I'm sure if you are reading this, you have either experienced a music festival at some point in your life, or are planning to in the future. My advice to you after attending The Hangout Music Festival this past weekend is to remain sober if at all possible. That might sound very odd, and blunt; however, I feel this way for a multitude of reasons and will elaborate, but first I would like to give my review of the festival as a whole, so that you might be more knowledgeable in understanding or considering my opinion.
It was, hands down, one of the best weekends I have ever had. The atmosphere, the vibes, the people — everything about it was enjoyable to me and everyone who attended, I'm assuming. I initially purchased my three-day pass solely for the artist line-up, but to be quite honest, it was still worth the money otherwise. I had the chance to literally hang out with some great friends, listen to great DJs in between concerts, eat some great food, enjoy some amazing scenery, all while in my swimsuit, on the beach, covered in body glitter. I'm not sure about you, but that is the most appealing combination to me. Regardless of what aspect of that might not be appealing to you, I can assure that you could create your own experience and agree that attending this festival every year is necessary. With that being said, I will now explain my reasoning on why staying sober is the best idea:
1. You will want to remember every detail that is to come during the festival
Because I promise, half of mine were borderline religious experiences. You paid to see the concerts, you will want to have memories to make it worth your while.
2. Drinks are expensive
You are already paying nearly $300 for a ticket — don't waste your money, enjoy the physical sobriety, while being drunk in love with all of your favorite artists. (sneaking it in does not always work, and getting searched/arrested will make your experience a lot less fun, if they even allow you to have one afterwards)
3. Heat + alcohol = less hanging, and more passing out
You don't want to end up in a dangerous situation surrounded by 50,000 people that you don't know.
4. Drinking while dancing in the middle of a sandy festival is a lot harder than you might think.
Dancing, head-bobbing, arm-waving/flailing, etc. is a must, but not while intoxicated.
5. You do not want to lose your friends
You will already be losing cell service — count your blessings.
6. You will be surrounded by thousands of people who might be idiot drunks
When people start crowd surfing, attempting to pile up on shoulder-tops, or whatever their idea of fun is ... it always has the potential to go wrong. You will be glad you were sober and paying attention in the event that you are in the midst of their epic fails.
7. You don't want to be the idiot drunk
Every person I encountered at Hangout was so courteous, patient, kind and there to have a great experience — don't hinder that possibility. Be cautious and think about others around you.
8. You don't want your bank account to suffer with you.
You will most likely be lured into the beauty of every vendor there: the shops, the food trucks, the chance to be drowned in the body glitter or face paint. It is very possible to transfer money while drunk, and it is possible that you might regret that decision.
9. You want to leave with what you came with
It's all fun and games until you lose your phone, wallet/fanny-pack or glasses — these things might be small, but they are surely important for your survival of the festival.
10. You will want to leave in general at some point
Missing your shuttle or not being able to get a taxi or an uber can never be fun, and it makes it 10 times worse when you're drunk and your problem solving abilities are affected.
Alcohol is often present in times of celebration, but in my opinion, I had a better time celebrating with things other than that. So many more things can go wrong than right when drinking too much at large music festivals, so be safe and limit your drinking level, but not your fun.
Hangout, I never thought I would be the girl that kept her festival band on for longer than a few days, but looking down at my wrist is so nostalgic, and I'm not sure that I could bear anything less. Thanks for the memories — see you next year!
