The school year is coming to an end and summer is almost here. This means time for people to work and travel more until the next semester, or having time for that one final trip before starting their new job.

If you’re like me and enjoy live music and seeing your favorite artists, you may be going to not only a concert, but perhaps even a music festival. While getting to see your favorite artist(s) live, hearing new ones and feeling united with friends and strangers who share your same love for an artist is an out-of-this-world experience, it can be intimidating if it’s your first time.

This summer will be my third year going to Lollapalooza, a music festival in Grant Park in downtown Chicago, and I am going to give you some tips to make your experience not only memorable, but also enjoyable from start to finish!

What to wear?

When discussing a festival, the first thing on everyone’s mind is “what am I going to wear?” Planning an outfit for a festival is not only exciting, but can also be exhausting when having the expectation of looking cute but also being comfortable. 

Since all of these festivals take place in the summer and outdoors, you want to make sure what you’re wearing is breathable. Many venues don’t have lots of opportunities for sitting in the shade and if it isn’t a windy day, you will be sweating. 

If your body can’t breathe, you’re more subject to overheating and passing out, especially when surrounded by thousands of people in a crowd. I also don’t recommend wearing belts unless it’s for an accessory, rather than a need to wear the outfit.

Stay hydrated and avoid overpriced festival food

Another way to prepare is staying hydrated, even days before the festival. When your body isn’t properly hydrated, you can feel fatigue even faster due to sun exposure. In my personal experience, this has caused me to become really sluggish, and while I didn’t want to leave, it causes for more breaks, possibly causing you to skip out on an artist you want to see. 

Another thing I recommend, whether you’re staying in a hotel or camping, bring some kind of snacks to have as a breakfast. This means protein bars, granola bars, stuff to make peanut butter sandwiches, etc., so that you’re well nourished and have the energy for the day ahead of you.

Due to overpriced food at a festival, my friends and I make it a point to eat things beforehand, get a meal in the park once and then eat again at the end of the day. This ensures we don’t go over our allotted money for the festival and still have money to do fun things on our day in the city during our trip.

Remember the sunscreen and get a good night's sleep before heading off 

Staying on the theme of sun exposure and wearing out your body, don’t make my mistake and forget the sunscreen. Put on plenty of high SPF cream, and reapply it as needed! Getting sunburnt on the first day makes a terrible time for the rest of the festival and can make it easier for you to pass out.

One final preparation, and one of the most important, getting sleep (I know, sounds obvious but the excitement from a trip can make it hard). Don’t stay up too late, as your body was in the sun all day (or it’s going to be the next day), and you need adequate rest before having to get up early, getting ready and getting in line to do it all over again for another 12 hours (at least). 

Know what you can and can't bring to the festival

Before heading off to the festival, make sure you know all of the rules you will have to follow there. At Lollapalooza, you can bring in a bottle for water, but you cannot have any liquid inside before going in, so you either have to finish your drink or dump it out beforehand. 

You also might not be able to bring in backpacks, bags, wallets or fanny packs, so make sure you have the correct gear. Some other rules may include what you can bring in on your person, and if it’s not allowed, it will be confiscated at the gate. For example, if you have pepper spray on your keychain at Lollapalooza and forget it’s there, security will take it from you.

When in line, try not to follow the crowd too much. Sometimes VIP lines don’t have anyone coming through, and an attendee will take general admission tickets to make sure people get in fast and orderly. Just be aware at all times when in line so that you aren’t stuck in a long line.

Another thing is knowing the layout of the festival. Every year, the festival will send you the map or most likely post it on their social media. It’s okay if you don’t have it memorized, but it can be good to know where the water refill stations, bathrooms, first-aid and food stands are. 

Knowing the layout of the festival and its performance areas beforehand, can also give you a better chance of mapping out which artists you can see in a timely manner, while also being able to make it however close to the stage you wish to be. I know the layout of Lollapalooza from years past, so it’s easy for me to get around and know when to leave to not miss someone’s set over another artist’s. 

One final thing is make sure you have the correct wristband on for the day you’re going. They cannot look up your information and will deny you access. Make sure everyone in your party is good to rock out before you leave for the venue. 

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Inside the venue

Once inside, remember that empty bottle I mentioned earlier? I recommend immediately finding a water station to fill up (or if you have a camelback, fill up too as this also has to be empty upon arrival). Lines usually move pretty fast, but also look at the entire station. Sometimes people are so fixed on getting in line for water, they don’t realize part of the station isn’t being used. 

After getting your water, scope out all of the other activities going on! Festivals are usually sponsored by big brands than have photo booths or hand out exclusive offers! Be sure to check which are free or if you have to have an upgraded ticket that includes merch!

Also look for cooling stations where you can stand in front of a misting fan in case you feel you’re overheating, or look at the different food stands as you walk by. This way, you waste no time before going to the next stage. 

When you get to the stage, sometimes it could be awhile until the next artist performs. My friends and I have all had different phone carriers and we could hardly get service to post on social media or text. Maybe download a game like "Heads Up" (something we did that allowed us to make friends in the crowd) to keep yourself entertained! And if you’re going to the bathroom or splitting up, make sure you agree on a meeting area, so nobody gets lost and you can all be together at the end of the day!

One final thing is being kind and courteous to the people around you. Everyone wants to see their favorite artists and be as close as they can. But it’s less fun for everyone when you’re shoving or trampling others to get through a crowd. Screens are usually big enough that you'll be able to see the artist you want as if they’re right in front of you. 

What you should bring

I have one more piece of advice, that being the essentials to bring for when you’re inside the festival! Personally, I believe the lighter the stuff you’re carrying, the better!

All of this stuff you can find online or in stores and won’t be too expensive! 

For a bag, I recommend a clear fanny pack, not too big and isn’t annoying to carry around since it sits on your waist. It also is perfect to help you locate your items if you need them fast (like an ID) but can also help you ensure nothing fell out. 

I highly recommend misting bottles! This way you don’t have to wait in a line and can cool off whenever you want, plus you can refill them at the hydration station when refilling your bottles (and trust me, you will be doing this often). I’ve made friends by asking people if they’re hot and want to be misted and I’ve also helped people when they’ve passed out or were recovering from passing out!

Mini bottles of sunscreen are also crucial for reapplying so that you can protect yourself. I recommend lotion over spray because sunscreen can mist on other people and get in their eyes.

As for your own personal items, again, the lighter the better in my opinion. After you fit those three, be sure to include your phone, ID, credit or debit card, hotel key (if you’re in a hotel) and sunglasses! 

My last piece of advice would be to remember why you went! Music festivals are truly an awesome experience and will have you waiting until you can experience another one. Stay aware of your surroundings and be safe this summer!

Enjoy the music! Enjoy the vibe! And have a great time!