Ultimate Music Festival Survival Guide: Tips & Tricks for a Great Experience

Before heading to a festival, effective packing is crucial. Essentials include:

The weather can change fast, especially if your music festival is located in the desert. Pack for all weather conditions—sunny, rainy, or chilly nights.

It's tempting to want to look cute with those new platform boots, but think about how much you're going to be walking during the festival (hint: it's miles in the double digits.) Choose shoes that can handle grass, mud, long walks, and hours of standing.

We're biased here, but a hydration backpack is your best friend. Between the walking, dancing, and hot conditions, you will get dehydrated. A hydration backpack is the best way to stay hydrated and safe out there. 

Protect your skin and eyes! Pack plenty of sunscreen and bring a hat and sunglasses.

Always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Bandaids, pain relievers, and therapeutic creams can come in handy. Hand sanitizer and wipes are a must to prevent the spread of germs.

There most likely will not be any outlets at a music festival, and your phone will be crucial for you to stay in touch with your group. Carry a portable battery/charger to ensure your phone doesn't die on you!

Now that you're at the festival, it's time to have fun! But do so responsibly and respectfully.

Familiarize yourself with the festival layout—know where the stages, bathrooms, medical tents, and water stations are located. Use the festival app, if available, for maps and schedules.

If you're not watching out for yourself, you're not going to have fun. Here’s how to manage your health and safety:

• Stay hydrated
• Eat regularly
• Use the buddy system
• Protect your hearing
• Prepare for the weather conditions

A music festival is a shared space. Respect other attendees by being mindful of your space and noise levels, especially in camping areas if you are camping. Dispose of trash properly and recycle when possible.

Most importantly, if you see someone in trouble or who needs assistance, take action and help them out. This is a community, and we look out for our community.

There is A LOT going on. So many artists to see and activities to do! Make the most of your time at the festival by:

• Planning your lineup: Who are the top artists you want to see? Also, recognize there will be conflicts, and you'll have to make some hard choices. And if you have someone you really want to see but your group doesn't, it's okay to break away from your group and see the set you want to see!
• Exploring new music: Some of our favorite sets have been the ones we've stumbled upon! Festivals are the perfect place to discover new favorites.
• Participating in new activities: Many festivals offer activities beyond music. Check out unique art installations and more to enrich your experience.

With music festivals come large crowds. Here's how to manage the crowds:

• Watch your belongings: The unfortunate reality is that thieves take advantage of festival-goers. Keep your valuables close and secure your bag with anti-theft features. The Hauter Water Bag's hidden phone pocket is flushed up against your back so you can keep your phone and other valuables close to your body. 
• Be aware of peak times: Between sets is when people are rushing to the bathrooms and food stands. 
• Be patient and courteous: Crowds are stressful for everyone. Keep your cool and make it a positive experience by being kind to the surrounding people.

Trust us: you do not have to do everything. You will exhaust yourself, especially at two—or three-day festivals. It's ok to sit down and take some quiet time to replenish your energy.

Clean up after yourself, whether it is your campsite or tossing your garbage in the proper receptcles. Do not vandalize or damage the venue, and respect posted signs. 

Leaving the festival is the hardest and saddest part! Take plenty of time to recover mentally and physically. Some of our favorite ways to get back to normal:

• Clean your clothes and gear: Learn how to clean your hydration backpack and water bladder here.
• Stretch and take a bath with Epsom salts: Relax and rejuvenate your sore muscles
• Flush out your nose: You inhale a lot of crap at music festivals, with attendees kicking up dirt and dust.
• Eat nourishing foods
• Get plenty of sleep!
• Take your vitamins.
• Drink water and other electrolyte drinks.

Surviving a music festival means planning ahead, caring for yourself and others, and immersing yourself in the experience with an open mind. Each festival is unique, so adapt these tips to the specific event and your personal needs. Above all, enjoy the music, the people, and the magical atmosphere that only a music festival can offer.