Music festivals are a world of fun but require a little planning if you want the experience to run as smoothly as possible. We’ve compiled a list of useful tips drawn from our own exposure with these events — in hopes that you can learn from the mistakes we’ve seen and made ourselves. Festivals are unpredictable and inevitably something will go wrong, but we think these tips will help reduce potential setbacks. Let us know in the comments section what you think about our advice and leave your own as well.
Pro-tip #1: Rage safely. The festival experience is what you make of it, and it can be easy to get carried away. We are not your parents, but as your spiritual guides in the world of EDM, we care about you too! As important as it is to respect others at these kinds of events it’s equally — if not more important — to respect yourself. Know your limits and be safe. We’ve all heard the horror stories about people making poor decisions, so have fun, but do it with caution.
Pro-tip #2: Get there early and check out artists you’ve never heard of. You’re probably less inclined to spend your hard-earned money on a single artist you’re unsure about but the all-inclusive nature of festivals is ideal for this kind of musical experimentation. Experience at least one tech-house set — and for comic relief visit the dubstep tent to watch the dancing.
Pro-tip #3: Fuzzy boots are out. Loose, light, and comfortable clothing is in. EDM festivals often take place during the warmest seasons so it’s simply nonsensical to cover yourself in unnecessary layers. While we’re all for self-expression it doesn’t make much sense to do so at the expense of your health, safety, and general leisure. Wear loose and comfortable clothes but bring a light sweater (preferably one that can be tied around the waist or easily stuffed in a backpack) if it gets cold at night.
Pro-tip #4: Wear earplugs. Although they might seem entirely counterintuitive to the point of a music festival, our ears simply aren’t built for the kind of abuse massive sound systems inflict. We’re not the only ones in the pro-earplug camp either, Plan B and Chris Martin of Coldplay have joined forces for The Action on Hearing Loss campaign. Remember when you were in middle school and your parents made you wear your retainers? No matter how embarrassing or painful it was at the time you’re probably appreciative of your straight teeth now — and in five or ten years you’ll be grateful for your hearing too. We recommend the Etymotic ER20-CCC-C Hi-Fi Musician’s Ear Plugs. Note: Insomniac also sells earplugs at their merchandise booth for only $5.
Pro-tip #5: Be considerate of space — and people. It’s a given that the festival grounds will be packed, but that doesn’t mean you have to be the asshole inconsiderately flailing about and bothering everyone around you. If you’ve ever been to a concert you know exactly what we’re talking about. Use your manners, say “excuse me,” and if you do happen to accidentally punch someone in the face, apologize (!!!!!!).
Pro-tip #6: It’s possible to be in the moshpit — and have personal space. With a little searching and perseverance you’re bound to find a spot with both a great view and space to breathe. We’ve learned that people often get too lazy to keep pushing once they get to the super-crowded middle bubble so if you have some patience you can often find an ideal spot. It’s important to note, however, that if you want to switch stages or just grab some more water doing so can be especially difficult to maneuver. (But if you’re up against a barricade in the middle of a moshpit and want out, security will usually help you over and escort you.)
Pro-tip #7: Put your phone down and enjoy the experience. We understand why you’d want to share the memories of your festival experience but having twelve pictures of the same DJ is useless, takes up space, and kills your battery (see Pro-tip #12). Spending time on your phone in any capacity detracts from the experience; appreciate it while you’re there instead of recording the entire show to watch later — you’ll wind up regretting it. Besides, the best moments will probably end up on YouTube anyway.
Pro-tip #8: Bring as little as possible. This one’s pretty simple. Getting through security is already a painful process so reduce the hassle by bringing less items. Peruse the contraband list beforehand to help lighten your load. However, we do encourage you to bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
Pro-tip #9: Plan your day before arriving onsite. Going to a big event with a group of friends is fun but it also has its downsides – the biggest one usually being conflicting set preferences. Of course everyone’s going to have to compromise but this way you’ll have a better chance of catching that must see – but controversial – performer.
Pro-tip #10: Eat before you go. Staying hydrated is important but so is eating before you get to the event. Feeling hungry while you’re trying to party is zero fun. Yes, there will likely be food at the venue, but it’s expensive and the lines are long. Just avoid the whole mess by handling it beforehand.
