The Best Before The Fest:  A Quick Guide on Music Festivals

The Best Before The Fest: A Quick Guide on Music Festivals

Someone’s finally ready to pop their music festival cherry! Whether you’re psyching yourself up for a whole weekend of festival antics or just jetting in for the day, check out the following festival dos and don’ts to be your best self before the fest.
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Someone’s finally ready to pop their music festival cherry! Whether you’re psyching yourself up for a whole weekend of festival antics or just jetting in for the day, check out the following festival dos and don’ts to be your best self before the fest.

Look, Book!

Avoid the music festival rush and book your tickets in advance. Booking months before your festival of choice allows you to pick flight schedules and hotel accommodations best suited to your needs while staying within your budget. Sign up on airline apps to be notified of any promos and scour the Internet for places to stay while you go out and play.

Out for adventure? Step out of your comfort zone and try bunking with fellow festival goers. For a full festival experience, try camping at the festival ground and set out for a night under the stars. Go camping with glam and do glamping instead. Experience the best of both worlds and camp in style.

Livin’ La Vida Local

Go loco and make like a local during your weekender. Make good use of the intrawebs for the best grubs and sights within your local. Don't be a stranger and befriend the locals for the best (and cheapest) the town has to offer. Take advantage of the weekend and make sure to try the local cuisine and end the night sipping on some whiskey in the city's best kept rooftop bar or speakeasy.

Sign up for local tours and live like a local before hitting up the festival grounds. Think outside of the festival box and get to know your destination before the stages take over. Hungry for more? Go on a culinary tour and go beyond the sights and sounds as you tickle your taste buds with the best bites in the city.

Oh, OTD

Make the festival grounds your runway by wearing the latest in festival wear. Plan your outfits months before your trip to save up on time. Not sure what’s on trend? Stick to your go-to basics instead. Stock up on your basic shirt, cut-offs, footwear, and invest in quality outerwear to keep you safe while looking cute as you battle the festival elements.

Once you’ve got your festival OOTDs on lockdown, brush up on what’s in style and pile up on the accessories. These last-minute additions can make or break your outfit so make sure to invest in pieces that can last you a festival or two without looking like last festival’s short-lived rendezvous.

Leader of the Pack

Plan ahead and don’t pack it up at the last minute. Once you’ve got your festival outfits locked and loaded, it’s time to get packing. Remember to pack only the essentials and leave the excess baggage behind where it belongs. Make a list of festival essentials to bring such as your hygiene and first aid kits, IDs, and some extra cash for the full festival experience.

For a quick weekender, lug everything in your trusty, sturdy luggage that can withstand the road bumps ahead. For your handy festival arm (or waist) candy, invest in a fanny pack instead. This versatile piece can go from shoulder-slinging to hip-hugging with a few tugs.

Money, B 

Go full-speed ahead, festival style, without breaking the bank. Prepare your budget months ahead and be a wise spender, festival attender. Instead of surviving on (mostly) sucky and expensive ground grubs that break your diet and your budget, stock up on some light snacks instead. Never underestimate that tiny pack of nuts or crackers for late-night snack attacks.

Be a responsible festival-goer and full-time environment preserver by bringing your own bottle along for the fun festival ride. Invest in a quality double-walled stainless tumbler that can keep your drink hot or cold for hours—perfect for the fussy festival weather. Speaking of weather…

Weather You Like It Or Not

Soldier on whatever the weather by packing versatile pieces that can go from day to night, rain or shine. Be two steps ahead and peep thru the local weather app for updates during your festival festivities.

Download weather apps that provide weather forecast up to a month ahead to make the most out of your festival weekend and outfits. Pack on a light jacket for OOTD purposes that can keep you warm without losing your cool on a surprise summer rain attack.