5 ways to get ready for music festival season

Music festivals are quickly becoming an essential element to a good summer. Heading out on a sun filled day to see performances by some of your favourite artists with a group of your best friends is definitely one of the best feelings in the world.

In order to max out on as much fun as possible at your music festival of choice, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared for anything. Especially if you’re going to be camping in the middle of nowhere for a few days.

See also

• 18 music festivals to cross off your list in 2016
• Pemberton Music Festival releases daily line up & single day tickets

Check out our five tips on how to set yourself up to have the best music festival experience possible.

1. Plan your outfits

A big part of music festivals is the fashion. Whether you’re planning a group costume with a crew of friends or want to make a statement all your own, plan your kits in advance to keep excess luggage to a minimum.

• Check the weather forecast before heading out and plan accordingly.
• Choosing pieces the you can easily layer will be key if you’re planning to be out and about from sun up till sun down! Think tanks, shorts, light jackets, hats, bodysuits, and dresses.
• Comfortable and stylish footwear exist and are highly recommended! Think sneakers, boots, and sandals.

2. Make a playlist for the drive over to the festival grounds

Stuffing all of your friends and gear into a car and throwing on a dope playlist is one of the best ways to set the mood for the rest of your trip. Think of it as the locker room warm up to the big game and try to choose high energy tracks that inspire as much car dancing and sing-a-longs as possible.

3. Think about what you’re going to eat and drink

In order to make it through those long days, it’s important to keep your body fuelled and prepared to go the distance. Having some easy to prepare food and beverages at your home base can make all the difference, especially if you’re working with a tight budget.

• Bring an empty water bottle and use the free water stations to fill up and stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Bring simple cocktail ingredients and save some dollars from the sometimes expensive beer gardens; sparkling spring water with a shot of vodka, a squeeze of lime, and a dash of simple syrup make for a delicious and refreshing beverage that you can easily make for yourself at camp.
• Bring quick and nutritious food that you don’t have to prepare or keep refrigerated like fruit and protein bars to keep you going in a pinch.
• Check out the amenities list for the festival you plan on attending as there’s usually a grip of food trucks providing hot and fresh meals on site.

4. Prepare for the festival campsites

Let’s be honest, music festival campsites are pretty gross. Often overcrowded and unmaintained, the party never stops at camp and often keeps the party going until the wee hours of the morning.

• Antibacterial wet wipes are going to be your best friend here; make sure to pack a ton.
• When showers aren’t an option, deodorant, dry shampoo, and personal hygiene wipes are a few of the only ways to staying as fresh as a daisy.
• If you actually plan on getting any sleep at all, better make sure to bring ear plugs and a sleep mask because you never know who’s going to end up being your neighbour.

5. Keep your energy and health up

This might not be exactly what you want to hear, but moderation is key to surviving multi-day festivals. Don’t go too hard on the first day and make loose plans.

• Remember moderation is key!
• Pack electrolyte and mineral rich beverages like coconut water and sports drinks to replenish all the vitamins you lost from the previous day.
• Build a playlist of your favourite feel good tracks, such as local Vancouver artist withinroots’ single “Clouds,” for when you need a little time to regroup and recharge on your own.
• Keep an open mind to new experiences and new people and have the time of your life!