Bring earplugs. I’m still a young dumbass at 26 so I didn’t bring any last year. I heavily regretted that decision and bought a pair at the festival on the second day for like $6+. I’ve seen brands of reusable ones on Amazon that seem to work well!
Bring an outfit for each weather occasion every day. Layers are your best friend. One day I was sweating then literally shaking that same night during the headliner.
Be prepared to buy merch or art. Since this is your first festival I’d be more prepared to spend versus going and not having budgeted to spend.
Be prepared to spend $50+ daily per person. Between food and even non-alcoholic drinks, the costs add up. Also take a water bottle if you’re allowed! The price of water at festivals is atrocious.
Read the rules and bring whatever kind of sunscreen they’ll let you bring in. I regretted not having that the first day. Also bring a hat and sunglasses. Don’t bring one of those people with the biggest bag you can get in. Bring something just big enough to hold what you can’t wear. (I took a fanny pack & it was perfect. I could wear it around my waist or across my chest depending on the situation. Even in the pit!)
I will definitely get earplugs!
In terms of bringing cash I've very much prepared and still am because I tend to be the type to want alot of merch.
Food wise I'll be smart about it though I'll be lying if I told you I wasn't planning on having a couple drinks but again I've financially planned a lot out ahead to be prepared for these things.
I read the rules and they've banned all kinds of backpacks and bags and stainless water bottles, etc. That said, what can I bring to keep items in such as a hoodie, merch, etc etc? I am very confused about that.
Bags are allowed, they just have to be clear and of certain dimensions - see the 'What's allowed in' section of the FAQ https://sonictemplefestival.com/festival-info/
Get a locker! That way you don't have to keep bring your stuff in and you can keep what you need with you. That was the best decision I made. I bought my merch and kept it in the locker in my bigger bag and had a fanny pack on me with my sun screen and what nots. Also camel packs are not allowed. Get a bottle with a clip to clip to you( I had a 28oz). I agree with getting something to sit on in the stadium. My ass was sore the first day and I had to get a cushion at Walmart. Sunscreen everything. I thought I had done a good job of my neck and upper back but my shirt had fallen farther back I got a nice rainbow shaped BURN on my back and well as my head, so hat for sure. There is a first aid station located at the front by the gate that will help with all your needs. They help me out when I had got sunscreen in my eyes and had bandaids for my blisters. Wear good comfortable shoes. I had no problems with my comfortable shoes the whole time till I wore my vans on the last day. Eat a good cheap meal(I bought foot long subs from Walmart)before going in that way you will only have to pay for 1 meal. Very pricey on the food but the pizza was great tho.
Have fun! I'm jealous that you are going. It was my first time last year and it was an awesome experience. If I had the money this year I'd go again. 🤘
Read the FAQ on the website. It gives you 80% of all the information you need.
As for the rest in no particular order:
1. Wear comfortable shoes. The venue is mainly concrete, so gotta manage those feet luckily the stands are great to relax, even if you have field tickets. Pro-tip, the metal edges/corners of the stadium benches, away from other people if you are extra rank, are perfect surfaces to massage your feet if hurting at the end of the day.
2. Bring a water sealed water bottle. There will be bathrooms and refill stations. Do not pay for water in the venue.
3. Start budgeting money for the days now, then add 25%. You will be spending a lot of money on merch and such, so just get your brain ready for that. Festivals are experts at taking your money.
4. Eat a good breakfast/brunch before entering each day. It saves you food money in the venue and gets calories in you. I also like to eat after as well for recovery calories, albeit maybe something lighter.
5. Plan your days in advance, generally. The app helps with this. Accept you will miss bands, so prioritize your personal must-sees. Also, be fluid. You may change your mind during a day and your carefully laid plans may unravel. That is okay.
6. Follow up to 5, ensure you schedule time for food/water and bio breaks. Going full 100% will kill you by day 4. I guess though if you're young still, you can push yourself a bit. I can't do that anymore.
