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Why attend a music festival solo?
How do you feel when you attend a concert? Last weekend, I saw Idina Menzel in concert. I of course know her Broadway hits and Disney’s Frozen songs well, but I don’t know her original songs well. Plus, she sang some covers, which I always enjoy. I felt connected to her and the audience, as we experienced this event together as a community. I felt inspired by her artistry, as well as the artistry of her band, the set decorations, and the costume designs. I felt like it was a celebration of her work, of Broadway, and of Disney. I left that concert feeling high on life!
For that concert, I was by myself for the VIP experience, which consisted of watching a soundcheck by Idina and her band, and then a Q&A with Idina and a group photo. I did not feel at all awkward being alone for that. And then a friend joined me for the concert itself. But I’ve been to many concerts solo. I know that the idea of attending a concert or a music festival alone might seem daunting, but I believe that it can be one of the most liberating and rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Let’s talk about the benefits of attending a music festival by yourself.
Rediscover Your Independence
We often find ourselves caught up in the daily responsibilities of life. Solo adventures offer a refreshing break. Attending a concert or music festival alone allows you to reclaim your independence. You can make decisions without compromising or considering someone else’s preferences. Do you want to stand right at the front and dance your heart out? Go for it! Or maybe you prefer to sit back and soak in the music from a distance. You get to decide! This sense of freedom is empowering and reminds you of your ability to navigate the world on your own terms.
Connect with Your True Self
Music has this unique way of touching our souls and evoking deep emotions. I’ve seen people who usually aren’t very emotional suddenly well up while listening to music. When you attend a concert or a festival alone, you have the opportunity to connect with these emotions without any external distractions. You can fully immerse yourself in the experience, letting the music guide your thoughts and feelings. This can be a profoundly introspective journey, offering you a chance to reflect, relax, and recharge. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your inner self, and that fosters personal growth and self-awareness.
Embrace New Social Opportunities
One of the most beautiful aspects of attending concerts and festivals alone is the potential for new social interactions. When you’re by yourself, you’re more approachable and open to meeting new people. Concerts and festivals bring together like-minded individuals who share a love for the same music, creating an ideal environment for making new friends. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a fellow fan in line or bonding with someone over your favorite song, these spontaneous connections can lead to lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
Build Confidence and Self-Reliance
Navigating a concert or festival solo can be a confidence-boosting experience. From planning your trip and managing your schedule to finding your way around the venue, each step reinforces your ability to handle things independently. This newfound confidence extends beyond the event itself, positively impacting other areas of your life. You’ll find yourself more willing to take on challenges and less afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
I really experienced this confidence boost when I took the trip at the age of 24 from Indianapolis to Los Angeles. Not only did I see Barbra Streisand in concert, but I took advantage of my first trip to LA by going on a city tour and exploring Santa Monica’s shops and beach near where I was staying. Keep in mind this was before the days of Google maps, Uber and Lyft! I was proud of myself for planning and navigating around LA by myself, and that was the start of my solo travels. Looking back, I can see now that taking that trip gave me the confidence to make the move just a few years later to New York City.
Enjoy the Ultimate Flexibility
When you attend a concert or festival with others, at some point you’re going to have to compromise. Going solo means you’re in complete control of your experience. Want to arrive early and catch every opening act? You can. Feel like taking a break and grabbing some food or merchandise? No problem. By attending alone, you have the flexibility to create an experience tailored entirely to your preferences. This level of autonomy enhances your enjoyment and ensures that your day or night unfolds exactly as you envision it.
As a music lover and frequent concert-goer, I know that most artists will do an encore, and that often that’s when the most popular songs are performed. When I was younger and I’d go to Deer Creek Music Center in Indiana for concerts, sometimes the people who I went with wanted to beat the traffic and leave before the encore. It always bummed me out! So, to this day, I love staying for the encore. When I’m solo, there’s no reason for me to be in a hurry at all after the show. I love that freedom and flexibility that going solo to a show offers me.
Safety Tips for Solo Music Festival Goers
Here are some detailed safety tips to help you stay secure and make the most of your solo festival experience.
Plan Ahead
Plan how you will be arriving to and leaving the venue. I find it helpful to read reviews of venues, especially if I’m going to take a car service, to find out where it can drop me off at the venue, what to expect about traffic, and especially how to find a ride share in a long line after a show.
Also, be sure to check the venue rules for security. Some venues have a maximum size of bag to bring in. Some venues require clear bags.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay alert. Keep your senses sharp and be aware of the people and activities around you.
Also, know the layout of the venue. Familiarize yourself with the festival map, including the locations of exits, restrooms, medical tents, and security posts.
