I got back form going to Beale Street Music Festival last weekend on April 29th- May1st. It was the first time I had ever been to a Music Fest of any kind. I attempted to go last year, but backed out because I wasn't impressed with the lineup. However, when this year rolled around, I found a few bands that I would love to see. And also because I promised my girlfriend I would go, I bought a three day pass. Because it was my first, I was struggling very hard to get accustomed to the atmosphere around me. So now, since I don't want anyone else to struggle as I did, I decided to give a few points as how to make sure you survive and have a good time in the process. Also a big thanks to Lauren Bellamy for this idea on an article!
Rule 1: Don't go alone
This one can seem like an obvious choice, but in reality, a lot of people decide to go alone. They show up and will meet up with friends or just hang out by themselves and do whatever they want. This can be bad, because it can lead to strangers wanting to talk or dance that are so lost on drugs and beer they can barely stand up. This is a huge reason why going with at least one other person is a good idea. If you have one other person with you as you walk around, more and more wasted people won't bother you.
Rule 2: Dress light, even for the cold
This one is mainly for personal experience. Rain was predicted all three days but none came down. It was wonderful. However, my friends and I dressed accordingly since we were expecting rain. This turned out to be a huge problem. Although we took our jackets off, the crowd alone made it so hot it was making us sweat up a storm. It wasn't the greatest, but we still had an unbelievable time. To summarize: wear a jacket that is easy to take off and carry, and do not wear pants. Trust me, even if it gets cold, you'll be glad you did.
Rule 3: Never. EVER. Leave your spot.
This is a difficult one to withstand. For all three days, my friends and I had some pretty well-known bands we wanted to see. So we showed up to a certain stage and sat through several bands until the on ewe wanted showed up. All the while we were slowly making our way up, eventually getting within five rows of the front. This is where a music fest gets difficult. If you plan to stay at one particular stage for the day to work your way up to the front, there are a few suggestions I have. The first would be to buy at least 2 water bottles prior to arriving at the stage. Also, if you are a girl or have a girl that is going with you, make sure she brings a water or two in a Kavu bag or small backpack. Guys can also bring a small backpack, but typically the security is easier on the girls. Also, no matter what, never leave your spot. I was able to perform the miracle of going from the back of a crowd to the front where my friends were before Panic! At The Disco arrived. THAT is a miracle.
Rule 4: You'll become oblivious to the smells.
Well, that magical weaving through the crowd to see my friends wouldn't have been possible had cheap beer and cigarette smoke not been shoved in my face. I had eaten a lot prior to showing up, so anything could have made me sick. I started feeling nauseous and backed out from the crowd for about 30 minutes. But, turns out you get real comfortable with all of that in the air real fast. As the night went on, less and less bothered me. Although tons of people were tripping on shrooms and acid, it was great to able to jam out to awesome music with my friends.
So there is the tale of the tape. If you follow these four simple rules (well three and one piece of advice) you will have a great time at a music fest. Of course, a music fest isn't necessarily for anybody. So if you're not into the whole outdoors, drunk filled, loud and crazy dancing people, maybe you shouldn't go to a music fest. Of course, many of them are different, but you will always find similarities. So to wrap things up, making sure you stick with your group, dress accordingly, and persevere through the terribly smells, you will be sure to have a great time at any music fest.
