Headed to a summer festival this year? Whether it’s your first, 50th or big return after a bit of time away, there’s always a lot of things to remember.
Did you pack a pillow for your head? Snacks for when the munchies at 2am? Water to drink and brush your teeth? Enough undies in case you piss yourself every day?
We’ve pulled together a helpful guide of things you might not think about, that will help you, your mates and everyone at the festival have a good time.
1. Look out for each other
Festivals are a big community space, you’re all in this together. If you see someone having a hard time, needing a break or some help, check in on them. Give them some water or a snack, and ask if they want to visit the medical tent.
2. Don’t push to the front
We know that sometimes you want to be on the barrier or right in the thick of it for your fave acts. If that’s your gameplan, then you need to plan your game. Get to the stage earlier, wait for the changeover when there’s more space to move around.
Don’t leave it until your fave band begins to try and get a good spot, it’s just going to leave a heap of annoyed people in your wake.
3. Think about your props
Whether it’s a doof stick, a flag or an umbrella, consider how your props will affect the show for everyone else. While they’re great for finding your people in the pit, if they’re too big they will block the view of the stage for everyone else.
4. Wear good shoes
Yeah we know we’re sounding like your parents here, but trust us when we say: don’t wear open toed shoes in the crowd. With so many people packed in together it’s a higher chance of toes being stepped on, drinks being spilled and dirt getting everywhere.
Wear comfortable, closed toe shoes. Thank us later.
5. Take care of your hearing
Want to make sure you can go to gigs and listen to music for years to come? You gotta take care of your ears. Earplugs are an essential when you’re hanging around speakers (or loud yappers) that are pumping out high-decibel music.
Plus, earplugs are super handy for when you’re trying to sleep and the next camp over is having kickons.
6. Have a designated meeting point
If you’re the one in the chat most likely to lose everyone the moment you get to the festival – either due to no reception or too much excitement – make sure you agree on a meeting place and time beforehand. Maybe it’s the big tree near the toilets, or the food van that does the tornado potatoes.
Having a space to return to for friends, grounding and safety is so important, especially for multi-day festivals.
7. Use the toilets early
This feels like a no-brainer but it’s easily forgotten: use the bathrooms early in the day before things heat up. If you’re busting for a wee later on, be prepared for the horrors that may lie within a portaloo that’s been standing out in the summer sun for hours.
Hopefully with the warm weather and all the dancing and running around, you’ll sweat out your drinks and water so you won’t need to use the toilet as much as you’d think.
8. Pace yourself
Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Wether you’re doing a one-day hoon or a camping festival, make sure you’re pacing yourself with whatever you’re indulging in.
There’s nothing worse than ripping the lid off too hard on the first night and realising the next morning you need to back it up again.
9. Remember the essentials
There’s some non-negotiables for festivals that aren’t your ticket and phone. Remember to chuck these in your bags, because you’ll be thanking Past You for doing it.
- Refillable water bottle
- Hat (take multiple!)
- Sunscreen
- Portable fan
- Portable charger
- Closed-toe shoes
Heat management is the real headliner.
Most importantly, look after yourself. Take a break and a breather if you’re not feeling great, stay hydrated, have a sit in the shade and make sure you eat and rest when you can.
And have fun! There’s nothing like a summer festival in Australia and making those core memories with all your mates.