A Crash Course on Surviving Your First Music Festival

With the wonderful season of music festivals upon us comes a new wave of festival novices. While music festivals are magical experiences unlike any others, and you’ll probably be well on your way to becoming an addict after experiencing your first one (no shame in that), they can also be overwhelming, tiring, and not to mention stressful, especially if you have a wanderer in your group, you know who I’m talking about and if you don’t, you’re probably the wanderer. As someone who was a music festival novice not too long ago myself, believe me when I say, there is no such thing as being overly prepared. Hopefully, this list will help you make your first music festival one of your most cherished memories. So listen up kiddies, school is in session!

  1. Bring your wristband!!!                                                                                                                                        

This might seem like an obvious one but you’d be surprised how often people forget their wristbands. Just imagine how awful it’d be to miss the festival after all that time and money you spent to get there. So before you even start thinking about anything else, make sure you have your wristband!

2.   Water water water                                                                                                                                 

Buying water at music festivals gets expensive… fast. They’ll probably charge $4 a bottle and that’s just ridiculous. Bring an empty water bottle instead. There will probably be free refill stations and you can save yourself some money.

3.   Ain’t no shame in bringing a fanny pack                                                                                                

While they’re not the most fashionable thing in the world, fanny packs are life savers at festivals. They’re hands free and out of your way so you’ll be free to dance your heart out while listening to your favorite sets, worry and hassle free.

4. Gum                                                                                                                                                    

 While this may not seem like a necessity, you never know when bad breath will strike. So think of your fellow music lovers and bring a pack; plus you may meet some new people, and everybody appreciates the person who brought gum.

5. Tissues                                                                                                                                                  

You’ll thank me for this one after you experience the porta potties at festivals. Also, music can evoke some strong emotions, there’s no shame in crying and letting it all out.

Hope you found these five tips helpful. Before you pack anything else, make sure to check the festival website to see whats allowed and whats not to avoid taking up extra space. Besides that, happy festival season!

Written by: Lee Yamakawa

Photography by: Madi Lawton