EDM festivals oftentimes get a bad reputation, due to recent news stories, because they are seen as part of the dangerous "rave" scene that only the rebellious youth attend. However, they are concerts and just like any music event, there can be risks, but those risks are usually extremely exaggerated to the public. Before turning your nose away and deciding that EDM isn't for you, try to keep an open mind and see all the magic that music festivals have to offer!

1. The Amazing Atmosphere

Walking through the doors of your very first music festival is like nothing else; it feels as if you are entering a portal into another universe, where the real world just slowly melts away and you are enveloped by the happy sounds of music blasting in the distance. The stages are all decorated elaborately, and the mind-blowing visuals paired with lasers, make for some jaw-dropping shows. The shows will immediately pull you in, but it's the good vibes that will keep you coming back around for more.

2. The Friendly People

The atmosphere could not be created without most of all the cool individuals that make up the music festivals. I have met some of the friendliest people at music festivals. If you are ever lost from the group of friends that you came with (which can easily happen as festivals are typically quite large), you shouldn't panic because almost everyone there is your friend and will rage with you and help you if needed.

3. The Bonding

It is so easy to form a closer bond with your friends and even strangers, because everybody there all loves EDM, and your love of the music will easily unite the crowd as one.

4. The Freedom to Express Yourself

Music festivals are also interesting places because you can dress in the strangest ways and nobody will really judge you. People often wear elaborate costumes. They might dress as characters or fantasy creatures such as mermaids or unicorns; they might wear customized hats with pins, cool tights or leggings, one pieces, lots of glitter, fluffies, pasties, trippy shirts; and they can even embody their favorite animal by wearing faux animal hoods (my favorite).

5. The Cools Talents

If you see anyone with hoops, gloves, poi, or just about any flow toys, just know that flowing does not come as easily as it seems and that those people have probably spent countless hours practicing their talents to captivate people at festivals. So many people are incredible at the flow arts and watching them perform in the crowd to some incredible songs will take your breath away.

6. The Experience

Some of the bigger festivals may seem like a waste of money because they can be so expensive. Even going to little shows can quickly start racking up heavily. However, I have never regretted spending money on a music festival because it is the entire experience you leave with, that you will forever have stored in your happy memories, that make it worthwhile.

7. The Variety

A major benefit of music festivals is that there is something for everyone, from different stages, to different genres of music, to different festivals.

8. The Escape From Reality

Another way in which festivals are amazing is that it gives you a few hours or days to escape the real world, and not have to worry about paying rent or working or the every day pressures, but can just breathe and live in the moment. This escape from reality can be very beneficial to people who are very stressed out.

9. The Dancing

At festivals, you get to let loose and dance like nobody is watching. Dancing can be a form of exercise, but it's fun too!

10. THE MUSIC

Last but certainly not least, the music is a major reason why you should give EDM festivals a shot. EDM has a unique way of bringing people of all different languages and backgrounds in one place, where they can be at peace and get to see their favorite djs perform wonderful live sets together.