Festival Survival Guide for First-Time Ravers 

Attending your first music festival or rave is thrilling – the booming beats, neon lights, and unforgettable vibes await you. But amidst the excitement, you’ll want to be prepared. This festival survival guide dishes out first rave tips that go beyond the basics, mixing practical advice with style-savvy hacks. Whether you’re jamming at an EDM rave or dancing at a multi-day festival, these unique tips will keep you safe, comfortable, and looking fabulous from day to night.

Festival Essentials: Hydration, Health & Comfort 

Stay Hydrated: Long hours of dancing can dehydrate you fast. Carry a refillable water bottle or, better yet, a hydration backpack. Many festivals have free water refill stations – use them liberally. For an extra boost, pack electrolyte powder or sports drink tablets to mix into your water. This hydration hack will replenish minerals and keep your energy up. Remember, water is life at a festival – make it a habit to sip constantly, even if you’re busy grooving to the music.

Snack Smart: Fuel your body for the marathon of dancing. Eat a solid, carb-rich meal before heading in (think pasta, rice, or quinoa – your “pre-rave pasta party”). Slip some lightweight snacks into your bag: granola or protein bars, trail mix, or fruit leather. These quick bites can save you if the food lines are long or if you start feeling lightheaded. Plus, munching on a familiar snack can be a comforting reset if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Sun & Skin Protection: Festivals often mean hours under the sun. Lather on that sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) before you go and reapply during the day. A sunburn is not the kind of souvenir you want. Bring a travel-size sunscreen in your pack for touch-ups. Don’t forget UV protection for your lips (a lip balm with SPF) and sunglasses to shield your eyes. Pro tip: Choose sunglasses with UV protection and an inexpensive, cool style – that way you won’t be heartbroken if they get lost in the crowd.

Happy Feet: Your feet will carry you through crowds, dances, and possibly miles of festival grounds – treat them kindly! Opt for well-broken-in sneakers or boots with good support. Avoid brand-new shoes; this is not the time to test drive stiff, unproven footwear. Also, ditch the short ankle socks – they tend to slip off and can cause blisters. Instead, wear higher socks (crew or calf-length) to prevent rubbing. You can even find funky neon or glittery socks to add to your outfit flair. Consider packing a couple of blister bandages or moleskin in case of hot spots on your feet. With happy, blister-free feet, you’ll be able to dance from the opening act to the sunrise set!

Ear Protection: The music might be awesome, but you don’t want to be saying “huh?” for days after. High volume and heavy bass are standard at raves, which can take a toll on your hearing. Pack a pair of quality earplugs – ideally the kind made for concerts that filter sound (so you still hear the music clearly, just at a safer volume). Wearing earplugs is a pro move, not lame; future-you will thank you when you can still hear the melody of your favorite track years later. 

 Bonus: Earplugs also help you sleep better if you’re camping near loud after-parties or snoring tent-mates.

2. Gear Up: Pack Your Festival Bag 

When it comes to surviving a festival, what you carry is key. A compact festival bag like a fanny pack or a small crossbody is ideal for keeping essentials secure and hands-free. If it’s a multi-day event or you need more room, a lightweight daypack or hydration backpack works too. Here’s what to pack in your bag (your festival essentials kit):