Pro-tip #11: Wear sunblock, especially if you’re prone to burning. Getting sunburnt on the first day almost guarantees that you’ll spend the rest of the festival feeling uncomfortable. Be proactive and protect yourself.
Pro-tip #12: Bring an extra phone battery pack. One of the most frustrating things that can happen to you at a big festival is a dead phone battery, but it’s easily avoidable if you prepare ahead of time. The Mophie Juice Pack Air is a staple among the DA staff, essentially acting as a battery case for your iPhone. There are similar items for other phones, but you might want to look into picking up something if you anticipate your battery dying early. Just make sure you charge the case first otherwise it’s useless, which we unfortunately know from experience. (But remember, tip #6 still stands!)
Pro-tip #13 Arrange for pick up. Exiting any festival is a major head ache and trying to find a cab is nearly impossible. Luckily you have options, all of which come down to doing a little independent research. Many festivals take place in major cities so when possible take advantage of public transportation — detailed travel information will likely be posted on the festival’s website. You can also arrange for a ride beforehand and meet a few blocks from the site. This what we did during Ultra and it worked out well, just be sure to get the cab driver’s number.
Pro-tip #14: Stay hydrated, drink water. DUH!
Pro-tip #15: Have fun. During your two or three day excursion you’re likely to run into some setbacks but don’t let the little things bother you. You can spend the whole time being upset about something that ultimately doesn’t matter or you can brush it off and continue to make memories. The choice is yours.
adding to tip #9: if you’re with a big crew, choose a meeting place. then if you want to split up during the day you know you’ll at least find everyone when the day’s over.
Great read for all the new EDM ravers, this is exactly what the culture needs more of: EDUCATION.
For the new fans that are planning to be in the EDM culture for awhile, please take special note to Pro-Tip #4. While you may look slightly retarded at the festival; at least you wont be the guy with hearing aides at 35 years old.
Good stuff. Raving 101 :)
great article! learned a thing or two :p Dancing Astronaut is still the #1 EDM blog/site out there!!!!
just lol lol lol
1 eat before u go …. OP u have not used a festival porta-pottie2 Bring as little as possible….. apparently u have never used a backpack
3 bringing an extra battery is kinds controversial w/ ur bring as little as u can lol
4 lose clothing …… lol no just no
5 and u must have not went to festivals in the last 10 years cuz furry boots are still in but almost all dancing astronaut hate on them idk why!?!? its a part of the show….
6 Drink lots of water…. MOLLY
and Amanda ur an ignorant prick for this “for comic relief visit the dubstep tent to watch the dancing”….. i bet u ur one of the retarts that u spoke about in the article who stand there w/ her lil glittered phone and records the whole event….
DA’s dubstep degenerate chiming in here, I wrote that part – and it is meant to be tongue in cheek humor – anyone who “dances” to dubstep looks ridiculous, its the nature of the beast. It doesn’t stop me from flailing around looking like an idiot though.
Great tips!
Not much to add… damn i love Dacing Astronaut.com, i only discover the site like a month ago or something. :P
Gonna use this tips at Tomorrowland 2012! :D
I laughed. but, ‘rere’, I’m sure you throw down beautifully.
1, 4, 14 for sure. safety first people! Good article DA
I usually turn my phone off while in the middle of a festival because the network is crushed anyway.
Having a meeting spot for after shows is great as is having a “we’ll usually be in this area relative to the stage” so your crew can meet up if a set has already started.
Weird that you’d write a “how to enjoy a festival” article then take a shot at people that enjoy spending part of their weekend raging to dubstep…and who plays Fashion Police at a festival?
I agree with the list but I’m against one point, I think it’s cool if you want to bring a camera and take pictures. It’s a cool personal memory you can take home with you and something to look over in the future. Now if you’re too focused on your camera more than the concert then that’s a problem. Even it out.
And thank you for tip number 5, I’m sick of assholes who are inconsiderate of those around them because they came to the show to just party and not for the music.
How necessary are ear plugs?
