7 Ways To Make The Most Of Summer Music Festivals | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

7 Ways To Make The Most Of Summer Music Festivals

Can you say flower crowns and hipster music?

2
7 Ways To Make The Most Of Summer Music Festivals

What's the best way to be twenty, flirty and thriving this summer you ask? My advice, go to a summer music festival. I had never actually ever been to a music festival until about a year ago, and believed that all you did was sing along to hipster bands, wear flower crowns, crop tops, and high-waisted shorts and eat churros. After seeing snapchat stories, pictures and videos on the internet, I was made to believe that summer music festivals were the bees knees. It seemed like the perfect Instagram opportunity combined with a place to hear my spotify playlist live.

At least that's what I thought.

The summer of 2014 marked my first time at Summerfest, the largest music festival in the world. For all of you midwesterners out there, you know what I'm talking about. And for all those of you who find yourself somewhere else, let me give you a little background on Summerfest. Summerfest claims to be the largest music festival in the world, spanning 11 days, on 11 different stages with over 800 bands and acts. Doesn't that sound like the greatest thing ever? I mean it does, what's not to love about all of your favorite bands conveniently located in one place?

When I went the first night, it's safe to say I had a twinkle in my eye due to all of the excitement that surrounded the event. I was an amateur concert-goer at the time and really was just looking forward to hanging out with my friends while listening to my favorite bands. However, once I entered the Summerfest grounds, I felt like I had been thrown into a black-friday shopping experience. To my right were rabid music fans acting as if their life depended on being in the front row at their favorite bands' concerts, and to my left were the people who acted like the mass amounts of miller lite were going to magically run out. As I stood in the middle of what seemed like a conglomeration of chaos, I thought to myself, is this really worth it?

Surprisingly, the answer was yes.

You see, after my drama queen rant, I realized just how much fun I had, even in the mess of 900,000 people. There's an indescribable energy that circulates through the crowd, and the atmosphere is one-of-a-kind. And quite frankly, you can't beat the $19 ticket price.

Now that Summerfest is back, and the summer music festival season has begun, here is list of 7 things that will make your experience much more enjoyable.

1.Go With Friends.

Don't go by yourself. I repeat, do not go to a music festival by yourself. You will find yourself alone in a large crowd, and most likely sad. Your friends make everything better, they'll sing with you, they'll dance with you, and best of all they'll pretend they know the words with you. You definitely need your friends. Trust me on this one.

2.Make sure you bring cash.

Bring cash. You'd think that since its 2015 they would have the whole "debit card" thing down, but seriously cash will be your best friend. And with cash, you won't have to log onto your bank account the next morning and remember that you spent eight dollars on a mediocre warm beer.

3.Wear your least favorite shoes.

First of all, concerts are dirty. Everyone's walking around, and who knows where those feet have been. Second, when people dance, they have the tendency to spill beer everywhere, including your feet. Trust me, I have had to say RIP to multiple pairs of shoes because of concerts. Concerts are your opportunity to rock your ugliest shoes, so take advantage of this and rock on with your bad self.

4.Don't spend too much time on your makeup.

It's dark outside. Therefore no one can see your face. And you sweat. Enough said.

5.Have a plan of attack.

Music festivals have lots of performers. Sometimes you're going to have to choose between two of your favorite bands. Be sure and know which bands you want to see beforehand! Make sure your friends are on the same page, and you'll be in the clear.

6.Bring a jacket.

Yes, I understand its summer, but many times those summer nights can dip at least 15 degrees, so if you get cold easily like the majority of my friends, be sure to bring a jacket. Or befriend a nice stranger at the concert, in hopes that they will give you their jacket.

7.Go in with a positive outlook.

Lastly, concerts are at times stressful and overwhelming. If you have the tendency to be a negative nelly, then stop right now. Do not go, because you'll probably ruin it for your friends. You have to learn to go with the flow, and make the best of each situation, otherwise you will have absolutely no fun. Be positive, and embrace the good and the bad!

There you have it, seven ways to insure you'll have a great time. So if you learned anything other than the fact that I'm a drama queen, I hope you learned that you should embrace the chaos that music festivals bring, even if they seem like a hassle at the moment. I promise you'll enjoy yourself once you're there.

Happy Summer all, and remember to rock on.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

186898
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12778
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456322
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25653
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments