Going to a music festival can be one of the most exciting experiences of the summer, but it requires a great deal of planning, preparedness, and good organizational skills. It can be easy to become stressed or feel overwhelmed in the massive crowd of people (especially in high temperatures), so it is important to stay with your group and, like the band, Stick to Your Goals. Here are some tips that I have found especially useful in making the most of past music festivals.
1. Wear lots of sunscreen, and reapply often.
Definitely bring sunscreen with you. Put it on before you go in, and reapply often. If you're bald or have a hair part showing, you're going to want to have sunscreen on your head. Sunscreen hairspray is the easiest way to protect your hair part, and if you're bald/balding please don't forget to smooth some over the top of your head.
2. Stay hydrated.
Bring an empty water bottle, and be conscious of where water bottle fill-up stations are. Especially in the excessive heat, you're going to get dehydrated easily if you aren't continuously drinking water.
3. Bring a good bag with you.
This bag will be good for storing band merch, sunscreen, your water bottle, and any other items you may collect throughout the festival. Just make sure that it zips or pulls shut to decrease your chances of being stolen from.
4. Bring cash with you; some places may not accept credit cards.
Not every tent/truck accepts credit cards, but every place accepts cold hard cash. Just be careful of where you keep it and keep track of how much you are spending.
5. Take time to eat something.
In high temperatures, it can be easy to become dehydrated and lose energy. You may not want to spend the money, but it's worth it in the long run.
5. Go with a safe group of people, and always stick with your group.
Don't go anywhere alone; and, if your group spits up, agree on a meeting place and keep in touch via phone if anything goes wrong.
6. Bring a fully charged cellphone.
This is crucial for if your group ever splits up or any other emergency situation occurs.
7. Bring a portable charger.
Someone in your group is bound to have their phone die, so a portable charger will help to keep your group together and prepared for any situation.
8. Have a list of when/where each band will be playing.
This can be printed off the festival's website, but can also be purchased from the festival site itself if you forget to do so.
9. Find a shady spot to relax when it gets too hot and/or stressful.
At music festivals, it can be easy to get overheated or stressed. Take some time to sit down, relax, and enjoy some shade while you're waiting for the next band you want to see.
10. Beware of pickpockets.
Bring a bag that you know can't be easily reached into. Always be conscious of where your belongings are, and never leave them unattended.
11. Wear comfortable shoes.
Remember that your toes are probably going to get stomped on and that your shoes will get dirty, so try to wear dark-colored, closed-toe shoes.
12. Don’t mosh or crowd surf. Just don’t.
Moshing and crowd surfing are the easiest ways to get seriously injured or kicked out of a music festival. I watched a woman fall on her head after a crowd surf gone wrong at Warped Tour. Just don't do it.
13. Always be on the lookout for band members.
At Warped Tour, my friends and I met Garrett Nickelsen and Patrick Kirch of The Maine while we were waiting in line, and the lead singer, John O'Callaghan, right at their merch tent! Keep your eyes open, and don't be afraid to stop and talk with a band member you like. Odds are, they'll be willing to take a quick picture with you or chat for a minute.
