“You want to have fun, but it’s really important to stay aware,” says Armelle Gloaguen, a musician who attended classic festivals like Clearwater, founded by Pete Seeger, and Woodstock ’94.
“Be there for the music, not the drugs and alcohol, if you want to remember any of it. Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers, and be aware of your limits,” advises Gloaguen, who owns “Armelle for Kids,” which seeks to bridge cultures through music.
Know the rules, and download the app
Festivals’ rules vary, so before you head out, check the parking situation and the list of what you can bring.
For instance, Coachella, the annual festival in Indio, Calif., doesn’t allow chairs, outside food or umbrellas. At Tanglewood, in western Massachusetts, attendees are welcome to bring chairs and picnics, and umbrellas are fine; they just can’t be over 6 feet across.
Download a festival’s app and bring a portable phone charger.
Once there, scope out the terrain. Keep an eye out for the nearest cooling station and medical tent as you figure out where to sit.
Handling the heat
“First and foremost, we see a lot of heat-related illnesses, since temperatures in the desert can get pretty high and rise quickly,” says Julie Puzzo, assistant medical director of the emergency department at JFK Memorial Hospital, near Coachella.
“We see everything from heat cramps to heat stroke, which can be life threatening,” she says.
Hydrate consistently with electrolyte-containing beverages, she says.
Wear layers, a hat and other protective clothing, and avoid excessive alcohol. Opt for non-aerosol sunscreen, since many festival venues ban aerosol sprays.