• ID, Tickets & Payment: Sounds obvious, but in the festival frenzy it’s easy to forget the basics. Triple-check you have your ID (and any required proof of age or vaccine, if applicable) and your entry ticket or wristband before you leave. Many festivals are going cashless – confirm if you need a credit card or if you’ve loaded funds onto your wristband. Losing these at a festival is a nightmare, so secure them in a zippered compartment in your bag at all times.
• Phone & Charger: Your phone is your camera, communication lifeline, and digital ticket holder. Keep it safe. Consider a phone safety strap or lanyard so you don’t drop it in the crowd. Carry a portable battery pack (fully charged) with a short charging cable so you can recharge on the go; festivals can drain your battery fast with all the photos and group texts. Pro tip: Switch to airplane mode or use a battery-saver mode during the day to conserve juice, and pre-download offline maps of the festival if available.
• Sanitation Supplies: Festival porta-potties… need we say more? Be prepared for less-than-ideal bathroom situations. Pack a small packet of wet wipes and some tissues (many a time the TP runs out by night). Hand sanitizer is a must for post-bathroom or before eating. Here’s a secret weapon: throw a few disposable toilet seat covers in your bag – you’ll be the genius of your group when you whip one out in a grimy porta-loo. And for the ladies, one of the ultimate festival hacks – a female urination funnel (sometimes cheekily called a “she-wee”). This gadget lets you pee standing up, meaning you can avoid hovering over gross toilets or long lines entirely. It’s discreet and fits in your pouch; using one can be a total game-changer for comfort and hygiene.
• First Aid & Personal Care: Create a tiny “just in case” kit: a few band-aids (for blisters or small cuts), pain reliever of your choice (headaches happen), any personal medications (keep them in original packaging if possible, to get past security), and electrolyte powder or vitamin packets. Eye drops can be a savior for dusty venues or if you’re wearing contacts. Earplugs (mentioned above) should live in your bag when not in use. If you’re prone to allergies, a couple of antihistamine pills could come in handy too. Ladies may want to bring a couple of feminine products, even if it’s “not that time” – dancing can kickstart surprises, and it’s good to be prepared (or help out a fellow raver in need).
• Multi-Tasking Bandana or Scarf: Attach a bandana to your bag – it’s a MVP festival item. It can shield your face from dust during a bass-heavy desert stage, keep you warm when the night gets chilly, protect your neck from sun, or serve as a makeshift towel. Plus, you can dip it in water and wear it around your neck to cool down if you’re overheating. Fashion-wise, a colorful bandana or scarf can also complement your outfit (and it looks super cool in photos when you let it fly in the wind!).
• Extras: Sunglasses (cheap ones you won’t cry over losing), a folding hand fan (nothing feels better than a burst of breeze in a hot crowd – and fans are practically a rave dance accessory these days), and a hat or cap (to block sun or just boost your look). Pro tip: A bucket hat or a light-up cap not only protects you from sun by day, but also makes you easy to spot in the crowd at night. A small flashlight or keychain light is great for finding your stuff in a dark tent or navigating the porta-potty at 2 AM (your phone’s flashlight works, but it can drain battery). Finally, have some cash (small bills) hidden in a secure pocket – even if the event is cashless, vendors or tips for services (like charging stations, lockers, or a quick food stall) might come up. A $20 stashed away can be a lifesaver if tech fails or for emergency cab fare.

Pack Light, But Smart: Lay out your gear and aim for a balance – you want enough to handle common issues, but you don’t want a 10-pound bag dragging you down on the dance floor. Minimize packaging (put things like painkillers or wipes into smaller ziplocs to save space). Every item should be something you truly expect to use or need. By curating your festival bag wisely, you’ll be prepared for almost anything without feeling like you’re hauling a suitcase.

3. Rave Outfit Ideas & Style Hacks 

Just because we’re focusing on survival doesn’t mean you can’t slay your festival look! In fact, planning your rave outfit is half the fun. The goal is to combine comfort + style so you feel free to move and express yourself. Here are some fashion-forward tips for first-timers:

Comfort is Key: You’ve probably seen those epic festival fashion photos – from glittery bodysuits and neon leggings to crazy costumes. Wear whatever makes you feel like a superstar and lets you dance like no one’s watching. Choose breathable fabrics (mesh, cotton blends, athletic material) especially if it’s hot out. Layers are your friend: a lightweight jacket or kimono for evening can save you when temperatures drop, and you can tie it around your waist when not needed. If you’re going for minimal clothing (bikini tops, crop tops, etc.), remember to pack extra sunscreen on those exposed areas and consider a light layer for when you need a break from the sun.

