Raving with a group can be amazing, but it’s important to go with people you genuinely want to share the experience with.

• Set Up Buddy Systems (for Large Groups)
  • In larger groups, breaking into smaller “buddy groups” makes it easier for everyone to split off and do their own thing while staying connected.
• Respect Everyone’s Pace
  • People attend raves for different reasons; some to see specific artists, others to explore.  Make sure to do what you can to respect the timing of everyone as much as possible. Setting up a schedule can help make sure everyone is on the same page for the event. 

Before getting there, it is important for you to have all of your ducks in a row. These large events can be hectic and make it hard to communicate with your friends, leading to panic and an all-around not-so-great time. Being prepared can save a lot of headaches and give everyone peace of mind.

• Designate meetup spots and times
  • This is easily one of the most important things you can do before going, and it will help everyone have a great time. Before arriving at the festival, establish a primary meeting spot at an easy-to-find landmark, like lockers or a prominent art structure. Also, set up a meetup time if the group is not all together.
• Prepare to lose things: You hope never to lose anything at a festival, but it’s wise to prepare in case you do. Making your items easy to return will significantly improve your chances of getting them back.
  • For your phone: Download a wallpaper with a QR code that can help people contact you if they find your phone. Even if network issues mean they can't reach out to you immediately, this can help after the event. It also helps lost and found identify the phone’s owner. You can create such wallpapers here. Finally, please back up your phone before going. Use something like iCloud or Google Photos to back up your phones BEFORE you go.  
  • For Backpacks and Other Items: Use QR code stickers or tags that provide you or your friend's contact information. These tags also help lost and found return your belongings. Get them here.
• Plan What to Do
  • Make a list of what you hope to experience. Look at set times for artists you want to see and explore other activities the festival offers, such as art installations or workshops.
  • Download maps, set times, and event apps (if available) before arriving. Avoid relying on internet connectivity during the event by saving everything to your phone.
• Designate Responsibilities
  • When attending with a group, distribute responsibilities. For example, a few people can carry hydration packs, while others carry lighter items like chargers.
  • Give the most responsible person in the group (your rave mom or dad) essential items like car keys to keep them safe. Ensure everyone knows what they’re responsible for to avoid misplacing anything.
• Double-Check Essentials
  • Pack your bags in advance and avoid unpacking them unnecessarily. Before leaving, confirm that everyone has the basics: phone, tickets, ID, and payment method.
    • Pro Tip: Take a photo of your ID in case you lose it. It might get you into the event if you lose it. If traveling, bring a backup ID, like a passport, and leave it at your accommodation for safekeeping.
• Ensure You Have Everyone’s Contact Information
  • Make sure you have everyone's phone numbers before going. Internet connectivity is often spotty at festivals, making apps like Instagram or Snapchat unreliable. In addition, sometimes one person's phone will work better in an area than another's. Having everyone's contacts saved will help make sure everyone can call anyone when necessary.
• Establish a Group Chat
  • Create a group text thread for easy updates and communication during the event.
• Plan Transportation
  • Arrange transportation both to and from the festival. If using Uber or Lyft, schedule pickups in advance, as it can be difficult to get a ride when everyone else is leaving.
• Rest and Fuel Up
  • Eat a small meal and hydrate before heading out. Festivals can be long and intense, so prepare your body for the night ahead.

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When you arrive, the excitement truly begins! Before rushing to the first stage, take a few moments to get organized with your group. 

• Fill Your Hydration Pack or Water Bottles
  • Stop at a water refill station early to ensure you’re prepared. Waiting until you’re thirsty could leave you facing long lines, and missing your favorite performances. 
• Use the Restroom
  • Plan a bathroom stop upon arrival. Avoid being the person who has to leave the group right after finding the perfect spot.
• Find Your Meetup Spot
  • Locate the meetup spot you chose before the event and confirm it’s as easy to find as you anticipated. Seeing it in person can help clarify exactly where to gather.

• Texting
  • Texting is usually the best communication method at festivals, as phone calls may not go through or be difficult to hear.
  • Always timestamp your texts. Delays can mean your friends receive messages much later, so including a timestamp helps them understand when it was sent.
  • Add clear details about your location like what's around you. Many venues have waypoint markers (e.g., “A6” or “G12”) posted at stages. Including these in your texts makes it easier for friends to find you.
• Phone Calls
  • If calls go through, be prepared to press your phone firmly against your ear to hear it over the music. When calls go through they can be an easier way to communicate, but don't expect to rely on them. 
• Using Rave Compasses
  • New devices like the Totem Compass and Crowd Compass can help you locate your friends. These are highly recommended for groups that can afford them. However, always have a designated meeting spot as a backup in case the devices fail, get lost or broken, or forget to charge them. 

• Moving Through the Festival
  • When moving around the festival, make sure to link together by grabbing hands, backpacks, etc. People are generally pretty used to people chaining together to get through crowds, just be sure to be respectful, try not to step on people's feet, and don't barge your way through. A simple "sorry" and "excuse me" goes a long way in these crowds.
•  Be Mindful of Space
  • When stopping, ensure there’s enough room for your group without overcrowding others. There is almost always space somewhere, just try to remain mindful of others. 

• Get Back Safely
  • Do periodic headcounts and ensure your driver is sober or well-rested if driving. If using rideshare, confirm your pickup plan.
• Prebook your Ride
  • If you are using a ride service like Uber or Lyft to get back, try to book your ride before you even get to the festival. This will help cut down on how long you wait for a ride.
• Recover
  • Once back to where you are staying, take a moment to hydrate, eat a snack, and clean up before sleeping. These small steps will help you feel much better the next day.

Festivals are all about having fun, so don’t lose sight of that! Keep your schedule flexible, embrace spontaneity, and explore. There’s always more to see and do than you’ll have time for, so make the most of your experience!