Stay Connected
Share your plans with a friend or family member and check in periodically via phone or text. Share your festival itinerary, where you’ll be staying, and any travel details. Carry a fully charged phone and a portable charger.
Travel Light
Bring only essentials, and keep your belongings secure in a crossbody bag to best protect them. Avoid openly displaying any valuable items like expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from event staff or security if you feel unsafe or need assistance. That’s their job!
Personal Safety Gear
Wear a whistle. A small, loud whistle can be used to attract attention in an emergency. Also, have a way to see clearly when walking in darker areas, which often happens at festivals that go late into the night or where you stay overnight. A flashlight or headlamp is essential for navigating in the dark and can also signal for help if needed. Don’t rely on the flashlight on your phone. For one, it’s not that powerful to see a far distance, and what happens if your phone dies?
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can make you more vulnerable to accidents and illnesses. Carry a refillable water bottle and use the festival’s hydration stations. Also, make sure that you eat regularly. Keep your energy levels up with regular meals and snacks.
Be Cautious with Alcohol and Substances
This one is important. Know your limits. It’s great to enjoy yourself, but avoid drinking excessively or substance use that can impair your judgment and reaction times. If you are drinking, whether it’s alcoholic or non-alcoholic, watch your drink. Never leave your drink unattended and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
Solo Camping Safety
If you are camping overnight at the festival, choose a safe spot. Set up your tent in a well-lit, populated area. Avoid secluded spots. Also, lock your tent. Use a small padlock to secure your tent when you’re not inside.
Be Prepared
Carry an emergency kit. Yes, festivals have medical tents and services, but they may not be open 24/7. Have essentials on hand like a first aid kit, a portable phone charger, and any necessary medications. Also, know emergency procedures of the venue. Familiarize yourself with the festival’s emergency protocols and exits. When I was at the Idina concert at the Dr. Phillips Center downtown, we were under a tornado watch from a tropical storm. I didn’t know what their emergency protocols were if we had a tornado warning, and I should’ve looked them up beforehand. I also blame the movie “Twisters” for this paranoia (go see it, great movie), but it’s good to be prepared for anything.
Engage with the Community
This is a fun tip. Make friends! Befriend your camping neighbors and fellow festival-goers. Having friendly faces around can enhance your safety. Also, nearly every music festival and every band or artist now has online groups and accounts. Join those online communities where you can connect with other people going to the concert or festival and share tips.
Medical and Health Safety
Carry a card with important medical information, including allergies and emergency contacts. And do everything you can to stay healthy, so you can enjoy the festival experience to the fullest.
Practice good hygiene, use hand sanitizer, and take breaks to rest and avoid burnout.
Navigating Crowds
In crowded situations, stay calm and move with the flow of people. Always be aware of the nearest exits and have a plan to reach them if necessary.
Follow these safety tips to navigate a festival solo with confidence. Remember that your safety is paramount, so take the necessary precautions to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. Embrace the freedom and excitement of solo festival-going, knowing you’ve taken the steps to protect yourself and have an unforgettable adventure.
Best Music Festivals to Attend Solo
Attending a festival solo can be an exhilarating and empowering adventure. Here’s a list of some of the best solo festivals that are not only safe but also offer a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for solo travelers. Each of these festivals provides a unique cultural experience, making them perfect for solo adventurers looking to immerse themselves in music, arts, and community.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – Indio, California, USA
Coachella is one of the most famous music festivals in the world, known for its diverse lineup, stunning art installations, and celebrity sightings. The festival attracts a friendly and open-minded crowd, making it easy to meet new people. With plenty of on-site amenities and activities, it’s a fantastic option for solo travelers. In 2024, the lineup at Coachella included Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, Chappell Roan, the Deftones, and many more. In 2025, Coachella will be held April 11-13 and 18-20. There’s a waitlist for passes and all kinds of great info at Coachella.com.
Glastonbury Festival – Somerset, England
Glastonbury is a legendary festival that offers a truly immersive experience. Known for its eclectic lineup and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great place to explore on your own. The festival’s extensive site features various stages, art installations, workshops, and markets, providing endless opportunities for solo adventurers to engage and enjoy. The lineup is extremely impressive, including a Sunday legends spot that in 2024 featured Sheryl Crow. The three headlining acts in 2024 were Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and SZA, and also performing were Cyndi Lauper, Avril Lavigne, Paul McCartney, PJ Harvey, Fleetwood Mac, and many more talented musicians. The Glastonbury Festival will be held June 25-29, 2025.
