit Contested by mknap24 on 3/8/17 to be put back in the "potential undercard".

The following are acts that were in the first six lines of OSLs in 2015 and 2016 that are not already ruled out above and can safely be assumed out for this year.
Headliners

• Radiohead (2016)
• LCD Soundsystem (2016)
• Elton John (2015)
• The Black Keys (2015)

2016

• Duran Duran
• Zedd
• Major Lazer
• Air
• Sufjan Stevens
• Miguel
• Halsey
• Big Grams (Big Boi + Phantogram)
• Grimes
• Jason Isbell
• Miike Snow
• Kehlani
• The Last Shadow Puppets
• Griz
• Brandi Carlile
• Thomas Jack
• Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats
• Foals
• Jauz
• The Claypool Lennon Delirium
• Years & Years
• Edit (scrubbub) 3/7/17: Whitney (moved from potential undercard)
• Edit (spiderman49) 3/7/17: Snakehips (moved from potential undercard)
• Edit (Vasoline Groove on the Coachella forums) 3/16/17: added: Anderson .Paak
• Edit 3/20/17: added: Con Brio
• Edit 3/24/17: Lettuce (moved from potential undercard)
• Edit (scrubbub) 3/29/17: The Wombats
• Edit 4/3/17: Tokimonsta

2015

• Sam Smith
• Kendrick Lamar
• Wilco
• Axwell & Ingrosso
• Tame Impala
• D'Angelo and the Vanguard
• St. Vincent
• Porter Robinson
• Billy Idol
• G-Eazy
• Hot Chip
• Caribou
• Milky Chance
• Chet Faker
• Nate Ruess
• Odesza
• First Aid Kit
• Toro Y Moi
• RL Grime
• Lake Street Dive
• George Ezra
• Iration
• Glass Animals
• Alex Bleeker & the Freaks
• Edit 3/8/17 added: Amon Tobin

Others that are out

• Neil Young + Crazy Horse: Taking 2017 off (except for Bridge probably): https://www.jambase.com/article/report-neil-young-not-touring-in-2017
• Dave Matthews (and Band): Taking 2017 off: https://www.jambase.com/article/dave-matthews-band-announces-summer-tour-2017-hiatus
• Beyoncé: While she will have had her babies by the time OSLs rolls around it would be a real snub to Coachella if she played any other festivals after her cancelation, despite her now playing Coachella 2018.
• Billy Joel: Billy has a show in Chicago the Friday of OSLs, while it is possible that he could play Saturday or Sunday it would seem that he never plays a show without a few days off in between.
• Van Morrison: Playing gigs in Ireland the Saturday and Sunday of OSLs.
• Badbadnotgood: Playing Haldern Pop Festival in Germany that weekend
• Buddy Guy: Playing Thunder Valley Casino on July 29th, it's close enough that it probably rules him out and it wouldn't make much sense to hang around for two weeks or leave and come back for OSLs.
• Guns N' Roses: Playing a show in NC on Friday and PA on Sunday.
• Edit (b18Researcher) added 3/7/17: Midland: Playing Houghton Festival in the UK
• Edit added 3/8/17: Benny Benassi: Playing France on Saturday.
• Edit (undeadsinatra) Moved from "Potential Undercard" 3/10/17: Pet Shop Boys: Playing Croatia Saturday.
• Edit (COAchillENT) Moved from "Potential Undercard" 3/13/17: Morning Jacket: Playing three gigs in a row on 8/10, 8/11, and 8/12 in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts respectively.
• Edit Moved from "Potential Headliners" 3/13/17: Paul McCartney: No new material since 2013 appearance.
• Edit Moved from "Potential Headliners" 3/13/17: Stevie Wonder: No new material since 2012 appearance.
• Edit (undeadsinatra) added 3/15/17: DJ Mustard: Doing a residency at 1015 Folsom in San Francisco.
• Edit (undeadsinatra) added 3/15/17: Metro Boomin: Doing a residency at 1015 Folsom in San Francisco.
• Edit Moved from "Potential Undercard" 3/15/17: Cut Copy: No new material since 2014 appearance.
• Edit Moved from "Potential Undercard" 3/15/17: Vance Joy: No new material since 2014 appearance.
• Edit Moved from "Potential Undercard" 3/15/17: Yeah Yeah Yeahs: No new material since 2013 appearance.
• Edit added 3/16/17: St. Paul & the Broken Bones: Playing in Rohnert Park CA on August 24th.
• Edit added 3/20/17: David Lindley : playing Yoshi's in Oakland CA on May 29th.
• Edit (COAchillENT) Moved from "Potential Headliners" 3/21/17: Phish: They announced tour dates and there was a note stating "No additional summer or fall dates will be announced".
• Edit Moved from "Potential Undercard" 3/21/17: Motor City Drum Ensemble: In the UK on the Saturday of OSLs.
• Edit (ChristianDavid1) Moved from "Potential Undercard" 3/22/17: The Decemberists: they're starting their own festival OSLs weekend, with blackjack and hookers.
• Edit added 3/23/17: Sun Kil Moon: Playing Palace of the Fine Arts May 25th
• Edit added 3/23/17: Magik*Magik: Playing Palace of the Fine Arts May 25th
• Edit (Playtek) Moved from "Potential Undercard" 3/27/17: Phoenix: Playing Indonesia the same weekend as OSLs.
• Edit (mknap24) added 3/29/17: P!nk: Playing Germany during OSLs weekend.
• Edit added 4/2/17: Lil Wayne: Playing Germany during OSLs Weekend.

