Robert Menne writes and plays music in his spare time. He runs a site, FreeSongs.us that shares the latest tips and advice about guitars and guitar playing, as well as the best video guitar lessons to help you learn to play guitar.
The Rules of Etiquette for a Music Festival
Music festivals can be a great experience, bringing together amazing people and forging friendships that last a lifetime. It’s a great way to connect with others; you have the opportunity to meet people you may have never had the chance to meet any other way. However, festivals can also bring out some pretty questionable behavior for some people. If you've never been to a festival before, here are some of the rules of etiquette for a music festival that should be followed so that everyone can have the best time possible.
Dress code
It's important to know how to dress so at a festival. Wearing the wrong shoes or clothing can make all the difference to whether you enjoy yourself or not. One of the main issues is footwear; high heels are not a good idea, but neither are flip-flops, especially if you might be stumbling around before the show is over. You also don't want to go barefoot.
The clothing you wear should be quick-drying and made from light material. You will also want to remember to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Beyond these things, embrace your creative side and wear what you like.
Help your neighbor
Sometimes people need help. Whether they need a sip of water, help down from someone's shoulders or they just need a light, people at a music festival will appreciate you lending a hand. So don't be afraid to ask someone if they need help. If you help others, most likely, the favor will be returned with pleasure.
Drugs and alcohol
It probably goes without saying, but just in case you weren’t sure, yes, music should be the main reason you go to a music festival. Some other reasons to go are to dance, spend time with great people and make memories that you'll carry with you forever. Therefore, your safety and the safety of those around you should be a major consideration.
Many people use music festivals to indulge in illegal drugs and adult beverages. This type of open environment is known to attract wild behavior. It's important that if you do decide to partake that you are respectful to the other people around you who want to enjoy the music. Just make sure that you allow them to enjoy the festival. Be responsible. Know your limits.
And on a conscientious note, if you do end up drinking during the festival, make sure you get rid your empties. This also goes for those who drink bottled water or soda. Don't throw your empties on the ground.
Put the phone away
Many people have become compulsive about taking pictures with their phone. It's okay to take a few photos here or there. However, you should not view the entire event through the screen on your phone. Make sure that you feel the music and enjoy the moment. Engage with the people and events going on around you. You are not going to forget the festival if you are taking part in it instead of filming it. Just put the phone away and enjoy yourself.
Watch the show
Many people forget this important rule. Concerts are not just for listening, but you should be watching the music being performed. If you are not facing the band because you are talking to your friends during the show, you may end up making others angry. Turn around and watch the concert and let your friends watch the show, too.
There are two types of people that irritate others at a music festival: people who don't dance at all and those who go wild when they do. If you get a little crazy when you dance and you want to spend the whole night wildly moving to the music, that's fine. Just don't do it when you’re shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowd of people. There's not enough room for it. Find pockets that you can slip into with others who want to go to town with their wild moves.
Make some friends
You don't have to be a stranger for long. You can meet lots of new people at a festival. Dancing with a group of people, helping someone out or just striking up a conversation in between sets can help you to meet new friends that you may have for life. These little acts of friendliness can mean more to some people than you may think.
Music festivals can be a great time for all and give you the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy your favorite bands. Follow these rules of etiquette so that you and everyone else around you can have the best time possible, making memories that will last you for the rest of your life.
Hi Robert,
There are more important things to think about in the runup to music-in-a-field fun time, so here are my golden rules for festival season.
I guess if the venue had an explicit rules regarding (a) taking photos intended for sale.