Music festivals should always be about fun. However, thebestkind of fun is thesafekind of fun - since that’s the kind you can keep on enjoying without anything bringing your mood down. Music festival safety is super important, no matter if you’re going to a festival in the US like Hive Music Festival, or one abroad like the Baja Beach Fest.
How Dangerous Are Music Festivals?
When it comes to music festivals, there’s no real hard answer as to if they are dangerous are not. Some are more dangerous than others and more dangerous at certain times or for certain people.
If you’re a rave newbie, you’re going to naturally be at more risk than a veteran. That’s not a knock on you - it’s just that once you’ve gone to enough raves, you’ll be able to tell when things are about to become a bit sketchy.
It’s also important that you only go to legitimate rave and music festivals. Think more “Sunset Music Festival” than “unnamed rave in a creepy warehouse.” No matter where you go, make sure that you tell people where you are going!
Once you’re there, there are plenty of ways that you can make a music festival much safer for you. These include…
Be Social
Being social isn’t just about having fun at a music festival. It’s one of the best ways to stay safe as well. If you go to a musicfestival with friends, you’ll all be able to look out for each other. If you do go alone, try to make friends quickly and be visible. If you have a tent, introduce yourself to everyone around you and be aware of your surroundings. This means that there will be people who will notice if you are in trouble or missing.
Take Care of Your Valuables
It’s a good idea to simply leave your valuables at home when you head out to a music festival. Rave festival outfits very rarely have much in the way of secure places to put things. If you have lockers or somewhere else secure to put them, you’re much less likely to be a target of theft. If you’d rather keep your valuables close to you, try a fanny pack. This way your belongings are close to your body and visible at all times.
Stay Hydrated
Safety isn’t just about your physical well being; it's about staying healthy during the music festival. Dehydration can be a major danger at music festivals, as you may not notice how much fluid you’re loosing during all your dancing. Drink plenty of water, and take a break if you start to get tired and feel ill. Try your best to scope out the concessions area or water stations when you arrive to your next rave. So when you’re feeling parched, you’ll know exactly where to go!
Be Prepared To Be Healthy
It would take forever to go over all the potential health concerns that can come up while you’re traveling, let alone at a music festival. If you have any medication, make sure to bring it along with you. A good tip is to make sure your medication is in clearly labeled prescription bottles, so bouncers and security don’t think it's drugs. Similarly, some general use medical stuff - painkillers, condoms, bandaids - are never a bad idea.
Use Common Sense
As they say, common sense isn’t all that common. You don’t need to be paranoid - that would ruin the whole fun of your outing. But there are plenty of ways you can easily avoid a bad situation.
Watch your drinks, and don’t take any drinks from someone who isn’t at the festival. If someone isweirding you out, just tell a friend, or better yet a bouncer, and they can look out for you. Do your research beforehand - some music festivals have a reputation for being respectful, some don’t. Support the respectful ones.
Help Others Stay Safe
Music festivals aren’t just about your own fun. If you are asking other people to look out for you, it's your responsibility to do the same for them. If you see someone in trouble or looking uncomfortable, it’s up to you to alert security. At Freedom Rave Wear, we’re allabout love, community, confidence, and expression. So stay safe, have fun, and help others enjoy themselves just as much!