Edit 3/11/17 added: The following are acts that played bay area gigs the same year as an OSLs appearance
2016

• Grimes: Played the Fox Theater in Oakland on April 20th Edit 3/10/17: added (bobfrancis31)
• Kamasi Washington: Played the Independent in San Francisco on February 25th: added (bobfrancis31)
• Kehlani: Played KMEL Summer Jam at the Oracle Arena in Oakland on June 12th Edit 3/10/17: added (basedgod94)
• The Knocks: Played the Independent in San Francisco from February 9th to the 11th Edit 3/10/17: added (bobfrancis31)
• Miike Snow: Played the Independent in San Francisco on April 13th & 14th Edit 3/11/17: added
• St. Lucia: Played the Independent in San Francisco on March 6th Edit 3/10/17: added (bobfrancis31)
• Vince Staples: Played Noise Pop at the Independent in San Francisco on February 27th Edit 3/10/17: added (bobfrancis31)
• The Last Shadow Puppets: Played the Fillmore in San Francisco on April 17th Edit 3/16/17: added (LucyBlotter)

2015

• G Eazy: Played KMEL Summer Jam at the Oracle Arena in Oakland on June 13th Edit 3/10/17: added (basedgod94)
• Lindsey Stirling: Played the Greek in Oakland August 8th Edit 4/3/17: added (bobfrancis31)

2014

• Chromeo: Played the Independent in San Francisco on April 12th Edit 3/10/17: added (bobfrancis31)

Edit 3/13/17 added: The following is a list of returnees and the gaps between return performances
Headliners

• Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers 08 & 14 (six year gap)
• Radiohead 08 & 16 (eight year gap)
• The Black Keys 08, 11, & 15 (first two appearance not as headliner and the only act to appear three times thus far)

No gap

• Givers 14 & 15

Three year gap

• Arctic Monkeys 11 & 14
• Dawes 10 & 13
• Foals 13 & 16
• Grouplove 11 & 14
• Lyrics Born 08 & 11
• Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 11 & 14
• Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers 11 & 14
• Phoenix 10 & 13
• Portugal. The Man 09 & 12
• Pretty Lights 10 & 13
• Tame Impala 12 & 15
• Zedd 13 & 16

Four year gap

• Andrew Bird 08 & 12
• Band of Horses 09 & 13
• Beck 08 & 12
• Caveman 12 & 16
• Chromeo 10 & 14
• Matt and Kim 09 & 13
• The National 09 & 13
• Regina Spektor 08 & 12
• Sean Hayes 08 & 12
• Toro Y Moi 11 & 15
• Two Gallants 08 & 12
• The Walkmen 08 & 12

Five year gap

• Atmosphere 09 & 14
• The Devil Makes Three 10 & 15
• Lord Huron & 11 & 16
• Major Lazer 11 & 16
• The Mother Hips 08 & 13

Seven year gap

• Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals 08 & 15

Eight year gap

• Rogue Wave 08 & 16

The following are acts that are still in play that have been mentioned in this sub since January 1st, this does not mean that every name below is necessarily likely so much as not eliminated.
Potential Headliners

• Adele
• Arcade Fire (Arcade Fire Tube tweeted the band let slip they'll be coming to Montreal in the Autumn/Fall) Edit 3/17/17: reasons for probability added (mknap24)
• Aretha Franklin Edit 3/8/17: added
• Bjork
• Blink 182 Edit 3/21/17: added
• Bob Dylan (and his band)
• Bon Jovi Edit 3/13/17: added (optimize375)
• Bruce Springsteen (and the E Street band)
• The Cure Edit 3/17/17: added
• Daft Punk (lol)
• David Gilmour Edit 3/8/17: added
• Dr. Dre
• Drake
• The Eagles Edit 3/22/17: added (gmoney679)
• Eminem
• Eric Clapton
• Fleetwood Mac
• Florence and the Machine Edit 3/16/17: added (Southpaw27 on the Coachella forums)
• Gorillaz
• Imagine Dragons Edit 3/8/17: added (I hope not)
• Jack White
• Jay Z
• Jeff Lynne (ELO) Edit 3/8/17: added
• Justin Timberlake
• Kanye West Edit 4/2/17: added (blacktwigs)
• Katy Perry Edit 3/21/17: added (nachosyo)
• The Killers Edit 3/22/17: added
• The Lonely Island Edit 4/3/17: added (basedgod94)
• Metallica (Tour Schedule and comment at their last SF show) Edit 3/9/17: reasons for probability added (hotshots2)
• Missy Elliott Edit 3/21/17: added
• Nine Inch Nails (unsure of headliner status due to low turnout in 2013)
• Outkast Edit 3/30/17: added (PatrickCassidy23)
• Paul Simon Edit 3/8/17: added
• Pearl Jam
• Phil Collins (Possible Genesis reunion) Edit 3/10/17 added possible Genesis reunion (COAchillENT).
• Red Hot Chili Peppers Edit 3/8/17: added
• Rihanna Edit 3/13/17: added (aaapod)
• Robert Plant
• Sting Edit 3/16/17: added
• The Strokes
• A Tribe Called Quest (billed as undercard)
• Twenty One Pilots
• Usher
• Van Halen Edit 3/17/17: added (Jankster36 from the Coachella forums)
• The Weeknd (Tour Schedule and headlining Roo which usually shares one headliner with OSL) Edit 3/9/17: reasons for probability added (hotshots2)
• The Who Edit 3/8/17: added Edit 3/13/17: added reason for likeliness: Playing Las Vegas on August 11th (bobfrancis31)

