Summer is here and you know what that means—it’s music festival season! A weekend (or more) of watching your favorite bands, dancing under the sun and camping with friends—what could be better? Before you head off for a weekend of fun, here are some tips to keep you and your friends safe.
Photo by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer
Go With Friends You Trust
Photo by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer
The best way to stay safe is to ensure that you are with a group you feel safe with and trust. Camp with buddies you trust having near your belongings, who you can set boundaries with and who you know will have your back. Organize meeting points or times in case you get separated and try to stay together. Festivals are a great place to make new friends, but make sure you’ve got some you’re comfortable with, too.
Stay Hydrated
Photo by Muffet
Music festivals are usually during the summer, meaning you’re typically out in the heat and sun all day long. Pair that with alcohol, crowds and dancing up a storm and you’ve got a recipe for dehydration which can be a serious health concern. Make sure you know where water stations are and what the regulations around bringing in your own water bottle are. Consider energy drinks that help revitalize electrolytes and stay away from heavily caffeinated beverages.
Don’t Forget to Eat!
Photo by www.genteinviaggio.it
You’re going to be busy heading from stage to stage, but make sure you come up with good strategies for eating well. If you didn’t bring your own stove tops to your campsite, many festivals have food trucks you can visit. If allowed, bring snacks into the festival well. This will help soak up that alcohol (if you plan to drink) and curb any unwanted intoxication.
Be Drink and Drug Savvy
Photo by bhamsandwich
Consuming unknown drugs is the most significant risk you will face at a music festival. The best way to stay safe is to avoid taking drugs at a festival altogether, as it’s often difficult to know what is in the drug and how strong it is. Also be sure to keep an eye on your drink as it’s not uncommon for date rape drugs to be used and instances of sexual assault to occur. Stay aware and trust your instincts. If something seems shady, it probably is! When in doubt, stick with a buddy. Look out for each other and work together to stay safe.
Featured image Eva Rinaldi
