Alright, let’s talk about going to festivals. I learned most of this the hard way, believe me. My first big one? A complete mess. Thought I could just show up and wing it. Big mistake.
I remember getting separated from my friends within like, an hour. Phone signal was garbage, naturally. Then my phone battery died by evening on day one. Spent half the next day trying to find a charging station, missed two bands I wanted to see. Not fun. Plus, I got roasted by the sun, paid way too much for water because I didn’t bring a bottle, and my feet were killing me because I wore the wrong shoes.
Figuring Things Out
So yeah, after that disaster, I started actually planning. It’s not about taking the spontaneity out, it’s about making sure you can actually enjoy the spontaneous moments instead of dealing with dumb problems.
First thing I do now? Check the map and the schedule way before I go. Like, actually study it. Figure out where stages are, where the water stations are, toilets, medical tent. Knowing the layout saves so much stress later when you’re in the middle of a huge crowd.
Then packing. I used to just throw stuff in a bag. Now, I lay it all out. Tent, sleeping bag, sure. But the little things make the difference.
- Portable charger: A big one. Fully charged. Tested before leaving. This is non-negotiable for me now. No more dead phone drama.
- Refillable water bottle: Empty when you go in, obviously, follow the rules. But having one saves money and keeps you hydrated. Sometimes those hydration backpack things are good too.
- Sunscreen and a hat: Sounds basic, I know. But trust me, getting fried on day one ruins the rest of the weekend. I put sunscreen on before I even leave the tent in the morning.
- Comfortable shoes: Broken-in ones. Not brand new. Your feet will thank you after walking and standing for hours. Maybe bring a spare pair.
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer: Festivals can get grimy. These are lifesavers.
- Earplugs: Especially if you plan on camping near the stages or just want to protect your hearing a bit.
Dealing With People and Phones
Trying to call friends in a massive crowd with spotty signal? Forget it. Texts might work, eventually. What I learned works best is setting up a clear meeting point and time beforehand. Not just “by the main stage,” but something specific like “by the giant inflatable mushroom to the left of the sound booth at Stage 2”. And agree on times: “If we get split, meet back here at 5 PM.” It actually works.
Also, tell your friends your schedule, which bands you absolutely want to see. Helps coordinate, or at least know where someone might be heading.
Just Common Sense, Really
Look, none of this is earth-shattering. It’s just stuff you figure out after you’ve messed up. Being a little prepared means you can relax and actually enjoy the music and the atmosphere instead of running around stressed or uncomfortable. It took me a couple of rough festival experiences to get my act together, but now I go in feeling ready, and it makes the whole thing way, way better.