Potential Undercard

• The 1975
• 21 Savage Edit 4/2/17: added (mileslwayne)
• A-Trak Edit 3/8/17: corrected spelling (donofkings_)
• Action Bronson Edit 3/29/17: added (freckledbeast)
• AFI Edit 3/8/17: added
• Alabama Shakes Edit 3/8/17: added
• Alice Smith Edit 3/20/17: added
• Amine
• Amos Lee Edit 3/11/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Andy Grammer Edit 3/20/17: added
• Arca Edit 3/22/17: added
• The Arcs Edit 3/12/17: added (Stayedgyyy)
• Ardalan Edit 3/9/17: added (itchycanscratch)
• Atmosphere Edit 3/13/17: moved from "Out due to OSLs 2014" due to new material and tour since last OSLs appearance.
• The Avalanches
• Avett Brothers Edit 3/11/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• A$AP Mob (all members are available)
• Banks
• Bassnectar
• Bastille Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Beck
• Belle and Sebastian
• Bennie Maupin Ensemble Edit 3/20/17: added
• Big Body Bes Edit 3/29/17: added (sungod_drunkxxx)
• Big Gigantic
• Bleachers
• Bloc Party Edit 3/8/17: added
• Blood Orange Edit 3/26/17: added (Stayedgyyy)
• Bloody Beetroots Edit 4/1/17: added (MedicineMan323)
• Body Count Edit 3/30/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Bon Iver
• Bonobo
• Brand New
• Breakbot
• Broken Social Scene
• Cage the Elephant
• Cake Edit 3/8/17: added
• Caleborate Edit 3/28/17: added (Teflon-Ron)
• Calvin Harris Edit 3/8/17: added (optimize375)
• Cap'n Jazz Edit 3/21/17: added (mileslwayne)
• Carole King Edit 3/21/17: added (expowderpuff)
• Cee Lo Green Edit 3/8/17: added
• Cherry Glazerr Edit 3/27/17: added (kingreynoso)
• Chevelle
• Childish Gambino
• Christian Martin Edit 3/9/17: added (itchycanscratch)
• Chvrches Edit 3/28/17: added (myobiyuki)
• Claude VonStroke Edit 3/9/17: added (itchycanscratch)
• Coheed and Cambria Edit 3/8/17: added
• Cold War Kids
• Common Edit 3/8/17: added
• Country Joe McDonald Edit 3/31/17: added (amwoods13)
• Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley Edit 3/8/17: added
• Dan Auerbach
• David Guetta Edit 3/9/17: added (optimize375)
• Dawes Edit 3/11/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Day Wave
• De La Soul Edit 3/8/17: added
• Deadmou5 Edit 3/8/17: added
• Death Cab for Cutie Edit 3/13/17: moved from "Out due to OSLs 2014" due to new material and tour since last OSLs appearance.
• Death from Above 1979
• Death Grips Edit 3/9/17: added (Brew_Swillis)
• Def Leppard Edit 3/22/17: added (spiderman49)
• Denzel Curry Edit 3/8/17: added (basedgod94)
• Descendents Edit 3/8/17: added
• Detroit Swindle Edit 3/7/17: added (b18Researcher)
• Devendra Banhart Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Die Antwoord
• Disclosure Edit 3/13/17: moved from "Out due to OSLs 2014" due to new material and tour since last OSLs appearance.
• DJ Khaled Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• DJ Shadow (not likely due to Sziget fest)
• Domo Genesis Edit 3/25/17: added (mizupman24)
• Don Henley Edit 3/28/17: added (dietstache)
• Donovan Edit 3/31/17: added (amwoods13)
• D.R.A.M Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Dr. Dog Edit 3/10/17: added (MalledbyJesus)
• The-Dream
• DREAMCAR Edit 3/9/17: added (KeybordKat)
• Duke Dumont
• Earl Sweatshirt Edit 3/25/17: added (mizupman24)
• Ekali Edit 3/27/17: added (jonnytsunami22)
• Empire of the Sun
• Erykah Badu Edit 3/27/17: added (kingreynoso)
• Explosions in the Sky Edit 3/8/17: added
• Father John Misty
• Fetty Wap
• Fleet Foxes
• Flight Facilities
• Floating Points Edit 3/12/17: added (Stayedgyyy)
• Flying Lotus
• Foster the people Edit 3/8/17: added
• Four Tet Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Francis and the Lights
• Franz Ferdinand
• Future Islands (highly likely as pointed out by sungod_drunkxxx and mknap24 on 3/28/17 because OSLs used their most recent single in a promo).
• Gary Clark Jr.
• The Glitch Mob Edit 3/8/17: added
• Gojira
• Grace Mitchell Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Gramatik Edit 3/8/17: added (donofkings_)
• Grandaddy Edit 3/21/17: added (bhorn86)
• The Grouch
• Grouplove Edit 3/13/17: moved from "Out due to OSLs 2014" due to new material and tour since last OSLs appearance.
• The Growlers Edit 3/8/17: added (mknap24)
• Gucci Mane Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• HAIM Edit 3/28/17: added (kaityrawr)
• Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam Edit 3/19/17: added (sadjebbush)
• The Head and the Heart
• Hop Along Edit 3/21/17:
• Hotelier Edit 3/29/17: (IrateDesperado)
• How to Dress Well
• Hunee Edit 3/7/17: added (b18Researcher)
• Ice-T Edit 3/30/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Infected Mushroom Edit 3/8/17: added
• Isaiah Rashad
• J. Phlip Edit 3/9/17: added (itchycanscratch)
• Jackson Browne Edit 3/22/17: added (blackhawksfan12)
• James Blake
• James Murphy
• Jamtown Feat. Donovan Frankenreiter, G. Love & Cisco Adler Edit 3/20/17: added
• Japandroids
• Jay Rock
• Jeff Beck Edit 3/17/17: added
• Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra Edit 3/20/17: added
• Jeremih
• Jet
• Joey Bada$$ 3/24/17: added (donofkings_)
• John Fogerty Edit 3/13/17: added (MattressMan71)
• John Mayall Edit 3/20/17: added
• John Prine Edit 3/8/17: added
• John Talabot Edit 3/22/17: added
• Jon Bellion
• Joywave
• Jungle Edit 4/3/17: added (russell949)
• Justice
• Justin Martin Edit 3/9/17: added (itchycanscratch)
• Kamaiyah Edit 3/26/17: added (basedgod94)
• Kaskade
• Kaytranada
• Kenny Loggins Edit 4/3/17: added (zamest88)
• Kid Cudi
• Kill Frenzy Edit 3/9/17: added (itchycanscratch)
• King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard Edit 3/12/17: added (Stayedgyyy)
• King Krule Edit 3/21/17: added
• Knife Party Edit 3/8/17: added
• Kraftwerk Edit 3/8/17: added
