We’re still daydreaming about the hottest music festival of the year. Here are some of our top tips that we learned the hard way. Now we know, and you do, too.
1. Dress for yourself
Days are long at music festivals. Being uncomfortable can detract from the all the fun you want to have, so wear what you want and not what you think others want to see. Regardless, my tip is whatever your final outfits are, wear them with confidence and a smile. Bring a jacket. It can get chilly at night. Tie a cardigan to your messenger bag or shove it in a friend’s backpack. It’ll be good to have. Plus, jackets can double as a blanket to sit on.
2. Communicate with friends
Your friends won’t know who you want to see or what you want to do if you don’t say it aloud. No, that cough didn’t mean you hate rock-bands. No, that look didn’t scream Lorde is my favorite singer. Talk about your plans directly and with words, please.
Don’t stay quiet. It may seem like a better choice to stay quiet and do what your friends want, but they could be doing the same. Guessing games are difficult and unproductive. Passively accommodating each other may lead to lose-lose situations where no one is doing what they originally wanted.
Me time. If none of your friends want to see your favorite artist, be ready to break off if you have to. Sure, festivals are a time for friends, but you already sleep with them, eat with them and probably have a long car ride with them. Take some time to decompress, do your own thing and maybe meet some new people. Just be sure to set a specific time and place to meet up again so you don’t permanently lose your friends.
3. Wake up early
Wake up and go to the festival. You paid for it, you drove out there, so get your money’s worth and go experience it! Try to wake up early and set a time to leave the house/camp/ tent the night before. Plans can always change, but it will be nice to have an initial goal.
4. Play set roulette
Everyone who was invited to play at the festival is probably really good. Close your eyes and pick a random act to watch or just walk around until you hear music that you like. You might be surprised by who you find.
5. Water. Water. Water.
Make it a point to drink water. Dehydration is not fun and neither are hangovers.
6. Be ready for the food
Yes, you’re here for the music. Yes, you’re here for the drinks. But the food is delicious. Eating at music festivals may be a bit pricey, but it is worth it. If you are working with a tight budget, do some research ahead of time or Yelp the store’s name while you are in line.
Images courtesy of Christy Ha, Brooke Cagle, Alexis Brown, Mpho Mojapelo, & Benjamin Voros