These Little Things That Make A Big Difference At Festivals
After years of covering music festivals, beer festivals, wine festivals and street fairs, I’ve learned that the biggest challenge isn’t getting there—it’s still having enough energy to enjoy the best part of the day. These are the little tricks I’ve learned that make festivals a lot more fun.
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Nightlife Blogger
In the heat of the summer there are a lot of hot events and happenings, including festivals of all kind. Most cities and towns have some type of local signature street fair or summer concerts in parks or even on a beach. There are also a lot of bigger music and beer and wine festivals. They are long days that, ideally, turn into long nights.
This is not your normal events guide, by the way. Every veteran knows you should find shade or a cool spot during he day, sit down somewhere, take breaks, hydrate by drinking water and so forth. This is different in that it provides tips that may not be so obvious but come in really handy once you’re there. The goal isn’t simply to survive the festival it’s to still be smiling when everyone else is dragging themselves to the exit.
Not all summer events are the same. Some last for a few hours while others go from daytime to dark. And if you’re at one of the former and are a PubClubber, then you’ll want to hit the bars after the event. That’s a big part of the attraction – events bring out the people and put them in a festive party mood.
During the heat of the day I’ve sometimes wondered how I will make it to the headliner of a music festival but I always do it and when I manage to do it correctly I always say, “hey that was pretty easy.” Then I enjoy the show.
Here is a list of the types of summer events where these tips can come in very handy:
- music festivals
- food festivals
- beer & wne festivals
- street festivals
Pre-Party: Steps To Prepare For The Event
Make Sure Your Cellphone Is Fully Charged And Have A Charger With You
This is something I always do before a long day. Some events have charging stations and that can be a good place to meet people but it’s really better to have a portable charger with you. And don’t forget your charging cord! I’ve been involved in so many events in my professional career that I even “think ahead” the day before by preparing everything I need so on event day I can just grab it and go without having to worry about it.
Party Time: At The The Event
Upon Arrival Find A Meeting Spot For Your Friends
I learned this one at New Orleans Jazz Fest. There, people put up big flags at the stages to “mark their spot” and also so you can tell friends you’re meeting there to “look for the big yellow flag with a cow on it ” or whatever. Now I’m not suggesting to take a big yellow flag with a cow on it but to use the concept. Pick a spot that has something identifiable that they could not possibly miss (tho knowing they probably will but still, make it as easy as possible): a big tent, a large sponsor logo or something that is really easy to identify.
Pace Your Drinking Pace
Don’t get too hammered too early. This is key to making it through the day and into the night. I start slowly, sipping my drink and don’t continually run to the beer tent. Besides helping with the previously-mentioned bathroom issue this stretches out my functionality for several hours. Now once I know I’m going to make it to the end, that’s when I pick up my drinking pace.
Restrooms
Hold out going to the bathroom as long as possible. The longer you wait the less you will have go to in the future. Plus, as we all know a lot of the restrooms at festivals are nasty port-o-pottys and you don’t want to be spending any more time there than necessary. Be sure and wash your hands after using one, too.
Meeting Singles At Summer Events
This is one of the big reasons single people like to go to these things: to meet singles in a fun, lively setting. And let’s face it, you already have something in common in the fact you’re both there. Now this tip is somewhat different for girls than guys. Girls can congregate together and draw attention; guys often have to seek out opportunities. I will tell both sexes not to make a move too early. Survey the crowd, pick out the people you want to meet – always have more than one – keep track of them and let them get into the right frame of mind. In other words, let them have a few drinks first. Then pick a moment that seems right and go for it.
The Day Is A Marathon Not A Sprint
This is my favorite Survival Guide tip regardless of the event or time of year. Realize the fact that you are going to be there for several hours so mentally plan for it. Don’t drink too much too fast, don’t wear out your energy before dark and don’t hit on every single person there before they have had a chance to settle into the event.
Parking
Don’t park. You’re going to be drinking so don’t drive.There’s plenty of ways to get to summertime events these days where you don’t need to drive. This will save you the “oh I can’t have any more drinks” issue that can arise by driving but also you can avoid inching your way to the parking lot or wasting time looking for a parking spot and also you don’t have to pay for parking or worry about getting a ticket. This can sometimes be a break-even with the coast of a Lyft/Uber and is certainly cheaper than taking public transit.
Kevin Wilkerson is the founder of PubClub.com, an award-winning journalist and nightlife expert who has covered destinations, events and nightlife for more than two decades. While working as a newspaper reporter, he received an Associated Press award for investigative journalism.
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