• Kris Kristofferson Edit 3/8/17: added
• KSHMR
• Kygo
• The Lemon Twigs Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Leon Vynehall Edit 3/7/17: added (b18Researcher)
• Liam Gallagher
• Lido Edit 3/9/17: added (litness19)
• Lil Uzi Vert
• Lil Yachty
• Limp Bizkit (lol)
• Little Dragon Edit 3/8/17: added
• Logic
• Lorde
• Louis the Child Edit 3/9/17: added (litness19)
• Lucy Dacus Edit 3/29/17: added (sadjebbush)
• Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Edit 3/20/17: added
• The Lumineers
• Lupe Fiasco Edit 3/16/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• M83 Edit 4/2/17: added (OMYXP)
• Mac Miller
• Maggie Rogers Edit 3/30/17: added (holocene22)
• Majid Jordan Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Manchester Orchestra
• Mark Ronson
• Masego
• Mark Pritchard
• Matisyahu Edit 3/8/17: added
• Matoma
• Maxwell Edit 3/27/17: added (kingreynoso)
• Mayer Hawthorne Edit 4/3/17: added (russell949)
• Mayhem Edit 3/29/17: added (sungod_drunkxxx)
• The Meters Edit 3/20/17: added
• Metric Edit 3/8/17: added
• MGMT
• Mick Jenkins Edit 3/9/17: added (litness19)
• Mighty Oaks Edit 3/29/17: added (optimize375)
• Mike & the Mechanics Edit 3/12/17: added (MattressMan71)
• Mitski
• Moby Edit 3/8/17: added
• Morrissey Edit 3/8/17: added
• Ms. Lauryn Hill Edit 3/25/17: added (mizupman24)
• Mura Masa
• Mutemath Edit 4/3/17: added (russell949)
• Nas Edit 3/8/17: added
• Neko Case Edit 3/8/17: added
• New Order
• The New Pornographers Edit 4/3/17: added (sadjebbush)
• NGHTMRE Edit 3/9/17: added (litness19)
• Nicolas Jaar
• NK Edit 3/20/17: added
• Noel Gallagher
• Noel Gallager's High Flying Birds: Edit 3/19/17: added (endroit)
• Noname Edit 3/27/17: added (kingreynoso)
• Norah Jones Edit 3/8/17: added
• Ozomatli Edit 3/8/17: added
• Passion Pit Edit 3/8/17: added
• A Perfect Circle
• Peter Bjorn and John Edit 3/8/17: added
• Pharrell Williams Edit 3/8/17: added
• Polish Ambassador
• Post Malone Edit 3/30/17: added (sabopper)
• Preoccupations Edit 3/21/17: added
• Pretty Lights Edit 3/8/17: added (donofkings_)
• The Prodigy Edit 3/8/17: added
• Purity Ring
• Queens of the Stone Age
• Rae Sremmurd Edit 3/8/17: added
• Rag'n'Bone Man Edit 3/31/17: added (kick_in_the_door)
• Ratatat
• Ray Lamontagne Edit 3/13/17: moved from "Out due to OSLs 2014" due to new material and tour since last OSLs appearance.
• Real Estate
• The Revivalists Edit 3/20/17: added
• Rick Springfield Edit 3/23/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Ride Edit 3/28/17: added (stereoblabber)
• Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band Edit 3/22/17: added
• Roy Ayers Edit 3/20/17: added
• Royal Blood Edit 3/27/17: added (JuliaBee)
• Royal Jelly Jive Edit 3/28/17: added (BenderIsGreatBendr)
• Royksopp
• San Holo Edit 3/27/17: added (jonnytsunami22)
• Santana Edit 3/22/17: added
• Savages Edit 3/8/17: added
• Seun Kuti & the Egypt 80 Edit 3/21/17: added (COAchillENT)
• Shakey Graves Edit 3/22/17: added (ChristianDavid1)
• Shovels and Rope Edit 3/11/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Sigur Ros Edit 3/8/17: added
• Silent Pilot Edit 3/26/17: added (spiderman49)
• Skrillex Edit 3/8/17: added
• Sleep Edit 3/21/17: added
• Sleigh Bells Edit 3/8/17: added (basedgod94)
• Slowdive Edit 3/16/17: added (matado on the Coachella forums)
• Smashing Pumpkins Edit 3/8/17: added (JustErick)
• Snoop Dogg
• SOHN Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Solange
• SoMo Edit 3/18/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Soulwax Edit 3/31/17: added (TupacShabiggie)
• Soundgarden Edit 3/8/17: added
• Spoon Edit 3/8/17: contested and moved from "Out due to OSLs 2014" by (RoonilWazilbob) due to tour gap and new album.
• Steely Dan Edit 3/22/17: added
• Stevie Nicks Edit 3/22/17: added
• The Story so Far Edit 3/26/17: added (basedgod94)
• String Cheese Incident (Unless they are playing a set Friday and a set Sunday at Summermeltdown)
• Sturgill Simpson
• Super Furry Animals Edit 4/2/17: added (Lindanoche)
• System of a Down Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Tacocat
• Ta-ku Edit 4/1/17: added (Pm_me_celebs)
• Talaboman Edit 3/22/17: added
• Taylor Bennett Edit 3/14/17: added (litness19)
• Tedeschi Trucks Band Edit 3/11/17: contested and moved from "Out due to OSLs 2014" by (undeadsinatra) due to tour and new album.
• Temper Trap Edit 3/29/17 (Nqoba4)
• Thievery Corporation Edit 3/8/17: added
• Thundercat Edit 3/10/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• T.I. Edit 3/30/17: added (jonnytsunami22)
• Tim Hecker
• Travis Scott
• Tycho Edit 3/13/17: moved from "Out due to OSLs 2014" due to new material and tour since last OSLs appearance.
• Tyler the Creator
• Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats Edit 3/12/17: added (Stayedgyyy)
• Underworld Edit 3/8/17: added
• Valerie June Edit 3/13/17: moved from "Out due to OSLs 2014" due to new material and tour since last OSLs appearance.
• Vampire Weekend Edit 3/13/17: added (coolch1ck)
• Vanic Edit 3/27/17: added (jonnytsunami22)
• The War on Drugs Edit 3/31/17: added (joe_gw)
• Warpaint Edit 3/27/17: added (editorinchimp)
• Waters Edit 3/10/17: added by (dundeeslapped) despite having played in 2015 due to new album coming out in June.
• Wavves Edit 3/27/17: added by (RooneyChoo)
• What So Not Edit 3/15/17: added (DonkeyLightning)
• William Bell Edit 3/20/17: added
• Wiz Khalifa
• Wolf Parade Edit 3/8/17: added (mknap24)
• The Wood Brothers Edit 3/11/17: added (undeadsinatra)
• Worthy Edit 3/9/17: added (itchycanscratch)
• Wu-Tang Clan Edit 3/8/17: added
• XXXTentacion Edit 4/2/17: added (mileslwayne)
• Yeasayer Edit 4/3/17: added (russell949)
• YG
• Young the Giant: Edit 3/16/17: moved from "out" due to touring schedule by (take_5).
• Zhu
• ZZ Ward Edit 3/20/17: added

