Helpful tips to get you through a music festival

Music festivals are some of the most enjoyable ways to experience live music. However, going to one requires some serious planning, as they can become physically and mentally exhausting. Whether it's making sure you have a meeting spot with your friends, or that you remember to drink water, these are all small details that make a huge difference to your festival experience.

When there's so much anticipation about getting to see all the artists you love, it can be easy to forget some festival basics. To ensure you have an incredible time, make sure to check out the following gallery for some expert tips and tricks.

Check the weather

Even if the weather app says it won’t rain, if you're going to a place that rains a lot do make sure to pack a poncho. It's better to be safe than sorry!

If you need a hotel room, book immediately after buying your ticket

There might be a high demand for hotels and rentals, so make sure to book early on. Some festivals even offer hotel and ticket combos.

Plan and try on all your outfits at home

You'll need a comfortable outfit for every day of the festival. Once you've picked them out, try them on before you leave. Take a picture of each look, so you know what to wear and how to wear it.

Pack up the car the night before

If you're going by car, save yourself the stress by packing your bags, your cooler, etc. the night before leaving. This way you can do a quick check before hitting the road.

Use public transportation if possible

If you can access the festival by public transport, opt to go there this way. It'll be easier, cheaper, and stress-free. Sometimes facing traffic and searching for a parking space aren’t worth the headache.

Invest in a portable charger

A portable charger is a lifesaver. Don't forget to bring one, as you won't be able to charge your phone otherwise.

Don’t bring anything you wouldn’t want stolen

Festivals are filled with tons of people, and you can't trust that everyone will have good intentions. For this reason, don't bring expensive things you wouldn’t want stolen.

Take wet wipes

After a while at the festival, especially if you're camping, it can get smelly. For that reason, consider taking wet wipes with you.

Establish a meeting point inside the festival

It's extremely easy to get lost at festivals. They're super busy, and your sense of direction can get confused. To avoid getting separated from your friends, always have a clear meeting spot.

Drink a lot of water

It's easy to forget to drink water when you're busy having fun. The majority of people end up drinking beer and other alcoholic drinks, which are dehydrating. But it's important to keep up your fluid intake with water, too. Make sure you have a water bottle always at hand.

Be nice to the staff

The event staff are there to help you. Don't be rude if they ask to check your bag or the like. Also, don't be scared to go to the medical tent—they want to help!

If you’re camping at the festival, make your campsite feel like home

Your tent will be your home for the next few days, so don't forget to say hello to your neighbors. Also, decorate it in a way that you can see it from a distance.

Buy your merch on the first day

You'll have more options to chose from in terms of sizes and styles. Indeed, getting a t-shirt or a tote bag with the lineup will remind you of all the fun you had at the festival.

Try something new

Festivals have a fun and carefree environment. Take the opportunity to check out an artist you don't know, or order something you wouldn’t normally eat. The list goes on.

Live in the moment

Put your phone away in your bag and enjoy the music. Those videos never come out nice anyway, and it's so much better to just watch the performance live. Take a few pictures to remember the day, but don't turn it into a photo shoot.