School's out, the sun is hot, and the days are longer. That's right, summer is here. The season all teenagers look forward to for many different reasons is upon us. One reason tons of teenagers and young adults look forward to the summer is because another very special season comes along with it. What season is this you may ask? You guessed it, festival season. Festival season is one of the greatest times of the year. It involves great music, great food, and unforgettable times with your closest friends. There are tons of different festivals all over the country and even the world, some of these include but are not limited to: Moonrise Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, Firefly Music Festival, Bonnaroo Music and Arts, and many more. If you have never been to a music festival before, it can be a little intimidating going into this new territory without much knowledge. So I am here, as a festival veteran, to give you 10 ways that ensures you will survive a music festival.
1. Plan accordingly
In order to be successful at any festival, timely planning is a must. Most festivals require you to travel to different states and book hotels. Hotels start to fill up and increase in price around two months before the event. So if you want the best price and a guaranteed spot to sleep, book early. Don't wait until the last minute for anything. You'll regret it.
2. Be aware of what is/isn't allowed
Many festivals have prohibited items that are not allowed in the venue. Make sure you know what is allowed and what isn't allowed inside. Most festivals have a FAQ section on their website that specifically outlines what you can and can't bring. Read it.
3. Know your set schedules
About a week to a couple days before the festival, they will release the set schedules. The set schedules are a detailed list of what artists are on at what time and where. Take time before the festival to sit down and plan which ones you want to go to and at what times. Trust me, nothing is worse than missing someone you really want to see because you didn't know when/where they were performing. Pro tip: enter it into your notes in your phone, screenshot it, and make it your lock screen so it's easily accessible at all times.
4. Bring sunscreen
As I mentioned earlier, festival season is during the summer. Don't be the idiot who thinks they don't need sunscreen because trust me, you do. You're going to be in the blazing hot sun for eight or more hours. Be smart and apply that sunscreen because sunburn is going to make it extremely difficult to rage the next day.
5. Wear comfortable shoes
I can't stress this tip enough. Don't be like me and wear combat boots because they're cuter with your outfit because your feet will be covered in blisters by hour three. You will spend 10 or more hours on your feet and you are going to want comfy shoes to walk and dance in.
6. STAY HYDRATED
This is probably the most important tip. You need to stay hydrated. When the temperature is reaching close to 100 degrees outside you have to replace the water in your body that you're sweating out. There are plenty of vending stands around to sell you water but if you don't feel like spending $5 for a bottle of water then make a mental note of where the FREE water refill stations are. Don't be that person who passes out due to heat exhaustion and dehydration.
7. Take breaks
Don't be afraid to just sit on the grass and listen to the music. You don't always have to be in the pit raging hard. Most festivals have other cool things to do if you need to take a break. Check out the vendors because you'll find super unique stuff there that you won't find elsewhere. I highly suggest taking a breather every now and then because headbanging is tiring.
8. Stick with friends
Festivals are huge. They can have a couple thousand people attending them. Make sure you're never alone and always have at least one friend with you wherever you go. Festivals are a great place to meet new people but always make sure you have some familiar faces close by.
9. Have a meeting spot
Like I mentioned above, festivals have tons of people attending them and this makes it very easy to get separated from your group. When you first arrive, look around and pick a meeting spot. This will be the spot you go to if you get separated by accident or if you split up and need to meet up after a show. This will reduce the possibility of a panic attack and keep yourself calm knowing you have a place to go.
10. Have fun
Odds are you've spent a decent amount of money to be at this festival, so make it worth your while. Don't let petty drama get in the way of a great time spent with your friends. Eat too much, laugh too hard, and rage hard as f*ck.
Follow these tips and I promise you will have an unforgettable experience at whatever festival you're attending. So little newbies, print your tickets, pack your bags, and let's rage.