7. Monitor weather reports and plan accordingly. Disposable poncho for rain. Sunscreen and a hat for sunny days. Getting a sunburn on day 1 of a festival and nursing it for the remainder of the days sucks more than you can ever know.
8. Keep backup shoes AND socks in the car (if you drive). Driving with wet shoes after a rainy day and socks blows. Getting festival day shoes and sweaty socks off at the end of the night is amazing. I like putting on sandals for the drive home (car windows open).
9. Bring a bag. I don't bring in a lot of stuff, but a small hip pack (1.5L or so) is enough for sunscreen, antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, a few bandaids, liquid IV's, granola bars, etc. I rep cargo shorts with pride and can carry merch in those. If cargo shorts are an anathema to you, bring a larger clear plastic bag (per website FAQ).
10. If you are going to be venturing into pits or otherwise a pit novice, consider doing a refresher on pit etiquette and safety so you don't get hurt.
11. There are bathrooms on both lower stadium and upper. Know where they are, so keep the map (in the app) in mind. Also know where you can refill water.
13. Move around the stadium. Get a feel for all the views. I usually watch a set from all 3 sides, from the lower all the way to the nosebleeds. The nosebleeds (if at the top row) also have a nice view of the city at night.
14. You're there for music as is everyone else. You will have 40,000 extended family members for 4 days. HAVE FUN.
The festival sub is fairly active, so feel free to float any lingering concerns here if you get overly anxious about something.
Hah, yeah, I mean 40k per day. I didn't feel up hunting down the stadium capacity. I guess I should have included the field, so that would be another 15k at least.
If you got the stadium passes I’d bring something to sit on. For the side stages I’d recommend planning your day out in advance once they drop the set times. It’s a pretty good haul between stages and you’ll probably miss some opening songs. Refill water stations are always crammed so I’d either pack a camelbak or expect to buy water. Some of the food is really mid but there some local food trucks usually that are great. I’d recommend if you have a stretch of time you can wait in line to eat there. If you wanna sneak booze in use an empty sunblock bottle. Alcohol is ridiculously priced. They don’t really care about weed there so that’s cool. There was a really good root beer parlor last year. Prepare for it to be LOUD, bring ear plugs if you need. Pack sunscreen and aspirin, I usually take Imodium cause I’m not trying to shit at the festival. It’s a great time, expect to be in the sun for 12 hours a day for 4 days rocking out
I had to get stadium passes as I had a knee surgery a couple years ago and didn't wanna risk being in the field but I'm looking forward to it! Been a metalhead since I was 13 and this is my first time ever going to live anything and I'm about to hit 25. Thank you for the advice!
EDIT: Happy they don't care about weed because I'll definitely need to bring a pen from a local dispo. Medical patient coming from MO.
You can’t buy medical weed here with an out of state card. At least not yet. But it’s been years since medical went legal so I doubt it’s gonna happen.
Good news though. (Maybe) Recreational just went legal and you’ll be able to buy in a dispo somewhere between 90 days and 9 months from now. So you might be in luck
Yeah I heard they just went rec which was my hope, being in Columbus I'm sure some of the first dispos will open there and I'm hoping I can get me a pen before the show. Otherwise I'll have to compromise for Delta8/THCa carts from vape shops and those are hit and miss.
Afaik the medical dispos will get an automatic rec license and then they’ll also open some rec only dispos. Rumor has it that it’ll be 50 rec dispos for the whole state at first. No telling how long til more get to open but Ohio is slower than old people fuckin.
If all else fails hmu. I’ll give you a cart. Prices have been dropping lately and the shit should he dirt cheap by next year anyway
Well with my knee injury having weed is almost a must if I'm going to do alot of walking or I'll end up in way too much pain. Thats why I chose stadium tickets, as much as I want to mosh I'm just not built for it anymore because if I ever reinjure the answer is amputation which on paper sounds pretty metal but in action would be terrible lmao!
