Do's and Don'ts of Going to a Music Festival: Outside Lands 2017

Despite the quick turnaround in flying in from DC on Saturday to going to a music festival on Sunday, Outside Lands was incredibly enjoyable. This would be my first time going to a festival (though I still haven't gone to a concert yet!) and I learned a lot from the experience. There isn't a lot to say about my experience there, personally — the music was amazing live and the food was overpriced — so instead I'm going to use this post to impart a bit of wisdom on anyone else going to a music festival for the first time.

The DO'S

• Get there early. The lines to get in are really long, and you don't want to be stuck in line knowing you're missing one of your favorite artists.
• Try to carry as few belongings as possible. It can get exhausting walking around all day and pushing through crowds. It was easier just to have my phone, keys, cards, and a light jacket.
• Wear a layer that can easily be carried around. Even though it was a cold day, I'm incredibly glad I wore something light, because being in the crowd gets very hot, very quickly.
• Move with the crowd. I've always wondered how audiences seem to be able to jump in sync to the music, but really, it's only because if you don't jump with the crowd, you will be trampled underfoot.
• Wear sturdy shoes. I was debating between running shoes and combat boots, and am I ever thankful that I went with the combat boots. I'm pretty sure I'd have a few broken bones in my foot otherwise, from all the times my feet were stepped on.

The DON'TS

• Don't try to squeeze all the way to the front. You won't get there, especially if you're a five-foot-three tiny human being like myself. You will have a miserable time trying to avoid being squished. Being a bit further back in the crowd is just as fun, and you have room to dance.
• On a similar note, don't fall down in a mosh pit. You will be smushed.
• Forget to bring a water bottle. This might vary from event to event, but Outside Lands had free refill stations for people who brought their own reusable water bottle. It's very easy to get dehydrated walking around all day and sweating.
• Don't be afraid to go by yourself! I went with a friend, and it was very fun, but I saw a ton of people by themselves and it looked just as fun. There are so many people there that no one's going to notice if you don't have a buddy. That said, having a buddy is good just for safety purposes.

Those are the most important things I can think of for now, but if you have more suggestions, feel free to comment below (I say, despite knowing that no one really comments on blog posts). Hopefully I'll be back next year for Outside Lands as well, but I have to say, I couldn't have asked for a better lineup: k.flay, Sofi Tukker, Louis the Child, Lorde. Here's to many more music festivals in the future! ◊