Festival season is upon us and I couldn’t be more excited. Last year we attended Summerfest in Millwaukee. This year we are heading to Alpine Valley to see Dave Matthews Band. I love live music, so naturally festivals are where we love to head to in the summers. The festival atmosphere & food is an amazing time, that everyone should experience at least once. I wanted to round up a list of festival fashion and tips to help you through your first time
This effortless chic boho style outfit is simple, easy, & above all comfortable. Its best to keep things simple when making your way to festivals this season.
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ANNA Nadia Gladiator Sandal ($13) // H&M Distressed Denim Shorts ($25) // Nars ‘Nude Scene’ Lipstick ($27) // Vince Camuto Aviator Glasses (ONLY $29) // Kinfolk Magazine // Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera ($130) // Choies Embroidered Top ($21)
I am obsessed with Gladiator Sandals this season – so I have linked some more for you – ALL under $25 (Yes, really!)
Cavaliar Gladiator Sandal ($24) // Aria Crisscross Gladiator Sandal ($15) // Dalilah Gladiator Sandal ($15) // Yvonne Block Heel Gladiator Sandal ($23) // Arizona Studded Gladiator Sandals ($24)
Maps & Apps
Grab a map of the venue; they usually run out pretty early. Right when you arrive, be sure to pick one up so you know where everything is, from bathrooms to different stages. This way you’ll be able to plan even better! Many times music festivals have their own app to download to your smartphone. They are super helpful for schedules, reminders, and other festival info.
Get there early
Not necessary, but it will help you out tremendously. If you get there early, scope out the place. Festivals have a lot of vendors and various food trucks, so getting a quick look at everything will give you a better idea of what you want to do/what to buy.
Plan out your schedule
This is so crucial! If you have multiple artists you are wanting to see, check out where and when they are playing. Music festivals are huge areas – so it might take a good 15-20 minutes to walk (with crowds) to the next stage. Chances are you might have to pick one artist over the other due to scheduling conflicts.
Sunblock, hats, sunglasses, etc.
Depending on the location of the festival, it might be important to bring along sunscreen, hats, etc. to protect yourself from the heat and the sun. If its a cold region – then jackets, boots, etc would be ideal. The weather plays a big part in festivals especially at outdoor venues.
Comfortable shoes and clothes
You will be walking ALOT. I can’t stress this enough. I definitely overestimated the amount of walking we would do the first festival we attended. Plan out your outfits beforehand if its a concern.
Stay hydrated
Most festivals won’t let you bring in liquids like airport security, especially festivals without campsites. But they will let you bring in an empty bottle or canteen. Most festivals also have water-refilling stations so you’re set!
Phone Charger
At many festivals, they have phone charging stations. Don’t forget your charger for when you run down your battery taking all those videos/photos. Simple as that. Splurging on a cell phone case that also charges your phone would be a good idea!
Lockers
Try to minimize the amount of items you want to bring with. A lot of festivals have lockers, but if you’re anything like me, I don’t want to pay for it. Try to condense into one bag that isn’t uncomfortable to wear or lugging around with you the whole day.
Avoid lines near the entrance
The ID checks, food trucks, bathrooms, and other lines near the entrance had HUGE lines. Once we walked further into the venue, there were other ID checks/food trucks with less people lined up. The entrance is the most popular place to be and people see it first, so naturally stop there. Check things out, walk around; there is a very big chance that the lines are shorter as you get further into the venue.
Bring Cash
Many food trucks and vendors don’t accept credit or debit cards. I am the worst with remembering cash. I use my card 99.9% of the time and never carry cash on me. If you are anything like me, please remember before you get to the venue. They will have ATM machines inside, but they usually will charge between $6-8 to withdraw money.
Do you have any of your own Festival Tips to share?