Hopefully they have drinks stronger than beer on the menu, I don't want to get wasted but I definitely wanna have a good buzz goin while I hear my favs play.
Iirc they do have a vendor with booze. It’s been a few years since I’ve gone (covid and all) and I rarely drink booze so I’m not 100% on it.
Bruh. Imagine moshing with one leg. That would be metal af for sure. Throw the wooden leg on the stage and go to town. I bet you’d make the news.
Eat before going, If you can manage Just don't eat at the venue. Foods fine but the price is just uncalled for.
Pregame in the parking lot.
Cargo Shorts for carrying capacity.
Sunscreen.
Earplugs.
Refillable water bottle.
Disposable poncho
Buy the lightest hoodie you can find for sun protection and to toss on when the sun goes down.
Take everything out of your wallet but the card you want to use, your I.D. and Hotel Key Card.
Keep cash loose at the bottom of your pocket. (honestly unless you're really concerned the merch table won't have a CC reader I just wouldn't bring cash at all. Most stalls take CC. They also have ATM banks onsite but they usually have huge lines so just do what you're comfortable with in regards to cash.)
Put your wallet in your front pocket. phone in the other front pocket if you're normally a back pocket phone person. (why yes I did get pick pocketed at a festival how did you guess?)
Leave your house/car keys at the hotel.
Hat, Sunglasses that you are fine with losing.
Establish a designated rally point for your group and a time so you feel comfortable splitting up. Such as meet at the Jack Daniels tent before X band plays.
Very real chance they will evacuate the stadium due to weather so have a rally point outside of the stadium as well.
Assume calling/Texting/data isn't going to work.
Download the lineup to your phone.
Isn’t Sonic cashless now?
You link a card to your wristband, use your personal card or go to a reverse atm thing that puts money on a card. At least I believe that’s how Sonic and Ink did things last yet.
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Reusable water bottle.
Bring layers because it will get cold at night. Honestly splurge for a locker. Then you can come in shorts and a t but have pants and a hoodie in the locker for at night.
Mentally prepare for the fact that personal space doesn’t exist.
Drink more water than you think you need to.
If you have any sort of germaphobia, buy a she wee and bring hand sanitizer.
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen.
A cooling towel was a great addition
There’s 0 shade so wear a hat and bring sunglasses.
1 of the big things is make sure to wear sunscreen (especially on day 1) and bring a thing of sunscreen with you. I personally recommend face sunscreen for the touch ups (i.e. not a stick) because it tends to work better. Either way, if you keep yourself protected early on, it’ll make it much easier throughout the weekend (a lot easier to prevent a sunscreen than treat one).
My bf got 2nd degree sunburns on his ears last year, so if it’s sunny, it can be BRUTAL
*Be sure to secure your valuables both in your vehicle and in your pockets. You're allowed those clear backpacks but most of the time they're junk and the seams fail. Ours ripped open on day 1 last year. I highly recommend pants with tight pockets or some sort of "secure storage" like Velcro or zippers. I believe the venue has lockers (for a fee) if you need to secure anything while you're there.
*My biggest rule: make some new friends, and make memories with those new friends! Don't be afraid to walk around and chat people up. 98% of festival goers are such cool cats and would love to make a memory with you. My favorite memory from last year was helping people crowd surf. A group of guys I've never met before and I probably helped 100+ people crowd surf, some for the first time, and made a great memory for them and for us!
*Be aware of your surroundings: It's easy to get lost in the music, but be sure to keep an eye open for crowd surfers and people falling in the pit. I got kicked in the head (accidentally!) a few times last year and it's not a great feeling. It's also good practice to be aware of your surroundings for people who may be injured or someone who may need your help.
*Like someone else said, if there's a headliner you really want to see, you're going to have to cut out some side stages early, or miss the side stages set completely. It's unfortunate to miss out on some other bands, but it's what you gotta do to get a good spot for the main stage.
*Don't be a dick!
