I'm no expert at music festivals, but I've been to my fair share of them and do consider myself pretty seasoned. So here are a few tips on how to make the most of your music festival experience:
1. Prepare your ID.
Most music festivals are either 18+ or 21+. If you have a U.S. government-issued ID, you won't have a problem. However, if you're from abroad you should check beforehand what kind of identification they accept. For example, Ultra Music Festival requires that an international driver's licence be accompanied with a photocopy of your passport. Always make sure you have this prepared because having to go back to your hotel to sort this out after lining up to get in sucks.
2. If you're in a big group, find your buddies.
If you're in a big group, you'll most likely spend more time figuring out rendezvous points than dancing, which is why I've always said that a rave crew should consist of at most four people. The reason for this is that people need to pee at different times, get tired at different times and most importantly, have different tastes in music. No joke, friendships can be ruined over whether to see Kygo or Yellowclaw if they're playing at the same time. So if you're in a big group, zero in on one or two friends who have roughly the same stamina and taste in music as you do.
3. Plan, plan, plan
This leads me to my next point, plan your lineups. Set times are always released beforehand and some music festivals even have their own apps that you can use to make your schedule. Be sure to factor in toilet breaks, breaks for food as well as which stages the DJs are going to play at. For example, if you're seeing Galantis at stage A and have to choose between Hardwell and David Guetta who are playing at stage A and stage B respectively, it makes more sense to go with Guetta just because you won't have to fight your way out one crowd and into another.
4. Hydrate
This is a tricky one because you don't want to get dehydrated but you also don't want to be lining up for the toilets every hour. Regardless of what, ahem, substances you may be consuming, hydration is extremely important. Just remember to take a few sips now and then, especially if you start feeling lightheaded, and always bring a bottle of water into a crowd. Also, don't drink a stranger's water. I know it might be tempting when you're parched but most of the time it isn't worth the risk.
5. Comfort > Looking Cute
Yeah, I know, everyone is decked out in sequins to spandex and everything in between, and they look incredible. But do you really want to be jumping up and down in huge fur thigh-high boots and headpieces that slip off every few seconds? Wear sneakers (that you won't mind having to ditch after this) and clothes that you can move in comfortably.
6. Location and transport
The best bet is to stay somewhere really near to the festival. Having to take a shuttle or walk a long way after hours of dancing is the worst.
7. Have a secure way of holding on to your valuables
Most rave crews have that one person with a backpack that everyone dumps their stuff with. If you do, that's awesome as long as you never lose sight of them. If you don't, try to wear something with a zipped pocket or suck it up and bring a fanny pack.
8. Bring a portable charger
This should be obvious.
9. Do not count on cell service
Cell service in remote areas is patchy at best. Even if the location wasn't in the middle of nowhere, the concentration of phones often messes up the cell service. So don't count on being able to find your friends if you don't go in together and be prepared to not be able to contact people while you're in there.
10. Pace yourself
If you're going for a festival that spans more than one day, make sure you're not a complete wreck for the last set. You want to be able to enjoy as much of it as possible, so don't go all out the first night. Also, don't go all out in the first hour of the night. You don't want your friends to have to take you home, and you also don't want to miss some of the DJs you want to see. Then again, if you're one of those people who have inhuman stamina then you can ignore this.
11. Open your mind and heart
Raves are about bringing people together in music, regardless of where they come from or who they are. Everyone is there to have a good time and to let loose, which is what makes raves so awesome. Beware of stranger danger, but also be open to new friends, new music and new experiences. Leave the drama, the stress and the anxiety at the gate and just lose yourself.