Footwear Fashion: We talked about comfy shoes already, but in terms of style – feel free to rock those platform boots or LED sneakers if that’s your vibe, but have a backup. For example, you might start the day in eye-catching platform boots for the statement, and later swap to a pair of foldable ballet flats or comfy sneakers from your bag when your feet beg for mercy. There are actually foldable shoes that barely take up space in your pack – a lifesaver when you just have to get out of those heavy boots after hours of raging.

Accessorize Wisely: Accessories can make your outfit pop and serve practical purposes. Harnesses and utility belts can add an edgy look and also hold stuff (think of those utility belts with pouches – fashion and function!). Kaleidoscope glasses or diffraction glasses add a trippy touch when looking at stage lights at night, but keep normal sunglasses for day. Bandanas, face gems, glitter – go wild with self-expression, but use skin-safe products. Pro tip: Use biodegradable glitter or dried flower face stickers as eco-friendly alternatives to standard glitter; not only are they trendy (hello, flower-child vibes ), but you’ll also avoid washing microplastics into the environment. And if you’re planning to use body paint or heavy makeup, bring setting spray or powder so your artwork lasts through sweat and dancing.

Trending Rave Looks: For 2024 and beyond, festival fashion is all about creative contrasts. Mix and match themes to craft your unique style. Some hot trends include: Neon everything (channel that glow-in-the-dark rainbow), holographic fabrics (shimmer like a space-age disco ball), and the “space cowgirl” look – imagine a shiny silver jacket paired with a cowboy hat and fringe. If you love prints, animal prints like leopard or zebra are making a comeback in festival wear (unleash your wild side ). Sheer outfits with strategic layering are also big – think mesh tops over bright bralettes or translucent pants showing off cute shorts underneath. 90s rave revival is strong too: bucket hats, smiley face motifs, and vintage band tees paired with modern accessories show that old-school rave spirit with a fresh twist. The bottom line: wear something that you can dance, jump, and high-five strangers in comfortably. If an outfit piece is too precious to risk getting dirty or too uncomfortable to wear for 10 hours straight, swap it out for something more practical. You can be both fashionable and festival-proof.

Plan Outfit Changes: If it’s a multi-day festival, plan out your outfits in advance. Try them on at home and move around – do a little shuffle dance to ensure nothing rubs wrong or falls off. It’s better to discover a wardrobe malfunction (or an uncomfortable shoe strap) in your bedroom than on the festival floor. Pack each day’s outfit separately (ziplock bags can keep accessories organized). Also, pack a backup outfit or extra pieces: weather can surprise you (sudden rain shower or cold night), or maybe you’ll just feel like switching to something more comfy by Day 3. Having an extra lightweight outfit or at least spare tops/underwear/socks back at your camp or hotel can be a blessing.

Don’t Forget Function: One often overlooked aspect of rave fashion is pockets! Many awesome rave outfits lack pockets (looking at you, ladies’ booty shorts!). That’s why things like a holster leg bag, fanny pack, or clothes with hidden pockets can be a game-changer. If your outfit doesn’t have any, your rave accessories can pick up the slack – for instance, leg garters with attached pouches, or armband wallets. These keep your valuables on you while complementing your look. Also, secure your glasses and hats – you don’t want your stylish LED cowboy hat flying off in the middle of headbanging. Little clips or straps can secure hats and glasses so you can focus on fun.

In essence, express yourself! Part of rave culture is celebrating individuality and creativity. So paint your face, rock those glitter roots in your hair, wear that cape or onesie if you want. Just balance it with practicality so you’re not fighting your outfit all night. When you feel good in your gear, you’ll dance harder, smile wider, and radiate confidence.

