[title maintitle=”” subtitle=”Summer Music Festival Survival Guide 2016″]
Its that time of the year again! Summer music festival SZN is upon us! Whether you’re heading to Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, or somewhere overseas this Summer sixteen… we got you covered with a few guidelines on how to survive; especially if you’re a newbie about to experience something completely new. Without a doubt, it’ll be an enjoyable experience, but your uncontainable excitement may cause you to forget some things that are essential to the sonic journey you are about to embark on.
- Pack Accordingly – For those who only have to travel short distances, you know how long you’re going to be gone, so try to only bring the essentials. Change of clothes, fresh undies (unless you plan to go commando), toiletries, etc. Chances are your friends will have what you need, and it leaves extra room in your bag for other things…like more ‘good stuff.’
- The Thirst is Real – Never underestimate the amount of hydration you’ll be needing each day at these festivals. You have no idea how many people fuck this up and pass out in the middle of someone’s set because of heatstroke (or just being way too wasted). Keep a couple bottles handy at all times or bring one of those outdoor packs that come with an attached hydration bladder. Those things are so clutch that they’re the real MVP.
- Sunglasses and Advil (because last night was mad real) – Whether you’re going to a one day or three day festival, the amount of partying you’ll be doing might just get out of hand…a little shot here, a cup of beer there, and next thing you know, you wake up with a massive headache and a recurring inclination to yak your brains out. That shit ain’t good when it was only the first day, and you have two more to go… So don’t forget that recovery kit! Ibuprofen, coconut water, sports drinks…you know, whatever remedy works for you.
- “I’m Charged Up” (Drake voice) – Essential to all trips in this modern, technologically addicted world we live in today…the external battery! Nowadays, most music festivals will have several charging stations available throughout the venue, but the likelihood that it will be busy is pretty high. So don’t be one of those noobs stuck to the wall while they scroll through their social media and pack one that’ll last your whole trip.
- “Make Room for Fanny” – If you’re not down to lug around a backpack and have your back possibly sweat like a hippo… there’s always his less cool, retro little brother: the fanny pack! Good for fitting the necessary essentials like ID, sunscreen, hand sanitzier, condom, whatever.
- Designate a Rendezvous Point – Getting lost or separated from your party is almost a certainty at all music festivals. Whether its because someone decided to crowd surf, or just get plain wasted and run off into the sunset…its important to decide on a meet up spot.
- Snacks on Deck – Festivals are already expensive as it is, why would you want to spend more money on a stupidly overpriced entree with a serving size fit for a rabbit? Bring your own snacks: fruit, granola bars, cookies, beef jerky, maybe even make a sandwich prior to leaving. Save that money for drinks!
- Don’t forget the ‘goods’ – Let’s be honest here… the ‘goods’ are practically an essential part of the Summer music festival experience. And while we’re not trying to promote the use of ‘good stuff…’ we know you don’t want to be that guy (or girl) in the middle of the crowd asking: “Hey, you mind if I get a hit of that?” Or “Got any extras?” — So designate your mule!
Once you’ve prepared all the necessities for the festival, prepare YOURSELF! Listen to the artists you’re going to see, get yourself in the right state of happiness and just go along for the ride! Don’t be afraid to explore the grounds and get lost (cause you took note of #6), take as much of the culture in as possible, take yourself out of your comfort zone and enjoy your environment. Remember that everyone around you has the same goal in mind…and that’s to enjoy themselves. Just pace yourself on those multi-day festivals, and have the time of your life. Experiences like these don’t come around as often (even though these are yearly events).
