You’ve got the ticket, the outfit, the group chat going—now all you need is a plan. Whether it’s your first fest or your fifteenth, a little prep goes a long way. This guide covers everything we’ve learned from long days in the sun, unexpected downpours, and questionable late-night food decisions
Also… we’re throwing a festival of our own…more on that here!
Ready to maximize your experience? Let’s get into it!
1. Hydrate Like a Headliner
Don’t trust ‘they’ll have hydration stands’- bring a refillable water bottle! (Bonus if it clips to a bag.) Electrolytes are your friend; just a pinch of Pink Himalayan salt will do the trick! Singing, standing, non-stop moving, and ideally dancing, requires a lot of energy.
Heat exhaustion is a real (and most common!) concern, so managing your body temperature is essential. Consider lightweight, breathable, or cotton clothing. A hard fit-pic is best served without sweat!
2. Support the Up-and-Coming
Your favorite future artist is probably playing at noon to 18 people, and festivals are an epic opportunity to discover sets that Headliners likely toured with. Artists like Remi Wolf, Leon Bridges, and Teddy Swimms all went from openers to the main stage. Check out the official festival playlists and consider them as you start planning your set time agenda.
PS- Check out some of these emerging Sofar Artists playing festivals this year!
3. Pick a meet-up spot
So you’ve decided to see the headliner, and your friend has decided to see the rising star–how do you meet for the set you came for? Consider this a sign to make a festival flag, especially when attending with a larger group! Cell service gets wonky, and so does the assumption that you’ll ‘just run into’ your crew – we all have that one friend who didn’t charge their phone. Have a backup plan- but make it creative! Check out these legendary festival ‘flags’ for some inspo!
4. Find Your Feet
New white sneakers? Leave them at home! Comfortable shoes are essential for any festival, and orthotic shoe inserts can significantly enhance your overall experience. Blister prevention and treatment are also imperative- iykyk. Consider a “feet off the ground” plan for downtime, especially in the shade or away from a large crowd. Lying on blankets, a nice patch of grass, or sitting on a picnic chair for a reset will recharge your battery!
5. Be Kind to Your Future Self
At any age, standing & walking all day can lead to more discomfort and less fun! Start the day off with back stretches or some gentle movement, and certainly some self-care.Epsom salt baths after a long day are the ultimate hack if you have a tub. Otherwise, campers can soak their feet in a mini-Epsom salt bath, supporting sore feet recovery and sleep! Pack a post-festival recovery kit: snacks, electrolytes, cozy clothes, and zero social obligations. Lastly, if you can take an extra day off to get home and recharge, we suggest it.
Want to find more Artists playing at festivals? Find a Sofar Show near you!