Edit 3/13/17 added: Past lineup drop dates:

• 2016: 4/5
• 2015: 3/24
• 2014: 4/8
• 2013: 4/16
• 2012: 4/17

Edit 3/27/17 added: Confirmations
Electric guest: Confirmed on 3/27/17 by A_lonerist https://www.reddit.com/OutsideLands/comments/61povt/electric_guest_confirmed/
Metallica: Confirmed on 3/29/17 by Ranger Dave and first reported by r-fitz_24 https://www.reddit.com/OutsideLands/comments/6290zj/osl_twitter_basically_confirmed_metallica/
Empire of the Sun Confirmed on 3/29/17 by Ranger Dave and first reported by 0kvn_prz0 https://www.reddit.com/OutsideLands/comments/5y60fc/i_have_compiled_all_the_data_from_this_sub_and/dfkrq94/?context=3
Sofi Tucker Confirmed on 3/29/17 by Ranger Dave and first reported by IrateDesperado https://www.reddit.com/OutsideLands/comments/62b3sw/new_hints_megathreadspeculation/dfl7nky/
Acts that were mentioned by no one that ended up on the lineup (in order of appearance)

• Above & Beyond
• Rebelution
• Dr. Octagon
• Bomba Estereo
• RAC
• James Vincent McMorrow
• Temples
• Survive
• K.Flay
• Foxgen
• Goldroom
• Hundred Waters
• Khruangbin
• Kali Uchis
• San Fermin
• Joseph
• The Japanese House
• Lee Fields & the Expressions
• Muna
• Mon Laferte
• Porches
• Jacob Banks
• Mondo Cozmo
• Frenship
• John Moreland
• Sam Dew
• Oliver Tree
• Lawrence
• The She's

