How to Survive (and Thrive) at a Music Festival?

These digital instructions address how to successfully survive, and thrive, at a music festival. This group of instructions has been crafted specifically for people who have never been to and are interested in attending a music festival. As long as you know what festival you're interested in going to, we'll handle informing you on the rest! We'll walk you through important information such as where to purchase tickets, what to bring, and how to stay safe at the festival. Sit down, grab a notepad, and get ready to learn about how to do a music festival properly :)

1. Clear bag and/ or small tote bag
2. Reusable water bottle
3. Poncho (if needed)
4. Sunblock/ bug spray
5. Lawn blanket (to sit and relax on)

The first thing you need to do in order to attending a music festival is to purchase the tickets and plan your time at the festival. Use the following steps to properly secure your tickets and plan ahead:

1.1. Use a trusted ticket site to purchase tickets for the festival, such as Ticketmaster, AXS, or through the festival’s website directly.

1.2. Save the email confirmation of the ticket receipt, add the tickets to your phone wallet (if applicable)

1.3. Follow the festival’s Instagram, or other social media, and enable notifications to receive quick updates on information about the festival such as set times, door entry times, and possible weather delays.

1.4. If the festival does not provide it, purchase any parking passes needed for the time you’re at the festival. Websites like SpotHero are great resources for semi-close, cheaper parking.

1.5. Gather who all are coming with you to the festival together in a group chat, over messages or Snapchat, to discuss specific details and make communication easier and more organized.

1.6. Time your departure; base this on what time you wish to arrive at the festival and how far away it is. This allows you to have a structured plan and make the most out of your time at the festival.

1.7. Book a hotel or Airbnb nearby, if needed. It is important to have short drives after the festival to where you’re sleeping because you are going to have very low energy.

1.8. Start mapping out your day-by-day festival schedule. This includes information such as what sets you want to see, what stage they play at, when to get food, and when to use the bathroom.

After you have all the essential information laid out, it's time for the fun part of the planning process. That would be preparing what outfits to wear to the festival and head to your awesome adventure:

2.1. Find a theme for the day(s) you will be attending the festival via the festival’s Instagram or based on the artists you will be seeing.

2.2. Based on any themes or aesthetics of the festival and/ or artists, start brainstorming outfit pieces or ideas; even create a Pinterest board for more inspiration.

2.3. Look into what items of clothing you already have and if there are any you will have to purchase to make the outfits.

2.4. WATCH THE WEATHER!! If there is a chance of rain, bring a poncho and wear proper footwear such as boots. It is much better to be comfortable and dry than have a cool outfit and be soaked.

2.5. Plan to bring an extra layer or pair of clothing in case it gets cold or your original outfit does not work/ gets wet and uncomfortable.

2.6. If you are driving to the festival day-by-day, pack your festival approved bag, put on your outfit and head to the festival. If you are camping on the festival grounds or staying in a hotel or Airbnb nearby, pack your bags and head there!

Now that you are at the actual festival it is extremely important to keep yourself fueled and hydrated! Here are some steps you can take to ensure your well-being and others:

3.1. Start your day with a hardy, balanced meal. Including lots of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy greens will give you the lasting fuel to survive your long day ahead.

3.2. Before your festival, take a look at the official festival website to see what kinds of food the venue permits inside. Some festivals allow small, prepackaged snacks like granola bars. Not all venues are lenient, so it is important to ensure before you get there.

3.3. Lots of festivals offer water refilling stations, so bringing your own empty water bottle to fill when you’re there is a great idea!

3.4. Festival food can be VERY expensive. Give yourself a budget ahead of time to purchase festival food. Ensure that the food you are buying is something filling and worth your money.

3.5. Don’t jump at the first food vendor that you see! Often there will be options that you get more food for your money deeper in the festival. Save yourself from buying that $19 hotdog.

3.6. Even with the excitement and crowds, make time to eat regularly. Skipping food can lead to low energy or dehydration, especially if you’re walking around all day.

3.7. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you start to feel dizzy, tired, or overheated, take a break and refuel. Snacks and electrolytes can help you feel better fast!

