Summer 2018 is so close I can almost hear the Drake bangers on repeat. That means patios are coming out of hibernation, parties go later than ever, and festival season is upon us!
Attention my flower power gals and laser light gentlemen this urban guide will offer some tips and advice about #festivallife and how to get down with the get down. I recently attended Coachella 2018 so the bulk of my advice is coming from my experiences there.
Theme: Accomodations, Personal, During the Concert (Bring Cash), After the Concert
Accommodations
Engaging with the elements and the thousands of people around you is what makes music festivals so great. When preparing for a 3-day music festival you need to book your accommodations in advance – book a hotel, reserve a place on Airbnb, or pull out the old camping gear but arranging your sleeping space is key if you want to make it through the weekend.
When you find a place map the route by taxi, uber, or walking distance because travel time that is unexpected can cut into your dancing time. For our Coachella trip shuttle passes were included with our entrance wristbands.
Night 1 of the concert while coming home in the dark we got off at the wrong hotel! Remember: especially on the first night, talk to your driver and make sure you know how to get back and when to get off (or write it on your arm).
Personal
You’ve probably spent weeks or even months preparing for the big event and you’ve put infinite amounts of time and money into self care techniques and rigorous gym regimes before even stepping foot on the festival grounds. When your partying in sea of people all day, under the many layers of sunscreen you’ve applied, and the dehydration you may feel from it all, there are many reasons why the personal care should continue during your time at the music festival.
I recommend packing some soap, some hand wipes, a spray bottle, and a bandana to help stay your freshest in the hot summer sun. The bandana will also serve to protect your nose and lungs from dirt that gets kicked up into the air as people walk (it’s a real thing, google Coachella Cough – I had it.)
For the clumsier bunch, having some band-aids and a pair of nail clippers in your pack may come in useful in case you get hurt. The nail clippers will double as small scissors if necessary.
Leave the non-essentials back at camp. No one wants to be carrying around a heavy bag of stuff while falling into a deep trance of the rhythm and base. Only bring with you the things you will need:
- Photo IDs, wallet, bandana, phone/camera, water bottle/spray bottle, external charger etc.
During the Concert
This is your big moment. You may not be on the stage or behind the DJ’s booth but you are feeling like a star. Grab your dancing partner and dance like no ones watching.
It’s important to be in the moment when you are mid-festival. There have been so many times when I have been focused on getting the perfect camera shot, or been way too serious about the plan for the day. While you’re at the concert try to just feel your surroundings and put yourself in perspective of where you are in the universe at every possible moment.
Keep a buddy system. If you’re going with a large group, or even a small group, it’s important that you stick together. Festival grounds can be very large and confusing if you don’t know where you are. Especially if your group is always on the move and it may be hard to find them.
Stay Hydrated. The sun and humidity is on another level. Elevated by the booming base from the amplifiers coming at you in every direction. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, you can bring a re-fillable canteen or water pouch to sip on and have mints/candy between meals.
Crowd Sourcing
“Excuse me, I’m just trying to get to my friends *points towards stage*
LOL, this works great, up to a point. Being in close proximity to a star icon on the stage is a rush that only true concert admirers can relate. That goes for being in a crowd and feeding off the rush that comes with it. Be nice! Everyone hates being in a big crowd for hours and feeling like somethings going to pop off right beside them. So the trick is to be nice to everyone and use manners.
Remember: Patience is key. Everyone is moving slowly. They are all in pain from standing for so long.
A big pet peeve of mine is when people squat on the ground for a long time while everyone else is standing and are upset when people step on them by accident….
Upset Mid Concert?
This happens a lot. I bet at least one time throughout the concert someone will be arguing. Look around and see it, hear it, but emotions and endorphins are high so friends, couples, siblings, cousins, are all going through the same thing. Just take a breath and maybe step away for a couple minutes. Stay focused on where you are and why it’s happening.
If you’re caught in the middle of people that are in conflict don’t feel pressure to pick a side, or make everyone happy again. Choose you, and enjoy your time while it’s yours.
Bring Cash
Credit cards are useful but nothing is more convenient than cash money. Carry it securely in your bag with your personal ID and use caution when taking money out to pay for something. Things can fall without notice (that’s almost how I lost my credit card while paying for merchandise).
ATM fees at festivals can be very high because vendors know party goers are in constant need to pay for things. Plus if you are overseas you may also have to battle the exchange rates and conversion fees issued by your bank.
Cash is festival King 💸.
After the Concert
The come up is real, and so is the come down!
Returning home at the end of a festival you’re still on a high from the lights and your senses are out of control. Schedule some down time to recoup and get enough sleep and nutrients to replenish all you lost. I suggest eating a clean and healthy meal because most likely you haven’t been eating properly all weekend. Vitamins always.
Share your memories with friends and family. Fun is meant to be shared and studies show reflecting back on your positive experiences may increase your overall quality of life.
That’s it for this seasons festival guide on making the most of your concert season. Remember: it’s not where you are but what you take with you as you go. If you have upcoming concerts or festivals this year Urban Guide to the Galaxy wishes you a safe and litt time.
Thanks for reading this Urban Guide.
♦︎♦︎♦︎
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