You love music. You’re constantly looking for the best ways to listen to your favourite tunes and now you have finally decided to go to your first music festival. You’re excited but also a little nervous; going to your first festival can be daunting.
There are people everywhere, multiple stages, and your feet probably hurt already. What we can tell you is that music festivals are incredible experiences and heaps of fun.
Throughout the spring and summer, you will find fantastic festivals hosting music for all tastes, including electronic music, amapiano, Afro-house, and many other genres.
Festivals are massive and overwhelming with lots going on and it can be easy to forget stuff or not plan as well as you could. When done right, they are, for lack of a better word, magical.
You will leave with more than just a few filtered photos for your social media feed. You will leave with an experience that will satisfy you for a lifetime, memories of your favourite headliner serenading you as you daydream during a lecture or at the office.
So, if you are heading to your first music festival then keep reading for lots of tips and tricks to ensure you have an incredible time.
Plan ahead
There will be multiple stages with artists performing throughout the day and into the night. Plan so you don’t miss your favourite performer and can make it to the stage they will be on.
Before you arrive try and print a map and artist schedule so that you know exactly where your favourite artists are playing and at what time.
Alternatively, pick one up as you arrive at the festival. The last thing you want to do is go to a festival and miss some of your favourite acts.
Choose your festival goers wisely
If your mate irritates you on a night out, then expect that to be magnified at a festival. Choose to go to your first festival with those who have similar music tastes, are capable of standing on their own independent feet, and are an excellent and reliable company.
There is tons of stuff to do at music festivals but it’s the company you are with that will make or break the experience.
These are the ones you’re happy will check you’re still standing after hitting the dance-floor or lend you their jacket when you realise you have not packed yours.
Drink water throughout the day before attending a concert
It is important to stay hydrated during a show, but it’s also crucial to ensure you are hydrated before going out.
If the concert has general admission instead of assigned seating, a lot of people are hesitant to leave their spot once they are in a good place in the crowd. Even when there are assigned seats, most people don’t want to leave to get water during a set.
So, before you go to a concert, make sure you’re hydrated. It’s the best for your safety. Concerts get hot and dehydration is dangerous.
Take earplugs
Earplugs are always a good idea to have at music events. You won’t 100% need them if you are at an outdoor festival but if you do happen to be close to a speaker, go into a music tent or another more compact venue, and it’s very loud, then earplugs are good to have with you.
Some of the best earplugs come with a carabiner or other way to attach them to yourself as well which makes having them with you that much easier.
You can also get earplugs which are designed to work with music so are therefore perfect for concerts and loud events. They work by filtering the music and bringing it down to a more comfortable level.
Embracing the festival experience
One of the most exciting aspects of attending a music festival is immersing yourself in different music genres and discovering new artists.
Festivals often feature diverse line-ups with established headliners, up-and-coming acts, and local talent, providing a unique opportunity to explore new sounds and expand your musical horizons.
Explore various daily stages and performances to utilise the festival’s diverse line-up.
Be open to discovering new artists and genres, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new - you never know what unique experiences await.
In addition to enjoying live music performances, festivals often offer interactive activities, workshops, and art installations to engage attendees and enhance the festival experience.