A Pro’s Guide on How to Survive Music Festivals (& Have the Time of Your Life)

Music festivals can be a BLAST! 

The sound, the show, the lineups, the energy, the crowds — it’s all SO exciting.

And it can all make for mind-blowing fun, cool stories, and some of our favorite memories. 

That’s why more than 32 million people go to music festivals every year.

But not all of them have a great time. 

There are plenty of music festival horror stories out there (does Fyre Festival ring a bell?). 

So, to make sure your next music festival adventure is a dream come true, instead of a living nightmare, here’s an insider’s guide on how to survive music festivals.

8 Essential Music Festival Survival Tips

Whether you’re going to Coachella, Lollapalooza, the Gathering of the Juggalos, or any other music festival, these tips can prepare you to have the time of your life!

1. Research before diving in.

One music festival can be very different from the next. We’re talking about a BIG variety in practically everything, like acts, locations, how established and well-run music festivals are, who attends them, and more. 

Taking a little time to look into the ones you’re thinking of going to will help you: 

• Avoid ending up at an event with music (and folks) that just aren’t your jam
  

• Choose a music festival with an ideal location (and one that’s not going to leave you stranded somewhere if you need to suddenly leave for whatever reason)
  

• Stay away from the sketchier music festivals with a bad reputation

Once you know where you want to go, book your tickets ASAP.

If you wait, you could miss the chance to get tickets, or you may end up paying more for them.

2. Travel with the right group.

Music festivals aren’t for everyone.

And obviously, people in the same friend group can like very different music. So, go with buddies who are:

• Into music that will be featured at the festival

• On the same page as you when it comes to experiencing the event

• Trustworthy and reliable (so you aren’t babysitting them the whole time.)

3. Budget before you go.

It’s no surprise that you’re going to spend money when you go to a music festival, BUT it may surprise you just how much you could spend — especially if you’re not thinking about everything you’re going to have to pay for along the way. 

So, as you get your cash ready, here are some of the things to factor into your spending: 

• Travel expenses (getting to and from the festival – flight, rental car, gas, Ubers, etc.)

• Hotels or campground fees (for multi-day events)

• Food, drinks, and/or bags of ice

• Festival swag

• Special experiences (like VIP access or sideshows)

• ATM fees (if you need to take out cash at the event)

4. Pack it up!

Since you’re going to be at a music festival all day — and maybe even for a few days — pack wisely.

Some of the essentials to bring are: 

• A hat or visor

• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and chapstick 

• A light sweater or hoodie

• A phone charger 

• Hand sanitizer

Keep scrolling for a complete checklist on what to pack for music festivals.

4. Plan your outfit for comfort & versatility.

Comfort is the name of the game when you’re going to be walking around and standing for large parts of the day and going into the night. 

So, as you’re planning what to wear to a music festival, don’t just consider style. Think about clothing that’s going to be: 

• Lightweight

• Easy to layer

• Breathable 

• Easy to move around in

Bathing suits, shorts, skirts, T-shirts, and tank tops are all great choices. So are comfy tennis shoes or flip flops. 

And don’t forget to tie a lightweight sweater or hoodie around your waist, so you can easily cover up when it gets chilly.

That’ll take you comfortably from day to night wear. 

5. Take advantage of the event map.

If you’re going to a bigger music festival, you can probably get your hands on an event map ahead of time. If you can, print one out and bring it with you. 

That’ll help out a lot when you’re first getting your bearings straight and you’re trying to figure out where to go for the next show. 

6. Flag Your Campsite.

If you’re camping at a music festival, think about attaching some helium balloons or some type of flag to your campsite. 

That’s going to make it way easier to find — especially if you’re staying at a bigger campground. 

7. Take care of yourself.

Partying and late nights can be the name of the game when you’re at a music festival, but that doesn't mean you have to run yourself into the ground or make yourself ill having a great time. 

So, try to take care of yourself by:

• Drinking a lot of water, especially if you’re out in the sun

• Putting on sunscreen and wearing a hat

• Getting sleep when you can

• Partying responsibly

• Making safe choices 

A little bit of self-care can go a long way towards feeling your best and having the best possible experience at a music festival.

8. Be ready for an adventure!

No matter how much you plan, anything can happen. 

If you go into it with an open mind and chill attitude, you’ll be ready to cut loose, go wild, and have an amazing time!

Music Festival Packing Checklist

Getting ready to head out to a music festival? 

Here are two thorough, easy-to-use checklists to help you pack everything you need.

General Packing Checklist for Music Festivals

• Tickets

• Wallet and money

• Directions to the event

• Event map and schedule

• A hat or visor

• A bandana

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen and chapstick 

• Eyedrops 

• A light sweater or hoodie

• A phone charger 

• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

• A water bottle

• A backpack, fanny pack, or CamelBak

• A travel first aid kit (with pain reliever, Band-Aids, vitamins, and any medications you need)

Music Festival Packing Checklist: Camping Supplies

• A tent

• A tent lock

• A canopy or awning (for shade during the day)

• A hammer or mallet (to set up the tent)

• Tapestry/sheets, twine, and clothespins (for privacy)

• Air mattress or cot

• Sheets, blankets, and pillows

• A large cooler filled with ice

• At least 1 gallon of water/person

• Flashlights and batteries

• A folding table and chairs 

• Toilet paper (enclosed in a plastic bag)

• Paper towels

• Trash bags

• Toiletries (what you’d pack for any overnight stay)

• Paper plates, plasticware, and plastic cups

• Food and drinks

• Change of clothing

• Bath or beach towel

15 Most Popular Music Festivals in the U.S.

These annual music festivals across the U.S. tend to be multi-day events with several stages, big-name acts, dazzling sideshows, unique camping experiences, and a whole lot more. 

Whether you’re new to the scene or you’re looking for a new music festival to hit up, here are some established options to check out:  

1. Coachella

2. Lollapalooza

3. SXSW (South by Southwest)

4. Pitchfork Music Festival

5. Electric Daisy Carnival

6. Firefly Music Festival

7. Summerfest

8. Austin City Limits Music Festival

9. Ultra Music Festival (UMF)

10. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

11. The Governors Ball Music Festival

12. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

13. Life Is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival

14. Rolling Loud Festival

15. Burning Man

Music Festivals Aren’t the Only Events We Know 

Beyond music festivals, The Music Trust specializes in ALL things sound — from playlist services and music licensing to DJ booking, talent booking, music curation, commercial AV equipment, sonic branding, music licensing, social media marketing services for venues and events, and more.

Whatever your sound needs may be, The Music Trust has you covered.

Our team is behind the scenes of intimate private parties, brand launches, corporate events, grand openings, commercial playlists, and so much more, creating the perfect sound and vibe to set the stage and truly transform any event, venue, or experience.

Find out what we can do for you and get a free quote now by contacting us via the form below. We’ll get back to you ASAP. 

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