10 Safety Tips to Keep in Mind During Festival & Outdoor Concert Season

Our guide to a safe festival experience will ensure you never party unprepared.While concerts can be plenty of fun, few experiences can compare to the excitement of a live music festival. Often spanning days and featuring a diverse range of acts, some of the world’s most famous festivals see hundreds of thousands of attendees convening from all corners of the globe—and while it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, it’s crucial to arrive prepared. From navigating large crowds to staying safe under the hot sun, the following tips are designed to deliver a hassle-free experience, so you can enjoy the music rather than spend your time stressed out. 1 OF 10 Keep Cool and Hydrated It’s easy to get caught up in the bright lights and pulsing beats, but dehydration can set in faster than you might anticipate. Throughout the day, be sure to take advantage of any water refill stations that you might find, and make an effort to sip consistently rather than just when you’re feeling thirsty. Try to take breaks in shaded areas when possible, and beyond just water, electrolyte drinks can replenish any minerals you lose through sweating. 2 OF 10 Acquaint Yourself With the Festival Grounds Before you arrive, make sure to do your homework and study the map of the festival grounds. Memorize the key locations for emergencies (including medical tents and security stations) as well as exit points, and take note of their physical locations once the festivities have begun. Just a few moments spent familiarizing yourself with the site layout can be a literal lifesaver if any emergency arises. 3 OF 10 Establish a Meeting Point Given the huge crowds that congregate during a music festival, you may find that cell service is spotty during peak hours, making it impossible to get a message through to your friends. To avoid a worst-case scenario, pick out a specific meeting point for everyone in your group to return to if you become separated, ideally something that’s easily recognizable and accessible. 4 OF 10 Use the Buddy System It may be tempting to wander off alone, but sticking with a trusted friend can make your entire experience significantly safer. Whether you’re heading to the bathroom, a concession stand, or catching a different performance from your group, try to bring at least one other person with you—and if you somehow find yourself stranded alone, head to your aforementioned meeting point so your friends know exactly where to find you. 5 OF 10 Protect Your Belongings While the vast majority of festival goers are there to have fun, there may be a few bad actors lurking in the crowd. Rather than keeping your phone in your pocket, a zippered crossbody bag or belt bag might be your saving grace if the excitement kicks in and you let your guard down. Try to keep your personal belongings down to just a few essential items, and avoid bringing any expensive jewelry that could fall off in a crowded, high-energy environment. 6 OF 10 Dress Appropriately for the Conditions Even on a cool day, the sun still releases plenty of UV rays, and the last thing you want to do is end the night with a brutal sunburn. Depending on the weather, you may want to come cloaked in long sleeves and a hat to avoid sun exposure and make sure to slather on plenty of sunscreen throughout the day. Beyond that, comfortable shoes are an absolute must if you plan to spend hours on your feet, and a light jacket or sweatshirt can be a game changer if you’re in a region that experiences a large temperature drop after sunset. 7 OF 10 Be Mindful of the Crowds It’s no secret that festivals tend to get pretty packed, and overcrowding can lead to disastrous consequences. Pay close attention to the movement of the crowd around you and be wary of entering any densely packed areas. Above all, avoid situations where you find yourself pushing and shoving through the crowd, and if you feel unsafe at any point, make your best effort to move towards a less congested area. 8 OF 10 Keep Your Phone Charged Having a palm-sized supercomputer in your pocket makes life a breeze, but your phone is of no use to you with a dead battery. Though some festival grounds come equipped with charging stations, the large crowds can sometimes make this an impractical option. For best results, keep a charged portable battery with you throughout the day, and leave your device on airplane mode whenever it’s not being actively used. 9 OF 10 Be Smart About Substances Whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, or another substance, festivals are often rife with drug consumption. If you choose to partake, be sure you’re doing so in the safest way possible. Stay hydrated, avoid accepting party favors from strangers, and be sure to know your limits—a loud and crowded festival is not the appropriate place to experiment with a substance for the first time. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you begin to feel unwell. 10 OF 10 Know When to Ask for Help In advance of the festival, it’s a good idea to brush up on the signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration (dizziness, confusion, and nausea) as well as drug overdose (difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and seizures). Whether it’s you, a friend, or a total stranger, knowing when to seek assistance for someone can prevent a minor issue from becoming a serious medical emergency.