If you’ve ever scrolled through shots of absolutely massive crowds, eye-catching lights, and festival-goers absolutely living it up, going to a music festival might be on your bucket list. My first music festival was both wild and memorable, but it took some prep and know-how to be able to actually relax and enjoy the experience!
So, here’s a guide to help you walk into your first music festival, ready to have an awesome time, without all of the rookie mistakes.
What Music Festivals Are Really Like
Music festivals bring together huge crowds, multiple stages, food trucks, and a pretty mixed vibe. You’ll see folks in funky outfits, hear a ton of music from different genres, and catch random events you’d never find anywhere else.
Festivals range from two-day local block parties to full-blown week-long camping trips with world-famous headliners! The vibe can swing from super chill acoustic sets to wild, thumping dance floors. Most big festivals like Coachella or Glastonbury have become almost cultural events. Think viral fashion, headline-making setlists, and next level light shows. Smaller, local festivals can be way more relaxed and personal but still pack a punch with up-and-coming artists and good eats.
Whatever the size, every festival has its own twists, so a bit of research goes a long way!
Besides music, you’ll find plenty of food vendors, chillout areas, art installations, and sometimes interactive workshops. Some events even have their own traditions, like people swapping friendship bracelets at electronic fests or spontaneous paint fights at certain indie events.
Taking surprises in stride usually pays off, and if you’re open to making new friends, festivals can be an excellent opportunity to connect.
Bring a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things, and you’re sure to stumble upon something unexpectedly fun!
Planning Ahead: The Festival Prep List
Getting ready well before the gates open is super important. Some festivals give you months to plan, while others sell out in mere minutes!
Either way, here’s what to focus on:
- Tickets: Buy early from official festival sites. Watch out for scams or third party sellers that aren’t verified. Many festivals offer early bird pricing, payment plans, or group deals, so check those out if you’re on a budget or going with friends!
- Lineup and Schedule: Scan the list of acts and make a note of your “can’t miss” performers. Most festivals release daily schedules a week or two before, which is really handy to map out your day.
- Accommodation: Decide if you’re camping, booking a hotel, or commuting daily. Onsite camping drops you into the thick of it, but hotels can give you a nice, comfy break at night. Book early, since places fill up fast. Also, check if there are any designated quiet zones for sleep.
- Transport: Look into shuttles, rideshares, or parking options. Big festivals often offer shuttle buses or have parking restrictions. Consider carpooling to save money and reduce hassle (and your carbon footprint!).
- Festival Rules: It sounds boring, I know, but check what you can and can’t bring! Most places ban glass bottles, outside alcohol, or certain bag sizes. Each fest can have its own rules, especially on reusable water bottles or even snacks. Don’t get caught off guard at security checkpoints!
Essentials to Pack for a Music Festival
A well-packed bag saves you from half of your festival worries.
Here’s a basic and reliable packing rundown for a day or camping fest:
- Comfortable Shoes: Expect loads of standing and walking. Break in those shoes, trust me, or you’ll regret it within the first hour!
- Weather Gear: Festivals happen rain or shine! Lightweight ponchos, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all super useful, even if the forecast looks perfect.
- Hydration Pack or Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is really important! Lots of events offer free refill stations, but bring your own bottle if that’s allowed. Make sure your bottle meets festival guidelines.
- Portable Charger: Most festivals are in open fields, and phone batteries drain fast between shots, maps, and calls to friends. A fully-charged backup can be a lifesaver.
- Light Layers: Mornings can be chilly, afternoons blazing, and nights cool again. Layers help you stay comfortable all day and night. Pack a compact jacket you can tie around your waist.
- Snacks: You’ll get hungry dancing and walking. Bring small, nonperishable snacks like granola bars if allowed. Trail mix or jerky also make great energy boosts on the go.
- Festival Pass and ID: Keep these secure but accessible for quick check-ins or security checks.
- Mini First Aid Kit: Blister plasters, allergy meds, and a few painkillers can save your day, especially if you plan on dancing non-stop.
- Earplugs: Protect your hearing while still enjoying the music. You’ll thank yourself later!
Common Challenges (and how to handle them)
Even the best festivals have their hiccups!
