With the winter weather behind us, we’re slowly starting to enter music festival season.
Many people are rushing to make a serious dent in their bank accounts and grab a ticket to Bonnaroo, Warped Tour or any of the other big festivals happening nearby. It’s definitely a unique experience going to one of these events for the first time, so we’ve asked some seasoned UF festival buffs to give advice to first timers. Although the bulk of festivals are during the summer, Bonnaroo tickets are on sale now and Lollapalooza sales are around the corner. It doesn’t hurt to start getting ready early.
Clothing:
The best attire for any music festival is comfort. With a lot of people crammed together outside, it’s often more important to avoid the heat when getting dressed for a day of music.
Valerie Melina, an 18-year-old UF French and Spanish freshman, said that in her experience, everyone tended to wear tank tops, shorts and sneakers.
“Girls generally wear high-waisted shorts and a loose tank top or crop top. Guys wear shorts and either a tank top or no shirt at all,” said Melina, who has gone to three festivals. “Don’t wear heavy clothes, unless you wear layers, so you don’t overheat.”
Nick Chrone, a 19-year old UF civil engineering sophomore, said he usually wears shorts and a T-shirt of a band that is performing.
“It’s not a code or anything,” Chrone said. “You just definitely want to be comfortable.”
Where to stand:
Finding the right place to watch the music is essential because with the most passionate fans in the front of the stage, close proximity could get you hurt.
Melina said she would rather stay in the pit, despite the possibility of getting pushed or hurt.
“Being in the pit is lots of fun, though, as long as you know what you’re getting into,” she said. “It’s my preferred place.”
Melike Aydyn, a 23-year-old UF computer science master’s student, said she didn’t like being in the front.
“I actually stand far away so at the same time I can listen to music and chat with my friends without getting pushed in a crowd,” Aydyn said. “I had a friend that got a broken leg because people were pushing with the music.”
Food:
With overpriced food and drinks sold at the festival, it’s important to bring your own. At an outdoor event, make sure to bring a lot of water and some substantial food to keep your energy level high so you can enjoy the festivities throughout the day.
Many people faint at concerts and festivals because they’re dehydrated.
You do not want to end your day early with a trip to the hospital.
[A version of this story ran on page 7 on 3/13/2014 under the headline “Start making your flower crowns, ravers: How to survive upcoming musical festivals"]
A crowd of Lollapalooza festival-goers wait for the next act to grace the stage in Grant Park in Chicago. The three-day festival will be held Aug. 1 to 3.
