With so many music festivals taking place in America every year, from the world famous Coachella and Burning Man to the much lesser known and more humble Mountain Jam in Hunter, NY, it's hard to keep track of everything that's happening every summer.
Once more, once you pass the threshold of the festival gates, it's a new world, and for those festival first-timers, it helps to have a bit of knowledge before you embark on your big weekend. While every festival in terms of it's vibes, it's atmosphere, it's agenda and it's people, there are some general tips that should apply to most of them which will help you through the festival season, wherever you decide to go.
Be prepared for all weather conditions - while you can look at the weather and try to prepare yourself according to the forecast, if you're at a festival for an entire weekend there is always the chance that the forecast could change or just be wrong. It pays to have warm clothing, particularly if you are camping or sleeping in your vehicle, as well as waterproofs for any spots of rain you may have to endure. As well as this, make sure you have light clothing, sunglasses and, of course, sunscreen to protect yourself from the burning sun. It may sound like you are preparing for a difficult hike, but in reality you will be outside all day, much like on a difficult hike, and with the correct preparation, some damp weather doesn't have to dampen your festival mood. Also, be prepared to ruin your shoes, and any other clothing you take with you.
Remember where you parked - this may sound a little stupid, but remembering the letter and number of your lot might seem like an easy task until you have been dancing and singing your heart out for three days, focussing on your diet and trying to avoid the portaloos. Some of these festivals can host in excess of 50,000 people, and trying to find your car in an ocean of automobiles at the end of the weekend after you have forgotten where you left it can be a nightmare. Make a note on your phone, or somewhere safe if you don't think you will have phone battery at the end. It only takes a second and could save you hours of time. Sometimes it also pays to mark your tent with a flag or something memorable so that you know it's yours at the end of the day.
Drinking - okay, so many people go to festivals to really party, and that's okay, but maybe it's best not to become blackout drunk to the point you can't remember your favourite artist's 40 minute set. Some festivals have restrictions on alcohol that you can take in, and to purchase it inside the perimeter is very expensive. Pace yourself and your body will be very thankful for your efforts. On a side note, make sure to drink plenty of water and to stay hydrated - dancing in the sun all day can be dangerous if you don't have enough water in you.
Eating - Food at festivals is often very expensive and very heavy. Eat light and healthy, fruit and muesli bars will go a long way, and might help you to avoid those awful toilets that everybody dreads.
Stick together - Festivals can be very huge places, and maybe you won't have any battery on your cellphone due to taking excessive photos and texting your friends about a new band that you just discovered. Try to stick in pairs at the very least, and if you do have to seperate, make sure to specify an exact place and time to meet again, or, much like your lost car in the parking lot, you could spend hours feeling a little lost and jaded. What's more, isn't a festival experience so much better when you're together?