If you're anything like me, then there's no joy like listening to some sick live music. Music festivals give you a chance to listen to a plethora of live music over the span of a couple of days, and you'll get to experience the coolest bands and people. But to get the most out of your experience, you've got to keep a few things in mind.
1. Thou shalt have proper footwear.
I know gladiator sandals look cute, but those things have no support. And unless you're going to Cotchella, which is more of a fashion show with good background music, you need something sturdy. Also, keep in mind that you might be walking through a combination of mud, spilled beer and soda and human sweat. I've always found success in wearing a sturdy pair of outdoor sandals. If you're going to a festival with a lot of rain, opt for rain boots.
2. Thou shalt be prepared for nature.
Half of the music festival experience is being outside. Until recently, Bonnaroo didn't even have real toilets for guests. I've camped at every overnight festival I've been to, and I've always been able to power through going without showers or shade. That brings me to... Sunscreen! Even if you're going to a one day festival like Live on the Green, you want to protect your skin.
3. Thou won't have phone service.
No matter how much you may want to, you won't be able to Snapchat your entire festival experience. There will be roughly 10,000 to 90,000 other people trying to do the same thing, so networks will get a little tied up. Instead of repeatedly trying to get service, put away your phone and enjoy the experience.
4. Thou shalt bring food.
Food and drink inside the festival is going to be super expensive, so bring make sure to bring your own granola bars, fruits and, my personal favorite, Ritz crackers. Also keep in mind that you can't live off Amish Donuts and falafel for five days in the hot sun.
5. Thou shalt not crowd surf.
For the love of God, when will people learn that crowd surfing is not only annoying to everyone else but dangerous? I've been kicked in the head multiple times, and once a girl crowd surfed past me, but her bikini top did not. She was left on the other side of the stage, and her top was left at my feet. If you do end up at a concert where people are surfing like it's Hawaii, then make sure to be aware of your surroundings and do your share to make sure no one breaks a bone.
6. Thou might get lost.
At first it's terrifying to lose your crew. You might get separated in a crowd, but if that happens, don't freak out! Do yourselves a favor beforehand and designate an easy to find landmark in the festival where you can all meet up. As I said earlier, you won't have phone service, so you could even set up specific times during the day or night to re-group. But, if you do find yourself alone, then try to make the best of it and stay safe.
7. Thou shalt see people... in a state.
It's a music festival, so there will be people under the influence. That doesn't mean you have to do anything you don't want to do! Plenty of people have a great, sober time at festivals. And just like snakes and bugs, intoxicated people are probably more afraid of you then you are of them.
8. Thou shalt be a kind person.
At Bonnaroo, there is a thing called the Bonnaroovian Code. It basically outlines how to be a loving, caring person at the festival, and most everyone there follows it. I have seriously never experienced so much kindness in one weekend. If someone was dehydrated, then someone else would always offer water. People watched out for one another, and it made it one of the most positive places on earth.
9. Thou shalt be open to making friends.
I could go on for a while about the awesome people I met at Bonnaroo. Some I met from camping and some I met while at concerts. Try striking up conversation with new people between sets, and you never know who you'll befriend. Our camping neighbors came over with Uno on the first day, and we have all stayed friends ever since.
10. Thou shalt enjoy the experience.
Music festivals are like a place outside of the real world. Everyone is really nice and relaxed, and there's no where else where you can catch so many great bands in the span of a couple days. Don't hesitate to check out a new band or try to get into the pit for an artist you really love. You won't regret it. Like a true Bonnaroo fan, I'll end with this... Always remember to radiate positivity.
