Plan Ahead: Your Blueprint for a Safe Festival Experience

Festivals are LIFE, but as much as you want to be absorbed in the great energy, music and food, it’s important to stay safe. Read below for easy and practical safety tips to make your next fest your best!

1. Plan Ahead

I over-plan for festivals because the more prepared I am, the more I can relax. Typing that, it sounds really weird, but Beyoncé said something similar in her Renaissance movie about how she preps for her world tours so I’m in good company. Familiarize yourself with the festival map and take note of water stations, exits and medical stations.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, especially in outdoor festivals and hot weather, to avoid dehydration. Most festivals allow patrons to bring an empty, reusable bottle and have designated water stations inside. There are also items you can bring in to stay hydrated. Hydration jelly beans were a favorite of mine when I did the Honolulu Marathon and a lot of fest-goers swear by Liquid I.V. but it tastes like a liquid punishment to me. 

3. Stay Cool

Yes, our melanin is poppin but heat exhaustion is still real! Bring a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun. It’s a great idea to wear sunscreen too but I always forget to bring mine. I forgot to mention this in the festival essentials post but be sure to bring a portable fan! They come in so clutch during the heat of the day. 

4. Be Mindful of Crowd Safety

I’m an outskirts type of gal! If I’ll stand on my feet for an hour before my favorite performers to get a first row spot, but if that doesn’t work, I’m stage right. (It seems like performers look that way more often than the left). If you’re into mosh pits, be aware and stay vigilant. Enjoy the show but don’t tune out your immediate surroundings,

PRO TIP: Keeping one foot slightly in front of the other will help you stay upright if people start pushing. 

5. Fun without Fuzziness

We’re not the fun police, but let’s be real: tipsy decisions rarely win awards. Enjoy the vibes, but know your limits. If you’re sipping, do so responsibly. And if you’re stone-cold sober, embrace the clarity—it’s like seeing the festival through HD glasses. Remember, festivals are more than music—they’re a kaleidoscope of memories waiting to be painted. So dance, laugh, and celebrate, but keep your festival compass pointed toward safety.

A Vibe Called Fest keeps you up-to-date with all the important information for festivals and cultural events centered around Black people. Subscribe and check out our FesTEAval Blog posts and the Next Fests list.