September 2018: it was my 29th birthday. The big dirty 30 was coming fast. I sat contemplating all the things I had imagined myself doing before hitting that milestone. EDC Orlando was right around the corner, and for years I had an excuse not to go. Sure it was 'too expensive,' but more importantly, I had no one to go with. So why would I make the plans?
That question haunted me until I realized: I was the only thing standing in my way.
My First Solo Festival: RARE Orlando
RARE Orlando was first and I knew I wanted to see Steve Aoki, so I decided to go. 29 was only going to last a year, so I better get started. I joined the Facebook event page and made a few connections. I had no idea what to wear, scouting outfits on Instagram and event pages. I settled for jean shorts and a crop top—nothing like the bold rave bodysuits and statement pieces I'd see everywhere once I arrived.
I stood in line alone waiting to be searched and entered the gate. I watched people around me who clearly knew what they were doing—flowing in their festival pashminas, glowing in UV-reactive gear, completely in their element.
I spent the whole day meeting people I had never met, some that I still meet up with at local shows and festivals. It was a smaller crowd, so I wasn't terrified. I had a blast. I wanted more. Bigger. Better.
Leveling Up: EDC Orlando Solo
My next festival was EDC. Again, I hit the Facebook groups, Radiate, and whatever I could to make some friends that I could connect with. About 10 of us started a group chat, and most of us were strangers. We rented a party bus and headed to EDC together.
I met my festie bestie on day one in this group and it was an instant connection. We spent most of the day together, but most of our group was separated by the end of the night. Day two, I spent completely alone—just me, my rave outfit, and 70,000 strangers who would become temporary friends.
Festie bestie and I at Ubbi Dubbi 2019.
Six months later, I went to Sunset Music Festival completely alone both days. What an experience.
Why You Should Try Going Solo
Go to a festival alone. I recommend it at least once in your life. If you don't feel comfortable traveling alone, pick something local. If you want to go with others, ride together and then spend that day apart from your group, intentionally. Take in everything there is to see.
Why? Here's what going solo taught me:
1. Freedom
You have no agenda. You don't have to have that back and forth conversation of what set to see, or where to go next. You get to follow your own vibes, your own soul. You get to be free. That free feeling is like no other. Want to stay at one stage all day? Do it. Want to catch the last 15 minutes of three different sets? Nobody's judging. You're dancing to your own beat.
2. Friendship
Just because you go alone doesn't mean you end up alone. I have made so many connections jumping from stage to stage, or staying in one spot all day long. I have had photoshoots, cried many tears, headbanged, and attempted to shuffle with many strangers who I never got their names.
Going alone, I saw the goodness in so many people and enjoyed the human connection with no expectations. I have no idea who this girl is from SMF. I just know she and I had the best time with her guy friend hyping us up and taking our photos for 10 minutes straight.
3. Discovery
In 2018 and 2019, I vowed to go anywhere alone. You will discover so much about YOU—what brings you happiness, fulfillment, what touches your soul. I made the vow to not let myself be held back from doing things just because I couldn't find someone to join in. I discovered my favorite genres (turns out I'm a closet basshead), my festival style (the bolder the rave tops, the better), and my capacity for connection when I'm not distracted by group dynamics.
4. Self-Love
Love yourself enough to do things for you. There is something to be said for the person who takes time to give themselves moments to be selfish once in a while. Take the time for you, to be you, and to let expectations of self and others fall to the side for a little bit of time. You'll return to your regular life more grounded, more confident, and more connected to what actually matters.
Essential Tips for Going Solo
If you're ready to take the plunge, here's how to do it safely and confidently:
- Stay sober. If you're going alone, you need to be aware for the sake of safety. Save the party favors for when you have your crew with you. Your solo experience will be richer with a clear head anyway—you'll actually remember all those magical moments.
- Walk with a group when entering/exiting. When leaving and entering the venue, find a group to walk with. Again, safety. Most festival-goers are happy to have you join them for the walk to the parking lot or shuttle.
- Pack light, skip the locker. Do not worry about getting a locker. It's just you, pack it light. A good rave clothing fanny pack or hydration pack is your best friend. Phone, ID, card, chapstick, gum—that's really all you need.
- Talk to people! If you're new to the scene, this is festival life. People will welcome you into their circle with open arms 9 times out of 10. Compliment someone's outfit, ask where they got their flow toys, offer them a piece of gum—instant connection.
- Keep your phone secure. Alone or not, but especially alone, keep your phone in your hand or in your fanny pack to the front. Pickpockets target solo festival-goers because we're not watching each other's backs.
- Ask for photos. If you want rave photos, ASK. I had multiple photos taken for me from others. If you see someone taking photos of their friends, ask if you can borrow their photographer. They will be happy to help you out. Festival photographers love capturing solo ravers living their best lives.
- Set a meeting point. Even if you're going solo, pick a landmark to be your "home base." If you meet people you vibe with, you can always agree to meet back there later. If not, it's a good spot to regroup with yourself between sets.
- Trust your gut. If a situation or person feels off, walk away. Your intuition is heightened when you're solo—listen to it. There are thousands of other people to connect with.
What to Wear When Going Solo
One unexpected benefit of going solo? You can wear EXACTLY what you want without worrying about matching your crew or toning it down for someone else's comfort level. This is your moment to go full self-expression.
Want to go full holographic alien? Do it. Feeling a subtle vibe with rave shorts and a simple top? Perfect. Want to test out that bold bodysuit you've been eyeing but felt self-conscious about? Solo festivals are where confidence is born. You're not performing for your friends—you're just being you, and that's the most magnetic thing you can be.
My Solo Festival Bucket List
Since September 2018, I've been to multiple festivals and countless shows—EDM and others—alone. Each one taught me something new. Here's what's still on my solo festival bucket list for 2026:
- A camping festival (multi-day immersion, anyone?)
- An international festival (Tomorrowland solo would be legendary)
- A smaller underground warehouse event (pure music, no Instagram)
- A festival in a city I've never visited (combine solo travel with solo raving)
The Transformation
Try it, at least once, and see what you discover. I'm well past my dirty 30 now, and I can honestly say that facing that small tiny voice of fear and stepping outside my comfort zone changed my entire relationship with myself.
Going to festivals solo taught me that I'm the best company I could ask for. It taught me that the rave community shows up differently when you show up alone—more generous, more welcoming, more real. It taught me that freedom isn't about having no responsibilities—it's about taking responsibility for your own happiness.
You don't need permission. You don't need a crew. You don't need the perfect rave clothing or a detailed plan. You just need to buy the ticket, show up, and let the music guide you.
The festival is waiting. The only question is: are you ready to meet yourself there?
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