Music Festival Survivor Guide 101
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
Having been to my fair share of music festivals- 8 festivals just last year, I have learned the hard way the do’s and dont’s of how to make the most of a festival. So with festival season right around the corner, here is a curated list of must-have items as you prep your bags to enjoy the music extravaganza.
Polaroid
Everyone needs a polaroid to capture the festival magic. Try the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera.. You can choose from a variety of colors like pink, white, blue, and more. I currently have my eye on the Fujifilm Instax Neo Classic. I simply love the retro-classic look.
However, if you’d like a wider frame to fit all of your friends, I would recommend the Instax Wide.. It’s pretty much best of both worlds since the wide frame is cased in the classic frame like that of the Instax Neo Classic. Also, just a side note, film can get very pricey so I recommend purchasing it in bulk online. Rather than paying purchasing only 10 photo strips for $15 in most stores you can purchase a 50-pack for only $35.. So gear up for because no matter which polaroid you end up choosing, you’ll be sure to capture the magic.
Hats
Avoid the harsh sun rays with a stylish hat the functions with the dual purpose of protection and a fashion statement. I love Brixton’s wide brimmed hats, they’re the perfect accessory to any festival attire. My favorite Brixton at the moment for women is the Willow Hat and the Ranger II Hat for men. These can be found in Brixton’s spring collection here.
If you don’t want to spend too much on hat then I recommend Forever 21. They have some of the latest trends in hat from wide-brimmed straw hats to chic fedoras. Check out their latest styles here.
Sunblock
Although the beaming sun may feel nice after the winter months, it won’t feel nice after you get a bright red sunburn. Music festivals outdoor nature makes it easier to get a sunburn but you can avoid the pain with repeated use of sunblock.
Choose a sunscreen of your preference-whether it be lotion, roll-on, or spray. However, things can get a bit greasy with lotion so I recommend sunscreen sprays like Avène Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 50+. No only does the mist have a cooling effect on your skin, but it also leaves your protected and sunburn-free!
Bandana
I’ve been seeing a lot of bandana scarves on my Instagram feed lately so why not try this chic trend at a music festival. Bandanas are multi functional, they can serve as a cute neck accessory, a head wrap to protect you from the sun, and your personal towelette to wipe off the sweat after crowd surfing during your favorite set. Stop the Pasadena Flea Market or Melrose Trading Post to find vintage bandanas or check out Top Shop for modern bandana styles.
Backpack or Fanny Pack
Avoid losing your personal items by using a backpack or fanny pack.
Sunglasses
Protect those eyes with some stylish sunnies. One of the most popular sunglass style that I’ve seen is the Ray Ban Clubmaster Classic. This style is a flattering unisex style, so snag a pair for you and a friend.
Check out additional styles on the Ray Ban online store here.
Cash
Just a little reminder that not all vendors may take card so it’s always wise to have a little extra cash on you in case you have an emergency.
Stay Hydrated
Take water and lots of it. Be sure to not open it before entering the festival, it’s usually policy that the container will be thrown out if it is pre-opened. Otherwise purchase water inside the festival. It’s vital to stay hydrated when you’re standing under the sun for hours at a time.
Take A Jacket
Even if it’s hot during the day, chances are it will get breezy towards the night. So take a jacket just in case or use it as a mat to lay down when you want to take a break from the music extravaganza.
Snacks
Food can get pricey especially if you’re planning on staying at the festival from dusk to dawn. So take some snacks to munch on in between sets so you can spend your money elsewhere like band merchandise.
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