4. Festival Hacks No One Tells You 

Now for the insider tips that seasoned festival-goers swear by – the little hacks that might not be on the typical packing list, but make a huge difference:

• Set a Lock-Screen Schedule: Festivals can be overwhelming with multiple stages and set times. Screenshot the festival map and lineup schedule on your phone, then set it as your lock-screen wallpaper. This way, you can quickly check stage locations or who’s on next without fumbling for papers or needing cell signal. It’s a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry or your app isn’t loading. Also, take a photo of where you parked your car or your campsite position (include some nearby landmark in the pic) – by Day 3 your memory might be foggy, and having a photo reference is clutch when navigating a sea of tents or cars at 2am.
• Agree on a Meetup Spot: Before you dive into the crowd, pick a rendezvous point with your crew. It should be a distinctive, easy-to-find location (“meet at the giant inflatable owl by the main stage” or “left of the neon art installation near entrance”). If (or rather, when) someone gets separated (dead phone battery, went to buy food, lost in a dancing crowd), you’ll all know where to regroup. Pro tip: Also decide on a backup meetup time late in the night (like “we’ll all meet at 1AM at the spot before heading out”). It saves a ton of stress. Remember, phone signals often suck at festivals due to crowd congestion, so don’t rely solely on texting your pals – old-school planning still rules here.
• Never Lose Your Friends (Or Yourself): In addition to the meetup plan, consider something fun like matching team totems or wearables. Some groups carry a unique flag or inflatable to hold up so friends can spot it from afar. If that’s too much, even coordinating a distinct piece of clothing or accessory can help (“everyone wear a bandana of the same color on Day 2”). It sounds cheesy, but in a swarm of thousands, that one neon green bandana or unicorn flag can be a beacon of hope when you’re scanning the crowd for your squad.
• Female Festival Hacks: We already covered the brilliance of the female urinal device. Another tip for women’s festival fashion – if your outfit involves pasties or body jewels, bring spares or some skin-safe glue. Sweat and movement can loosen them as the day goes on. Fashion tape is your friend for securing loose edges of costumes, keeping bra straps in place, or even temporarily hemming pants if you need. Also, consider wearing dance tights or fishnets under shorts/bodysuits – they can prevent chafing and add style. And if you rock a wig or colored hair extensions for fun, pack a travel-size hairspray or wig glue to keep it secure through all that head swinging.
• Tame the Elements: Check the forecast religiously before the event, but be ready for anything. Compact rain poncho is a must even if rain seems unlikely – it takes up almost no space and can save you from getting soaked (or serve as a dry seat on wet grass). If it’s going to be chilly, those little hand-warmer packets can be golden at night (tuck them in your pockets or even in your gloves). On the flip side, in extreme heat, a small spray mist bottle or handheld mist-fan can cool you down. Pro tip: bring a dust mask or bandana if the festival is known to be dusty (like Burning Man or desert events) – your lungs will thank you after a windy day. Even cheap sunglasses can double as eye protection in dusty winds.
• Secure Your Valuables in Creative Ways: Sadly, pickpockets can target festivals. We mentioned using a festival bag that stays in front of you. But you can go further: hide a backup credit card and some cash in a less obvious spot (inside a sock in your bag, or a secret pocket sewn into your clothing). Consider a dummy wallet – an old empty wallet you keep in an easy pocket as a decoy, while your real stuff is hidden safely. Also, don’t bring things you don’t absolutely need. Leave your everyday big wallet with all your cards at home; carry just an ID and one card, plus some cash. And definitely leave sentimental or irreplaceable jewelry at home – you might want to look glam, but losing a family heirloom necklace on the dance floor will put a real damper on your festival. Opt for fun costume jewelry or rave accessories instead.
• Car & Camp Hacks: If you’re camping on-site, a few extra tricks: Mark your tent distinctly (tapestry, flag, or even a solar-powered light stake) so it doesn’t blend into the endless tent city. A small padlock on your tent zipper (and using an uncommon code, not 0000) can deter casual thieves – though remember, a tent isn’t a bank vault, so don’t leave valuables inside when you’re not there. For those driving in, hide a spare key outside your car in a magnet box or a super secret spot underneath – people do lose their car keys dancing more often than you’d think, and having a backup can save you from a post-festival horror story. And before the fest, stock your car with a big water jug and some snacks for the end of the night. After dancing ’til 2AM, that extra bottle of water and bag of chips waiting for you at the car will feel like gourmet heaven.
• Personal Well-being: Raves and festivals are sensory overload. If you ever start to feel anxious or overwhelmed in the crowd, don’t panic – it happens even to seasoned ravers. Step to the side, find a calmer area (even if it’s the medical tent or a chill-out lounge some festivals have), and take a few deep breaths. A simple grounding trick: inhale deeply for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4 – it can really help center you. Also, buddy up! Use the buddy system with at least one friend to periodically check on each other, especially if anyone is trying substances or drinking. Knowing someone has your back and vice versa is reassuring and safer.
• Smile

