Those of us who have been going to festivals for a while now, will never forget what it felt like stepping into our first music festival. We may have survived but if we could go back with the knowledge that we have now, maybe the experience would be that much more elevated.
As I am now going into my 13th year (started attending festivals in 2010) of being a self-proclaimed raver/festival goer, I have gained some insight on how to have a successful festival experience.
Tip 1: COME PREPARED
What you bring with you will help you avoid hiccups and unpleasant situations. I have compiled a list of my rave essentials here (link to other post) that make a festival experience amazing.
Tip 2: EAT AND DRINK WATER
Please remember to eat beforehand! I know you get the pre-fest jitters and forget but you need to eat something! Even if you eat just 1 chickie tender and some fries from a food vendor, I’ll be happy! But please, please, please drink water!! Festivals nowadays offer free water stations/sell water bottles at every stand. Another important note is make sure you are not over-hydrating yourself either if you partake in extra curricular activities *wink wink*! Drink water in sips and space out your intake of water.
Tip 3: TAKE PHOTOS EARLY
Take any group photos or outfit photos early on into the event. As soon as you start dancing – you get sweaty, outfit pieces get messed up, a member of your group disappears, someone looks to drunk/effed up, your hair is frizzy etc. It just becomes a mess. Take pictures as early as you can and then that way you can spend the rest of the night just living in the moment with your friends!
Tip 4: BREAK IN YOUR SHOES BEFOREHAND
Do NOT wear new shoes to a festival!
- They will get ruined
- They WILL hurt your feet
- THEY WILL HURT YOUR FEEEEET
Trust me on this, you will be walking and dancing for hours. The only comparison I can think to make is it’s like the equivalent of if you’ve been at Disneyland all day. Your feet and legs will be tired by the end of the fest please wear shoes that you know you can last in. You also never know if you’ll have to walk far to the car at the end of the night. Believe me, I’ve walked around an EDC parking lot with friends for 4 hours looking for our car once…
Tip 5: PLAN TRANSPORTATION CORRECTLY
If you are one who likes to drink alcohol and let loose, then maybe driving to and from the venue is not for you! Uber/Lyft is always an option but the peak pricing may be too steep of a cost for you (tip: if you walk a mile or 2 away from the venue the price will drop dramatically)! Some festivals offer shuttles to and from participating hotels which is the option I typically select so I can just have fun without worrying. PLEASE DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!!
These were just 5 of my basic tips to prepare for your first festival! I’d love to know if you’d like to know more of these!
