From Woodstock in '69 to modern-day Bonnaroo, the world has witnessed some amazing music festivals. Contrary to what most believe, a music festival is more than just one big concert. When you purchase your ticket to a music festival, you are buying into a unique experience that can only be understood by music festival veterans.
I am what some would call a music festival rookie, as I’ve only attended one music festival for two years straight. However, I’ve learned a lot about the music festival dynamic in that time, and I can tell you one thing: it is most certainly not all glitz and glamour like the Coachella-bound celebrities post on Instagram. And I most certainly did not feel nor look like Vanessa Hudgens when I left my campsite. (Props to you Baby V, we don’t know how you do it.)
Fear not, potential music festival-goers, it may seem like an impossible task to survive a weekend without a shower or Wi-Fi, but with these tips, you will become a music festival pro.
1. Baby wipes. Baby wipes. Baby wipes.
As previously mentioned, showers don’t exist in the music festival world. After a long day of roaming the concert grounds, your body will have accumulated a ridiculous amount of dirt. Baby wipes are essential in this situation. You will be amazed, and disgusted, at how much grime a single baby wipe can capture.
2. Drink water!
Being that most festivals are scheduled for the summer, heat is almost always a factor to take into account when planning for the weekend. Ultimately, there is one foolproof solution to beating the heat: stay hydrated. Do yourself a favor and invest in a refillable bottle for the weekend or bring bottled water. Many festivals have hydration stations, making water easily accessible for all. Read on your festival's website for details, and drink up!
3. Plan your schedule wisely.
Nothing beats that moment when the festival line-up is released. You may think you will have all the energy in the world to make it to the front row for each show. However, if you try to do this, you will end up exhausting yourself before the headliner even comes on. The best way to prevent collapsing in the middle of the day is to plan a schedule. Conserve your energy for the bands you’re just dying to see and maybe hang back in the shade for the acts you could go without.
4. It is okay to go solo.
It is common for conflict to arise between the schedule you come up with and your friends' schedule. It just happens. While there are some who firmly implement the idea of the buddy system, I believe there is nothing wrong with going solo to a show. Yes, there are definitely times in which splitting up can go wrong, but as long as you are smart about it, enjoying a concert by yourself is not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. As long as you pick a time and place to meet with your friends after, you will have no trouble. Plus, going solo is a great way to mix and mingle with your fellow festival-goers.
5. Sleep when you can.
Sleep is precious when you are at a music festival. You are in a constant battle between wanting to wake up at a reasonable time and wanting to be nocturnal for the electronic music at night. Sleep whenever you possibly can. Good luck.
6. Live in the moment.
In today’s modern world, our phones have become our third hand. I, for one, am definitely guilty of overusing my beloved iPhone. However, just because we have grown attached to our devices, that does not make it okay to record an entire concert on your phone. Chances are you’re pissing off the people behind you, anyway. Remember concert etiquette and limit yourself to a few pictures or a 10-second Snapchat video. Enjoy the show, and live in the moment! It won’t seem as cool on a phone screen anyway.
7. Spread positivity.
A music festival should be a place of good vibes. So, when you see that guy dancing around by himself like a maniac, don’t assume he’s on something. He’s probably just having the time of his life! Or when you see that girl wearing nothing but a bikini and a tutu, don’t assume she’s weird. Everyone has a story. Spread the positivity, and try to refrain from passing judgment.
Yes, it’s really that easy! If you stick to these tips, you will master the art of music festivals. It's time to break out your favorite, funky pants and get ready to jam. Good luck, have fun and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do ;)
