As the dust settles on Coachella and the Bay Area prepares for summer staples like Outside Lands, festival season is officially in full swing. For many students, these massive music events are a rite of passage and a highlight of the break. However, between the intense heat, the massive crowds, and the twelve-hour days, a dream weekend can turn into a difficult situation if you are not prepared. If you are heading to your first big festival this summer, it is essential to go in with a plan that covers more than just your outfit or the lineup.
The most important thing to master is your hydration and eating strategy. Dehydration is the primary reason people end up in the medical tent, so make it a priority to find the water refill stations as soon as you get through the gates. Most festivals allow empty reusable bottles or hydration packs, which you should be filling constantly throughout the day. When it comes to food, eat a substantial meal before you enter the grounds to save money and maintain your energy. It is also critical to only buy food and drinks from licensed vendors inside the event. Purchasing anything from unofficial sellers outside the gates or random individuals in the crowd is a massive risk, as you won’t know if the items are safe, sanitary, or tampered with.
Since cell service at locations like Golden Gate Park or the desert can be notoriously spotty due to the sheer volume of people trying to access the network, be smart about your group logistics. Pick a very specific landmark when you arrive, such as a certain art installation or a specific gate, to be your emergency meetup spot. If you get separated and your phone dies, agree to meet there at the top of every hour. It is also a good idea to carry a portable battery charger because your phone will likely drain quickly from taking videos and constantly searching for a signal.
“Last year, my phone died, and I remember I kept wishing I had brought a portable charger, so that is definitely a must-have for this year,” senior Avrey Freer said. Being stranded at the end of the night without a way to contact your group is a situation you want to avoid at all costs.
Safety also includes having a guaranteed way to get home once the festival ends. Ensure you have at least Uber or Lyft downloaded and updated on your phone before you even leave the house. Do not wait until you’re scrambling to get home to set up your payment information or download the apps, as the limited data at the venue will make it nearly impossible. It is often best to schedule a ride in advance or walk a few blocks away from the main exit to find a ride more easily.
“I always schedule a ride before I go to any concert or festival because it’s so nice to know you have a ride home at the end of the night. Makes it so much easier,” senior Will Lincoln said. Also, never get into a vehicle with someone claiming to be a driver but not through an official app.
Furthermore, being a responsible festival-goer means being prepared for the unexpected. Many people now carry Narcan, a life-saving, FDA-approved nasal spray designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, in their bags as a standard precaution. Most major festivals allow it, and having it on hand can save a life in the event of a medical emergency in the crowd. Narcan is one of those things you hope you never have to use, but it is a vital tool to have with you. Additionally, do not forget the basics like high SPF sunscreen (at least 50) and ear protection. High-fidelity earplugs are a great investment because they let you hear the music clearly while preventing the permanent ear ringing that often follows a loud concert.
Ultimately, festivals are about enjoying live music and spending time with friends during the summer months. By taking these extra steps to stay hydrated, securing reliable transportation, and looking out for one another, you can ensure that the experience is both fun and safe. Planning ahead allows you to focus on the music rather than the logistics, making for a much better weekend for everyone involved.
