I recently went to a music festival, last night actually. And I came to the realization that surviving music festivals can be quite challenging without the right instruments. I've been to a handful of music festivals in the past years, so I thought I'd share my acquired experience to the crowd.
A music festival usually lasts if not 12 hours, then 8 or 9. It's very different from a regular concert where you're only there to see one act. A music festival at most showcases 17 artists, some local some international.
Before I start, let me just say that my experiences is limited by national territory. I've never been to a music festival outside Philippines (no camps here), so I have no idea what they bring in theirs.
Also, I can't speak in behalf of the dudes.
DO I BRING A BAG?
I recommend you to bring one. There are options. Let me break it up for you. Some people wear backpacks (not the JanSport kind please, some festivals actually forbid those). Wear backpacks that are small and lightweight. Backpacks are nice if you're going for a themed outfit or a costume.
Some girls carry body bags (designer excluded), which is also an option. You can wear it over your shoulder or over your body.
Another option is a clutch or a wristlet. But I don't really recommend it. Because you have to hold it, although you can fit your phone and money, worse case scenario is that you'll forget about it and lose it. Especially when you're filming and you're also holding your phone or jumping around in the mosh pit. That could be difficult. If you're holding two things at the same time, you might forget one. "You can't serve two masters at once."
I recommend either a drawstring bag or a waterproof phone bag.
A drawstring bag is your bet when you're planning to stay for six hours or more, especially when you're going to film and use your phone a lot. Because if you do, you'd definitely need a power bank. If you're not really going for a themed outfit or costume, then bring a drawstring bag. It's very convenient. It's as light as feather! And it won't randomly zip open (because it has no zipper), but it can still hold all your stuff.
Another option if you're staying for less than 3 hours or perhaps you're simply confident you'll survive with less items with you is a waterproof phone bag. They're small enough to carry around your neck, but big enough to fit other stuff too (like cash and ID).
Tips:
Do not use your pockets if you have one! Your things could fall off while you're dancing and somebody might even pickpocket you.
Do not use your bag pockets either! I once put my phone there and I lost it. So please, do not put anything there!
Hold your phone too! You're gonna be filming the entire time anyway, let's face it. I'm telling you, it won't get in the way when you dance or pump your fist or clap. You can do all that while holding your phone. That way you're aware that you're holding it and you won't lose it. No one's going to be snatching it anyway because how the hell is he going to escape? Bouncers are gonna be lurking around and a music festival is too crowded for him to dart off.
If you decide to join the mosh pit, better if you could place your backpack in front of you. That way you can see it.
Most especially, be conscious! And you can only be conscious if you're sane. Meaning, don't get too drunk! You can get tipsy but I don't recommend you getting too drunk. You can enjoy the show without getting wasted, seriously.
CAN I WEAR A HAT?
Yes. The rule is that there is no rule. The best part about music festivals is that people get crazy. Experiment with your accessories! If you have access to it, wear anything LED or Glow in the dark. Don't be surprised to see people dress up when you get to music festivals. Fashion is twinning with music since the start of time.
If you do wear hats, I recommend the snapbacks and not the strapbacks. That way when you feel like taking it off, you can easily clip it on your belt loop or on your bag handle. Either hat works but I'm just saying that a snapback is more convenient. Saves time and effort.
Some people also wear fedora or boater hats on music festivals. Those can look nice (if you're going for the boho look), but if you don't care about those kind of stuff, there's no need to wear a fedora. You'd have nowhere to put it down and you can't squeeze it in your bag because it's going to get deformed. After all, at a music festival, you're definitely going to sweat... like a lot. If you're going to a music festival to hang out with friends at a corner, with your mat and music in the background, then go ahead wear whatever you want. But if you're entering the mosh pit, do not wear a fedora or a boater. People there will be annoyed, and so will you when people start pushing.
What I recommend you wearing is a bandana. It has double or triple purpose. It could work as a handkerchief (to wipe your face with), something to sit on, and also to keep your hair away from your face (or as a ponytail). Bandanas can save your life.
Other people wear feathers or flowers on their hair. Just make sure they're clipped on just right or else it might annoy you when it starts to fall off when you jump around.
If you're going to the venue early and the sun is still out, bring your sunglasses with you. Whatever, you can wear sunglasses at night and nobody cares.
I don't recommend rings because once you start pumping your fist in the air, it might fall of and hit somebody in the face. But if you do wear one, make sure it fits you.