These lesser-known hacks might seem small, but together they make a big difference. The more prepared you are, the more you can let go and enjoy the moment without worry. You’ll impress even veteran festival-goers with your savvy first-timer game! 

5. Rave Safely: Etiquette & Safety Tips 

Music festivals are about having the time of your life, but staying safe and respecting others ensures everyone gets to enjoy the magic. Keep these tips in mind:

The Golden Rule – PLUR: Rave culture lives by “PLUR,” which stands for Peace, Love, Unity, Respect (sometimes with an extra R for Responsibility). What does this mean on the ground? Be chill and kind to everyone. Dance how you like, and let others do their thing too. If someone accidentally bumps into you, a smile and a thumbs-up go a long way. Share good vibes – compliment that stranger’s awesome outfit, trade Kandi bracelets (colorful bead bracelets) if that’s your scene, maybe even carry some stickers or small trinkets to gift to people you vibe with. Little moments of positivity create the best memories. Unity and respect also mean looking out for others: if you see someone who seems too out of it or unwell, ask if they’re okay or get a festival staffer to assist. Ravers take care of ravers – that’s part of the culture.

Meet New People, But Stay Street-Smart: One of the best parts of festivals is making new friends. You’ll meet people from everywhere, and the camaraderie is incredible. Enjoy it! But also keep basic safety in mind: not everyone is 100% trustworthy (though the vast majority are just there for fun like you). So, be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers (better to get your own to avoid anything unwanted in it), and don’t wander off alone with someone you just met if it doesn’t feel safe. If you do make a new friend and want to hang out, awesome – maybe just keep your other friends informed. Most festivals have medical tents or staff (like Ground Control at Insomniac events) specifically to help attendees; never hesitate to approach them if you or someone else needs help or even just water and a rest. They’re not there to judge, only to ensure everyone stays safe.

Mind Your Surroundings: In a massive crowd, a bit of awareness goes a long way. Keep an eye out for where the exits and first aid stations are when you arrive. It’s easy to get disoriented at night when everything looks different lit up. If an emergency happens (let’s say someone falls badly or there’s a sudden storm), you’ll be glad you noted where to go. Also, watch where you step – sounds silly, but in a packed festival, there can be random things on the ground (tents stakes, loose cables, dropped phones). Dancing is fun; tripping and spraining an ankle is not. So stomp with joy, but also step with care.

Pace Yourself: The sheer excitement can make you want to go hard from the first set to the last. But if it’s a multi-day event, remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s absolutely okay (and recommended) to take breaks. Sit down in a grassy area or at the back of a stage for a few minutes, hydrate and chill. If you’re feeling tired by day’s end, it’s fine to head back a bit early to rest – you’ll thank yourself tomorrow. And if you choose to drink alcohol, do so responsibly: alternate alcoholic drinks with water, and know your limits. The goal is to be dancing, not puking. Also, energy drinks might seem helpful for a boost, but too many can backfire (jitters, crash, dehydration). Consider natural energy boosts like a caffeinated tea or just the adrenaline of the music itself.

Watch Your Drinks: A classic rule but always worth repeating – never leave your drink unattended. If you set it down to dance or use the restroom, just toss it and get a new one. It’s unfortunate, but drink tampering can happen. Keep your drink in your hand or within your sight, or use a drink cover (some people use cute scrunchie covers that go over cups). And again, only take drinks from people you trust deeply. It’s a good practice to open your water bottles yourself too, so you know nothing’s been added.

