FOLIO
By Carmen Macri and Ambar Ramirez
Our days of long sleeves and pants are a distant memory as we welcome jean shorts, fringe tops, and tank tops with open arms.
As we readily anticipate the arrival of summer with its warm embrace and sun-kissed days, we can feel the excitement building as the highly-awaited music festival season draws near. The air is charged with eagerness as festival-goers prepare to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, pulsating rhythms and captivating performances that await them. Being that we are incredibly qualified to offer our advice, as we just returned from Rockville (and have a whopping combined 30 festivals under our belts), we think it is only fair to share our secrets to surviving music festivals.
First things first, (as you’ll quickly find out) you’re going to need sunscreen. Like a lot of it. Stepping out of our car into the sweltering sun, we wished we brought some. Even as we were walking into the festival, a poor, poor parking attendant was begging festivalgoers for sunscreen as she pointed at her lobster-red legs. You don’t want to be that person, and we don’t want you to be that person, so don’t be that person. Avoid the uncomfortable sunburn and awkward tanlines and bring a tub of SPF, as you’ll frequently be re-applying.
While on the topic of the sweltering sun, you must HYDRATE: You are not too good for water. Keep in mind, however, you cannot bring an already opened container of water into the festival; Either have it sealed or bring a hydration pack — most festivals offer free water refill stations … use them. You do not want to be in the middle of the crowd and die of thirst with an empty water bottle. Prepare, kids. Especially if you are attending a festival in Florida since we all know how brutal the summers can be here.
Not only will you need the water to stay alive, but you’re also gonna need it to save your liver from all the alcohol you will be consuming. And while we can’t officially condone sneaking in your own party favors, we will say that what is offered is a bit pricey. Do what you will with this information. (For beginners, you can use fake tampon applicators or empty sunscreen bottles … but you did not hear that from us.) Plus, if you decide to partake in some extracurricular activities, water will be your best friend. Just remember not to take “candy” from strangers: It’s none of our business what you do take; we just want you to be safe.)
Lastly, dress comfortably. That’s not to say you can’t dress up as if you were headed to Coachella (which, at this point, is its own fashion show), but just know that you’ll be walking around and on your feet for hours. No elaborate outfit is worth being stuck in the suffocating porta-potties attempting to pull those skin-tight pants back up over your sweaty legs.
In spite of the apparent hurdles, music festivals can be an absolute blast when executed effectively. Regardless of how sweaty, exhausted, malodorous, inebriated or elevated you may feel, it’s worth staying ’til the very end for the final performer. There’s a reason they were picked to conclude the festival, and you won’t be disappointed. (That and your friends won’t make fun of you for tapping out early.)
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