With festivals such as Coachella, Bonaroo, and Hangout approaching, preparation is an absolute must! Festival season is one of the best times of the year with cute clothes, indie vibes, sunlight, and of course, solid music. But there are a few things a person needs to know before attending a festival, especially if it is their first. I compiled a list of 10 tips that will hopefully help you out before you cross the gates into festival promise land.
1.Hydrate
Being in the sun for hours take a serious toll on your body. Make sure you stay hydrated. Most people forget to take into account they are sweating a lot and this causes a major loss of water. A lot of festivals allow Camelbacks and/or empty water bottles. And no, beer doesn’t count as your water for the day. Also, if you know you will be in the middle of the crowd for a while, drink or bring extra water. You may not be able to get out quickly, and you don’t want to pass out in the middle of several thousand people
2.Put on lots of sunscreen
I know we all want a nice tan, but we should also want healthy skin. You don’t have to make yourself look like a ghost but make sure you lather up a few times a day. A terrible sunburn will make the rest of your festival experience miserable. I know it’s hard to remember little things like this when you are having fun, but you will thank yourself the next day for putting it on regularly.
3.Don’t drink on an empty stomach or drink too much
It’s not uncommon to pregame before a long day at the festival, but make sure you eat before you do. If you don’t eat before chugging liquor in the sun, you’ll be regretting it when you are rushing out of a crowd to puke somewhere. Eat things heavy with carbs and some fat. It will make sure you don’t get too drunk and will help give you the energy you need for the day. And if you drink too much, go grab some water and sit for a bit. Drinking too much will take away from your experience and no one wants a hangover during their favorite set.
4.Be careful with what you put in your body
I personally have never experimented with drugs at a festival, but I have watched it end badly for people. I am not condoning drugs, and I think they should be left alone. However, if you insist, do your research. Bad combinations can send you to the ER.
5.Be cute AND comfy
Girls always want to look Instagram-worthy at festivals, but do not forget you will be spending all day in your outfit. Don’t worry about spending hours on hair and makeup because you’ll sweat it off anyway. Make sure your shoes are comfy with some support or your back will be achy by the end of the date. If you try something on and start constantly adjusting or worrying about how it looks, don’t wear it. You want to be totally comfortable and confident. Worrying about an outfit can take away from the experience.
6.Explore bands you don't know
Every festival will have a handful of bands you have never heard of. Don’t be afraid to swing by their stages and listen for a bit. Diving deeper into other genres can be an awesome experience.
7.Have an emergency meet up spot
Cell phone reception is usually terrible at festivals. Set up a spot to meet in case everyone gets separated. No one wants to miss good music while endlessly searching for the people they came with.
8.Have a solid group to go with
Make sure you go to the festival with dependable, fun-loving people. No one wants to be constantly ditched or complained to the entire time you are trying to enjoy yourself. Go with people you can dance and sing with. (Side tip: find the dance circles of the crowd. They are the most fun.)
9.Make a loose schedule
Before you go for the day, set up a loose schedule of bands you want to see and what stages they are at. Many festivals now have apps you can download, and they are super helpful. You don’t have to be strict on your schedule but an outline is always nice.
10.Let loose
Music festivals are the perfect opportunity to let go of reality for a bit. They are a time to dance until exhaustion. Don’t be afraid to bust out your moves and test your vocal chords. Festivals hold some of the best memories you can create. Don’t hold yourself back from giving into the magic of it all.