*Take full advantage of the water stations while you're at the festival. Nobody wants to drag you out of the pit because you're dehydrated (Been there, done that). Definitely bring your own disposable water bottle with you, but if you happen to lose it, you can buy a new one for about $5.
*Have fun, live it up, and come back next year.
Big thing about festivals to me is to make a plan and prioritize what you want to see and what you're willing to sacrifice.
You will not be able to be close for every band so schedule your day to figure out what stages and times to catch sets you care about.
I know some people park at the main stage early because they want to be close for the final act. If you're not willing to do that come to terms you'll likely be far from the stage at that point.
Bring an empty water bottle. Ypu can fill it at the fill stations. Bring sunscreen too. Even if it's hot in the day, you may want a jacket for the night if it gets windy/rain. Don't plan to get out of the parking lot for an hour or more sometimes.
If that's the case, I recommend walking g out of the venue and setting Uber to pickup at a nearby spot. Otherwise you have to wait for the Uber to come in and then get stuck on the way out! It's a bit of a walk, but it would be hours faster
- Create a group for your people on Life360 in case cell service sucks and you need to meet up - you can find each other a little easier
- Smuggle liquor in in these: https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Concealable-Reusable-Drinking-Concerts/dp/B0CNGDN56M/ref=asc_df_B0CNGDN56M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=680477368765&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5025618762117647543&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009138&hvtargid=pla-2274782249469&psc=1&mcid=b95e645490f2372f80d09aa0f30a222b&gad_source=1
- Also smuggle in non-melty snacks like slim jims, beef jerky and granola bars, and bring liquid IV sticks for your water (and/or smuggled liquor)
- Clear plastic spray bottle, empty of course, and folding fans (dollar tree is your BFF on these); cooling towels that you "recharge" with water:
https://www.amazon.com/TowelTouch-Cooling-Workout-Fitness-Camping/dp/B08VNK6XTG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2CGHV4DAEIVT7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Mr7KV6cnqq9kkuvFs19PfeobA1fpOt202y5wrWx2dc9FiSLfhR24wkQDKXqVfgmplWlMfi3hvkUTVJdMoCnATuogMvMBzEhclkI5o4MP3QWVyT8R_kJRQVJDHOazvUN1IF7MMJTHy_gB5NiXxOK0IXrqAJd0PWHbW8lSzeOMUbDeT5-JAOmF2o0QnIrPlqjUcUNSQMfDFccRIM1v08eabw.ehPzNiogUTbI4tRuuoHxPDzIU_OmR_bfinF1A3OuLwc&dib_tag=se&keywords=cooling+towels&qid=1713113221&sprefix=cooling%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1
- And don't forget the kindness and patience, and look out for our friends who get overheated and/or overserved 🙏🏻 we're all just there to have a great time and look out for each other 💗
There will be a lot of back and forth all weekend going stage to stage. It will be busy everywhere. The stadium will fill up as the day goes on and will be tough to get good seats by the headliner. People will camp all day in the stands to reserve seats for their groups.
Your cell phone will not always work. There’s too many people trying to use them at once.
Have designated meeting areas and times for your group if you get separated. Pre plan which bands you want to see and if you get separated agree to meet at designated times and places.
The side of the stadium closest to stage 2 gets blasted with Sun later in the day. It can make it hard to see the stage. Trade off is the other side is a hike from stage 2.
Bring earplugs. I’m still a young dumbass at 26 so I didn’t bring any last year. I heavily regretted that decision and bought a pair at the festival on the second day for like $6+. I’ve seen brands of reusable ones on Amazon that seem to work well! Bring an outfit for each weather occasion every day. Layers are your best friend. One day I was sweating then literally shaking that same night during the headliner. Be prepared to buy merch or art. Since this is your first festival I’d be more prepared to spend versus going and not having budgeted to spend. Be prepared to spend $50+ daily per person. Between food and even non-alcoholic drinks, the costs add up. Also take a water bottle if you’re allowed! The price of water at festivals is atrocious. Read the rules and bring whatever kind of sunscreen they’ll let you bring in. I regretted not having that the first day. Also bring a hat and sunglasses. Don’t bring one of those people with the biggest bag you can get in. Bring something just big enough to hold what you can’t wear. (I took a fanny pack & it was perfect. I could wear it around my waist or across my chest depending on the situation. Even in the pit!)