SXSW (South by Southwest) – Austin, Texas, USA
SXSW is a unique blend of music, film, and interactive media, attracting creative minds from around the globe. The festival takes over the city of Austin, offering many opportunities to network and meet like-minded individuals. With a wide range of events, panels, and performances, you’ll never run out of things to do and people to meet.
I’ve been to Texas, but I’ve always wanted to visit Austin, so SXSW in March 2025 may be the perfect time to go. I love the huge blend of artistry on display here. One year, author Brene Brown interviewed Brett Goldstein, best known for playing Roy Kent on the TV series “Ted Lasso”. The music festival showcases artists and bands who may not have made it big yet, which I love because it’s so fun to discover new talent in a live setting like that. And then they’ll have well-known musicians, like The Black Keys in 2024. So I’m excited to see who all will be performing there in 2025.
Tomorrowland – Boom, Belgium
Tomorrowland is one of the biggest electronic dance music festivals in the world. Its vibrant and energetic atmosphere is perfect for solo travelers who love to dance and immerse themselves in the music. The festival’s sense of community and shared love for EDM makes it easy to connect with fellow festival-goers from all over the world. This festival is typically held every July. There are also a couple of offshoot festivals – Tomorrowland Winter will be in Alpe D’Huez in March 2025, and Tomorrowland Brasil will be in Sao Paolo in October 2024.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Edinburgh, Scotland
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances across various genres. As a solo traveler, you’ll have the freedom to explore countless shows, ranging from comedy and theater to dance and music. The welcoming and inclusive nature of the festival ensures that you’ll feel comfortable striking up conversations and making new friends. The festival is actually happening right now, August 2nd through the 26th this year.
As an example of the vast amount of performers at this festival, I did a search on the website for comedy acts. This year, there are 162 comedy performances at the festival. That is amazing! And I really like all the info provided on the website. For each performance, you can see the anticipated length of the performance, if the venue is accessible (including if there are wheelchair accessible toilets), and who the performance is suitable for (18+ for the comedic act I was looking at).
Lollapalooza – Chicago, Illinois, USA
Lollapalooza is a major music festival that takes place in Chicago’s Grant Park. With its diverse lineup and multiple stages, it’s a great destination for solo travelers. The festival’s urban setting means you can easily explore the city’s attractions and dining scene in between sets, making for a well-rounded solo adventure. This event just happened, August 1st through the 4th. The dates for 2025 haven’t been set yet. Performers this year included Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, SZA, The Killers, and Blink-182.
Shambhala Music Festival – Salmo River Ranch, British Columbia, Canada
Shambhala is a unique festival known for its stunning natural setting and tight-knit community. The festival focuses on electronic music and features six themed stages, each offering a different experience. The friendly and inclusive atmosphere makes it easy to connect with others, and the emphasis on wellness and sustainability adds an extra layer of depth to the experience.
This festival also just recently occurred in July 2024. There is a waitlist if you’re interested in 2025 tickets. There is a lodge and campsites for overnight stays.
Girls Just Wanna Weekend – Barceló Maya Resort, Mexico
I first heard about this music festival on the We Can Do Hard Things podcast, which I love and highly recommend. Musician Brandi Carlisle organizes and headlines this music festival that is at the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Resort. What’s really appealing to me is that it appears to be very well organized. You fly into Cancun, and then you worry about nothing else – a shuttle is already arranged to take you to the resort. There are various levels of packages to choose from, including different parts of the resort to stay in. One package includes a stay in an adults-only part of the resort. There are all kinds of activities, including morning yoga, workshops, lip sync contests, karaoke hosted by Brandi Carlisle, craft beer tastings, sports and games.
And you may have guessed from the name – it’s all female artists, so it sounds very much like Lilith Fair, which I loved. The lineup for Girls Just Wanna Weekend 5 in January 2024 included Brandi Carlisle, Janelle Monae, Sarah McLachlan, Allison Russell, KT Tunstall, Brandy Clark, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tish Melton, and many more artists.
Girls Just Wanna Weekend 6 will be January 16-20, 2025, and packages are available now to purchase.
That is just a sampling of the many music festivals that take place around the world. I found a great website called Music Festival Wizard, where you can search by location, month, music genre, and more for the music festival that best fits your wants and needs.
Essential Packing Tips for Solo Music Festival Goers
Preparing for a solo festival adventure requires thoughtful planning to ensure you have everything you need while staying comfortable and safe. Here are some essential packing tips to help you make the most of your solo festival experience. Also, be sure to go to the article related to this episode on MeAndTheMagic.com to find links to some of my favorite items, that you may want to buy for yourself or as a gift for someone you know who is planning to go to a festival soon.
A few general tips to start:
- Review the festival’s guidelines and prohibited items list to avoid packing anything that won’t be allowed.
