How to Survive Festival Season 2024 – Everything You Need To Know
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Congrats, you’ve got tickets to a festival this summer! You’re stood amongst a sprawling field that has been transformed into a bustling village of tents and stages, a labyrinth of pathways leading to hidden gems and open secrets. As the sun dips below the horizon, the festival grounds come alive with a symphony of sights and sounds—a cacophony of laughter, chatter, and the distant thrum of bass that pulses like the earth’s life-laden heartbeat.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time festie-goer, the allure of live music, likeminded fans, and unforgettable experiences is undeniable. Yet, amidst the euphoria and excitement, the chaos of festival life (and the porta-loos) can be daunting to navigate.
Welcome to That Fangirl Life’s ultimate festival survival guide, your roadmap to conquering the dance floors, campsites, and communal vibes with confidence and ease. From packing essentials to mastering festival etiquette, this comprehensive handbook will arm you with the knowledge and know-how to not just survive but thrive amidst the whirlwind of festival season.
You will undoubtedly have a fabulous time, but you need to make sure you are prepared! As a five-time Coachella attendee, I am here to help guide you to having the best time amongst the heat, the crowds and, the questionable bathrooms.
Part One: What to Bring
As you prepare to head into the heart of festival season, the question looms large: what to pack? From the essentials that will see you through long days of music to the creature comforts that will transform your campsite into a home away from home, packing for a festival is both an art and a science.
Earplugs
Ear protection is just as crucial at festivals as it is at regular concerts. With speakers strategically positioned throughout festival grounds, the risk of finding yourself beside one without ear protection is significant, and you don’t want your experience to be plagued by ringing ear syndrome. Especially during multi-day festivals, where prolonged exposure to intense sound can pose serious risks to your ears, you must take care of your hearing to guarantee a safe and enjoyable festival experience.
There is a huge range of earplugs that you can buy – from the low-end foam ones that are sometimes offered at the gates to professional-grade options that cost a little more, the choice is yours. As a music lover, however, the last thing you want to do is damage your hearing, so take this recommendation seriously.
Portable Charger
A portable charger is an absolute must for any festival-goer! Not only do you need to make sure you have enough battery to take pictures and videos, but you need to have a way to check set times and most importantly, contact your friends in case of emergency. A charger that has enough capacity to recharge your devices multiple times is essential, and there are plenty available on sites like Amazon. If you do forget one, however, many festival shops on site do carry a range to see you through. Just don’t forget your cable!
Sweater
It’s essential to consider the timing and location of the festival you’re attending, as temperatures can plummet once the sun sets, particularly on windy days. There’s nothing worse than shivering through the headliner’s set, wishing you had brought a cosy hoodie or jacket to ward off the chill. Be prepared for cooler evenings by packing a warm layer—it could make all the difference in your comfort and enjoyment of the event.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is so incredibly important. Be sure to review the festival’s guidelines, but many now allow festival-goers to bring refillable bottles into the arena itself. Opt for a collapsible bottle that easily fits into your bag when not in use. Utilizing free refill stations, particularly around the campsite areas, can save you a considerable amount of money on water while keeping you hydrated throughout the event.
Sunscreen
On the subject of looking after your body, it’s also important to remember your skin. If it is an outdoor festival, the odds are that you will be spending most of the day out in direct sunlight – no promises for a British festival, however. Regardless of the sun state, make sure you apply generously before you go and bring sunscreen along to the arena to reapply throughout the day. Don’t forget to cover your scalp too!
Handheld Fan
If it’s a hot day, a handheld fan will be a lifesaver. Whether it’s a small battery-operated fan or a handheld fan, either will help you stay cool!
Part Two: Preparing Yourself
Preparing for a festival is not just about gathering gear and buying tickets—it’s about setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. First and foremost, preparation is essential for your safety and well-being whilst at the event. From packing essentials like sunscreen and first aid supplies to familiarising yourself with the festival layout and emergency procedures, taking the time to prepare can help ensure that you’re ready to handle whatever the festival throws your way.
But preparation isn’t just about practicalities—it’s also about maximizing your enjoyment of the event. By planning ahead and researching the lineup, you can make sure you don’t miss out on your favourite artists and discover new ones along the way. Let’s get into it.