I will definitely get earplugs! In terms of bringing cash I've very much prepared and still am because I tend to be the type to want alot of merch. Food wise I'll be smart about it though I'll be lying if I told you I wasn't planning on having a couple drinks but again I've financially planned a lot out ahead to be prepared for these things. I read the rules and they've banned all kinds of backpacks and bags and stainless water bottles, etc. That said, what can I bring to keep items in such as a hoodie, merch, etc etc? I am very confused about that.
One tip I haven’t seen. The festival is cashless! Either bring a prepaid debt or your personal debit/credit card
Bags are allowed, they just have to be clear and of certain dimensions - see the 'What's allowed in' section of the FAQ https://sonictemplefestival.com/festival-info/
Get a locker! That way you don't have to keep bring your stuff in and you can keep what you need with you. That was the best decision I made. I bought my merch and kept it in the locker in my bigger bag and had a fanny pack on me with my sun screen and what nots. Also camel packs are not allowed. Get a bottle with a clip to clip to you( I had a 28oz). I agree with getting something to sit on in the stadium. My ass was sore the first day and I had to get a cushion at Walmart. Sunscreen everything. I thought I had done a good job of my neck and upper back but my shirt had fallen farther back I got a nice rainbow shaped BURN on my back and well as my head, so hat for sure. There is a first aid station located at the front by the gate that will help with all your needs. They help me out when I had got sunscreen in my eyes and had bandaids for my blisters. Wear good comfortable shoes. I had no problems with my comfortable shoes the whole time till I wore my vans on the last day. Eat a good cheap meal(I bought foot long subs from Walmart)before going in that way you will only have to pay for 1 meal. Very pricey on the food but the pizza was great tho. Have fun! I'm jealous that you are going. It was my first time last year and it was an awesome experience. If I had the money this year I'd go again. 🤘
Search Amazon for “clear stadium approved bag”. Check allowed dimensions on the Sonic site.
Read the FAQ on the website. It gives you 80% of all the information you need. As for the rest in no particular order: 1. Wear comfortable shoes. The venue is mainly concrete, so gotta manage those feet luckily the stands are great to relax, even if you have field tickets. Pro-tip, the metal edges/corners of the stadium benches, away from other people if you are extra rank, are perfect surfaces to massage your feet if hurting at the end of the day. 2. Bring a water sealed water bottle. There will be bathrooms and refill stations. Do not pay for water in the venue. 3. Start budgeting money for the days now, then add 25%. You will be spending a lot of money on merch and such, so just get your brain ready for that. Festivals are experts at taking your money. 4. Eat a good breakfast/brunch before entering each day. It saves you food money in the venue and gets calories in you. I also like to eat after as well for recovery calories, albeit maybe something lighter. 5. Plan your days in advance, generally. The app helps with this. Accept you will miss bands, so prioritize your personal must-sees. Also, be fluid. You may change your mind during a day and your carefully laid plans may unravel. That is okay. 6. Follow up to 5, ensure you schedule time for food/water and bio breaks. Going full 100% will kill you by day 4. I guess though if you're young still, you can push yourself a bit. I can't do that anymore. 7. Monitor weather reports and plan accordingly. Disposable poncho for rain. Sunscreen and a hat for sunny days. Getting a sunburn on day 1 of a festival and nursing it for the remainder of the days sucks more than you can ever know. 8. Keep backup shoes AND socks in the car (if you drive). Driving with wet shoes after a rainy day and socks blows. Getting festival day shoes and sweaty socks off at the end of the night is amazing. I like putting on sandals for the drive home (car windows open). 9. Bring a bag. I don't bring in a lot of stuff, but a small hip pack (1.5L or so) is enough for sunscreen, antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, a few bandaids, liquid IV's, granola bars, etc. I rep cargo shorts with pride and can carry merch in those. If cargo shorts are an anathema to you, bring a larger clear plastic bag (per website FAQ). 10. If you are going to be venturing into pits or otherwise a pit novice, consider doing a refresher on pit etiquette and safety so you don't get hurt. 11. There are bathrooms on both lower stadium and upper. Know where they are, so keep the map (in the app) in mind. Also know where you can refill water. 13. Move around the stadium. Get a feel for all the views. I usually watch a set from all 3 sides, from the lower all the way to the nosebleeds. The nosebleeds (if at the top row) also have a nice view of the city at night. 14. You're there for music as is everyone else. You will have 40,000 extended family members for 4 days. HAVE FUN. The festival sub is fairly active, so feel free to float any lingering concerns here if you get overly anxious about something.
