I’m sure we’ve all had our ups and downs at festivals. But hopefully, for most of us, there have been WAY more ups than downs. And sometimes, the positive moments are so amazing that we are able to forget about anything bad that’s happened. Here are 10 of the best possible feelings we can all have and relate to while at a festival.
1. Walking Through the Gates for the First Time
There is probably no better feeling at a festival than finishing up the security line and walking through the entrance for the first time. Sometimes it even takes your breath away. For many of us who travel across the country (or even the world) for festivals, walking into a new one for the first time is extremely special. When I walked into my first EDC Las Vegas and looked down at the entire speedway from the top of the bleachers, I felt like I was on top of the world.
2. Running Into A Friend Or Group of Friends
Whether you expected to see them or it was a pleasant surprise, running into your friends at a festival is another top festival feeling. Sometimes, it’s reuniting with your rave fam after you got separated in the crowd. And sometimes, it’s seeing someone you didn’t even know was at the festival in the first place! But we’ve all witnessed friends jumping into each other’s arms at shows, and have hopefully been there ourselves.
3. Hearing Your Favorite Song Played Live
This is another great moment that hits you right in the feels – especially if it comes at an unexpected time or is remixed by another DJ. Whether it’s a song that makes you cry, laugh, smile or dance until you can’t feel your feet, hearing the beat for the first time during a transition is definitely goosebump-worthy.
4. Getting Your Picture Taken by a Photographer
This is a double-edged sword type of best feeling. Because when you have your picture or video taken by a professional photographer or videographer, you immediately know that you’ll have an awesome shot of you enjoying the festival. And, if it’s a videographer, you might even make it into the aftermovie! But, the struggle of trying to FIND that photo online afterwards is very, very real. Hopefully, though, we’ve all been able to track our pictures down to help remember some of our best festival moments.
5. Lying Down in the Grass
Some people might think this is a strange one. But trust me, after being on your feet for most of the day, lying down in the grass during a night set is the definition of bliss. During TomorrowWorld 2015, after a long middle day of raving, my friend told me to try lying down on the hill by Mythical Frames before Bassnectar came on. When my back hit the ground, and I was able to look up at the sky while still hearing the music, I was immediately relaxed and refreshed. So make sure you take a minute during the end of your night to rest your legs while still taking in the atmosphere around you.
6. Raving with Your Loved One
Some of us choose to go to festivals with a group of friends. But, some of us are lucky enough to be able to enjoy a show or festival with our boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. And being able to experience all of these special moments with someone you might spend the rest of your life with is priceless. Whether it’s during a Kaskade, Porter, or Armin set, being able to hold hands and kiss under the electric sky is a moment you’ll never forget.
7. Running Into Some Good Luck
We can’t expect every festival experience to be perfect. But, if we have a little faith, sometimes an averted crisis can transform your mindset into complete and total happiness. Say you lost something – a phone or ID – and some stranger returned it to you or lost and found. Or you lost your friends, and somehow managed to find them again before heading to your favorite stage. Or simply thinking it was going to pour all day, but you’re blessed with sunshine instead! These moments of good luck will make you that much more grateful to be raving, and will hopefully put you in the best of mindsets for the rest of the weekend.
8. Eating Something Delicious
If you’re not too busy bouncing from stage to stage, it might be a good idea to stop and eat. And even if you don’t think you’re hungry, taking a bite of food for the first time all day is usually unbeatable. Festivals have stepped up their food game, and now bring in food trucks and so many food options that it’s impossible to choose just one! If you just want a little pick-me-up, try a refreshing Italian ice or frozen yogurt to rejuvenate you and keep you going for the remainder of the festival.
9. Hearing an ID That Blows Your Mind
IDs are another blessing and a curse. You hear a great song, but can’t find any info about it afterwards. Even so, hearing an amazing drop or beat for the first time is a moment you’ll never forget. And what’s one of the best parts? Months later, when the artist and title of the song is finally released, you get to be one of the ravers who heard it live… first.
10. LIVING IN THE MOMENT!
Escaping the real world. Erasing your problems. Feeling free and weightless. And enjoying time with your friends at some of the coolest places in the world. These are just some of the best things about being at a festival.
So the #10 best feeling of a festival is living in the moment, and escaping reality, even if it’s just for three days.
Photo: Alex G Perez Photography
