How to Live your Best Life this Festival Season
Whether you’re a festival pro who has been tromping around the country every summer for years or you’re just starting to dip your toes into the world of summer festivals, there is always room for improvement in your festival experience.
- For the love of god, drink some (actually a lot) of water.
Nothing will ruin your day more then passing out from dehydration and having to take a trip to the medical tent. Most festivals will let you bring in a camelback or refillable water bottle and offer free refill stations, so there’s really no excuse to not hydrate. You should also take advantage of any mist stations or water activities at the festival you’re attending has to offer to keep your cool level at 100%. - When making your schedule, make some time for resting.
Yes, of course you want to see as much music as possible, but you don’t want to be the one in your group heading back to camp early cause you drained all your energy dancing in the sun. Pick some sets every day that you don’t mind hanging back of the crowd on a blanket with some food and friends or set up a canopy, maybe even take a nap to get an extra boost of energy. Remember, a festival is a marathon, not a sprint. - Clean up after yourself!
This should go without saying, but unfortunately way too many resources are being put into cleaning up after festival-goers. This not only puts the festival being able to return to that site at risk, but the health of the often lush and beautiful spaces where festivals take place is also at risk. Help this from happening by doing your part; throw away any garbage you make; instead of kicking or stepping over trash on the ground, pick it up and leave your campsite just as pristinely as you found it. - Before you go from camp into the festival for the day, throw some necessities in your bag
Take a few minutes to put some toilet paper, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, bandaids, a piece of fruit and a granola bar in your bag before heading into see music. If you’re planning to go in for the long haul, then add a layer to throw on at night, and you’re set. You’ll be happy when you inevitably arrive at a port-a-potty with no paper, get a blister or need a pick-me-up. - Make sure your camp is set up for the long haul.
When you first arrive at your camp spot, you’ll most likely want to crack open a beer and start the party, but if you know what’s good for you, you’ll hold off and make sure your camp is set up to last through anything during the entire weekend. This means putting up all tents, canopies and tarps, rain-proofing, making sure all valuables are out of sight and secured in your car, and your cooler is full of ice. Once this is all done, toast with your crew, and let the party begin. - Take your pictures with a disposable or Polaroid camera.
Please do not be this crowd! Constantly having your phone up taking sub-par quality pictures and videos you will most likely never use is just taking way from the experience of everyone around you. If you want memories in photo form, ditch your phone, and never worry about running out of battery again. You’ll end up with awesome pictures that are infinitely cooler and more instaworthy than one snapped on an iPhone; we’ll take care of the band shots for you! If something absolutely crazy is happening on stage where you must have on your phone, quickly snap a pic or video and put it back in your bag; your neighbors will thank you. - Participate in non-music activities.
Festivals have grown to include music and so much more. Most have a plethora of activities such as yoga, drum circles, movement classes, glass-blowing demonstrations and much more. They’re usually not during peak hours of music either, so instead of bumming out around your campsite, get up and go experience something new. - Sharing is caring
It could be as simple as giving someone your water who looks like he’s having a rough time, blowing bubbles through a crowd, or walking around gifting cool things to strangers. The best example that we’ve ever seen is our friends at #Roochute who never cease to amaze us with how many smiles they create with such a simple yet genius idea of bringing an old-school favorite gym class game for everyone to play with. This helps build a community at a festival and enhances not only your experience but that of everyone whom you come across; it’s also a great way to make friends! - Dress the part.
We’re not strictly talking ‘Coachella-fashion’ here; anything unique, funny or totally outlandish that shows the true you is bound to put a smile on anyone’s face you come across. Festivals are a place where you can be yourself, and what better way to do that than to dress the part. - Be kind, and spread your good vibes around to everyone.
Last but not least, spread those good vibes EVERYWHERE. Experiencing a festival with your festfam is what it’s all about, but don’t limit your friendliness to just your group. A bad crowd can ruin a great festival; so look out for your neighbors, don’t push your way to the front, smile at everyone you see, and hug as many humans as possible!