Try these music festival tips for a great first experience.
Are you attending your first EDM festival? Good for you! A world of vibrant outfits, mesmerizing beats, and an unforgettable experience awaits you! You can expect to instantly connect with the music you love, meet some amazing people with a shared passion for electronic music lifestyle, and feel like a part of a new community you didn’t know you needed!
However, attending a music festival can be as challenging as it is fun. That’s why you need to ensure that you are prepared and have taken the necessary steps to make things run smoothly and take the weekend from fun to great!
Whether you are attending an enthralling multi-genre festival or an EDM rave, here are the most helpful music festival tips and tricks to enhance your rave experience! These tips will make sure your debut experience is nothing short of spectacular.
Best Music Festival Tips For First-timer
1. Download the Radiate app
Radiate is a social app for ravers that connects rave lovers with its messaging interface and marketplace. A beneficial feature of the app is that it matches you with festivalgoers and people with similar interests.
The app also allows you to buy and sell festival tickets, rave gear, outfits, and more. If you have questions about any music festival or need a rave buddy, you should download the app!
Pro Tip: Say “Hey” to someone on the app by tapping on their profile or swiping through the card stack in the People section. Also, many festivals release apps with schedules, maps, and live updates. Check for available ones and download.
2. Plan like a pro
Planning and preparation can make a difference in your festival experience. Do adequate research on the festival location, likely weather conditions, and music set times. Determine how you’ll get to the location—a road trip or flying?
Also, if you’re booking a hotel, do that early because the nearest hotels fill out fast. Verify your permission to camp on the festival grounds and prepare your camping equipment.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling, consider using nearby airports and available shuttle services to the festival venue. Some festival organizers have shuttle schedules to and from the venue; make use of those to cut costs.
3. Get your body ready for the stress
I know EDM festivals are fun and it doesn’t feel like it, but your body is under a lot of stress at festivals. You're partying harder than ever, so you can expect to feel a lot of stress during your post-festival phase.
So, a beneficial way to avoid impending burnout is to prepare the week before. During that week, make sure to get adequate sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise, and drink a lot of water. Also, make sure to load up on vitamins and supplements to stay energized throughout the weekend. One of the best products to help you get ready and stay strong during a festival is the Pre-Rave Supplement.
Designed by ravers for ravers, Pre-Rave is a blend of key ingredients that support your body's wellness, helping you feel prepared and protected during and after your time out. It also improves your body’s natural recovery process, helping you feel refreshed and ready for the next day.**
Pro Tip: Supplements are beneficial for your health, but talk to your doctor before taking one.
4. Pack Smart
One of the overlooked music festival tips is packing smart, not just light. Focus on picking up the essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, earplugs to reduce the sound impact, and a first-aid kit.
Also, pack a fully charged power bank and charger to keep your battery up and capture the best moments. If you’re camping, make sure to pack a sturdy tent, sleeping bag, and camping chair for sitting under the cool night breeze. Don’t forget toiletries to keep you fresh.
Pro Tip: Avoid heavy items like bulky clothes and glass containers; they take up space and are not useful. Also, hydration backpacks are useful as they double as a water carrier and storage for small items.
5. Dress for the occasion in style
Although festival fashion allows self-expression, you mustn't sacrifice your comfort. Check the weather forecast to see what you’ll be working with and plan your outfits accordingly.
Being on your feet for hours requires comfortable, durable shoes. Leave the new shoes at home; go with broken-in shoes to avoid blisters. Layer up for cooler evenings and wear breathable fabrics for summer music festivals.
Pro Tip: Pack stylish hats and sunglasses that double as sun protectors and a fashion statement. A bandana protects from dust and the wind while being a fashion accessory. Stay ready for unexpected weather changes with a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
6. Prioritize hydration and staying energized
Dancing is enjoyable but exhausting. Whether it’s under the heat or pulsating lights, the thrill of festivals can drain fast if you end up feeling hydrated or low on energy.