Hello, /Dallas. I hope 2019 is treating you nicely so far. Due to an out of town funeral next weekend, Next week's post will be delayed most likely just a day, I'm trying to get most of it done before I leave town.
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Top picks from do 214
Editor's Pick from Guide Live
D Magazine Critics Pick
Concerts happening in Dallas
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ONGOING EVENTS
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Skate the Square until Jan 7 at Frisco Square
Panther Island Ice until Jan 14 at Coyote Drive-In (Fort Worth)
Clowning Around With Murder until January 20 at Eisemann Center
Hamlet from Jan 10 to Jan 20 at Moody Performance Hall
Shen Yun from Jan 10 to Jan 27 at Winspear Opera House
Penguin Days until Jan 31 at Dallas Zoo
$5 Admission until Jan 31 at Dallas Arboretum
Building Toys and Toy Buildings: Architecture Through a Child's Eyes until Jan 31 at AD EX
Dinosaurs Live until Feb 16 at Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
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THIS WEEK
Shen Yun from Monday Jan 7 to Tuesday Jan 8 at Bass Performance Hall
Early Childhood Classes: Winter Wonderland from Tuesday Jan 8 to Thursday Jan 10 at Perot Museum of Nature and Science
FWSO Symphonic Series: Also Sprach Zarathustra from Friday Jan 11 to Sunday Jan 13 at Bass Performance Hall
Repticon Dallas from Saturday Jan 12 to Sunday Jan 13 at Grapevine Convention Center
Dallas Vert Mile Stairclimb from Saturday Jan 12 to Sunday Jan 13 at Reunion Tower
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MONDAY JANUARY 7 (High 71 Low 44, Party Cloudy)
'90s Rewind Movie Series: Edward Scissorhands at Angelika Film Center and Cafe (Dallas)
JFK 2 Oak Cliff at Texas Theatre
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TUESDAY JANUARY 8 (High 65 Low 42, Party Cloudy)
Pictures and Pages at Kimbell Art Museum
The Amity Affliction / Senses Fail at Gas Monkey Bar and Grill
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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 9 (High 58 Low 41, Mostly Sunny)
Lindsay Ell at House of Blues
EatDrinkInsider With Tiney Ricciardi at Deep Ellum Brewing Co.
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THURSDAY JANUARY 10 (High 52 Low 44, PM Showers)
Americans and the Refugee Crisis, 1938-1941 at Dallas Holocaust Museum
Steve Tyrell at Arlington Music Hall
Comethazine at Trees
Levi Cobb and the Big Smoke at Dan's Silverleaf
Calpurnia at House of Blues
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FRIDAY JANUARY 11 (High 49 Low 41, Showers)
Kraig Parker: The King Lives! Elvis Birthday Celebration at Irving Arts Center
Arts and Letters Live: Dave Eggers and Mokhtar Alkhanshali at Dallas Museum of Art
Cocktails for Kitties Lucky XIII at Ten Bells Tavern
Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone at Eisemann Center
Bobby Sessions at Trees
Jesse McCartney at House of Blues
Mike and the Moonpies / Jamie Lin Wilson at Kessler Theater
Neal McCoy at Arlington Music Hall
The Spazmatics at Statler
Tish Hinojosa at Poor David's Pub
Cracker at Billy Bob's
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SATURDAY JANUARY 12 (High 52 Low 41, AM Showers)
Hotcake Hustle at Addison Conference and Theatre Center
Golden Dragon Acrobats at McKinney Performing Arts Center
Cross Timbers Bird Walk at Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway - Texas Parks and Wildlife
Architectural Walking Tour: Main Street District at Main Street Garden
Celebracion del Dia de Los Reyes Magos at Latino Cultural Center
Cut Back Spring Forward at Texas Discovery Gardens
Hands on Cheesemaking Class at Mozzarella Company
Dallas Stars vs. St. Louis Blues at American Airlines Center
Daddy's Little Sweetheart Dance at Plano Event Center
Gnash at Trees
Danity Kane at House of Blues
Eleven Hundred Springs at Sons of Hermann Hall
Monte Montgomery at Granada Theater
Pat Green at Billy Bob's
Texas Tunes Concert Series: Ruthie Foster at Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater
Bayside at Gas Monkey Bar and Grill
Grady Spencer and the Work at Sundown at Granada
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SUNDAY JANUARY 13 (High 53 Low 41, Partly Cloudy)
20th Annual Casino Night at Park Place Plano
Second Sunday Funday: I Have a Dream at Irving Arts Center
Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration at Fujitsu Network Communications
Holistic Fair at Billy Bob's
Asian Night Market at Bomb Factory
Elvis, Cash and Diamond at Plaza Theatre
Plano Drag Queen Bingo Show at The Westin Stonebriar Hotel & Golf Club
Fire Ceremony of the Bhagavad Gita - Gita Yajna at Radha Kalachandji Temple
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I do realize that I sometimes use Facebook event links and some Redditors do not use Facebook. If there's any events you'd like more details on that's a Facebook link I'll be happy to help out. I try and avoid using Facebook links and go straight to the source but some venues strictly use Facebook for their events.
If I missed anything or would like to showcase an event, feel free to comment below.

