There is a lot that can go into planning for music festivals. Although music festivals are filled with fun and adventure, things can go wrong. I’ve gone to festivals solo and with groups, and I can admit I’ve messed up a lot. However, you can learn from my mistakes by reading this post that details the main parts of attending a festival: buying tickets, finding a place to stay, transportation, what to bring, and what to expect.
Planning for Music Festivals Step 1: Buying tickets
If you want to prepare for a trip and save money, do this. On the day the tickets are released, open the website 30 minutes in advance and keep reloading it until the release time. It’s going to be slow because thousands of people are there too, so have your card information ready and when you get the chance to purchase it, do it. If the event is sold out, some festivals have a platform where people can safely buy and sell secondhand tickets. Facebook groups are typically the way people buy and sell secondhand tickets, but DON’T get scammed. Don’t Venmo or Zelle anyone that you haven’t met. In-person pick-up is the best option (go with a friend and try to meet in a public setting).
Finding a place to stay
You can compare prices and accommodations of nearby hotels and Airbnbs. Sometimes staying in a place that is a bit further away can save you money, but it may complicate transportation. If you’re scrambling to find a place to stay on the day of the festival, you can try calling the hotels that are near the venue and ask if they have any last-minute cancellations. Bring snacks and water. Cups of noodles can be very useful because most hotels have a hot water machine.
Transportation
Transportation can get expensive. If you’re staying near the venue, I recommend walking there with your group or taking public transportation. The festival may give you an option to buy shuttle passes, which can be expensive but also extremely convenient and reliable. If you have to use Uber then here’s my golden advice, leave the festival as soon as it’s over (or 10 mins early) and call that Uber ASAP. Once it’s over, the prices and wait times will surge. If you are not too tired, walking away from the festival grounds and the hundreds of other people calling Ubers may help decrease your wait time and price.
What to bring
First, look up what you can and can’t bring in — the list can be found on festivals’ websites. I recommend you bring your phone, a portable charger, cash, ID, water bottle, sunscreen, chapstick, gum, and a spray bottle or hand fan (it can get really hot dancing in a crowd). Unfortunately, festivals are known for pickpocketing, so be observant and watch out for your friends! You can wear your bag in front of you or lock it. You obviously can’t go wrong with wearing a fun festival outfit. I recommend comfortable shoes because you will be on your feet a lot. Lastly, you can receive a Raveival’s Ultimate Music Festival Packing List as a FREE GIFT by signing up on Raveival.
What to expect
Music festivals are crowded and service can be dodgy so stick close to your group and travel together. Have a meet-up spot for during or after the festival so everyone can regroup. Food can be expensive, so have a good meal before entering. Wondering what to eat beforehand? Check out our blog, Healthy Foods for Festival Weekend. STAY HYDRATED. You can bring a hydration pack to carry water with you all day. Don’t feel bad about going through crowds of people — it’s something everyone has to do at some point. You can use a train approach — or better yet a conga line — to navigate and dance through the crowd.
Properly planning for music festivals will help you make them special moments in life that you will cherish forever!
Written By: Abraham Salas