Staying safe at festivals isn't just about eating and drinking, there is much more to it than that!! These are good tips of what to do to stay safe at this festival:

4.1. Always attend big events like this one with another person, especially if it’s your first time. Have a plan to stay in touch if you plan to split from them at any point in the day. If you get separated unexpectedly, set a meeting spot ahead of time or keep your phones charged so you can reconnect easily.

4.2. If you are standing for long periods of time, whether that be waiting in line to get in or waiting for your favorite artist to take the stage, remember to bend your knees! Locking your knees can cut off circulation and cause you to faint.

4.3. Drinking lots of water throughout the day is crucial! Festivals can be hot and physically demanding, so make sure you are hydrating. Drink water proactively, not just when you are feeling thirsty.

4.4. Protect your skin from the sun's rays with sunblock. Applying sunscreen regularly, especially on sunny days will save you from sunburn and heat exhaustion. Most weather apps have an option that will give you information about the sun's UV for the day. Check here and gauge how much sunblock you need to apply based on that!

4.5. Stay aware of your surroundings! Pay attention to the people around you, where the nearest exit is located, and where staff and emergency personnel are stationed. Knowing your environment helps you react quickly in cases of an emergency.

4.6. If someone faints near you, don’t panic. Alert medical staff or security immediately by waving your hands, yelling, and/or lighting up the flashlight on your phone. Encourage the people around you to do the same to gather more attention.

4.7. Move the person to a safe spot, keep them laying down, even if they come back to consciousness, and don’t crowd around them while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.

4.8. Once the person has gotten the medical attention they need, go back to enjoying your music, remain calm, and remind yourself to eat and drink something.

Now that you know how to stay as safe as possible at the festival, you must also learn how to act properly as well! Festivals have masses of people with different goals for the day, so it is important to be respectful while in a crowd with them. These are our best pieces of advice:

5.1. Being at the barricade can be fun but it comes with a price. You must get there early and stand your ground for a long period of time!!

5.2. While at the barricade, you need to be respectful of the artists and the people around you. Just because you’re waiting through multiple does not give you the right to disrespect the people that are there for those sets.

5.3. If you’re not willing to arrive early for the barricade, accept your view farther back. “My friends are up there” only works so many times before people get upset with you and don’t let you through.

5.4. If you are farther back or in the middle of a big crowd, keep to your spot and avoid pushing. Pushing is how people get crammed in and sometimes even crushed.

5.5. Sharing is caring, if someone around you looks dehydrated or mentions being hungry, offer them a sip or water or a snack if you are comfortable doing so.

5.6. That being said… the people around you are not responsible for taking care of you. Be proactive and self-sufficient to not be the annoying person in the crowd.

5.7. If you are 21+, know your alcohol limits!! Having a drink can be fun but don’t be sloppy or stumbling. This ruins the festival experience for not only yourself but also all the people around you!!

5.8. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourself!! Just because some of the people around you aren’t vibing to the music as much, does not mean you shouldn’t.

Alright, you had a BLAST at the festival!! Now, it's time to head out and start recovering. All good things must come to an end, they say. Here's some things to consider post-festival:

6.1. As the festival comes to a close, it is time to make your way safely back to your car, train, bus, etc.! Proceed to the exits promptly and safely, a lot of people are leaving at once; have some patience but also don’t take forever.

6.2. If you are driving back, make sure you have enough energy to make it all the way to your home for the night! Store some snacks and energy drinks in the car if you think you’ll need them, better to be safe than sorry!

6.3. No matter the form of transportation, drinking water on your way back to where you are staying at night is crucial to rehydrate yourself and help your throat hurt less.

6.4. When you are back to your place, TAKE A SHOWER! With all the sweat, weather, and germs you came into contact with, it is essential that you shower. Not only so you don’t stink, but also to decrease any chances of getting sick.

6.5. Take the day after the festival off to allow your body ample time to recover physically. That way you can get sleep and rest your body as much as possible.

6.6. Lastly, reminisce on your time at the festival!! Look at photos, videos, and maybe even make an Instagram post! These are memories you will tell your friends and family for a long time.