In anticipation of Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival’s return to Los Angeles, AEG and Goldenvoice invited 50 local students to Dodger Stadium for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how one of the city’s most beloved music festivals comes together.
During the festival’s third annual Community Day, high schoolers were given a hands-on introduction to the world of live entertainment. Instead of a standard career fair, students stepped into the role of an actual festival planning team by participating in the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival Lineup Challenge—an interactive group exercise designed to reflect the creative thinking, decision-making, and strategic planning involved in building a major event.
Students also joined engaging discussions with staff from AEG Presents, Goldenvoice, and event partner Converse, gaining insight into the different jobs and teamwork required to produce a large-scale festival.
The day’s biggest highlight came when Sage Elsesser—known both as a Converse CONS skate team rider and as the rapper Navy Blue, who is performing at this year’s Carnival—surprised the group with a visit. His arrival immediately lifted the room’s energy as he opened up about his personal journey, including forging his own path, moving past early doubts, and staying grounded while working in a fast-paced creative field. The conversation quickly turned into a meaningful exchange about self-expression, identity, and navigating entry into the entertainment industry.
To tie the experience back to the real event, AEG and Goldenvoice gave each student a two-day pass to the sold-out Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, allowing them to see the festival from the audience after learning how it’s made. Students also took home GOLF WANG merchandise and Converse sneakers, and enjoyed lunch from a Taco Bell catering truck.
This year’s Community Day underscored AEG’s and Goldenvoice’s ongoing dedication to opening doors for young people interested in live events. For many who attended, the day served not just as an introduction to the industry, but as a moment that broadened their sense of what their future could hold.
During the festival’s third annual Community Day, high schoolers were given a hands-on introduction to the world of live entertainment. Instead of a standard career fair, students stepped into the role of an actual festival planning team by participating in the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival Lineup Challenge—an interactive group exercise designed to reflect the creative thinking, decision-making, and strategic planning involved in building a major event.
Students also joined engaging discussions with staff from AEG Presents, Goldenvoice, and event partner Converse, gaining insight into the different jobs and teamwork required to produce a large-scale festival.
The day’s biggest highlight came when Sage Elsesser—known both as a Converse CONS skate team rider and as the rapper Navy Blue, who is performing at this year’s Carnival—surprised the group with a visit. His arrival immediately lifted the room’s energy as he opened up about his personal journey, including forging his own path, moving past early doubts, and staying grounded while working in a fast-paced creative field. The conversation quickly turned into a meaningful exchange about self-expression, identity, and navigating entry into the entertainment industry.
To tie the experience back to the real event, AEG and Goldenvoice gave each student a two-day pass to the sold-out Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, allowing them to see the festival from the audience after learning how it’s made. Students also took home GOLF WANG merchandise and Converse sneakers, and enjoyed lunch from a Taco Bell catering truck.
This year’s Community Day underscored AEG’s and Goldenvoice’s ongoing dedication to opening doors for young people interested in live events. For many who attended, the day served not just as an introduction to the industry, but as a moment that broadened their sense of what their future could hold.