Festival season is back, which is bringing memories back of my days as a festival go-er. Now that festivals are really huge, there are many people can go to throughout the year. Some of my favorite have been Hard Summer, Escape from Wonderland, LED NYE, and Coachella. Contrary to popular belief, festivals are safe and are nothing to fear! Here are some ways to survive your first festival.
1. Bring a small backpack
By small backpacks, I mean mini sized or even a fanny pack works. This will carry all your essential needs such as water (not in the fanny pack), keys, tickets, chapstick, portable charger, etc. This also gives you the freedom to dance around without any worries about if you dropped your stuff.
2. Go in a group
Some people are bold and can have fun at festivals alone but if it's your first festival, head out in a group. Stay with your group. Watch your group. Take care of your group. Simple buddy system rules.
3. Take walkie talkies
With thousands of people trying to snap chat how hard they're raging, theres no room for you to text people who you might have split up with your group. And if you are one of those who has magical reception, please share. Walkie talkies will keep your group in contact in case of emergencies.
4. What to wear
Who cares? Be yourself, be creative, especially at a rave. If you're looking for great rave attire 'Ocean Moon' is a great site to shop on. For regular festivals Urban Outfitters, H&M and American Apparel are the popular stop shop.
5. Hydrate
The first thing you should do is buy a water bottle at a festival and keep it with you to refill through out the day. You may not realize how much you are sweating throughout the day, but do not let a little dehydration ruin your fun. Drink up, even in sips.
6. Make Festival Friends
It's fun sharing the fun with your friends but even more fun connecting with the crowd and making friends. A lot of times this happens when people come up to you and compliment your outfit or when you're waiting in line for the bathroom.
7. Swerve the Creepers
GIRLS-- if your swerve game is weak, it's time to make one. Anywhere you go, you will find creepy guys. They exist at festivals at well. Stay with your group and if you encounter a creeper, give your friends a nudge for help!
8. Drugs, what drugs?
You can find drugs anywhere you go but the belief that you are stabbed by people at festivals is not true. You will not be drugged unless you are drugging yourself. So if that is not your intention, you will be fine and go home not addicted to hard drugs.
9. Bring Essentials
Essential items include: chapstick, water, money ($50 max if you're buying merchandise), portable charger, tickets, hair ties, sunblock, and allergy medicine.
10. Have Fun
Festival tickets start at $200 and go up, depending on the festival. If you're spending that much money, make the best of it. Tell your boyfriend or girlfriend that you're arguing with that you'll talk to them when the weekends over. Enjoy the moment, sing your heart out because it goes by in a flash.
Goodluck!