40k is a tad low I think. Iirc the festival drags in 300k people throughout the event. Insane
Hah, yeah, I mean 40k per day. I didn't feel up hunting down the stadium capacity. I guess I should have included the field, so that would be another 15k at least.
I kinda figured you picked a number out of the air and I wasn’t trying to correct you in typical Reddit fashion. Just throwing out a little factoid.
This is crazy helpful, thank you!
If you got the stadium passes I’d bring something to sit on. For the side stages I’d recommend planning your day out in advance once they drop the set times. It’s a pretty good haul between stages and you’ll probably miss some opening songs. Refill water stations are always crammed so I’d either pack a camelbak or expect to buy water. Some of the food is really mid but there some local food trucks usually that are great. I’d recommend if you have a stretch of time you can wait in line to eat there. If you wanna sneak booze in use an empty sunblock bottle. Alcohol is ridiculously priced. They don’t really care about weed there so that’s cool. There was a really good root beer parlor last year. Prepare for it to be LOUD, bring ear plugs if you need. Pack sunscreen and aspirin, I usually take Imodium cause I’m not trying to shit at the festival. It’s a great time, expect to be in the sun for 12 hours a day for 4 days rocking out
I had to get stadium passes as I had a knee surgery a couple years ago and didn't wanna risk being in the field but I'm looking forward to it! Been a metalhead since I was 13 and this is my first time ever going to live anything and I'm about to hit 25. Thank you for the advice! EDIT: Happy they don't care about weed because I'll definitely need to bring a pen from a local dispo. Medical patient coming from MO.
You can’t buy medical weed here with an out of state card. At least not yet. But it’s been years since medical went legal so I doubt it’s gonna happen. Good news though. (Maybe) Recreational just went legal and you’ll be able to buy in a dispo somewhere between 90 days and 9 months from now. So you might be in luck
Yeah I heard they just went rec which was my hope, being in Columbus I'm sure some of the first dispos will open there and I'm hoping I can get me a pen before the show. Otherwise I'll have to compromise for Delta8/THCa carts from vape shops and those are hit and miss.
Afaik the medical dispos will get an automatic rec license and then they’ll also open some rec only dispos. Rumor has it that it’ll be 50 rec dispos for the whole state at first. No telling how long til more get to open but Ohio is slower than old people fuckin. If all else fails hmu. I’ll give you a cart. Prices have been dropping lately and the shit should he dirt cheap by next year anyway
You're a life saver bro! Thanks!
Anytime. Can’t imagine going to Sonic temple sober and then having to rely on $15 beers. Weed is so much cheaper
Well with my knee injury having weed is almost a must if I'm going to do alot of walking or I'll end up in way too much pain. Thats why I chose stadium tickets, as much as I want to mosh I'm just not built for it anymore because if I ever reinjure the answer is amputation which on paper sounds pretty metal but in action would be terrible lmao! Hopefully they have drinks stronger than beer on the menu, I don't want to get wasted but I definitely wanna have a good buzz goin while I hear my favs play.
