The Ultimate Survival Guide for Music Festival Rookies

Fresh air, good music, and great company—what more do you need? It doesn’t matter what kind of music you like; there’s a festival for you. Whether you’re going to your first music festival or you’re a music-loving pro, this list will help you get the most out of your experience.

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Where to Start

So you have your wristband, it’s the week before the show, your nerves are getting the best of you, and you don’t know where to start? Sounds about right, right? Here are a few steps you should take to start your festival off on the right foot.

1. Get your car serviced. Nothing is more of a buzzkill than getting stuck on the side of the road while your favorite artist is rocking out on stage. Check out this comprehensive car maintenance checklist <link to car maintenance blog> to see what your car may need to make the journey.
2. Plan out your route to the show. One wrong turn and you could end up in Saskatoon.
3. Don’t bring the party pooper. You would be amazed at the power on one negative person. Pick your crew wisely then make sure that you have one central location where you can communicate.
4. When it rains, it pours… and you need to bring the right clothes to avoid getting soaked. Check the weather to make sure you don’t catch a cold during your adventure.

What to Bring

If you remember nothing else, remember to bring these things. You’ll thank us later.

1. Don’t get caught with your pants down. Porta potties are bad enough, but halfway through the day you can bet you’ll be stranded without a clean restroom in sight, so make sure to bring extra TP and maybe even some hand sanitizer.
2. At least 2 pairs of comfortable shoes. One pair of comfortable sandals and one pair of walking shoes should do the trick!
3. A small bag. If you’re going to be out and about all day, you’re going to may have more than what can fit in your hands.
4. Bring cash. Depending on the festival, many vendors may require cash and those that don’t might experience some technical difficulties preventing you from getting that rad T-shirt.
5. Pictures or it didn’t happen. Bring your camera. Even if you think your phone will do fine, it will probably run out of battery right as your favorite band hits the stage.

What to Wear

Festival fashion is all about being fierce and free.

1. Think light. Heavy fabrics will weigh down your spirits and who wants that?
2. Always bring sunnies. How else will you be able to see through all the bright lights?
3. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. This is the one area you should never skimp on. No one wants to be the lobster in all of the group photos.
4. Cranium coverage. Once again avoid the rays with a hat of some sort: bucket, bonnet, ball-cap, bowl, the options are endless.

How to Keep Up with the Best of Them

Slow and steady wins the race.

1. Drink a lot of water. You don’t want to be just another person at the EMT tent because you didn’t take a water break
2. Eat throughout the day. Hangry is a real emotion, and it’s not one many people enjoy.
3. Prioritize. If there are a lot of shows you want to see, make a list from most important to least important and plan in your food and water breaks to make sure you have the energy to last throughout the entire festival!

It’s hard to ruin a proper music festival, but there is one surefire way to put a damper on your group’s trip: have a bad attitude. If something goes wrong, be the one to lighten the mood, and you are sure to have a wonderful time. GetAssist is the perfect platform to get your group on the same page before you leave, and share all of your incredible stories after your ears stop ringing. Sign up here!