I kind of have an obsession with shows, and imagine myself going to TONS throughout my life. I’m still only 16 & new to the scene, so EDC NY was my first real festival. It was difficult for me to hear when i left & the next day, but nothing serious. Should I be ignoring the fact that it went away & be considering the continuos damage? Or is it a bit exagerated? Rave veterans, HELP!
walk all way to end of line of bathrooms instead of waiting in line at front…there are almost always free bathrooms in back and they are usually cleaner bc they get less use
Check out this article. It helped me when I was writing the post, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17952110
every time your ears ring is a sign of permanent damage. get earplugs
seems like they should make a separate guide for EDC Vegas, since there girls always wear furry boots and cali-vegas festivals are completely different from the boring east coast festivals where ppl think that festivals are douchy frat parties.
Too much hate on this post. Personally I feel like this is an awesome article coming from a regular of the festival scene. For all of you arguining down there over bs and trying to belittle someone, you simply have no clue what the scene is about. The music, most definately. But the scene and atmosphere beyond that. PLURR. Peace Love Unity Respect Responsibilty. You spread the love, we all work and deal with lifes stressed and for a couple days we get to unleash and let it all out. I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends at festivals and look forward to meeting more at Electric Forest, Bisco, Zoo and SENSATION!!! But bring that nonsense somewhere else. No Judgement, We are all one.
where did my comment goooo
If you need to read this I don’t want to be at a festival with you.
no need for sunblock at EDC Vegas, dusk til dawn, best weather possible for a rave
its my first festival so ill take this as a guide. my only “festival” if it can be called one, was holy ship. EDC Puerto Rico doesnt even count because its shit.
With the earplugs mentioned, you will still hear the music just fine. It doesn’t take away from the experience at all. You can also still hear people just as clearly than with normal earplugs.
Agreed! We do this for you guys!
I don’t wanna be at a festival with anyone with that kind of attitude
#7!!
Oh and can we add a bonus #16? #16: KEEP YOUR WHISTLES HOME
i saw some other comments and really appreciate the earplugs comment- that needs to be number 1 on that list, like priority number 1. I’ve been DJing for 3 years and going to festivals/clubs, and in January this year I had prolonged ringing and went to an audiologist. found out that I have permanent hearing damage (AND PERMANENT RINGING) in my left ear, basically i’ve lost a good bit of my high frequency hearing. i invested in custom earplugs because I don’t want to lose any more of it. YOU AREN’T INVINCIBLE. You can wear earplugs and the musics still loud as fuck. some earplugs even cancel bass/mid/treble equally. besides, it’s the bass you enjoy most and you feel that regardless… it’s the high frequency exposure (synths, white noise, FX) that will kill your ears.
16. See Above & Beyond.
If possible.. cleanse your sinuses after each day, all the gems that you inhale after one day will stay up in there and most likely get you sick after the festival.. getting sick for weeks after the festival might be worth it for some but most people HATE being sick .. that’s one tip i think u guys should put on there.
Absolutely. I don’t know how many times we’ve had that ONE friend who just goes missing during a festival without notice. Meeting places can literally save lives lol.
you should wear earplugs all the time during concert or what? i think i didn’t get the point hhh
Get off your high horse, man. These are just some tips so you don’t have to figure this out the hard way.
adding to tip #9 switch your phone to airplane moode if you get no signal your phone will just waist battery faster looking for it
tip 12 i meant
Thanks for this article! I really like the fact that you mention about the earplugs ( now i know where to find them) and the fact that people should go and explore other DJs and genres! a big plus on that!
yes. you should.
AMEN BROTHER.
Additional tip, Google Latitude is an amazing tool when it comes to fests. Everyone’s got smartphones-set it up before you get there. That way as long as a persona has their phone on you can find them via gps.
https://www.google.com/latitude
Spada you dance like an imbecile
I agree with this, especially on tip #4! “You’re not Superman and your hearing matters!” – Plan B. Ear plugs are made to protect our ears from high decibels. After all, it’s better to take good care of your ears before it’s too late and deafness steal the very food of your soul – music. | Please feel free to visit me at http://www.earpeace.com/