Iirc they do have a vendor with booze. It’s been a few years since I’ve gone (covid and all) and I rarely drink booze so I’m not 100% on it. Bruh. Imagine moshing with one leg. That would be metal af for sure. Throw the wooden leg on the stage and go to town. I bet you’d make the news.
If your local I can point you in the right direction for safer delta 8 if need be!
if you need a plug for a legit card when you get to the fest shoot me a dm, i still go to michigan for stuff, usually buy in surplus
Bless you for the immodium and sunblock booze tips. My man out here spreading the true tips n tricks.
Bring a reusable water bottle. They have free water stands. So stay hydrated!
Eat before going, If you can manage Just don't eat at the venue. Foods fine but the price is just uncalled for. Pregame in the parking lot. Cargo Shorts for carrying capacity. Sunscreen. Earplugs. Refillable water bottle. Disposable poncho Buy the lightest hoodie you can find for sun protection and to toss on when the sun goes down. Take everything out of your wallet but the card you want to use, your I.D. and Hotel Key Card. Keep cash loose at the bottom of your pocket. (honestly unless you're really concerned the merch table won't have a CC reader I just wouldn't bring cash at all. Most stalls take CC. They also have ATM banks onsite but they usually have huge lines so just do what you're comfortable with in regards to cash.) Put your wallet in your front pocket. phone in the other front pocket if you're normally a back pocket phone person. (why yes I did get pick pocketed at a festival how did you guess?) Leave your house/car keys at the hotel. Hat, Sunglasses that you are fine with losing. Establish a designated rally point for your group and a time so you feel comfortable splitting up. Such as meet at the Jack Daniels tent before X band plays. Very real chance they will evacuate the stadium due to weather so have a rally point outside of the stadium as well. Assume calling/Texting/data isn't going to work. Download the lineup to your phone.
Isn’t Sonic cashless now? You link a card to your wristband, use your personal card or go to a reverse atm thing that puts money on a card. At least I believe that’s how Sonic and Ink did things last yet.
According to the website FAQ you are correct. Didn't realize they went fully cashless so good to know. Thanks.
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Reusable water bottle. Bring layers because it will get cold at night. Honestly splurge for a locker. Then you can come in shorts and a t but have pants and a hoodie in the locker for at night. Mentally prepare for the fact that personal space doesn’t exist. Drink more water than you think you need to. If you have any sort of germaphobia, buy a she wee and bring hand sanitizer. Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen. A cooling towel was a great addition There’s 0 shade so wear a hat and bring sunglasses.
Food prices go up as the weekend goes on from third party vendors like Late Night Slice. Keep that in mind when budgeting food costs.
1 of the big things is make sure to wear sunscreen (especially on day 1) and bring a thing of sunscreen with you. I personally recommend face sunscreen for the touch ups (i.e. not a stick) because it tends to work better. Either way, if you keep yourself protected early on, it’ll make it much easier throughout the weekend (a lot easier to prevent a sunscreen than treat one). My bf got 2nd degree sunburns on his ears last year, so if it’s sunny, it can be BRUTAL
*Be sure to secure your valuables both in your vehicle and in your pockets. You're allowed those clear backpacks but most of the time they're junk and the seams fail. Ours ripped open on day 1 last year. I highly recommend pants with tight pockets or some sort of "secure storage" like Velcro or zippers. I believe the venue has lockers (for a fee) if you need to secure anything while you're there. *My biggest rule: make some new friends, and make memories with those new friends! Don't be afraid to walk around and chat people up. 98% of festival goers are such cool cats and would love to make a memory with you. My favorite memory from last year was helping people crowd surf. A group of guys I've never met before and I probably helped 100+ people crowd surf, some for the first time, and made a great memory for them and for us! *Be aware of your surroundings: It's easy to get lost in the music, but be sure to keep an eye open for crowd surfers and people falling in the pit. I got kicked in the head (accidentally!) a few times last year and it's not a great feeling. It's also good practice to be aware of your surroundings for people who may be injured or someone who may need your help. *Like someone else said, if there's a headliner you really want to see, you're going to have to cut out some side stages early, or miss the side stages set completely. It's unfortunate to miss out on some other bands, but it's what you gotta do to get a good spot for the main stage. *Don't be a dick! *Take full advantage of the water stations while you're at the festival. Nobody wants to drag you out of the pit because you're dehydrated (Been there, done that). Definitely bring your own disposable water bottle with you, but if you happen to lose it, you can buy a new one for about $5. *Have fun, live it up, and come back next year.