This is my first reddit post, so please excuse the length, as well as the quality. I’m currently struggling with a gambling addiction that I’ve had for around four years and find that nothing I do has succeeded in helping me overcome this addiction. I figured that other people have experienced a gambling addiction and have successfully overcome one, so I would love to hear anyone’s thoughts, advice, or comments on my situation, as well as gambling addictions in general.
As a kid, I’ve always had an addictive personality. I remember when I was younger, I would play video games for hours on end non-stop. One of my biggest regrets to date is not reading more as a kid. The cognitive ability of reading is one of the most underrated skills in life and my peers and friends who read for fun growing up are not only fast readers, but generally do well in school and life. At the time, I didn’t think much of my video game addiction as it was not harming myself or others. Little did I know, this small addiction would serve as a gateway to a larger addiction that would bring a lot of stress and problems in my life.
Fast forward to the summer after graduating senior year of high school. Growing up, I’ve always been really into soccer, playing competitively on a traveling club team since I was eleven years old. By my senior year of high school, I was committed to a prestigious university to play collegiate soccer. During my high school soccer season my senior year in the spring, I broke my foot in the league championship game against our rivals (which we won). This was the first time in my life that I’ve ever suffered a serious injury and let me tell you, I was not ready for the setbacks that I would face from it, both physically and mentally. For those of you who have never broken a bone, it is one of the most debilitating physical things that can occur to someone, especially if it impairs daily, routine activity. I had to use crutches or a knee scooter to get around everywhere and could not exercise, which caused a great deal of anxiety and jitteriness for me given that I’ve grown up living an active lifestyle. Around the same time, I had some friends who were talking about a casino that was only 15 minutes away from where we lived and it was also an 18+ casino. Given that I couldn’t really do much with a broken foot, I decided to make a trip to this casino to find out what people were talking about. Little did I know that this innocent, first trip to the small casino near my house four years ago would take me down a dark path of gambling.
I remember on my first trip to the casino, I was so excited that I grabbed a handful of cash (I think around $100) and drove as quickly as possible to the casino. When I tried to enter the building, a security guard stopped me and asked for my ID. Amidst my excitement, I realized I forgot my wallet with my driver’s license at home, which led me to speed home to grab it. On my way home, I was stopped by a police officer for going 15 miles per hour over the residential speed limit. The officer was nice enough not to penalize me for not having my ID, but I still received a $140 ticket. After that happened, I was in a pretty bad mood, but still determined to find out what it was like to wager money on a bunch of cards. I remember the first trip to the casino, I actually lost my $100 in about 15 minutes playing blackjack, which should’ve discouraged me from setting foot in a casino ever again. However, me being someone who thinks that they’re smarting than the average gambler, I went home that night and practiced memorizing basic strategy (a strategy that minimizes the house edge in blackjack), as well as studied card counting, specifically the Hi-Lo method (wagering more money when the remaining cards are favorable for the player).
Armed with this new knowledge, I was determined to beat the game and make money from my local casino, after all, it did cost me $240 the first time I went. The few trips after my first, I was making money pretty consistently. I remember there was one time I turned $60 into around $600 and other times where I would walk away making a couple hundred dollars. I didn’t think that gambling was a problem during this time as I was going with my friends, making money, and getting a crazy amount of adrenaline from the casino runs. Being at the blackjack table allowed me to forget about my anxiety and depression that gradually compiled due to my broken foot and the inability to exercise. It provided an escape from the limitations that my broken foot had instilled on me.
At the same time, I was working at Domino’s as a delivery driver, and remember taking the cash from the tips I earned each day that I worked (ranging from $60 to $200) and drive over to the casino to test my luck for that day. For those of you who don’t know, gambling is dangerous because winning money is really not that difficult; however, walking away with the money is a completely different story. A majority of times I went to the casino, I was up from my original buy-in at some point; however, that meant nothing considering I didn't walk away winning most of the time. I started spending more and more time at the casino, and eventually started losing money, including all the money I had previously won from the casino. The problem started getting particularly bad when I started lying to my friends about going to the casino. I even remembered multiple times where I would go with friends (who had more self-control than I did), and would stay longer than them (losing my ride) and resort to calling other friends to pick me up or taking a cab home.
To make matters worse, one of the things I’m most ashamed of to this day was gambling on the birthday of my girlfriend at the time which caused me to be late to her birthday dinner with her family. To make matters worse, I remember taking my girlfriend to dinner near the casino, stopping by the casino to redeem one of the bonus coupons they give you to entice you to visit more frequently, and having her wait in the car for an hour while I played blackjack. Despite having nights where I won over two grand in a matter of a few hours, I still ended up losing at least $3,000 that summer. Luckily, I was going off to college in St. Louis, far away from my hometown casino in Kirkland, Washington, which should have prevented me from gambling during my four years at college.
My Freshman year of college was rough, my foot hadn’t fully recovered so I was not able to play soccer to my full potential. On top of this, I had a difficult time making friends, and was in an unfamiliar, uncomfortable environment. I was surrounded by extremely wealthy, privileged kids from the Northeast, who grew up going to private school. Most of these kids have never worked a job in their lives. This made it a much more difficult time getting accustomed to my new school having grown up on the West Coast, going to public high school, and working throughout high school. Additionally, the way the social scene at my school works is through Greek life, as the population of social, normal people is pretty small. To make matters worse, as a guy, one of the only ways to have a good social life is joining a fraternity; however, since the fraternity houses are pretty small relative to state schools, many kids who rush don’t receive bids. I was unfortunate to be a part of that group when I rushed Freshman year. On top of this blow to my self-esteem, I underwent foot surgery since my foot was not making any progress healing. This caused me to have to rely on crutches and a knee scooter again for the next couple months. I was legitimately depressed and at the lowest low point of my life. I was not doing well in school, didn’t have a girlfriend, and felt like I didn’t have any close friends in general.
This was around the time that I discovered the realm of online gambling, a path that would unfortunately be worse than live casinos. Online casinos make it extremely easy to deposit real money into them, and coincidentally, pretty damn difficult to withdraw money. I remember visiting a casino called Bovada and making my first $100 deposit with my debit card. This deposit quickly lead to more $100 deposits, until I had lost around $1,000 playing online blackjack and poker in a matter of hours. At this point, I didn’t have a job so I was essentially gambling away money my parents had given me to spend on food and necessities. I was too ashamed to tell my parents about this problem, as they were extremely disappointed after I told them at the end of the summer after senior year of high school. Luckily, at this point in my life, I didn’t have too much disposable income to gamble away so the damages were minimal.
