My Ultimate Guide to Music Festivals: Stories, Tips & Essentials for an Unforgettable Weekend!

To my friends and family, it’s no secret that I’m obsessed with live music. At 15, I convinced my mom to drive me from Arizona to California so I could attend my very first music festival. I had saved up for everything: ticket, Airbnb, travel, and thankfully, sh

e let me go solo once we arrived.

That festival was Tropicalia, the ultimate indie dream at the time. I saw some of my favorite artists: Mac DeMarco, Clairo, Mild High Club, and had the time of my life. From that day on, I promised myself I’d attend every music festival I could.

When I wasn’t at a festival, I was at concerts, three or four a month sometimes. I loved discovering new artists and meeting people in the crowd (especially since I often went alone).

Here is a picture of me at Tropicalia in 2018, I even got to meet Emma Chamberlain!

The next year, I went even bigger: Camp Flog Gnaw. At just 16, none of my friends’ parents were willing to let them travel to LA for a weekend of music, so once again, I went solo (with my mom as my driver and drop-off buddy). The only catch? Tropicalia and Flog Gnaw were the same weekend, about 45 minutes apart. So, naturally, I bought tickets to both.

That’s just a glimpse into my background with music festivals, and why I’ll always be a die-hard fan. These weekends have given me some of my fondest memories, and I truly believe everyone should experience one at least once.

Whether you’ve got a GA wristband or a VIP pass, here are my tried-and-true steps to prepare for an unforgettable festival weekend.

1. Plan Your Outfits Early 

When I was younger, I would plan festival outfits months in advance: mood boards, online shopping, endless try-ons. Now that I’m older (and busier), I usually pull looks from my closet that feel both comfortable and cute.

Practicality is great, but confidence is key. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’ll naturally have a better time. That said, make sure your shoes are comfortable, you’ll be walking and dancing all day.

Planning ahead also saves you the stress of picking outfits after long festival days when you’re exhausted. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

2. Study the Setlist & Food Options 

Once the lineup drops, start planning your days. Highlight your must-see artists, check where their stages are, and map out travel time between sets. There’s nothing worse than realizing your two favorites are performing at the same time. But sometimes, with good timing, you can catch both.

Between sets, don’t skip food and water. Festivals have amazing local vendors, so take advantage and refuel. Eat, hydrate, reapply sunscreen, and take short breaks. It makes a huge difference in your energy.

Pro tip: Get to the festival early, even if no big names are performing yet. It’s a great chance to explore the grounds and catch up-and-coming artists before they blow up.

Here is an example map down below, (courtesy of https://www.coachella.com/maps)

3. Pack the Essentials 

A well-packed bag can make or break your day. Always check the festival’s official website for bag-size restrictions, but here’s my go-to list:

• Phone

• Wallet

• Portable charger + cable

• Hand sanitizer

• Ibuprofen or Tylenol

• Earplugs (protect your ears!)

• Chapstick

• Sunglasses

• Sunblock

• Camera (digital or disposable)

Keep things light. You’ll thank yourself when you’re dancing in a crowd for hours.

4. Figure Out Transportation Early 

Transportation is one of the biggest stressors if you don’t plan ahead.

Some festivals, like Gov Ball, are easiest to reach by public transit. Others, like Camp Flog Gnaw or Coachella, offer on-site parking, shuttles, or rideshare options. Do a little research to find what fits your budget and comfort level.

Give yourself extra time on day one for parking, security, or wristband lines. And if you’re using rideshare apps, prepare for surge pricing and long waits after the headliner ends.

5. Meet People & Soak It All In 

One of my favorite parts of music festivals is the people. I’ve met amazing friends in the crowd, people from all over the country (and sometimes the world) who share the same love for music.

There’s truly nothing like singing your favorite songs surrounded by thousands of people who feel the same energy. So, don’t be afraid to talk to people, dance like nobody’s watching, and let yourself fully enjoy it.

The weekend will fly by—so take it all in, every moment.

Final Thoughts

I hope these festival tips help make your next weekend of live music a little less stressful and a lot more magical. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, remember that music festivals are all about connection, discovery, and joy.

So grab your wristband, pack your essentials, and get ready for an unforgettable experience. 

Bonus: My Quick Festival Checklist!

• ✔️ Comfortable outfit + backup layers

• ✔️ Water bottle or hydration pack

• ✔️ Cash or card

• ✔️ Portable charger

• ✔️ Sunscreen

• ✔️ Patience (for lines!)