- Big Crowds: Stick with your group if you have one, but also set a backup meeting spot in case phones die or you get split up. Having a memorable spot, like a funky art installation or the taco truck, makes life easier and cuts down on stress when everyone is scattered.
- Personal Space: Mosh pits, crowd surfs, and tight stages are part of many festivals. If that’s not your thing, you can stand further back or on the side (like I do)! It’s also easier to exit for bathroom breaks, and you can soak up the music without getting jostled around too much.
- Weather Surprises: Mother Nature plays a big part at festivals. Check the weather daily, and keep a poncho, trash bags (they double as seat covers), and ziplock bags for electronics handy. When it’s hot, shady spots and extra hydration really matter. Apply sunscreen regularly—even if it feels cloudy, you can still get sunburned at an all-day outdoor event.
- Overwhelm: Take breaks in shaded or quiet areas. Most festivals have chill zones with couches or hammocks. Whenever things start to feel a bit too much, head to these spaces, take a breath, and grab some water.
- Lost Items: Only bring what you really need and lock valuables if you can. Most festivals have a lost-and-found, but labeling your stuff or using a bright phone case can speed up recovery. Snap a quick photo of your stuff before you leave as a reference, in case you need to report something lost.
Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Festival Experience
Festivals run smoother with a few tricks up your sleeve:
- Cashless Payments: Almost everything at most fests is cashless now. Load up your festival wristband or phone wallet ahead of time. There can still be one or two vendors that only take cash, so bring a small amount just in case—it can save you when you need water or snacks and technology isn’t cooperating.
- Get to Stages Early: For really popular headliners, show up extra extra early if you want a good spot! Headliner crowds fill up fast, sometimes a whole set before. If you’re with friends, rotate getting food so someone always keeps your spot!
- Explore Beyond the Main Stage: Wandering off leads to cool food stalls, unique side performances, art installations, and smaller acts that can become your new favorites! Some of the best festival memories happen at pop-up stages or surprise shows in tents away from the crowds.
- Stay Flexible: Sometimes a set is too crowded, the line for food stalls is too long, or your phone’s just not working. Go with the flow. Most festivals are best when you let the unexpected happen and try something you didn’t plan for. Say yes to random adventures!
What Beginners Need For Different Types of Festivals
Each festival has its own quirks, so a little tailoring helps:
- Camping Festivals: Bring a solid tent, extra stakes, earplugs, a flashlight, a compact camping chair, and a battery bank. A flag or colorful marker for your campsite is really helpful for finding your way back at night. Be neighborly; sometimes sharing extra supplies makes new friends!
- Urban or Day-Only Festivals: Portable chargers matter, and comfy shoes are even bigger since there’s rarely time to sit. Map out exits, water stations, bathrooms, and other key amenities when you arrive. Public transit may run late for the fest—double-check schedules so you aren’t stranded!
- Smaller or Genre-Focused Festivals: Expect closer interactions with artists, smaller crowds, and sometimes shorter days. It can be easier to make friends or talk to the organizers for tips. These festivals also often support local businesses and artists, so keep an eye out for special merch or unique experiences you won’t get at larger events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Answer: Most big festivals have rules about outside food and drinks. Some allow snacks, sealed water bottles, or even picnic setups in certain areas. Always check the official guidelines on the festival website or the FAQ page before you pack.
Question: Where do I keep my valuables safe?
Answer: Use lockers or lock boxes if offered. Otherwise, keep your stuff in a secure front-pocket bag you can keep an eye on all day. Never leave valuables unattended in tents or bags.
Question: What if I lose my friends?
Answer: Set a meeting spot and time, use shared phone location if you can, and remember your friends’ outfits for easier spotting. Most festivals have info tents to help reunite lost groups. If all else fails, stick near your meeting spot and wait—it usually works out!
The Festival Takeaway: Jump In and Enjoy
Music festivals pack in a lot: unforgettable music, new friends, and weird surprises you’ll talk about all year. Planning makes a huge difference, but the best memories often come from unexpected moments and exploring new things!
Pack smart, stay open-minded, and you’re in for a great adventure at your very first music festival.
Don’t stress—just soak in everything, take plenty of photos, and most importantly, have fun!