Don't wear any expensive accessories because worse case scenario, it might get broken or get stolen.
Chokers are perfect for music festivals because they're cute and they stay in place. I recommend the stretchy kind so it's comfortable. Do not wear necklaces with huge pendants because when you jump around, it's going to hit your face.
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HAIR?
Again, if you're going for a theme, go ahead rock a hair bow if you want. But a simple do would be a bun. If you're entering the mosh pit, consider tying your hair. Braids are a favorite on music festivals, so if you can do it yourself or you have someone to do it for you, make do!
If you decide to wear your hair down, just make sure you bring a ponytail just in case you want to pull it up after several hours of dancing. In this case, a bandana can save your life.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Alas the famous question. I recommend you to wear something cute but comfortable. If you can rock the sleeveless, then better, because it can get abnormally hot. But don't wear the totally sleeveless one (without straps) because it might fall off when you start jumping. If you do, make sure it's tight. If you're not comfortable with sleeveless, it's okay, wear T-shirts. If you're not comfortable with your belly rolls, it's okay too, wear something loose. But anyway no one would be judging you if you wear a bikini top at the festival. Maybe wear mesh over it. That would look cool. People wear rampers, jumpers and dresses too (wear shorts when you do). I recommend shorts because they're comfortable and it doesn't get as hot. Some people wear jeans, but seldom you find one or two in the crowd. They tend to get uncomfortable when it gets too hot. Like I said, expect people dressing up for the occasion. If you're not into that, it's cool, you don't need to. Fitting in doesn't fit in on music festivals. Do you hunny.
If you're entering the mosh pit, I recommend wearing a sports bra instead of a regular bra. After all you'd be jumping around.
Research the recommended wear if they post one. Follow their social media accounts. Some music festivals have dress codes (sucks right) because some are held on stricter venues. Check if the place is indoor or outdoor. If indoor, then probably it's air-conditioned. But don't go all the way to wearing a leather jacket! It can still get hot because of the volume of people there. I recommend a plaid shirt (they're famous for the grunge look). It can look cute when you put it over your shoulder, or maybe tie it on your waist, but it can also be quite useful when you sit on the ground or if it gets cold. Or if you're desperate, you can use it to wipe your face from sweat. Hey no judgment.
For example at the Chroma Music Festival, they recommend wearing white because they're going to be tossing colored powder on the crowd. Things like that matters. Get informed!
In terms of footwear, I recommend sneakers. Or pretty much anything without laces or heels. You'd be jumping around so make sure you've prepped your shoes to the occasion. Don't wear something new you haven't stretched out yet.
If you're entering the mosh pit, don't wear sandals. People are going to step on you and it will hurt. I guess you can wear heels or sandals when you're just going to chill with your friends at the corner.
People wear boots and that's okay. But don't go all the way high to the knee. You're going to sweat and die (kidding). Maybe wear ankle boots with one inch heel is fine. Most important tip is: know yourself. If you're confident you can rock those heels, then go ahead. But I don't recommend it. Basically if you're going for the first time, it'd be a trial phase. Get to know where you vibe. There's a spot at a music festival for everybody.
DO I WEAR MAKEUP?
If you're going for a theme, then coordinate with your theme. That's fine. Again, nobody cares. But for your convenience, do not wear heavy makeup. It will run down. Personally, I don't. I just wear foundation, mascara, lipstick (sometimes not even lipstick because it will wear off), contour, and brows. Make sure you wear makeup that's long lasting and waterproof at that if you care that much.
Oh and there's no need for a touch up. Maybe bring pressed powder (not the loose kind because that can be questionable) or your lipstick. That's fine.
HOW MUCH DO I BRING?
Don't bring too much! Don't bring any less! Food inside will be expensive. Even the water will be expensive. Water bottles usually cost Php80-100 at minimum.
Personally, I bring Php1,000 to Php2,000. I have enough money for an emergency appetite and less to consider a great loss.
Now don't bring your actual wallet. That will weigh you. Bring a small pouch or a smaller wallet. You only need cash, maybe a debit card if you get stranded, and an ID.
Even better, I recommend you don't bring a wallet at all! Carry a silicone phone case instead and put your cash and ID in between. That way you have your phone and money with you. Since you're holding your phone, then you're basically holding your entire life with you (phone and money). What are the odds you'll lose it? I think, personally, it's harder to manage a phone and a wallet, rather than having it as one item.
You can also insert stubs there, because most of the time you get free drinks on stubs. You don't want to lose those.
