SneakHER Girls Guide To: Traveling for a Music Festival
It’s that time of year again where our favorite artists come together on one stage to give us a weekend full of performances, fun, and memories. It’s music festival season! We know a lot of you SneakHER girls are anticipating your trips throughout the summer and are gathering all of your flyest fits to get off on your social feeds. We can’t wait to see you out there and of course we’re to help the process.
We’re back with our CNK SneakHER Girls Guide and this one is all about going to music festivals—what to expect, what sneakers to bring, and some more tips and tricks to survive the weekend. Traveling can be a little hectic at times, but as long as you prepare what you can control ahead of time it will take a lot of the pressure off. As you’re getting ready, make sure to reference this guide, as well as your specific festival website, to ensure you have everything you need and more. Happy Festival Season!
Do’s and Don'ts
Do read over all of the FAQs for the festival.
Before you leave town, you have to make sure you are well equipped. Take note of items that are prohibited, what size bags are acceptable, know more about health and safety precautions they’re taking, and other general info about the festival. Some festivals even have apps you can download on your phone or a number you can sign up for text message alerts to get updates immediately.
Don’t wing it.
Music festivals are a fun and memorable experience to have, but it can quickly turn for the worst if you’re not prepared before, during and after. Always be aware of where you are and what’s going on around you. More than likely you’re traveling to a new place for the festival–how are you getting to and from the festival? Is the itinerary set for the day to make sure you see your favorite artists on time? Have you decided on a landmark as a meet up spot for the entire group? Do you have a buddy system so you’re not by yourself on festival grounds? These are some important questions to ask yourself while you’re preparing for your trip and make sure your group is all on the same page as well.
Do pack your festival bag early.
Check your list and check it twice. You’re going to be outside all day, so there are some must-haves you absolutely need in your festival bag: sunscreen, hand sanitizer and/or hand wipes, tissue or intimate wipes (prepare for the portapotty), sunglasses, disposable water bottle, travel-sized medicines like Tylenol or Advil, card holder or small wallet with credit cards and IDs, your festival wristband, and a portable charger. Some festivals will also rent out lockers for you to purchase while you’re there, so if you need to store your merch purchases, blankets, or any other bigger items you won’t be using all day it’s perfect to have.
Don’t go with negative vibes.
This will be one of the best summer memories you’ll cherish forever and always talk about. You don’t want anything too small or petty to ruin your time. Stay gracious and stay as positive as you can, even if there are delays.
Top 5 Sneakers to Wear
We know you’re going to be cute and the outfits have already been planned to the tee, but let’s talk sneakers. You’re going to be on your feet all day for at least ten hours, so you have to think of comfort with a lot of cushion, instead of the stylish, high profile sneakers. You also don’t want anything to happen to the sneakers that you consider a “prized possession”, so it’s better to leave them at home. If you’re buying new sneakers for the festival, be sure to walk around in them to break them in if needed. Here our are top five sneakers/shoes we think are perfect for a music festival:
New Balance
Nike Dunks
Nike Air Max
Converse Run star
Yeezys
Other Things to Expect
There will be tons of people and long lines everywhere. Festivals will average anywhere from 40,000 people and up, so be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Boost your immune system a week or two before as well so that your body will be ready to sustain being around this many people.
Stay Hydrated and Make Time to Eat! There will be plenty of bars and drinks on the festival grounds, but you will need water. Again, make sure to have your own water bottles that are allowed to bring inside and refill throughout the day, and stay hydrated. You will also need to carve in time between sets to get food. Be prepared for at least an hour long wait, but make sure you’re eating. We don’t want your festival experience to end at the medical tent.
We hope this guide is helpful and checks off a lot of your to-do list as you prepare for your trip. This is a memory and fun experience you’ll cherish as you experience your favorite artists perform live, so live in the moment! We hope to see you this summer on festival grounds.