Doing something for the first time can be nerve-wracking. There will be hesitations, for sure. What if it goes wrong or what if it does not live up to your expectations? For anything you would think like that—going to school for the first time, starting on a new job, or moving to a different place.
Going to a rave and going solo will make you just as nervous. But hey we are here to help. Let us share with you these tips for a great rave experience:
Buy your tickets early.
Going to your first rave will not happen in the first place if you don’t get your tickets. And expert ravers are always on the lookout for ticket sales. Chances are, once a rave event is announced, tickets will sell hard and fast. You definitely do not want to wait until the last day before you score tickets because, well, you will not be able to do so. Once you decide you want to go on a rave, you have to watch out for posters and online announcements. Set your sight on a particular event. Then, when tickets go on sale, grab yours as soon as you can. It also helps that you have enough savings to cash in on the ticket once it goes on sale because sometimes, buying through a credit card or online payment system may slow things a little bit. This just goes to say that wanting to go to a rave the first time is in no way a split-second decision.
Familiarize yourself with the venue.
Raves are usually held in a large venue. It might be some open grounds or a big dome of a concert hall. It is so to allow ravers to move freely about while they enjoy the musical performances. This is why when you go to a rave, it is best that you know what the venue has within it. In this way, you will know perfectly where things are when you want or need them. It pays to know where the comfort rooms are, the first aid station, food stalls, and merchandise booths. Some of these areas are strategically placed and well-labeled that it actually will not be difficult identifying them. But once you are in a rave and you get caught within throngs of people jumping about, you will lose that sense of direction and might not see labels well. Best to just know right off the bat where things are.
Dress comfortably.
One of the worst mistakes to make when going for a rave the first time is not dressing right. When you go to an event, the natural instinct is to dress in some way. But the trick with raves is to go for less layers of clothing. Of course, it does not mean dressing indecently because you do not want to be offensive or inappropriate in any way. But you want something that is light and that will let air flow around you and inside your clothing. You do not want turtlenecks and sweaters because raves are sweat factories. The crowd presses together in a way that is somewhat suffocating—moving together in the same way. Plus, the activities will also keep you in constant sweat. So you want to dress as comfortably as you can.
Pack enough food and water.
Some venues for raves allow for the attendees to bring food and water with them. Others keep with them the very inventive hydration packs. It is best to have enough water with you because, as so specified already, raves will make you sweat bucket after bucket. When the venue lets you pack your own food, do not take it for granted. For one, it will help you save money because then you will not be tempted to buy food and drinks from the booths. They get a little pricey inside the venues. Another thing, you can avoid long queues to the food stores that is very characteristic in crowded events. When you want to dress light and still need to bring the food, it’s okay. Just pack it in light containers that you can stack together once empty. Then, belt in some cool fanny packs and you are as lightly packed as possible.
Do not forget to bring a change of clothes.
Much as it is important to wear very light material during the actual event, it is as essential that you bring with you a change of outfit. It is not healthy to be drenched in sweat for a long time, to begin with. It is not hygienic also. And, it’s not something you want to stay with you for quite a few hours especially as it is not just your own sweat clinging to your body. Another reason to pack a change of clothes is contingency. Raves are no strangers to accidents involving spilled drinks and sauces. Having a spare shirt or dress is a really great idea then. If you worry about having too much in your arms, you can just buy those fashion fanny packs that can carry most weight. It will just go around your waist, with an extra shirt in it and you will have nothing to worry about. Look up where to buy fanny packs for some real cool ideas.
Make friends ...
Of course, raves are known for being a great avenue for socializing. It definitely allows people to come together because of common interests or musical preferences. In raves you cannot be anti-social. It’s not wise to keep to yourself especially as you want to be more expressive during the event. Plus, meeting new people will surely enhance your network outside the raves. Some of these events are attended by professionals in their own field and it is not unknown that having good contacts opens a lot of doors. When you go to raves, the first thing to ever leave at home is your timidity. You have to smile a lot, answer questions, make small talk, and open up. Go and be free. After all, you never know how strong connections can be built from these raves.
... And have fun!
The best tip for a first-time raver: have fun! Enjoy the moment. Look around you, take it all in, and just let go. Raves are known for bringing out people’s emotions. Do not let your prejudices and social notions rule you while raving. Go out there and be the most expressive version of yourself. Remember that you go to raves not for some business talk so drop the formalities. There are actually ravers you see in these events who have their eyes closed and are just taking in as much energy as they could.
Raves are really fun and interesting especially for a first-timer. Just make sure you are safe and that you do everything in moderation. Certainly, your first rave will not be your last.