WHAT IF I'M DRIVING THERE?
Even better! Bring all the unnecessary stuff if you please. Bring a change of clothes, meds in case you get an ache somewhere afterwards, etc. And if you do bring a car, make sure that you, if you plan to enter the venue at 5pm, to come earlier. Again, do your research. See where the parking is. And expect traffic if it's some big event. Consider the pricing (if they cost per hour then bring extra cash), the time you'll spend actually looking for a slot, and the operating hours. Some parking lots aren't open for 24 hours. So if you're leaving at 1am or 2am, then you won't get your car until they open the next day (with extra cost). Or if a parking lot charges differently for an "overnight" parking, make sure you ask how much they cost.
Now if you're bringing your car, make sure you don't lose your keys, please. What I do is I attach it to my wallet. That way it's all in one (again). But if you're not carrying a wallet or your wallet doesn't have a hook to clip your keys on, then make sure to clip your car keys with a keychain. That way it's easier to find and it won't just slip out of your zipper bag. If your bag has an inside zipper pocket, keep it there.
DO'S AND DON'T'S
Check the official website and/or official media account. They usually post FAQs weeks earlier. Sometimes they even post a schedule so you can anticipate. These are the typical do's and don't's with some of mine.
DO'S
- Bring ID. Usually music festivals are 18+. Even if they don't require you to present ID, always bring one.
- Bring towel/ tissue/ wet wipes. Girl, you're going to be sweating.
- Bring power bank! Gauge your battery consumption. If you think your fully charged phone on low battery will suffice, no need to bring one. Otherwise, it will weigh your bag. If you're staying for 12 hours there, bring one with a larger mAh.
- Plan a rendezvous point with your friends. There's going to be a lot of people there. If your phone dies or you lose it somehow, and if by the scarcity of luck you lose your friends in the crowd too, at least you have a backup plan.
- If you're on prepaid, load up!
- Rest. Unlike concerts, music festivals, they go for hours. You don't have to see EVERYTHING. Pick your favorite sets and see those. Don't pressure yourself. If you're tired from jumping up and down, exit. Join the sit at the corner squad with your pals and share some french fries.
- Eat before drinking! Basic stuff.
- Sleep the night before. You need all the energy you can get.
- And say sorry if you bump into someone or you step into someone, I beg of you. Even if they don't care, or they didn't hear you. Apologize anyway.
- Dance your heart off. Shuffle or not, it doesn't matter. Enjoy the music!
- You could bring: a fan because you're going to sweat to death. But bring the foldable one so it's more compact. And a mat if it's outdoors.
- You could bring: inflatables. They're fun. Especially those you can sit on.
- And lastly... let loose and have fun!
DON'T'S
- Don't bring outside food and drink.
- Don't bring anything flammable like perfume or alcohol.
- Don't bring cigarette packs unsealed. That can be questionable. On top of that lighters aren't allowed. Don't worry you can buy cigarette inside, only 10x more expensive (except on rare occasions when they're not).
- Don't film the whole show. Film snippets that's alright.
- Don't bring pens and monopods.
- Don't bring big cameras.
- Don't wear spiked and studded belt and bracelets.
- Don't come on time. If you're a first timer, please don't come on time. Nobody comes on time. It doesn't mean that doors open at specific time that you have to be there. Mostly, music festivals don't allow reentry.
- Don't bring unnecessary stuff inside.
- Don't forget your ticket.
- Don't judge people. Like I said, people at music festivals DGAF. And it's one of the best things at it. People can be weird but that's fine. You can be weird too. Nobody cares. You shouldn't do too.
RANDOM TIPS:
Again do your research. Some post their venue maps. Familiarize yourself with it. Know where the restrooms are, the mosh pit, the smoking area, the side activities, and the food stalls.
If they don't post it, then right when you get there, survey the place yourself.
What I do afterwards is I buy water, even if I'm not thirsty yet. I had an experience before when they actually ran out of water. It was bad, and I doubt it will happen again. But just to be sure, buy water beforehand. This way, you can also avoid the long cue. Buy it lukewarm so you can put it in your bag and stuff wouldn't get wet. Also when you find yourself thirsty while you're on the crowd (but wouldn't want to leave), you can drink right then and there.
I recommend this. Eat before you get inside. Food will be expensive, so pack up.
Take photos with your friends while you're all still fresh. Trust me, you'll forget about the artsy photos midway.
