This was interesting to think about from a business perspective where in previous years there was this bubble tea festival that kind of got me interested as it sounded like something fun while trying various Bubble Tea. However, the event actually had a fee to enter which was about $10 I believe. That was a huge turnoff considering this event was primarily to say buy tea to drink. You may as well just spend it on local stores right?
I guess a lot of people felt the same way. However, this year they decided to waive the entrance fee. As well, they appeared to be selling a pass of sort for about $8 where people can sample various bubble tea. That’s actually not bad and even enticed me to attend and buy it. It’s great example how business wise you should try your best to get as much people at the event as possible in these instances as they will likely spend money once they are there. At least you have a chance to generate some revenue versus people just ignoring it completely.
It would be different if this was an event where people go to watch shows all day or to attend rides as that is more for the attractions. But still, making the barrier to entry virtually nonexistent in these cases can only encourage more people to go and hence increase revenue possibilities.