Beats, sun and everything fun – these are the ingredients needed to create the perfect music festival. But festival goers may encounter an extra ingredient to the concoction: unexpected circumstances.
I encountered many unexpected circumstances during my time at the Lollapalooza Music Festival in Chicago last summer. With so many festivals coming up near and far – Halloween weekend will host both Suwannee Hulaween in Live Oak and VooDoo Fest in New Orleans – there are sure to be many collegiettes getting in on the festival action this season, and the last thing I want is for one of you to forget a poncho when it’s pouring during deadmau5.
To try and be of some assistance, I’ve put together a list of do’s and don’ts that could help make your time at the festival run a little smoother this go ‘round.
1. DO coordinate a meeting spot with friends.Thousands upon thousands of people congregated in one confined area means that you’ll most likely lose your buds at least once during the day. Phone service also tends to be spotty or nonexistent – so unless your group plans on bringing walkie-talkies or handcuffs, designate a meeting spot.
2. DON’T forget weather protection.Florida’s weather is, to say the least, unpredictable. And if you’re traveling out of state for a show, you’ll probably have no inclination of what to expect weather-wise. Always make sure to stay up-to-date with apps and forecasts. If it’s predicted to be rainy, bring a poncho. If it’s predicted to be sunny, bring sunscreen and a hat. Be warned – you can still get burned in the winter, so don’t let 60-degree weather fool you.
3. DO bring giant signs and/or fun inflatables.One of my favorite parts about festivals is seeing all the crazy stuff people show up with – from giant Nicolas Cage heads and stingray floats to stuffed dinosaurs on sticks. Items like these are so entertaining in my favorite sport: people watching. And if you’re creative or funny enough with your masterpiece, an artist onstage just might acknowledge you (I’ve seen it happen, folks). Also, if you didn’t listen to tip No. 1 and don’t have an elected place to meet your friends, it’ll help you spot them in a crowd. Score.
4. DON’T be afraid to take fashion risks.This is the time to bring out the bold top you’ve been wary of wearing the last few months or the weird hat you bought at that old lady’s yard sale six years ago. Music festivals are prime places to make fashion statements and, if you’re a little cautious of being too over-the-top, chances are there will be someone more extravagant than you.
5. DO bring a disposable camera.Digital cameras are great for indoor concerts, but disposables are perfect for festivals. They’re cheap and easy, and you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged. Also, it’s always exciting not knowing how your pictures turned out until afterward – it’s totally ‘90s.
6. DON’T bring your acoustic guitar.While music is all about expression and showing others your true self through song, this is where I draw the line. We’re waiting to listen to The Weeknd and not your acoustic rendition of “Pumped Up Kicks.” Just leave it at home, please.
7. DO keep an eye on bands’ Twitter accounts for announcements. Artists will often announce meet and greets or changes in set times through their Twitter accounts, so keeping an eye on your favorites or having them on notifications is a must. This “do” is assuming you have adequate cell service – if you don’t, see if there are artist tents that have the information you need.
8. DON’T be that person who sits on your friend’s shoulders.You want to see? Cool, so does everybody else. Be considerate of those around you. If you’re toward the back and want a better view, plan on getting there earlier next time. If you’re toward the front and want a better view, you’re just awful.
9. DO show up early if you want to be front row.You can’t expect to show up 10 – even 30 – minutes before a set and expect to be on the barricade. Depending on the festival or artist, showing up half an hour before the previous act ends should get you relatively close to the front. On the other hand, if the artist is extremely popular or if it’s a big festival, then you might have to wait at that stage all day to be up close and personal for the artist you want to see.
10. DON’T start inappropriate mosh pits.A lot of people, myself included, can appreciate a good mosh when the timing is right. However, if you start a circle pit in the middle of “Take Me To Church,” I will personally ask you to leave the premises. Know when mosh pits and/or crowd surfing is called for (and safe).
11. DO eat and use the restroom before arriving.Festival food is always overpriced. Festival restrooms are usually porta-potties, they usually run out of toilet paper, and they are always gross. There’s really nothing much else to say for this tip.
12. DON’T wear shoes you haven’t broken in.A festival goer’s worst nightmare is getting to the park and realizing they made the wrong choice of footwear. Don’t let this nightmare become your reality – make sure your shoes are fully broken in and comfortable for a full day’s wear. Sneakers and boots are preferable choices in cases of inclement weather, and you don’t want someone stepping on your toes in flip-flops.
13. DO listen to your mom and drink plenty of water.Apparently some people say there’s nothing better than a cold beer on a hot day. While that’s fine and dandy, don’t forget to stay hydrated between your Heinekens (if you’re 21!). Most festivals implement some sort of free water system, so BYOB (bring your own bottles) and fill up.
14. DON’T fill your CamelBak pack with alcohol.It’s tempting, I know. It’s easy to get it past the guards, I know. But you’ll be wishing you paid more attention to Nos. 13 and 14 on my list come 3 p.m. when you don’t have a bottle full of refreshing H20. It’s also unfortunate when your pack starts to leak tequila and your entire backside gets sticky.
15. DO download a step tracker or bring a Fitbit.You might be surprised with how far you walk or how many calories you burn at the festival or, in fact, any concert you attend. Try this tip at the next shows you go to – the House of Blues Orlando might become your new Planet Fitness.
16. DON’T choose the festival as the time or place to start experimenting with drugs.There are too many horror stories in the news about drugs gone wrong at festivals for you to even consider buying and taking on grounds. Dealers may say they are selling one thing, but in actuality you have no idea what you’re taking. Just last year a man died after taking “bath salts” at Ultra Music Festival in Miami. When you’re at a festival, have fun but be smart about it.
17. DO make use of the festival app and maps.Since a lot of festivals use multiple stages, a benefit of having a map on hand is that you won’t be running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to figure out how to get to Mumford & Sons after A$AP Rocky. You’ll also have keen knowledge of the whereabouts of the food vendors, exits and porta-potties (if you dare).
18. DON’T have a strict schedule.It’s cool to have a group of sets that you know you want to see, but don’t let yourself be so caught up in only seeing those artists that you forget to experience the festival. You never know what acts you might come across by simply wandering around in your downtime. Everyone has to be discovered at some point – why not let it be by you?
19. DO talk to new people.Music is universal – that’s why artists can play shows around the world to fans just as energetic as the next. If you’re shy, wait until you’re in the crowd of your favorite band. That way, you know everyone there has at least one thing in common with you. If you’re more outgoing, comment on someone’s outfit or Drake poster – I’m sure they’ll be more than willing to strike up a conversation.
20. DON’T be glued to your phone.Service probably won’t be spectacular, so you won’t have to worry about constantly refreshing your Instagram feed. But keep in mind that while it’s awesome to take pictures and videos, it becomes a little much when you don’t watch the set because you’re only focusing on getting the perfect Snapchat video. This is the digital age, so it’s natural that your iPhone is in reach at all times – but have a healthy balance between being in the moment and storing it for later.
Some of these points are critical to achieve ultimate festival success, (e.g., No. 2), whereas some are simply an opinion on how festival goers should conduct themselves, (e.g., No. 8). Yet you’ll learn if you attempt No. 8 that the security guards agree with my position. The actual way to have a good, memorable time at a music festival is simply by having fun. The do’s and don’ts are just the padding. Letting your hair down and enjoying yourself is when the good vibes really kick in – but an informative map wouldn’t kill your mood, either.
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