That’s why you need to prioritize drinking water consistently during the day. Most festivals have water refill stations, so take a reusable bottle or hydration pack along to avoid buying overpriced water.
Eating is also important to stay energized for long hours of activity. Although festival food trucks have a range of tempting offers, they are usually pricey. Instead of relying on those, pack portable snacks like fresh fruits, protein bars, or nut mixes to stay energized at a reduced cost.
Pro Tip: Electrolyte supplements are perfect for recovering lost nutrients.
7. Follow festival etiquettes
Maintaining good vibes at festivals requires respecting others. With EDM’s rapid popularity growth, doing all we can to keep the concept of peace, love, unity, and respect alive and thriving is important.
So, one of the music festival tips to keep in mind is to make sure you stay respectful and patient.
Avoid pushing people or crowding in on someone else’s personal space. Share your belongings, such as sunscreen or charger cables, with others, but ensure they don't take them with them. Keep campgrounds or festival sites clean to promote environmental protection.
Pro Tip: Walk into the festival with no judgment, positive vibes, and a readiness to help if anyone needs it; it’s more enjoyable that way!
8. Be open to making friends
Attending a music festival is a sure way to meet all kinds of people and make friends. There. You’ll meet people who share your love for electronic dance music lifestyle, and that connection makes it easier to bond.
Greeting someone around you is a good way to start. Compliment their outfit and ask if they have a set they’re looking forward to. Also, attend group activities and workshops. You’ll be surprised at the many friendships that start with these simple tips.
Pro Tip: Plan to give out small glow sticks or kandi bracelets to your neighbors as a conversation starter.
9. Explore festival grounds
The first thing to do when you arrive is to explore the grounds. Find the locations of each artist's performance: the restrooms, water stations, and food trucks. This way, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and save time and stress.
Aside from being a practical move, exploring festival grounds allows you to soak in the amazing decorations and find hidden gems that will enhance your first music festival experience.
Pro Tip: Most festivals provide physical or in-app maps. Examine the map before entering, and if you're traveling with a group, select a landmark as a meeting point in case of separation.
10. Always prioritize safety
Music festivals let you have fun, but watch out for your safety! Be with your group at all times and have a plan if someone gets lost. Check in with your group periodically and agree on meet-up points.
Also, if you're interested in certain types of "fun," make sure to test everything before participating, especially if strangers are offering it. Learn the right dosage before using them, and make sure that there’s a trusted friend nearby to help if things go south.
Lastly, most festivals have quiet areas where you can get help if overwhelmed.
Pro Tip: Anti-theft backpacks or fanny packs are a fantastic way to secure your valuables. Also, write down your emergency contact and your group’s numbers to keep in your pocket. This will be useful in the event of your phone dying.
11. Rest periodically and pace yourself
With all the thrilling acts festivals offer, it's easy to lose yourself in the excitement and forget to pace yourself. However, keep in mind that you don't have to attend every performance.
Take breaks in-between musical sets in secluded areas, refuel your body with food, and rest from standing all day.
Pro Tip: Pre-select and schedule your time to attend performances from must-see acts. Use the downtime in-between to explore other attractions like art exhibitions, etc.
12. Enjoy every moment
You'll be surprised at how frequently ravers become distracted and miss out on golden moments, so this is one of the helpful music festival tips.
Stop constantly reaching for your phone and take in the sights and atmosphere. Capture memories, but make sure to revel in the sound and not allow media updates to distract you.
Pro Tip: Do periodic journaling of your favorite moments during the day to relive afterwards.
Ready to attend your first music festival?
Your first music festival is the gateway to discovery, adventure, and lifelong memories. These music festival tips will prepare you to tackle any challenges you may encounter. From movement planning to enjoying every moment, you have everything to shine!
So, secure your tickets, prepare your belongings, and prepare to dance to the fullest. This is your moment—make it historical!
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