Summer is finally upon us!
In addition to the great weather, freedom from the stresses of schoolwork and the return of the mild annoyances associated with moving back in with parents, its also festival season. Nowadays, nearly everyone and their mother is planning on going to at least one summertime music festival. Whether it's one-day festivals like Soundset, or multi-day excursions like Electric Forest, Summerset or Lolapalooza, there are plenty of ways to stay safe during your fun weekend, no matter how you plan on spending it.
1. Drink plenty of water
With all the excitement of getting to see your favorite artists in one day, it's easy to forget that you're in a crowd of thousands of people on a hot summer day. Always make sure you're carrying water, and be sure to check on the festivals map to see figure out where you can refill when you run low. Most festivals have free water stations on site to make sure you're hydrated and happy. And as always, don't be a jerk by not littering when your water bottle is empty.
2. Get some sleep
Again, the excitement of the following day can make it difficult to fall asleep. Being tired and groggy will not only make the festival experience much less fun, but also increases your risk of heat stroke or fainting, especially if you're using drugs. For multi-day festivals, this is especially important. If you're having trouble falling asleep, Chamomile and Lavender teas help, and are also very healthy for you!
3. Don't forget to eat
After a few hours of dancing and enjoying the atmosphere, you're sure to be hungry. Listen to your body, and be sure to eat. At most major festivals, there are sure to be some food vendors that serve something you'll like. Remember: beer is not food. Nourish yourself!
4. Take breaks
You don't have to always be in front of a stage to have a good time at your festival. If you're feeling weak, tired or there's no artist preforming for a while that you're dying to see, find a quiet place to sit down and relax. You'll probably meet some other cool people who had the same idea, and you'll be feeling more energized and alive for the shows you paid to see.
5. Don't over-indulge
If you choose to use drugs or alcohol, it's very important to stay safe. It's easy to justify over-indulgence for a once a year festival, but if you're too wasted, you won't have a good time. Since you wouldn't want to spend your time at a festival taking care of your wasted friend, don't be that friend. Know your limits, and you'll have a great time.
6. Test your drugs
If you're choosing to use illicit drugs at festival, make sure you know what's in them. MDMA (also known as Ecstasy or Molly), a popular festival drug, is often combined with meth, and potentially fatal substances like 25i-NBOMe are often sold as LSD. Be especially careful taking these drugs if you bought them from a stranger at the festival. If DanceSafe or a similar harm-reduction organization is present at the festival, they can almost always test your drugs for you, quickly, confidentially and free of charge. If you're going to a festival where DanceSafe won't be present, or one in a state where these services are illegal, you can order a test-kit here, or borrow one from your school's SSDP chapter.
7. Know your resources
If you or a friend are feeling unsafe, ill or in danger, find a medics or cool down tent. At most festivals, the volunteers at these areas are trained to help you, and only you. What you tell these volunteers is confidential, and you can't get in trouble for being honest about what you put into your body by telling them.
With these harm reduction tips in mind, you're sure to have a great time at whatever festival you choose to go to this summer. Have fun, be safe and rave on!
