There’s nothing quite like music festival season — the open air, the pulsating bass, the sea of colorful outfits, and the shared joy of thousands coming together for the love of music. But let’s be honest, festivals can be grueling, with long hours under the sun, massive crowds, and the physical toll of dancing all day require a good deal of preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or it’s your first time, knowing how to take care of yourself can mean the difference between an unforgettable weekend and one you’d rather forget.
Here is ten key things you can do to stay safe, feel good, and have the time of your life:
Table of Content
Become a Music Festival Pro
Music Festival Survival Guide: 10 Tips to Have the Best Time
1. STAY HYDRATED
The number one rule of surviving a music festival is simple: drink water. Hours spent dancing in the sun, combined with alcohol, can lead to heat exhaustion or worse. Make hydration your top priority.
Bring a refillable water bottle (or better yet, an insulated bottle that keeps water cold for hours). Most festivals now offer free water refill stations, so utilize them! Staying hydrated not only keeps you energized but helps regulate your body temperature and prevents headaches and fatigue.
I recommend the 26 oz Saratoga Bottle that is a double-wall insulated stainless steel bottle that keeps water cold with ice for up to 24 hours. Or check out some others below!
Recommended Bottles
2. PLAN YOUR OUTFIT FOR FUNCTION & FLAIR
Yes, festivals are fashion showcases, but looking good shouldn’t come at the expense of comfort. Think breathable fabrics, supportive shoes, protective sun ware, and layers for shifting weather.
Possible recommendations would include a lightweight poncho/jacket for unexpected rainstorms, sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and dust, and compression socks to prevent swelling from hours of standing and dancing.
3. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN
Sunburn and heatstroke are among the most common reasons attendees at festivals end up at the medical tent. Don’t be one of them. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours. Don’t forget ears, the back of your neck, and even your scalp (a good reason to wear a hat!).
Bring a small spray mist bottle to cool down, or even a foldable UV umbrella for a break from direct sunlight during mid-afternoon sets.
4. KEEP YOUR ESSENTIALS IN A FESTIVAL READY BAG
You’ll want a small crossbody bag, fanny pack, or hydration backpack to keep your hands free and essentials close.
In your bag, I highly recommend to pack:
• ID and festival ticket/bracelet
• Phone and portable charger
• Refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Earplugs (for hearing protection)
• Hand sanitizer and tissues
• A small first-aid kit (blister pads, painkillers, band-aids)
5. EAT SMART
Festivals usually offer plenty of delicious food options, but lines can be long and prices steep. Bring nutrient-dense snacks like trail mix, protein bars, jerky, etc. Try to eat regular meals, when you can, because your body needs energy to keep going!
Aim for a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and fat to keep your stamina up. Avoid only eating fried or sugary foods, which can lead to crashes. If you’re drinking alcohol, always pair it with food to avoid dehydration or dizziness.
6. PLAN YOUR DAY
Review the lineup ahead of time and make a rough plan. Which acts are “must-sees”? When are the downtimes to eat, recharge, or meet friends? Use the official festival app or a note on your phone to stay organized.
That said, don’t be too rigid. Some of the best festival moments are spontaneous. Maybe you run into a surprise set, a new artist discovery, or a random dance party in the middle of the grounds. Be open to going with the flow!
7. THE BUDDY SYSTEM: NEVER FESTIVAL ALONE
Whether you’re with one friend or a whole group, stick together. Festivals can be overwhelming and it’s easy to get separated. Designate a meeting spot early in the day in case anyone loses phone service or gets lost.
Use location-sharing apps if needed and agree on check-in times throughout the day. Watch out for each other, especially if anyone is drinking or using substances.
8. PRIORITIZE SLEEP AND RECOVERY
Festival weekends can be exhausting, so don’t underestimate the power of rest. If you’re camping, bring earplugs, a sleep mask, and a comfortable sleeping setup (air mattress > yoga mat). Even just 6 hours of solid sleep can keep you going strong.
If you're staying off-site, take advantage of quieter hours to shower, rehydrate, and stretch. Your body will thank you, especially by day three.
9. RESPECT YOUR BODY'S LIMITS
You’re there to have fun, not to push your body to the brink. Know when to take a break, sit down, eat something, or head back early. Listen to your body. Possible signs you need to slow down, include: dizziness, nausea, or feeling faint.
Don’t feel pressure to party all night or catch every single set. You’ll enjoy the experience more if you stay grounded and well.
10. PLUR: PEACE, LOVE, UNITY & RESPECT
Festivals are magical because of the collective energy of all attendees. Festivals are a shared space where kindness and respect make all the difference. Be patient in crowds, help someone if they drop something, and don’t push your way forward just to get a better view.
Take photos, dance like nobody’s watching, and be present. Some moments only happen once, so make sure you’re in the right mindset (and physical shape) to enjoy them.
Music festivals are a celebration of art, freedom, and community, but they also demand mindfulness. Staying hydrated, dressing smart, protecting your health, and planning ahead will all set the stage for the kind of memories you’ll talk about for years.
So pack your bag, fill your bottle, gather your crew, and get ready to dance!
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