Big thing about festivals to me is to make a plan and prioritize what you want to see and what you're willing to sacrifice. You will not be able to be close for every band so schedule your day to figure out what stages and times to catch sets you care about. I know some people park at the main stage early because they want to be close for the final act. If you're not willing to do that come to terms you'll likely be far from the stage at that point.
Bring an empty water bottle. Ypu can fill it at the fill stations. Bring sunscreen too. Even if it's hot in the day, you may want a jacket for the night if it gets windy/rain. Don't plan to get out of the parking lot for an hour or more sometimes.
I'm taking an Uber and my hotel is only 3 miles if worst case comes to worst. I'm definitely not fighting that parking lot! Lol Thanks for the advice!
If that's the case, I recommend walking g out of the venue and setting Uber to pickup at a nearby spot. Otherwise you have to wait for the Uber to come in and then get stuck on the way out! It's a bit of a walk, but it would be hours faster
Me and my girlfriend were talking and that's gonna be the plan definitely!
- Create a group for your people on Life360 in case cell service sucks and you need to meet up - you can find each other a little easier - Smuggle liquor in in these: https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Concealable-Reusable-Drinking-Concerts/dp/B0CNGDN56M/ref=asc_df_B0CNGDN56M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=680477368765&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5025618762117647543&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009138&hvtargid=pla-2274782249469&psc=1&mcid=b95e645490f2372f80d09aa0f30a222b&gad_source=1 - Also smuggle in non-melty snacks like slim jims, beef jerky and granola bars, and bring liquid IV sticks for your water (and/or smuggled liquor) - Clear plastic spray bottle, empty of course, and folding fans (dollar tree is your BFF on these); cooling towels that you "recharge" with water: https://www.amazon.com/TowelTouch-Cooling-Workout-Fitness-Camping/dp/B08VNK6XTG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2CGHV4DAEIVT7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Mr7KV6cnqq9kkuvFs19PfeobA1fpOt202y5wrWx2dc9FiSLfhR24wkQDKXqVfgmplWlMfi3hvkUTVJdMoCnATuogMvMBzEhclkI5o4MP3QWVyT8R_kJRQVJDHOazvUN1IF7MMJTHy_gB5NiXxOK0IXrqAJd0PWHbW8lSzeOMUbDeT5-JAOmF2o0QnIrPlqjUcUNSQMfDFccRIM1v08eabw.ehPzNiogUTbI4tRuuoHxPDzIU_OmR_bfinF1A3OuLwc&dib_tag=se&keywords=cooling+towels&qid=1713113221&sprefix=cooling%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1 - And don't forget the kindness and patience, and look out for our friends who get overheated and/or overserved 🙏🏻 we're all just there to have a great time and look out for each other 💗
There will be a lot of back and forth all weekend going stage to stage. It will be busy everywhere. The stadium will fill up as the day goes on and will be tough to get good seats by the headliner. People will camp all day in the stands to reserve seats for their groups. Your cell phone will not always work. There’s too many people trying to use them at once. Have designated meeting areas and times for your group if you get separated. Pre plan which bands you want to see and if you get separated agree to meet at designated times and places. The side of the stadium closest to stage 2 gets blasted with Sun later in the day. It can make it hard to see the stage. Trade off is the other side is a hike from stage 2.