1. Poor Footwear Choice
Your feet will get stepped on. I repeat, YOUR FEET WILL GET STEPPED ON. Aside from this, you’ll be dancing, walking, running, skipping, jumping, twerking many a miles all day long. I repeat, ALL DAY LONG. Do not wear flip-flops or other shoes with no support, cushion, or stability. Who cares if you look like a nerd. It’s better than sitting in your tent crying because your feet hurt and your toe nail got ripped off in the Skrillex pit. Oh, and blisters. Baby powder and band-aids are a necessity. Be prepared for rain with rain boots and ponchos.
2. Bad Budgeting
Account for food, merchandise, showers (if you wish), alcohol (although we strongly discourage this in hot climates), and gas/toll money to get home. It’s easy to get excited when you arrive and blow all of your money on those heady tapestries and dope skirts. Think of it on a daily basis and you’ll be alright. If not, you’ll be selling your tent to make it home.
3. Failure to Hydrate
This is a HUGE mistake newbies make. You don’t realize how much energy and sweat your body is exerting every second. Drink twice as much water as you think you need. If you are thirsty, you’re dehydrated. A Camelback or canteen is your best friend. Bring a bandana and if you’re nice to the vendors, you might get them to fill it with ice aka heaven on Earth. If your pee is yellow, you’re dehydrated. It should be almost clear. Without your health, it is impossible to enjoy the event. Festivals where the temperatures are in the 90’s are a trap for drinkers. I would avoid alcohol at all costs. Between the sun, beer, and dancing, you’re priming your body for shut down mode. I made this mistake my first year at Bonnaroo and missed out on a lot. Such a n00b.
4. Unrealistic Expectations
Sets are going to overlap. You will not make it to Zedd, Pretty Lights, Animal Collective, Above and Beyond, Andy C and Rusko in a 4 hour time frame. If you try, you’ll spend more time traveling between stages than you will watching the show. Instead, make a list of your must see acts and aim to catch those. Write down the stage and time on a piece of paper because your phone might be dead. Don’t get upset if you miss one. You can always catch it on YouTube.
5. Lack of Sunscreen
This goes hand in hand with number 3. Your whole weekend could be ruined because you were too stubborn to apply and REAPPLY sunscreen. You are literally in the sun 12 hours straight everyday. Use a high WATERPROOF spf. You’ll be sweating that ish off like nobodies business. You can also draw a smiley face with it on your friends back while they nap.
6. Improper Documentation
Studies have shown that you are more likely to forget actually living a moment if you are trying to take a photo or video of it. Ladies and gentleman, I present to you, the disposable camera. These are my favorite at festivals. You don’t spend time steadying your phone and picking filters. You just point and snap. They’re so much fun to get developed and have a vintage feel to them. Man, we are a technologically savvy generation. Snail mail the doubles to your buddies. I know, it’s like the 1960s. Plus, you only anger the people behind you when you film an 8 minute Phish song.
7. Forgetting Toilet Paper
Be warned: the porta-pots will be absolutely disgusting by day two. They will not have toilet paper. They will not have hand sanitizer. I put 3-5 folded pieces of tp and a mini hand sanitizer in my fanny pack when I head into the action. Guys, same goes for you. Also, don’t squat in foliage before checking the plants. One time, this girl got poison ivy… on her butt cheek. That girl is me.
8. Picking a Bad Meeting Spot
“Hey guys, if we get separated, meet at the main exit when the night is over.” Do. Not. Do. This. You will not find your friends. Pick a specific location that will not be heavily populated. It could be a specific pizza vendor, a particular ATM (shout out to the roo crew), a certain light pole, or near the fire-breathing stilt walkers. Don’t pick an entrance, exit, bathroom, or stage. Wear a watch! Even if you don’t normally wear one, your phone will die and you’ll have no clue what time it is.
9. Forgetting Camping Necessities
If you’re going to camping festival, do not forget your tent, the stakes, a mallet, a lantern or headlamp, bug spray, canned fruit and granola bars, a sleeping bag, and some chairs to chill out in. Line the outside of your tent with glow sticks so you can find it easier and avoid tripping over the stakes. Battery powered fans are great; you’ll sleep with it glued to your face.That’s another thing: don’t forget to sleep a little. Naps are great, too. Bring a car charger for your phone but DO NOT leave your car running too long and make sure you turn the lights off. No one wants to end an awesome weekend with a dead battery.
10. A Bad Attitude
Do we need to say more? You’re at music festival. Everyone there loves you. Shut up, dance, and smile. What festivals will you be at this year? Catch us at Electric Forest, CounterPoint, Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, Camp Bisco, EDC, Ultra and tons more. Holler cause we’d love to see you!
This article was written by: Follow @kconn_3
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