I am a certified concert girl. And I have been since I was a child. As long as I can remember, my life has revolved around music. I’ve always had an insatiable love for live events and the way that they connect thousands of people with completely different life stories at the exact same time. Lyrics often express the words that we do not know how to speak; conveying shared human truths and values that impact us at our core. Dancing to my favorite songs with the world’s best musicians and thousands of fans, lights me up in a way that nothing else does. I traveled around the country to see my favorite boy bands and reggaeton artists perform. The most natural next step was attending a festival. But rave culture intimidated me. I didn’t know what to expect.
I attended my first-ever festival with The Festival Babes on July 4, 2023 for the Fourth of July Block Party with Sam Feldt. I had no idea what to expect. I was afraid the event would be cliquey, and I wouldn’t fit in. But I knew how much I loved live music and decided to commit to attending. The day started with a social mixer with the Festival Babes. As soon as I stepped in the door, I felt so welcomed by the Festival Babes community. We danced, took photos, and of course, drank Beatbox for hours, until it was time to go to the festival. I loved being able to walk into the event with a large group of music lovers. The vibes were immaculate as we danced the night away on the harbor in an open, accepting, and love-filled space. The night ended with the annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display lighting up the sky while we watched from the pier. On that day, I became a Festival girlie; I was hooked.
In the process of attending both concerts and festivals for years, I’ve picked up some helpful tips to make the experience as smooth as possible. So, if this is your first festival, I’m here for you.
Welcome to Annmarie’s Unofficial Official Festival Survival Guide:
WHAT TO WEAR:
When it comes to festivals, comfort is KEY. I have gone to way too many events in high heels that ripped my feet to shreds or outfits that were cute, but that I couldn’t really dance in. Here are my recommendations on what to wear:
A cute, breathable, and comfortable outfit
Be sure to check the weather before you leave the house. You will likely overheat in the crowd, so I recommend dressing as lightly as possible or in layers. Bring a light jacket that you can roll up if you tend to get cold easily.
COMFORTABLE sneakers or boots
The last thing you want is to have to take a break from dancing or vibing in the crowd because you can’t stand in your shoes any longer. Do a test-run wearing your shoes before you leave to make sure you’ll last all day.
Sunscreen
You will be exposed to the elements all day. Make sure you take care of yourself AND your skin.
WHAT TO BRING:
Portable Charger
There’s nothing worse than your phone dying in the midst of your favorite DJ set. Bring a battery pack (or two), and make sure to clean out your phone storage in advance.
Empty Water Bottle
STAY HYDRATED. I cannot stress this enough. I love a good alcoholic beverage but when you’re out all day in the sun, it’s easy to get dehydrated. When I went to my first festival, I didn’t drink enough water and got super lightheaded and had awful headaches. Learn from my mistakes!
Hydration Packets like LiquidIV
Festivals are fun but can be draining. Bring a hydration packet to give yourself a burst of energy.
Aspirin
Loud music and alcohol are not the best combination. Bring some medication incase you are prone to headaches.
Selfie Light
We love a good fit pic, especially at night. I bring my selfie light everywhere to make sure I only take the highest of quality photos.
Kandi (if you want to exchange)
Kandi is my favorite part of rave culture. I love making my own unique bracelets and sharing them with all the amazing people I meet in-person.
Hand Sanitizer
Festivals are NOT glamorous. Bring some hand sanitizer; you’ll thank me later.
Eye drops
Festivals often take place in grassy, dusty, and/or muddy environments. Keep your eyes safe with some eye drops.
Sunglasses
Pack your chicest pair of party glasses. Not only will they be perfect for bright sunlight during the daytime; but they’ll make you feel extra brat in the evening.
Earplugs
Loud music damages your ears; especially when you’re being exposed to it over prolonged periods of time. Having earplugs can be super helpful in preventing this.
Deodorant
Nobody enjoys being stuck in a smelly crowd. Don’t be that person who forgot to use antiperspirant.
But, overall, pack as light as possible. You will have to carry your belongings with you all day and you don’t want to lose anything.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
HIGH ENERGY
Festivals are no joke. You will be on your feet for three days in a row. Be kind to yourself and tend to your needs. Take breaks when you need to, even if everybody else is still raving. Festivals are such a beautiful experience because they can be whatever you want them to be. Don’t be afraid to experience your first festival in a way that is different from how your peers do.
I also recommend making a game plan for what you want to do, and which sets you want to see. Festivals often have multiple DJs performing at the same time, in addition to free activations and pop-ups. Plan out who you definitely want to see in advance and stick to your schedule.
DANCING
The vibes WILL be immaculate. We are talking high production value: STAGES, POP-UPS, BRAND ACTIVIATIONS, TOP-TIER DJS. What more could you want? Just dance and have a good time. This is a safe space so don’t feel like people are judging you. Move in a way that feels good to you.
COMMUNITY
Festivals are not the time to be shy. Everybody is typically super welcoming and loves to make friends. Get excited to meet new people that share the same love for rave culture as you do. Don’t be surprised if you end up meeting your new best friends in the process.
One of the reasons I’m so excited about We Belong Here is because it’s the first time this festival is coming to New York City. I’m super excited to plan out my outfits and see Kaskade headline on Saturday October 5th. Watching the sets with the New York skyline lit up in front of my eyes is going to be a once in a lifetime experience. Be sure to follow The Festival Babes to keep up to date on all upcoming meetups. And if you’re heading to the show and want to make a friend; shoot me a message over at my Instagram: @annmariegajdos
HAPPY RAVING,
xx Annmarie Gajdos
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