Since going to my first music festival my freshman year of high school, I have been in love with them. I don't know whether it's being able to see so many different artists for just one, fairly reasonably priced ticket, or being able to discover new artists while enjoying ones I already love, but it's fair to say I'm a fan of festivals. However, a number of small things can easily wreck your festival experience, so here are my recommendations for first-time festival-goers.
1. Don't wear open-toed or uncomfortable shoes
I can guarantee that your foot will be stepped on at least once, so open shoes are definitely not the move. You're likely to be standing for long amounts of time as well so make sure that you wear comfortable shoes because comfort is key.
2. The same rule applies for clothes
I know everyone wants to get the perfect Insta photo in a Pinterest worthy outfit, however, if it's going to be uncomfortable or a struggle to keep on all day just don't wear it! Otherwise you'll spend more time feeling uncomfortable and unhappy than enjoying the festival.
3. Don't buy a VIP ticket without researching the benefits
The first year I went to Bumbershoot I bought two single day tickets, one VIP and one regular. What I did not realize was that to enjoy many of the perks of VIP, I had to be 21 (I was 14). So I basically ended up spending extra money just for VIP seating in a couple venues, which honestly was not any better than regular seating.
4. Don't buy your ticket two days before the festival
What a lot of people don't realize is that ticket prices skyrocket the closer you get to the event. I've seen single day passes jump up to $325 the day before while a 3-day pass cost $125 a month earlier, so plan early.
5. Don't buy a pre-sale ticket unless you are committed to attending the festival
Often times buying a pre-sale ticket means purchasing the ticket without any knowledge of the festival's lineup. So if you are willing to take the pre-sale plunge to make sure that you are truly committed to attending the festival regardless was what the lineup may look like.
6. Don't wait until the last second to buy merch
Festivals have been known to run out of popular merch items. I recommend buying merch for a 3-day festival at either the end of the first day (so you don't end up carrying it everywhere) or the beginning of the second day to ensure that they still have the styles and sizes you want.
7. Don't buy merch unless you are in love with it
Merch tends to be pretty expensive so don't buy something just to say you went to a festival because it will just end up in the bottom of your closet.
8. If the festival is in a city, don't get an Uber
The price of an Uber goes up significantly around the time that most festivals (like Bumbershoot) end each night. To avoid this either take public transit or carpool to and from the festival.
9. Do check the policies section (especially concerning bags)
A lot of festivals don't allow certain items so it's good to know what you can and can't bring. Additionally, many festivals don't allow backpacks or bags over a certain size so make sure your bags are policy compliant before attending.
10. Do bring a portable charger
Festivals typically span all day however your cell phone battery won't. I recommend bringing a portable charger to help mitigate this problem and prevent you from having to stand by an outlet for an hour while your phone charges.
11. Do bring some sort of bag
It's nice to have somewhere to store all the free stuff you end up will at a festival. I recommend opting for a fanny pack or drawstring bag as they tend to be easier to carry than a purse. After this past weekend, I personally am a fanny pack convert due to A. the convenience and B. the fact that I could fit an impressive amount of stuff in that thing without any issues.
12. Do check the weather
While it won't be accurate every time, checking the weather will give you some sort of idea about what the weather is gonna do that day and therefore how you should dress. There is nothing worse than planning for rain and being stuck wearing pants and a raincoat when it's 85 and sunny.
13. Do check the entrance and exit policy
This can change yearly and may end up being the reason you miss your favorite artist.
14. Do make a schedule
Plan out what you and your friends want to see in advance to make the day of a little less hectic and ensure you don't miss any of your favorite artists.
15. Do plan lodging in advance
Many festivals take place on holiday weekends so book your hotel or camping space in advance.
16. Do stay hydrated
Standing in a hot crowd for hours at a time is surprisingly dehydrating so it's important that you stay hydrated by either bringing a water bottle or buying one at the festival.
17. Do remember to feed yourself
This may sound stupid but when you're trying to be in the front row for your favorite artist, making sure that you are properly nourished is not always your biggest priority. However, it is important to make sure that you take care of yourself so that you can really enjoy the weekend.
18. Do check out the festival website
A lot of festivals have some really cool features other than the music that you can learn more about on their websites. This past weekend Bumbershoot had comedy, speakers, visual arts, Yogashoot, and B-Eats in addition to the musical. B-Eats was one of my favorite parts of the festival because it brought in some really great local food. I ended up getting Salted Caramel Ash ice cream from Frankie & Jo's which I would highly recommend.
19. Do make sure you have your bracelet, tickets, etc. before you leave home
Nothing makes a festival worse than being unable to attend because you left you bracelet at home.
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