The next few years in college got better, I quit soccer and got into lifting, got into a fraternity, and made a lot of new friends, who I’m still close with to this day. Aside from getting into sports gambling for around a month and losing $1,000, I would lose between $1,000 - $2,000 whenever I would go home for winter break at the original casino I went to. Although this was a decent amount of money, I was still able to allocate some of the money that I earned from my college job towards personal spending and was just happy that I had the self-control to ration out a percentage of it that I was comfortable losing when I did gamble. The good thing was that I did not gamble too consistently my sophomore and junior year of college and more importantly, I was not obsessively thinking about it every day.
Now senior year of college was where everything took a turn for the worse and led me to all-time lows in my life. I remember playing poker for $25 buy-ins with my friends at my apartment every night for the first half of the school year. This wasn’t a problem financially since losing $25, was not a big deal to my financial health. Additionally, it was more of a social activity where most people weren’t too concerned about the money and were playing for a good time. This did negatively impact me; however, as I was constantly thinking about poker and gambling in general, all the time.
Around the same time, I got my signing bonus from the company where I will be working at in a couple months and started heading to the nearby casinos with my roommate to play blackjack. I remember the first night we went, I won $2,000 and he won $500 and that immediately hooked me back into the whirlpool of blackjack. I started going at every opportunity I got, which also led to the revival of my online gambling addiction. I remember specifically, one time when I was playing online blackjack, I turned $200 into $4,000, submitted the withdrawal request, but since online casinos take a long time to process the requests (intentionally as they want you to gamble the money away), I ended up losing the $4,000, along with another $1,000 or $2,000 on top of that as I was chasing my losses. I was actually making money at live casinos, but losing double the amount that I made online. This gambling ended up coming to a brief stop when I had lost my signing bonus and all the money in my bank account and I took a break for around a month or so.
The addiction started back up when I received my next paycheck from my college job. The instance, the check was deposited into my bank account and cash was available, I would race over to an ATM and withdraw money to gamble with. I quickly lost $1,000 of it back home when I took my friend who visited to a nearby casino. It was around this time he told me about an app where you can invest in stocks called Robinhood, so I put around $5,000 of that paycheck into stocks on the app. When I put the money in my stock account, I remember making a pact to myself that I would never touch a table game again. I mean “New Year, New Me” right? As you can guess, my pact didn’t last very long as I started playing live poker in the casino. I was so drawn to the appeal of winning money by making the right decision. I was actually profiting from playing live stakes poker, as I studied the game and had sound strategy. The dangerous part about playing live poker for me (I personally don’t consider poker as a complete gamble as there is skill involved), was that whenever I went to the casino to play poker, there were temptations awaiting me (table games). After a month or so of playing strictly poker, I started getting back into blackjack again, along with baccarat, and went to the casino 4-5 times a week. After draining all the money from the stock account, I started borrowing money from my friends as I knew I would get a big paycheck from my job at the time at the end of the school year. Additionally, I started dating my current girlfriend in January of that same year (whom I am currently dating) and love very much. I can regretfully say that gambling has not positively impacted my relationship with her in any way.
When my girlfriend and I went to California during spring break, I remember staying up all night on an online casino playing poker, blackjack, and baccarat after she fell asleep. I exhausted all my money in my bank account including maxing out my credit card, during that trip, and had to borrow money from my girlfriend, one of the most shameful things I’ve done to this date. Additionally, I remember one night where I promised her that I would meet her at a party my fraternity was hosting after I went to the casino to play poker with some friends. I drove two of my friends over, and one of my friends left for the party with my car, while me and my other friend stayed. We ended up playing poker the whole night, and despite being up a couple thousand dollars from blackjack, I missed the party and really disappointed my girlfriend. Some of the biggest fights that I have gotten into with my girlfriend were fueled by gambling. The monetary gains that result from the casino are always temporary because at any point in time, you can lose all the money in your bank account if you spend enough time playing games that are specifically designed to make you lose.
Additionally, my addiction has caused me to disappoint my parents and family. No matter how successful I become, I know they will always be worried about me since they know that this dangerous addiction can ruin my life at any moment, without giving any warning signs. I’ve read so many different stories about how this addiction leads to one of the highest suicide rates when people gamble their life away and feel like there is no way of recovering. I would really like to put an end to this problem, at an early age, before I allow it to affect my relationships with my friends and family.
I started skipping out on social events, and hanging out with my friends in general due to my addiction to gambling. All I thought about 24/7 was all the money that I would make playing poker and blackjack. At one point, I was betting 3 black chips like they were worth a few cents as opposed to one hundred dollars each on table games. I had to lie to my friends about going to the casino because I was embarrassed about that side of my life.
The summer after my graduation, I just continued to dig myself into a deeper hole. I would win money in real life, while losing money playing online poker and blackjack. After the big paycheck from my college job came in, I stored away a decent amount of money in my Robinhood stock account to invest, but in a matter of a few short months, I had gambled away most of that money. I’ve borrowed money from multiple friends, even my girlfriend, and have also exhausted my credit card on several occasions. The loss of money started affecting my play in live poker. I ended up losing $5,000 playing live poker, along with $15,000 online, and at least $20,000 in casinos. Even though I graduated from a prestigious university, and I have a solid job lined up in the fall, I battle constantly with this addiction and the urge to gamble with the hopes of earning all of my money back and being done with gambling once and for all. What started as a spark of curiosity turned into an escape from emotional pain and eventually into a lifelong attempt to break-even.
I've tried many things to overcome this addiction, but nothing has worked successfully. I'm posting on here today because I want to end this addiction once and for all. I figure if I post on reddit, I will at least have written down this commitment in a publicly available space.
TL;DR: What started as a curiosity about what gambling was turned into a four year struggle with this addiction that has led to financial distress, relationship problems, and unproductive behavior. Wrote this reddit post to seek advice on overcoming a gambling addiction, and would love to hear any thoughts, comments, or concerns.