As a festival fanatic, I realize it can be difficult to navigate the inconveniences of festival life. Below I have outlined some tips and tricks in order to use your time wisely and truly get the best out of your experience!
Hydrate
Whether the festival you are attending is in a warm or cold place, it is important to drink lots of water before you go. Spending all day on your feet, screaming and jumping around, it is important to make sure you have fluids! Some music festivals provide free fill-up stations with water, however many do not and water can be pricey! At festivals, they are always finding ways to get more money out of people, so drink up ahead of time! I still remember when 2 Chainz was shouting “we got another one down over here”, multiple times in the middle of his performance at Governors Ball in New York City because so many people were passing out due to dehydration.
Proper Footwear
Wearing the correct pair of shoes for a long day on your feet, is vital. Any pair of shoes that are uncomfortable will come back to haunt you the next day when you are in pain. Not only that, but your shoes will take a beating when you go to music festivals. Between bad weather, mosh pits and mud, you do not want to take a chance with your nice new pair of white shoes. It may seem like the ultimate addition to your outfit, but leave them at home for a better time.
Last Minute Tickets!
If you are considering scalping tickets: DO NOT USE CRAIGSLIST. I have heard of successes, but also way too many failures associated with scalping tickets from Craigslist. Use Facebook groups instead of questionable websites. The people posting on Facebook are much more transparent than a Craigslist ad and many Facebook ticket scalping groups require an admin to allow you into the group. Be careful! There are many people who take advantage of others regarding concert tickets.
Charge Up!
If you are at a festival all day, taking pictures and calling lost friends, you most likely are going to run out of charge on your phone. The last thing you need after a long day at a festival, when you are tired and hungry, is a dead phone with no way to get home or find your friends. Some music festivals have charging stations, however plan to charge your phone ahead of time or bring a portable charger. It is even a good idea to print your concert ticket ahead of time, in case your phone dies before the concert even starts!
Bring a Bag!
You most likely will not be bringing a lot of extra things to the festival, however it would be in your best interest to bring a small ziploc bag. In case of a large downpour, or even super muddy conditions, having a strong, tightly zipped bag will definitely come in handy. Throw all your valuables in the bag and keep raging!
Transportation
Getting back and forth from a festival is a difficult, stressful and expensive task. If the festival you are attending is in a safe area, try and walk at least a mile away from the venue in order to avoid high fees and traffic. Walking may sound awful after a long day at a concert, but it will pay off in the end. Hey! You might even come across a pizza joint or quick bite to eat further away from the venue.
Fuel Up
Before you go to a concert, make sure to eat a hearty meal that will keep you full for a while. Expensive food and long lines will make you dread trying to get any of the fancy treats they have at festivals. In addition, bring some gum with you! With dirt and dehydration, your breath will need a little refresher:)
I hope these tips and tricks will make your festival experience the best it can be!