Your Guide to Summer Music Festivals

School’s out, and that means it’s festival season! From local indie and country festivals in my hometown to big-name events like Lollapalooza and Boston Calling, summer music festivals have been an annual tradition for me. Between seeing all your favourite artists, amazing fashion, and the adrenaline rush of dancing amongst a crowd of thousands for a weekend of live music, your first music festival should be an unforgettable experience.

But despite all the fun, festivals are exhausting and can even become dangerous. For this reason, the “Harvard Independent” compiled a guide to ensure you can have the best possible festival experience.

Traveling

If you’re going to a festival out of town, getting there is the hardest part. Sometimes, flying or taking the Amtrak is the easiest bet. But often, you can find friends or Instagram mutuals who are attending the same festival and would be willing to split gas money. 

Once you arrive—as long as it’s a city with public transit—just buy the metro pass. Driving or Ubering to and from a festival will never be the most convenient or economical option, no matter how crowded the train seems.

Finding Lodging

I swear by youth hostels: they’re relatively cheap, and you can meet other people going to the same event. The slight sacrifice in quality is worth it when you’re spending all day at the grounds. However, if you prefer a bit of extra comfort, hotels are also a great option—though keep in mind that prices increase astronomically when a festival is in town. If you’re going with a large group, the most affordable option will likely be an Airbnb, and as a bonus, you can make your own meals for cheap. 

What I would never recommend is camping. Often more expensive than other lodging, the bonus of staying on-site is offset by the fact that, between sleeping on the ground and drunken strangers singing outside of your tent until the sun comes up, you will not get any rest.

Picking the Right Outfit

Deciding what to wear—and posting about it afterward—is one of the most fun parts of going to a festival. If you’re traveling, plan your outfits well before you leave—there’s nothing worse than trying to piece together a coherent outfit from miscellaneous tops and bottoms.

The first criterion is the festival’s overall vibe. Depending on where the festival is, who’s playing, and the festival’s reputation, different styles will fit the vibe better. Coachella-goers often lean towards a boho aesthetic or full rave attire, whereas at CMA Fest, you’ll see lots of denim and cowboy boots. Pinterest is my go-to for inspiration!

Unfortunately, the weather is an important factor. Look at the weather, and plan accordingly. Consider how to incorporate extra layers without ruining your outfit. Be prepared to have to change things up at the last minute.

Put the right foot forward (literally)! The single most important thing when planning an outfit is choosing appropriate footwear. Above all else, prioritize comfort. If your ugliest pair of shoes is also the pair you can walk in the longest, wear them. Unlike a standard concert, at a music festival, you’ll be standing for over 12 hours. Endurance is key. Consider water resistance—if there is any chance of rain, or of your festival turning on the misters while you’re waiting for the next set to begin, make sure you have waterproof shoes!

Staying Alive

This may seem like a given. But so often, I have had friends who, after swearing they could last through the entire weekend, gave up after the first day. Even worse, every show has that person—the one you don’t want to be!—who passes out halfway through the headliner. If you want to truly enjoy your festival experience, avoid burning out by staying healthy and rested. 

Stay hydrated! Before you go, research the festival’s specific rules on outside drinks and containers. If you can, bring a reusable water bottle and fill it whenever you get the chance. If not, splurge on a disposable bottle first thing in the morning and reuse it. 

Stay nourished! If you want to save money on the overpriced food trucks in the grounds, eat as much breakfast and lunch as you can before heading in for the day. Sneak snacks in, if possible. Flirt with strangers for free meals (success may vary).

If you choose to drink, do so mindfully. When you’re hot, dehydrated, and in an unfamiliar environment, your tolerance decreases more than you expect. As a rule of thumb, drink twice as much water as alcohol. Don’t accept drinks from strangers or open containers. 

Stay rested! Even if it means giving up barricading for your favorite artist and sitting in the shade on the lawn, don’t push yourself past your limits. And if it’s your first festival, skip the afterparties and get as many hours of rest as you can in between days.

Protect yourself from the elements. Apply sunscreen before you enter the grounds and throughout the day. Wear a hat and sunglasses. If the weather calls for it—even if it ruins your outfit—bring a raincoat or a sweater.

Getting Barricade

One of the coolest parts about going to festivals is getting to brag that, with just a general admission ticket, I’ve seen artists like Noah Kahan, Olivia Rodrigo, and Tyler, the Creator from the front row. Now, getting to the stage barricade can be a genuine battle, and I wouldn’t recommend it for your first festival, but if you’re feeling ambitious, here’s how to do it.

Get to the grounds early. At the latest, an hour after the festival opens for general admission is best if you’re hoping to see a headliner. There will always be a fangirl who’s been there since 7 a.m., but you’re just as well getting there shortly after the gates open.

Go straight to the stage. Make sure you know which stage your favorite artist is playing before arriving at the grounds, and head straight there. No time to stop for food, merch, or toilets. Many festivals have apps that will help you find the stage!

Stand your ground. Once you’ve entered the pit, it can feel like a bloodbath. From preteen girls to men in their 50s, it will seem like the whole world is trying to shove past you to get to the stage. If you truly want to be barricaded, don’t let people push you out of the way. Stand as far forward as you can while still being respectful, and don’t be afraid to use a gentle elbow. 

Outlast. As I mentioned before, it is critical to arrive well-rested, well-nourished, and well-hydrated. At about midday, when the sun is at its highest, people will start to pass out around you. Make sure this isn’t you by preparing ahead of time, and by recognizing when it is time to leave the pit so you don’t miss the show entirely. And remember, if someone goes down, clear a path for EMTs. 

As people in front of you leave, fill in the gaps to slowly get closer to the stage. By the end of the night, you’ll be shocked at how far forward you can move.

As a college student, going to a summer music festival is one of the best things you can experience. For relatively cheap, you can explore a new city, see dozens of artists live, test your endurance, and come out with stories to tell. If you’re going to a festival this summer, ensure you make it through the full festival and get the most out of the event!

Lucy Duncan ’28 (lduncan@college.harvard.edu) got waitlisted for Lollapalooza this year.