I Went To A Music Festival Alone - Here Is What I Learned
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I am a big fan of live music and have attended over a dozen music festivals in my lifetime. I’ve seen artists, such as Kendrick Lamar, Beach House, and Tinashe on my own and each was a memorable time. I’ve gone to Coachella at least five times, along with Outside Lands, EDC, HARD Summer, FYF, and others, but each with a group of friends and family.
However, I recently went to one of the biggest music festivals—Primavera Sound—alone, in the beautiful city of Barcelona. It is a three-day music festival located near the famous beaches of Barcelona and offers an eclectic mix of artists, ranging from hip hop, pop, electronic, rap, and indie. I have attended live concerts alone and every show has been a positive experience thus far, so I felt that going to a festival would be the same.
However, going to this music festival felt a little different, but also helped me see what works (and what doesn’t) and made me reconsider if I’d ever do it again. I know that going to a music festival might not be for everyone, but I also think it’s absolutely worth a try if you’re up for it, So, if you have ever thought of attending a festival by yourself, then this is your sign to go solo.
One Of The Biggest Questions: Is It Safe To Go To A Music Festival Alone?
Yes! Going to a music festival alone is safe, but be mindful of where you’re going and essentially, what you’re taking on. (Also, I wouldn’t recommend going alone if you have never been to one in the past.) Arguably, going to a festival alone is more of a mental and emotional struggle than anything else. For example, there will be thousands of people in attendance and if being surrounded by large crowds overwhelms you, you’ll want to be sure to find a spot to watch from afar.
Generally, everyone is there to enjoy the music and have a good time, so it can be easy to feel comfortable at the festival, even if you’re going by yourself. However, if you ever feel uncomfortable at any time or find yourself in need of immediate help, keep in mind that there will be nearby security and emergency tents in case you need any urgent assistance.
Let People Know You’re Going Solo
One of the most important tips is to inform your friends or those who live nearby that you’re going to the festival alone. I had told my sister and my best friend that I was going by myself and I ended up texting them throughout the evening. They also kept me company “virtually,” which led me to not feel so lonely. This can also be good practice if you are thinking about going to any major event by yourself or even traveling solo. This ensures that you are being safe and that there is a contact for any unexpected emergencies.
Get to Know the Venue
Festival dates can range from two to even five days, so it is best to get to know the venue, especially if you’re going on your own. Look at your surroundings and make mental notes of where everything is, such as the entrances, exits, bathrooms—and of course, the stages. This also gives you a chance to explore the site and take advantage of each individual part. Be sure to check out any art installations, take a look at the exclusive artist and festival merchandise, and discover new artists at all of the different stages. As you get to know the venue, keep an eye out for the food booths, refillable water stations, emergency tents, and any other important areas you may need to access.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
Being at a music festival—where so much activity is going on—can make it easy to get a little lost. So, ask questions to another music attendee or a volunteer working at the festival. The questions can range from: “Where is this stage?” “Where is the closest restroom?” “Where can I buy some chicken tenders?” Anything! Asking questions reminds you that you aren’t alone and, after all, it’s all part of the experience!
Drink Responsibly
If you are someone who likes to have an alcoholic drink at concerts or music festivals, then it’s smart to be extra mindful of drinking responsibly, especially if you’re on your own. In reality, this counts for any social event, but being at a large music festival, it can often be easier to drink more than intended. Besides, when you’re taking care of yourself, it’s best to be as coherent as possible! Of course, make sure to have fun, but also be mindful of your limits. Also, drink lots of water!
Pack The Essentials
Do you have that one friend who always carries all of the essentials? Like anything and everything you might need? Well, you’re going to have to be that friend for yourself when you’re attending a festival alone. However, there are always some essentials to strongly consider bringing (preferably travel-size) in your perfectly-sized festival bag. Some must-haves to pack include:
Tissue Paper or Baby Wipes
I can’t emphasize this enough! You never really know the bathroom situation of a music festival until after you have arrived, but it’s safe to expect dirty port-a-potties. For that reason, it’s best to have your own pack of travel-sized tissue paper or baby wipes handy to keep yourself clean!
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Classic Wipes
Honest
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is nice to have before (and after) grabbing a cold drink or diving into your favorite chicken tenders and fries (I really do enjoy eating chicken tenders at festivals), but it’s also nice to know you’re clean and germ-free during the festival. It can also save you a trip to the restroom and save you time from waiting in long bathroom lines.
Reusable Water Bottle
In general, I drink lots of water, but I make sure to bring my reusable water bottle to festivals. Just remember: it needs to be empty before entering! Plus, you can save a lot of money on expensive water if you bring a reusable bottle to the festival and you’re also protecting Mother Earth by refilling. More importantly, you’ll want to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if it’s going to be a hot day!
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Stainless Steel Metal Bottle
Simple Modern
Portable Battery Pack
Depending on the concert you are attending and artists’ schedules, bring a battery pack. This definitely applies if you know you will be seeing artists from the early afternoon to the final headliner—this could mean about 10 hours worth of live music, including photos, uploading to your IG story, and so much more. Many festivals have already caught on and have charging stations, but those can often be full or difficult to find, especially if your phone is already dying. You can buy a quality one on Amazon for under $25!
Image: Amazon
Pads or Tampons
Being prepared for when you have your period is a huge must when you’re at a music festival! Depending on what products you use during your period, bringing extra pads or tampons may be the easiest and most convenient option when you’re dancing the night away!
Sunglasses
Not only to be stylish and to look cute, but sunglasses also offer great protection for your eyes during the super hot days and especially at golden hour.
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A Place to Make New Friends
A music festival can be a great place to make new friends or simply meet new people, but only if you’re up for it. I have made many new friends by going to live concerts, simply by singing or screaming along to the artist performing. It’s an easy and almost instant connection!
Also, if you happen to casually converse with someone, it could lead to having a group to hang with at the festival. Who knows, that person could be attending the festival alone, too. Either way, although you might be going alone, you don’t have to feel alone.
Be Observant
This might sound like a “Protective Mom & Dad” statement, but it’s important to be observant of your surroundings when going to any event alone. If you ever feel uncomfortable, step away from the large crowd, drink some water, and take a breather for yourself. In reality, it’s smart to think “Safety first and last!” This doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun, but it’s an important reminder to watch out for yourself, too. This includes your belongings, the people around you, and of course, how you feel.
Embrace Being Alone
Enjoy your company! Again, I don’t recommend it for everyone, but don’t stop yourself from going because you will be by yourself. Sometimes, there may be artists that only you like; isn’t it better to see your favorite bands on your own than bring someone who doesn’t care about the music? This could be an epic solo date if you treat it that way. You’ll be on your own, so you get to call the shots. Remember to enjoy the experience, allow yourself to have fun, and listen to yourself if you realize you don't feel good about being there.
All in all, going to a music festival alone can be an incredibly positive experience. Going solo can be both fun and an opportunity to trust yourself. You will also be doing something that not many people do or at least like to talk about doing alone. So, follow one (or all) of these tips to feel safe and have a good time. Afterward, you’ll learn if it's something you’ll do again or if once was enough.