Maximizing Your Festival Experience: A Comprehensive Pre-Festival Routine

Electronic music festivals are the pinnacle of live music events. The energy of the crowd and the clarity and volume of festival-level speakers elevate your favorite EDM songs to the next level. However, without proper planning, festivals can sometimes become a headache. I want to share my pre-festival routine to help take your experience to the next level!

Preparing for festivals starts days before the actual event. Hours of dancing for multiple consecutive days can take a toll on your body. If not properly prepared, you’re more vulnerable to getting sick. I recommend taking Vitamin C and Zinc in the days leading up to the festival and ensuring that you eat healthily to properly fuel your body. Additionally, lay out everything you’ll need to bring to the festival, including gum, hand sanitizer, a bandana, your ticket/wristband, and your favorite accessories. If you’re traveling to the festival, pack your entire bag ahead of time and go through it with a friend before leaving to ensure you have all the essentials. Also, consider grabbing some snacks, water, a rehydrating drink like Powerade, and a blanket to leave in the car.

Something that is very important is the playlist. There are essentially three playlists that can elevate your experience to the next level: the pregame playlist, the playlist for the ride there, and the playlist for the ride home. Whatever vibes you’re feeling are fine—embrace them! When it comes to the playlist for the ride home, I prefer to keep the vibes mellow, often featuring lots of Flume and Louis The Child.

On the first day of the festival, excitement is in the air! Many people also experience pre-festival anxiety, and proper planning can help ease your journey into the festival. Make sure to have a substantial meal on the first day, as you might not have the chance to eat later. Have someone else check your festival bag before heading to the event to ensure you have your ticket, phone, and wallet; everything else can theoretically be found or bought there. Keep the aforementioned snacks, water, Powerade, and blanket in the car, so they’re readily available when it’s time to head home for the night. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

With this routine, you can effectively minimize the common headaches that many people experience at festivals. With everything double-checked, you’re all set to have the time of your life at the festival! Enjoy!