Labor Day weekend... a time for relaxation with friends and family during your last real weekend of summer. Just like last year, I decided to spend my Labor Day weekend at the Budweiser Made In America Music Festival which takes place in Philly each year. However, instead of experiencing beautiful weather, it rained. And by rained, I mean down poured all day on Saturday. Being that this was only my second music festival ever, I really had no idea what to expect when the weather was less than perfect. So here are the six tips and tricks I learned about how to survive a music festival in the rain.
1. Wear rain boots
If you learn ANYTHING from this article, it has to be this. Wearing rain boots was the best decision I made all weekend. Not only do they keep your feet dry, but they also protect them from the mud that will eventually build up from the constant rain. Rain boots are built for slippery conditions are sure to help you navigate the festival site. Yes, they may not be your comfiest pair of shoes, and yes, your feet will hurt by the end of the night, but that is better than destroying a pair of shoes AND having soggy socks!
2. Pants or no pants?
My opinion? Definitely no pants. Wear shorts, a dress, a romper, really anything you can think of but try to avoid long pants. This sounds weird but trust me. It will be so uncomfortable walking around in soaking wet, mud covered pants all day. It is better just to skip the pants and wash your legs later.
3. Rain Jacket + Poncho
I know you may not think you will need both, but you will. After a few hours, even my nice rain jacket was soaked through. But wearing your rain jacket with a poncho over it is guaranteed to keep you dry... or at least dryer than you would have been without the two!
4. Comfort > Style
In reality, music festivals are half about the music, half of the outfit. I get it. You want to look cute. It makes total sense... except when it comes to a rainy day. No one looks good when they are soaking wet, regardless of the outfit under neither their rain jacket. So definitely go for comfort if the forecast calls for rain and you'll be so much happier.
5. Bring garbage bags
If you want to keep your belongings nice, dry and working, bring a garbage bag along with you. I brought a backpack and put all of my belongs (portable charger, phone, wallet, snacks, and more) in it, tied the bag up and saved them from the rain. It works perfectly and doesn't take up any room!
6. Embrace the rain
The rain sucks, but you know what, embrace it! You made it to the festival, you spent money on tickets, transportation, and clothes and you can't control the weather so try to enjoy what you can. It will be a funny story to tell later on and I am sure you will at least have a little fun while being there. I thought it was going to be a waste of a day but I really did have a great time and a memorable one too!
