Festivals, raves, and concerts are amazing places to enjoy great music with loved ones and new people. But it's essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety while having fun and loving your festival experience. Here are a few safety tips that can help protect you and the people you attend festivals with.

1. Stay hydrated. Festivals often occur in environments with hot, humid temperatures, and involve lots of walking through the festival grounds to see artists on different stages. Therefore, to keep physically healthy, it is essential to manage your fluid intake through using a hydration pack or filling up empty water bottles at hydration stations.

2. Have a specific meeting place at a set time with your friends. This way, you can easily find each other if separated between the hundreds of thousands of people on festival grounds. Often, text messaging and calling do not work with masses using these services simultaneously, so it is vital to be able to meet with your group without contacting them.

3. Use safety equipment if permitted. For instance, safety items like pepper spray (where legal) and personal alarms can help deter potential attackers who attempt sexual or physical violence in dense crowds. Having these items can ease your mind when approaching an enclosed space that may trigger anxiety and stress in survivors.

4. Prepare for being in an enclosed area with many people nearby. If you're uncomfortable with people touching you, especially in a mosh environment, managing your triggers and having supportive and understanding friends are helpful. Coping mechanisms like breathing exercises or visualizing positive memories can be beneficial, alongside friends who can assist your self and co-regulation.

5. Protect your alcoholic drinks and check on friends who are drinking heavily. This way, you can ensure they stay safe in case your drinks are spiked. For more information, check out RAINN's Alcohol Safety Tips.

6. Have a support system in place. Friends can be a great asset when protecting you and looking for potential danger. For instance, you can use the “buddy system” when visiting the bathroom or leaving your group to see new artists. Taking someone with you when encountering new surroundings can ease nervousness and protect you and your friend.

7. Be aware of your surroundings. Know where the exits are in case you need to leave quickly. Furthermore, trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

8. Prepare adequately for the festival. For instance, you can wear comfortable clothing and shoes, pack snacks and drinks, use a backpack or purse, charge your phone to 100% and bring a battery pack, and leave valuables at home. Implementing these tips can help you stay physically and mentally secure during long days in packed crowds.

Ultimately, have fun! While it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety, festivals should be a source of joy and happiness. You can look forward to singing and dancing to your heart's content with old and new friends at upcoming festivals like Coachella, Dreamville, Rolling Loud LA, EDC Orlando, and Lollapalooza!

If you or a loved one ever requires support in matters concerning sexual violence or abuse, please contact us at The National Sexual Assault Hotline by calling 800.656.HOPE (4673) or by accessing The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline where you can receive 24/7 support.