5 Ways to Make the Most of Your First Music Festival Experience
I was, admittedly, reluctant to attend my first music festival. The idea of drug-impaired humans in a field of claustrophobia was about as appealing as stapling my lip to a wall or getting a tooth pulled without Novocaine.
But the promise of seeing Chappell Roan encouraged me to recently attend Austin City Limits and I emerged not only unscathed, but with a newfound appreciation for festival culture and the people it attracts.
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Of course, no two music-filled weekends are the same, but I've gathered quite a few helpful tips for anyone who may be fearful of large crowds, extreme heat, and the general stresses of traveling to see their favorite artist.
When it comes to clothes, festival fashion can be super wacky and out of the box, but an opportunity to showcase personal style (and without judgment!). But consider comfort as priority number one, as you'll likely be standing for hours at a time and under intense sun.
Pack thin layers and consider the material. I saw a group of girls sporting metallic tights and suede jackets (which they eventually tied around their waists). While they looked cool and fun, they also looked like they soiled themselves. That's no bueno, especially if you're attempting to lure in a potential love interest.
Other essentials include a collapsible water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, bandana and/or face mask (there can be lots of dirt kicked up), mini fan, lip balm, painkillers, a hat, Band-Aids, electrolyte powder, and even allergy meds for those who are sensitive to the great outdoors.
Also, be sure to check the festival's bag policies. Organizers explicitly state acceptable sizes and whether or not a bag has to be clear. And yes, they will absolutely turn you away if you don't meet proper guidelines.
Big music festivals attract big sponsors that often plan events or offer perks to incentivize member participation. American Express, in partnership with Delta and Resy, threw a World to Table culinary experience for cardholders where we made custom cowboy hats, ate Peruvian-inspired cuisine from Chef Valerie Chang, and enjoyed live music under the stars on a classic Texas ranch.
It is not uncommon for companies like Amex to award its most loyal customers when they sign on as corporate sponsors. In fact, the credit card company encourages members to take advantage of these member-exclusive experiences which can sometimes be as memorable as the main event itself. This took place on our first night and completely set the tone for the whole weekend.
Don't feel the need to spend your entire long weekend day-drinking and jamming out. Chances are likely that there is an entire town to explore.
Strike a balance between raging and appreciating the city that is hosting you. It may just be the last time you find the time to visit and explore for a while.
Plan your schedule in advance. It's best to map out which acts you want to see most in a festival's app so that you can prioritize who you need to listen to and when.
Bigger acts will also draw bigger crowds, so keep in mind that you may need to secure a prime viewing location an hour or two before the performer hits the stage. And while your instinct may be to continue drinking, an inevitable trip to the bathroom may mean you'll lose your spot and get separated from friends.
You're going to have long and exhausting days, so a shoddy motel simply isn't going to give you the rest and relaxation you need and deserve.
We opted for the Thompson, which was ideally situated downtown and gave us everything we needed during downtime: a gym, an on-site restaurant, and comfy rooms with modern upgrades. Had we stayed somewhere less accommodating, we certainly wouldn't have left saying "we should do this again next year."