Keep It Clean(ish): Festivals generate a ton of trash, and while you’re not expected to be a cleanup crew, being a respectful raver means not littering excessively. Hold onto your empty drink can until you find a bin, don’t drop cigarette butts or gum on the dance floor (someone’s outfit or foot will find it, yuck). If you’re camping, keep your site tidy and secure trash in bags so you don’t invite critters. This isn’t just about the environment (though that’s important); it also keeps the scene pleasant for you and others – no one likes dancing in garbage. Some festivals even have programs where you can trade in a bag of trash for merch or snacks – participating can be both altruistic and rewarding.

Trust Your Instincts: If you ever feel like something’s off – a stage structure looks shaky, a person is giving you bad vibes, you feel too exhausted – listen to that gut feeling. Move to a safer spot, find your friends, or visit the medical tent to check in. It’s always better to be cautious and safe. There’s no FOMO in avoiding a sketchy situation; the real FOMO would be missing the rest of the festival because you ignored warning signs and got hurt or overly anxious.

By following these safety and etiquette tips, you’ll contribute to an awesome atmosphere for everyone, yourself included. A festival is a community, and if everyone takes care of themselves and each other, it makes the experience truly magical.

6. After the Rave: Recovery & Memories 

(Yes, technically the festival is over at this point – but surviving the aftermath is part of the journey, especially for first-timers!)

Post-Festival Care: When the music stops, your body will likely feel the effects of all that revelry. Plan some recovery time. If you can, take the day off after the festival or keep your schedule light. Back at your hotel or home, rehydrate a lot – water, sports drinks, coconut water, whatever you fancy. A hearty meal (with protein and veggies) and a good sleep will work wonders. Some ravers swear by electrolyte packets or vitamins before bed to wake up less groggy. Also, ear ringing is normal if you skipped earplugs – it usually fades in a day, but take it as a lesson to wear protection next time. Soak your feet or take a warm bath with Epsom salts to soothe sore muscles. Basically, treat yourself kindly – you’ve just been through an endurance event of epic fun!

Clean Up & Pack Up: If you’re camping, try to clean up your campsite when departing even if you’re dog-tired. It’s tempting to leave behind that broken chair or scattered trash, but pack it out if you brought it in – festival grounds and the earth will thank you. Double-check you have all your important items (IDs, keys, phone, wallet) before you drive away. A lost phone can sometimes be recovered from lost & found later, but a lost wallet… that’s tougher.

Cherish the Memories: You’ll likely experience a bit of the “post-festival blues” – it’s so common to feel weird or sad when you return to normal life after the high of a festival weekend. Counter it by reliving the good times: share photos and videos with your friends, post that Instagram carousel of your coolest shots (don’t forget to tag your outfit deets, because someone will absolutely ask where you got those holographic leggings or rad festival accessories). Trade stories with your rave buddies – you might be surprised by things they saw that you missed and vice versa. Maybe start a group chat to swap playlists of the favorite songs you heard. And wear your festival wristband for a few days after (we know you don’t want to cut it off yet!) as a badge of honor and a reminder of the awesome time.

Learn for Next Time: Now that you’ve done one, you’re officially not a newbie anymore! Take stock of what worked and what didn’t. Did you bring something you never used? Was there something you wish you had? Jot it down while fresh in mind. Each festival will make you a little more experienced at packing and prepping. Perhaps you’ll decide to invest in a CamelBak hydration pack, or bring a portable camp shower, or simply remember to bring more comfy clothes. Use this experience to make the next festival (oh yes, there will be a next one – it’s addicting) even smoother.

Finally, pat yourself on the back. You navigated crowds, kept the party going, looked after your needs, and danced under the stars. These festival survival tips were your toolkit, but you made the magic happen. Welcome to the rave family! Now you’re not just a first-timer – you’re part of the tribe, with your own stories and secrets to share. Until the next rave… PLUR on and keep the rave spirit alive!