Your Summer Festival Guide

Summer music festivals come with so many plans and so many decisions. Where to stay, how to get there, what to wear, what to pack, who to see–the sense of overwhelm alone can override the actual joy of having the adventure to anticipate. To keep the good vibes going, and your energy hype through the hottest music season, we’re helping you streamline that checklist with some suggested tips and tricks to keep you present for a truly fun, safe, and unforgettable festival experience.

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1. Make a schedule for yourself…

More often than not, festivals will drop set times for their line-ups. Make the wristband worth it by making sure not to miss the artist you saved up to see, and list the set times in your Notes app. Trust, when service sucks and you can’t load the schedule, having the game plan written down can keep you flowing from set to set.

2. …But expect the unexpected.

While we do encourage a game plan, allow yourself to be open to the spirit of discovery. Sometimes, sneaking into a set you didn’t plan on between the artists you want to see can be the source of your most unforgettable memories.

3. Bring earplugs.

This might sound like a random tip, but when it comes to festivals, you can never really predict where by the stage you’ll end up. And sometimes, that means right against the speaker just to get the best view. Don’t let the dream experience be ruined by blasted eardrums–pocket some convenience-store earplugs just to be safe.

4. Bring a friend…

The inherent nature of a festival is built on community. That’s why more than anything, we encourage you to bring a friend. Yes,  the buddy system is always your safest bet, but also, epic moments can feel much more meaningful when you’ve got folks to share it with.

5. …But be open to making new ones.

And speaking of community, chances are if you’ve bought a ticket to a certain festival, most of the people there have some similar interests. Look away from your phone screen every once in a while and say what’s up to the person enjoying the same artist next to you. The conversation may just end up as a quick hello, or you might have just found a new friend for next year’s summer music adventures.

6. Whenever possible, download everything you need before you go.

No matter your ticket or your tunes, service in super populated places is bound to be hit or miss. Don’t be that friend pacing the park just to find the bars to load your ticket. Screenshot the line-up schedule, add your festival pass to your Wallet app when available, and make sure your pre-game playlists are loaded into your Apple Music in case you’re road-tripping it to a remote venue.

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7. Use a small clear bag.

While it’s best to keep it minimal (ID, keys, phone–and all your cards on Apple Pay) if possible, if you need to carry more, bring a small clear bag that you can strap tight around you. Not only will it get you through security quicker, but it’ll get the party going for you (and for everyone roasting in the summer sun behind you) also that much quicker.

8. Pick a meet-up spot with your friends.

When all else fails, the millennial middle school way of meeting up with your friends will come in clutch. Whether you’re dealing with a dead battery or a service dead zone, agreeing on a designated meet-up spot in case you split with your friends can make sure you stay safe, connected, and have a way home.

9. Pack that portable phone charger.

At this point, most festivals have anticipated that crowd anxiety with their own charging stations at the venue. But…emphasis on “crowd” here. Recover the extra minutes it takes to recharge your phone–and the sacrifice you’d have to make of missing an incredible artist–and bring a portable charger to keep you bouncing between stages all day.

10. Dress to impress…with a sense of sensibility.

Summer festival weather can turn on a dime. The gray morning chill can quickly burn off into a high noon scorcher. Yes, get your ‘fit right, do you and be you. But also, wear sunscreen, and check the temps to see if that sweater you’re debating on will actually come to save you from freezing through the night’s last set.

11. Set up Apple Pay before you get there.

Don’t worry about sifting through a stuffed wallet past those department store gift cards from your great Aunt Sally. Have everything you need within your reach at all times by adding your credit cards to your Wallet app for quick, contactless payment. Lines are already long at festivals, so don’t delay getting what you need. Whether that’s more hydration or a merch tent hoodie for a cold outdoor concert, skip the extra steps to access your essentials.

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