It's the end of June and summer is really upon us. We've all settled in to our summer homes and routines, and maybe now you're setting off to make plans. While music festivals have been around for decades (See: Woodstock), the outdoor, weekend-long extravaganzas have made a huge resurgence in the last few years with the likes of Firefly and other such gatherings.
As an avid music connoisseur, I have wanted to attend one of these festivals for years, but had never gotten the chance until, a week ago, I went to a festival in New Jersey called Beardfest. On the event page, the hosts described the event by saying the following: "Beardfam unite! Join us June 16-18 for the 5th installment of Beardfest, South Jersey's multifaceted celebration of music, art, education and community. Dance like a fiend, create without boundaries, play like a carefree child, learn from masters of various fields, share your dreams and talents. Still three months out, our team is already hard at work mixing together the finest ingredients available to continue shaping Beardfest into the best weekend of your summer."
I know it's only halfway through, but I don't think it's too soon to say that they were right; that was absolutely the best weekend of my summer. The festival was hosted in a campground, and between the two stages were two "classrooms" where classes such as "wire wrapping" and "women's empowerment circle" were held, canvases to let the attendees share their art, and countless campsites.
In what was one of the most uplifting and illuminating four days of my life thus far, attending a summer festival is something I would recommend to anyone. That being said, there were definitely things that I could have been better prepared for. If you're a Festival First-Timer or a Seasoned Veteran, take these tips to heart. Here are some things you need to pack:
1. Sunscreen.
I know what you're thinking. "Of course I'll wear sunscreen," I can hear you shouting from the other end of a computer screen. "Why wouldn't I?" But here's the thing. You're in the trees a lot or you think you're covered up enough or you put some on when you wake up and then not again until the next day. You will forget to reapply. You are going to be outside all weekend, and nothing is worse than spending the tail end of what should be one of the most incredible experiences in your life to date nursing a sun burn. Buy a travel size sunscreen and keep it on you. Reapply generously.
2. Enough booze / ciggarettes / food for yourself, and enough to share.
You will make friends with the people camping near you, people at the stage, people in the bathroom and pretty much everywhere. You want them to share their fixin's with you, so make sure you have enough to share yourself.
3. Pants
I don't care that it is the middle of summer, it still gets cold at night. I know that it was 85 degrees earlier and you were sweating in your shorts, but you will be awake far after the sun goes down, and it starts to get chilly. You are not an exception. You are not special. Pack some damn pants.
4. An excellent book
Even though there are things to do constantly at festivals, sometimes it's nice to just have some down time during your busy weekend, and reading a book outside is the best down time there has ever been. Put down your phone and pick up a book. Reconvene with nature and what not.
5. An open mind!
Go to the festival with people that you love and trust, but don't be afraid to meet new people. You meet some of the most kind and genuine people at these festivals, but you won't meet them if you aren't open to it. Give a stranger a beer. Let the girl in the bathroom bum a cigarette. Tell the boy running the hat shop that you like his shirt. Be a kind human and kindness will be returned to you. Treat everyone with the love and respect that you want to feel, and your festival experience will be outstanding.
