Music festivals are exciting events that bring people together to celebrate music, dance, and create unforgettable memories. With thousands of people attending these events, you need to understand proper music festival etiquette to ensure everyone has a positive experience.
Attending a music festival can be an exhilarating experience; respecting others and maintaining a proper environment for all is important. But sometimes, some pretty disrespectful things will just happen at music festivals. Imagine you attended a music festival, and people are doing inappropriate things irritating you. You wouldn’t be happy, don’t you?
Understanding and following proper music festival etiquette can ensure a positive and enjoyable time for everyone involved. In this article, we will explore some of the music festival etiquette. It will provide valuable insights to make the most of your festival experience.
Music Festival Etiquette #1 - Don't Block Other People's Views
Attending a music festival is an exciting experience that allows you to enjoy live performances, discover new artists, and create lasting memories. However, you need to remember that you are sharing the festival grounds with thousands of music lovers. You need to respect the experience of others by not obstructing their view.
Some common ways that block other people’s views include holding up your phone to take photos or videos, waving around, and dancing with the totem. Occasionally, you will see some people climbing onto their pal’s shoulder. This definitely will block the people’s view at the back, where they need to find somewhere else to get a better view. This isn’t fair to them.
The main performance area is the focal point of a music festival, and everyone wants a clear view of the artists and their performances. Blocking someone’s view can greatly diminish their experience and detract from their enjoyment of the festival. Be aware of your positioning and consider how it affects those around you.
Music Festival Etiquette #2 - Don't Use Noisemaker
Music is the central focus of any music festival, and you want to respect the artists’ performances and others who want to enjoy the music. Noisemakers can distract and disrupt the performers and others who join the festival. Be considerate by avoiding noisemakers.
Noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles, or other loud instruments, can create unnecessary noise and disturb the overall atmosphere of the festival. They can drown out the music and make it difficult for others to appreciate the performance fully. It can also disrupt the concentration of the artists and affect their ability to deliver their best performance.
If you are looking for ways to express yourself and participate in the festival atmosphere, there are plenty of alternatives to noisemakers. Join in the crowd’s collective energy by clapping, dancing, or singing along with the music.
Music Festival Etiquette #3 - Don't Make Unwanted Sexual Advance
Some jokes can be laughed off, but unwanted sexual advance isn’t one of them. It isn’t appropriate to touch anyone without their permission. It can be considered an assault.
Unwanted sexual advances include touching, kissing, staring, sexually-charged gestures, and even asking for sex. Don’t take advantage of others to get your way. You need to respect personal boundaries and personal space in any social events, including music festivals.
Be mindful of personal boundaries and understand that each individual has their own comfort level regarding physical contact. Always ask for consent before you have any physical interaction with others.
Music Festival Etiquette #4 - Be Polite When Going Through Crowds
Music festivals bring together large crowds of enthusiastic music lovers who are eager to experience their favorite artists live. Navigating through these crowds can be challenging at times, but it is important to remember the value of politeness and respect for others.
Although moving around in a large crowd can be hard, that doesn’t mean you have to flail your elbows around to push and shove your way through. Simply say, “Excuse me,” and gently find your way through the crowd. There will be a higher chance that others will make room for you if you are polite rather than flailing your elbows around.
Also, plan your route before venturing into the crowd. Anticipate potential bottlenecks or congested areas and identify alternative paths if needed. Planning ahead can help you navigate more efficiently and reduce the likelihood of unnecessary pushing or crowding.
Music Festival Etiquette #5 - Be Respect To The Venue
Music festivals can take place in various venues, from outdoor parks to dedicated event spaces.
But people often forget that the venues are not just pieces of land that the organizers came across. Music festivals like Rainforest World Music Festival hold the event at the cultural village, where they protect their culture.
You would want to show respect to the venue. Be sure not to trash the grounds and leave rubbish everywhere. Throw it in designated trash bins or bring a small bag to store your rubbish until you find an appropriate place to dispose of it.
Respecting the festival venue is not only an act of gratitude but also a way to ensure the festival’s continued success. The venue is also someone’s business. The venue owner and organizers invest time, effort, and resources into hosting the event. So try to make their job easy by keeping the place clean.
Music Festival Etiquette #6 - Be Responsible With Alcohol And Substances
Music festivals are vibrant and exhilarating events that provide a platform for music lovers to come together and enjoy live performances. Many music festivals provide alcohol; when you choose to consume alcohol or other substances at a music festival, do it responsibly. Overindulging can increase the risk of personal safety and affect people around you.
Know your limits when it comes to alcohol and substance consumption. Set personal boundaries and be prepared to say no if you feel uncomfortable or if someone offers you something you do not want to consume.
Stay hydrated throughout the event. Drink plenty of water to help you maintain your well-being and enjoy the festival to its fullest. Also, look out for your friends or others who may appear distressed or experience negative effects. Seek help from the festival staff.
