The time has come again: it’s the season of music festivals. From Ultra to Storm, even the best festivals can be ruined by a few mistakes. You definitely wouldn’t want to loose all your friends and then miss the last metro back to your house. Old timers know that in order to survival a music festival under the cruel Shanghai sun, a few tricks up your belt are needed. For first time music festival goers, maybe you still need some words of wisdom to ensure you have the “Instagram-worthy” time at the music festival you imagined. So without further ado, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks to help you have the best time at the music festival you’re going to!
Before the music festival, you should:
Plan out your schedule
Make sure to have a copy of the lineup either on your phone or printed, and have at least a general idea of when you want to see which artist play on which stage. Some festivals even offer tattoos of the schedule!
Plan our your outfit
If you’re a fashion geek this may sound like a no brainer, but make sure you’re not scrambling to decide on what to wear the day of the festival. You may want to dress to impress, but ask yourself: do you really want to walk in a 30 degree weather wearing heels or uncomfortable tight clothes?
Essentials to bring:
Water and Light Snacks
Some festivals don’t allow unsealed waters inside the park, while others do. At least prepare an empty plastic bottle because the festival may offer water stations. Don’t bring large sized snacks (i.e. sandwiches), instead opt for light snacks like nuts.
Cash
While you may have WeChat pay or a credit card, some festivals won’t even accept these methods of payment. Be sure to bring cash with you!
Portable charger
A handy charging station right with you will be a life saver when you’re trying to snap the best performance from a singer at 10 percent battery. Make sure it’s fully charged the night before!
Wet wipes, tissues, or hand sanitizer
In a crowded space, you really don’t know what you’re about to touch. Wet wipes come in handy when you accidentally touch something suspicious or want to clean up after eating a meal! Trust us.
A layer of clothing in case it gets cold
The Shanghai weather can go from scorching desert weather to freezing in a matter of hours, so be sure to pack a jacket or light sweatshirt so you can stay cozy the whole time.
Things you don’t value
A packed music festival is a great ground for losing things or getting your things stolen. Make sure you don’t bring anything you would cry over losing!
A small bag
If you don’t want to carry everything we just mentioned in your hands, then you might want to consider bringing a small bag to carry everything. But be sure to find the balance: don't bring something big and clumsy.
During the festival, you should:
Make sure your phone is open at all times
Music festivals attract large crowds, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to loose other people. If you’re going with friends, make sure that you are available for texting or calling in case one of you gets lost.
Carry a map
In a large music festival, there are often several stages, toilets, snacks stations, etc. You’ll save so much time if you can just pull out a map and identify where you are and where you want to go!
Leave early or leave late
If you want to avoid squeezing through large crowds to get to the subway or your car, you should either leave before the people all try to swarm out, or stay a little while after so you miss the masses.
Carry a bottle of liquids at all time
In the summer, your chances of becoming dehydrated are so much more if you’re doing a physical activity (i.e. jumping and screaming for your favorite artist). Make sure that you won’t pass out from the sun or exertion by carrying a liquid, preferably water, at all times!
Live in the moment
Don’t watch the performances through your phone! Music festivals are about jumping up and down and having fun with your friends and thousands of other strangers accompanied by your favorite artists!
Amy Liu
 |
| Storm Music Festival, taken by Amy Liu |
Before the music festival, you should:
Plan out your schedule
Make sure to have a copy of the lineup either on your phone or printed, and have at least a general idea of when you want to see which artist play on which stage. Some festivals even offer tattoos of the schedule!
Plan our your outfit
If you’re a fashion geek this may sound like a no brainer, but make sure you’re not scrambling to decide on what to wear the day of the festival. You may want to dress to impress, but ask yourself: do you really want to walk in a 30 degree weather wearing heels or uncomfortable tight clothes?
 |
| Photo source: Simply Lib |
Essentials to bring:
Water and Light Snacks
Some festivals don’t allow unsealed waters inside the park, while others do. At least prepare an empty plastic bottle because the festival may offer water stations. Don’t bring large sized snacks (i.e. sandwiches), instead opt for light snacks like nuts.
Cash
While you may have WeChat pay or a credit card, some festivals won’t even accept these methods of payment. Be sure to bring cash with you!
Portable charger
A handy charging station right with you will be a life saver when you’re trying to snap the best performance from a singer at 10 percent battery. Make sure it’s fully charged the night before!
Wet wipes, tissues, or hand sanitizer
In a crowded space, you really don’t know what you’re about to touch. Wet wipes come in handy when you accidentally touch something suspicious or want to clean up after eating a meal! Trust us.
A layer of clothing in case it gets cold
The Shanghai weather can go from scorching desert weather to freezing in a matter of hours, so be sure to pack a jacket or light sweatshirt so you can stay cozy the whole time.
Things you don’t value
A packed music festival is a great ground for losing things or getting your things stolen. Make sure you don’t bring anything you would cry over losing!
A small bag
If you don’t want to carry everything we just mentioned in your hands, then you might want to consider bringing a small bag to carry everything. But be sure to find the balance: don't bring something big and clumsy.
During the festival, you should:
Make sure your phone is open at all times
Music festivals attract large crowds, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to loose other people. If you’re going with friends, make sure that you are available for texting or calling in case one of you gets lost.
Carry a map
In a large music festival, there are often several stages, toilets, snacks stations, etc. You’ll save so much time if you can just pull out a map and identify where you are and where you want to go!
Leave early or leave late
If you want to avoid squeezing through large crowds to get to the subway or your car, you should either leave before the people all try to swarm out, or stay a little while after so you miss the masses.
Carry a bottle of liquids at all time
In the summer, your chances of becoming dehydrated are so much more if you’re doing a physical activity (i.e. jumping and screaming for your favorite artist). Make sure that you won’t pass out from the sun or exertion by carrying a liquid, preferably water, at all times!
Live in the moment
Don’t watch the performances through your phone! Music festivals are about jumping up and down and having fun with your friends and thousands of other strangers accompanied by your favorite artists!
Amy Liu