Outfits
One of the most exciting parts of going to a festival is planning your outfit. A fun way I like to plan is I pick an artist I will be seeing that day and try to plan my outfit around their aesthetic. For example, at Coachella 2022, I wore a shirt with cherries on it on the day Harry Styles performed, and lime green the next day for Billie Eilish! But most importantly, make sure your outfit is something you feel both comfortable and confident in.
One place to emphasise comfort over style is your shoes. For the rest of your outfit, try to pick breathable fabrics, that are sweat-proof and comfy to be in for long periods of time. If you’re going for the gram, try to get your pictures in early in the day while your outfit is at its best in case you need to change into something more comfortable later on.
Boots like Dr. Martens are a staple for any festival-goer. They’re wipe-clean, comfortable once broken in, and durable enough to withstand the jumping, walking and mud that festival-goers face. Other great alternatives for dryer days include Converse and shoe of the moment, Adidas Gazelles.
Set Times
Check social media in the days and weeks leading up to the festival to see set times for each day. Screenshot it, highlight all the artists you want to see, and set it as your lock screen. This way you can quickly glance down and figure out where you need to be and when. Try not to stress too much about seeing every artist on your list, as unfortunately, set time overlaps can mess up your plans. Try to look up previous set lists from the artists, identify your favourite songs, and decide whether you want to try and catch the first half or the last half of an artist’s set. But don’t spend all your time running between stages trying to catch every artist possible. If you’re out there and having a great time, just hang out there! There will be other opportunities to see more artists.
Hydrate
Before getting to the festival, make sure you are drinking lots of water starting the day before. It is so easy to get dehydrated, and you need to go into the festival at your absolute best. Mix in some electrolytes (Gatorade, Liquid IV, etc.) before and after the festival to give you a needed boost, and of course, try to keep as hydrated as possible throughout the event too.
Transportation
Don’t wait until the day of the event to figure out your plan. Every festival website has a section that details different transportation options, read it over and decide what works best for you. This may be public transportation, (In the UK, many major festivals link up with coach providers to offer rides from key cities and locations for a decent cost), driving and parking yourself, or getting dropped off or picked up. Just make sure you have this plan set in advance, you don’t want to find yourself with no way home at the end of the weekend.
Part Three: At The Festival
Friends
When attending a festival with friends, it’s natural that not everyone will be drawn to the same sets or performances—and that’s perfectly okay! If you all have different sets you want to see, make a plan to split up and see them individually. Just make sure that you have a plan for finding each other afterwards, as phone reception isn’t always the best at festivals! Set a specific meeting time and a meeting place in case of this, and add each other on a tracking system like Find my iPhone to get a rough location in case of emergency.
Food and Water
Don’t wait until you are starving or dehydrated to get food or water. Regularly check in with your body to assess how you’re feeling and don’t be afraid to take a break if needed. Keep a water bottle handy and strive to drink consistently, and if you haven’t packed snacks, don’t hesitate to purchase food, even if it’s pricey. While it may seem expensive, prioritising your health is paramount. It’s far better to invest in sustenance than risk fainting in the crowd. After all, festivals are a marathon and not a sprint.
Remember, prioritising your well-being is always a wise investment, and you won’t regret spending money on maintaining your health.
Phone
Pickpockets are rampant at music festivals, so it’s important to keep a careful eye on your belongings, especially your phone! Avoid storing it in your back pocket or the outer compartments of your bag. Instead, opt for a crossbody belt bag and place your phone in the pocket closest to your body when not in use. We would also recommend not putting your credit cards in your phone case. If your phone does go missing, you want to make sure you still have money accessible!
In Summary…
Remember that music festivals are ultimately about embracing the moment and savouring the joy of live music. Release any pressure to stick to a rigid schedule or chase after the “perfect” festival experience. Instead, follow your instincts, immerse yourself in the music, take the necessary precautions to stay safe, but above all, allow yourself to let go and truly enjoy the experience.
After all, the memories you create and the connections you forge are what truly make a festival unforgettable. So dance freely, and cherish every moment — it’s your festival experience, and it’s yours to make extraordinary.
