Getting the Most Out Of A Music Festival

by Marcela De Vivo

Photo courtesy of blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com

01. Before The Festival 

So, you've snagged the tickets, taken the time off work and dreamed about your mini-vacation to the upcoming music festival for months... but are you completely prepared for the weekend that lies ahead? 

Below are a few tips that will help you avoid any mishaps before, during and after your stay at the festival:

Brush Up On Music 

Photo courtesy of independent.co.uk

Even if you’re an audiophile, chances are you don’t know every artist on the lineup of the festival you’re attending. Google a list of the lineup and plug in artists one by one to sample the music you haven’t heard before. This will help you discover bands that you may have otherwise missed by not researching them beforehand. 

There’s also the option of finding pre-made playlists or channels; many major music sites will offer music streams or download samples of the line-up in preparation for the big festivals. For example, check out this channel put together for the upcoming 2013 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. 

Prepare Your Outfits 

Photo courtesy of seventeen.com

Festivals are a great excuse to throw together a cool weekend wardrobe. Here are a few quick tips if you have no idea where to start: 

• Depending on the season, pack shorts or long pants - if you’re camping for two or more days, try and pack light by re-using your bottoms with multiple different tops.
  
  Quick tip: If you’re attending a music festival in the desert, the temperature during the day may be significantly different than at night. Pack extra layers like sweatshirts for night time and consider snagging a locker if you don’t want to carry a lot of extra baggage. 

• Add your own personal flair - a lot of guys and girls like to wear cool sunglasses, jewelry like floral headbands or belly chains and band t-shirts showing off their favorite artists. 

• Pack comfy shoes - if it’s hot out you may decide to simple wear your comfiest pair of flip flops or even go barefoot. If it’s a bit on the chilly side, any shoe that is going to give your foot all-day support is best. The worst thing at a music festival is being uncomfortable running around and/or standing for prolonged periods of time while you listen to your favorite bands. 

Create a Personal Set-List 

Photo courtesy of 977music.com

The schedule of which artists will be playing and at what times is posted a few days before most music festivals. Decide who you want to see and create a schedule to ensure you won’t miss anyone because of not doing the research beforehand. Coachella, the annual music festival in Indio, California even has an app so everything can be done seamlessly on your phone --and be handily waiting in your pocket throughout the weekend. 

02. During The Festival 

Photo courtesy of flightfox.com

• Wear Sunscreen 

This goes for anybody, during any season that is spending more than 2-3 hours in the sun. Even if it is overcast outside, you will get sunburnt --especially if you are fair skinned. 

Getting sunburnt, especially on the first day of the festival will really put a hamper on your overall experience. If you’re mostly covered up in colder weather, don’t forget to put sunscreen on your cheeks and nose. 

• Stay Hydrated

This is especially important for people who are going to be out in the sun during their festival. Drink at least 4 bottles of water throughout the day, more if you are drinking a lot of alcohol --which tends to dehydrate people. 

A lot of people end up spending hours in the first-aid tent because they think they are immune to dehydration. Dehydration is serious and is the cause of people passing or blacking out. 

• Be Flexible 

Unfortunately, you may not be able to see every band you planned on. It may rain on you in 90 degree weather and ruin your outfit. Somebody may spill a drink on your white shirt or ruin your shoes by stepping on them having set foot in the mud. 

Whatever the case, it’s best to relax and go with the flow. Things are bound to go wrong a few times when surrounded by thousands of strangers and hundred and bands. If you expect these things to happen and take them with a grain of salt, you’ll definitely have more fun. 

03. After The Festival 

Share Your Experience 

Post photos of yourself on your Facebook and links to the best bands you saw during your stay, that way other people can explore their music as well, especially if they aren't an especially well-known band. 

Make sure you’re prepared to attend the music festival you've got tickets for to ensure the best experience possible. Simple things like wearing sunscreen and deciding which bands  you are going to watch can make a world of difference that weekend.

Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer from Los Angeles. She writes on everything from marketing to health & wellness, but as an avid music fan and concert-goer, she loves the chance to cover music. 



"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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