- Before any trip, I check the typical monthly forecast on Accuweather.com to help me plan what to pack. Do this early so you can buy anything ahead of your trip. And then as the trip gets closer, I start checking the forecast 10 days before I’m going to leave, and I adjust my packing list accordingly.
Pack Light but Smart
Traveling solo means you’re responsible for all your belongings, so packing light is crucial. Focus on essentials and versatile items to minimize your load. Choose a sturdy, comfortable backpack or duffel bag with multiple compartments for easy organization. Also, use packing cubes or ziplock bags to keep your items organized and easily accessible.
Also bring a daypack, which is a small, lightweight backpack for carrying daily essentials like water, snacks, sunglasses, and your phone.
Clothing Essentials
Festival weather can be unpredictable, so pack clothing that can be layered and is suitable for various conditions. Wear comfortable clothing. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal. Pack a mix of shorts, leggings and other long pants, and t-shirts. Bring a hoodie or light jacket for cooler evenings and early mornings. Many festivals are outdoor venues or at least have you walking outside between the different stages and offerings, so a compact rain jacket or poncho is essential in case of unexpected showers. And speaking of walking, comfortable, broken-in shoes are a must. Consider packing a pair of waterproof boots and flip-flops for shared showers. And don’t forget about accessories. A hat, sunglasses, and a bandana or scarf can provide extra protection from the sun and dust.
Personal Care Items
Keeping clean and comfortable is key to enjoying your festival experience. Pack travel toiletries, like you would for any trip, including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and deodorant. You’ll likely be outside a fair amount, so you’ll need high SPF sunscreen (I love this stick sunscreen) and lip balm to protect against sunburn. Wet wipes are great for quick clean-ups and freshening up. Hand sanitizer is always handy to keep your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available. And be sure to pack a first aid kit, including Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, any necessary prescription medications, and blister treatment.
Camping Gear
If you’re camping at the festival (bless you, you brave person you), bring gear that will help you have a comfortable and safe stay.
- Tent: A lightweight, easy-to-assemble tent with a rainfly.
- Sleeping Bag: Choose one appropriate for the climate.
- Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress: For added comfort and insulation from the ground.
- Camping Chair: A compact, foldable chair for relaxation.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: With extra batteries for navigating the campsite at night.
Food and Drink
Staying nourished and hydrated is vital for maintaining your energy levels. I take a reusable water bottle or a stainless steel tumbler, like a Yeti, with me pretty much wherever I go. Many festivals have water refill stations, so take advantage of those so you don’t have to pay for bottled water. Non-perishable snacks are a must to pack and have with you, like trail mix, protein bars, and dried fruit. If you are bringing perishable food, a small cooler with ice packs can keep items fresh.
Tech and Gadgets
During your festival experience, you’ll want to stay connected, for both fun and safety. And you’ll want to capture your memories to document and share later on. Keep your phone charged with a portable charger or a power bank, and don’t forget the charging cord as well. If you’re into photography, a compact camera can capture high-quality shots.
The older I get, the more I want to protect my hearing. But it’s important to start at any age. Even during the Idina concert, my Apple watch kept pinging to tell me that I was in a loud environment, and my ears were definitely ringing after the show. Bring earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing during loud performances and block out noise when sleeping.
Lastly, a small, versatile tool (like this one that’s a wrench, pliers, wire cutter, flat screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, and knife) can come in handy for various tasks.
Safety and Security
Ensuring your safety and the security of your belongings is extremely important. Keep your identification, festival tickets, and any passes in a secure, waterproof pouch. Bring a mix of cash and credit cards. Store them in a safe place, and perhaps not all in the same location. Bring a small lock for your tent or bag to add an extra layer of security. Lastly, have a list of emergency contacts and important phone numbers. I suggest printing this out in case your phone dies or you’re somewhere with poor cell service and no Wifi.
Entertainment and Extras
A few extra items can enhance your festival experience.
- Notebook and Pen: Write down memories, schedules, or new friends’ contact details.
- Costumes and Accessories: Festivals are a great time to express yourself creatively. Have fun with this!
- Blanket or Tarp: For sitting on the ground and creating a comfortable space.
By following these packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a solo festival adventure. With the right gear and a positive attitude, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and the freedom that comes with exploring a festival on your own!
Final Thoughts
Attending a concert or music festival alone can be a transformative experience. It’s a chance to celebrate your independence, connect with your true self, meet new people, and build confidence. While stepping out solo may feel intimidating at first, the rewards far outweigh any initial apprehension. So, buy that ticket, embrace the adventure, and let the music guide you on a journey of self-discovery and joy.
