Inside Elements: A Real Guide to Thriving at Festivals

Written and Published by X

I went to Elements Festival last weekend and it was everything I hoped for. The music, the crowd, the atmosphere. It was one of those weekends that reminded me exactly why I love this culture. I camped, I danced until sunrise, I made memories with my friends, and I ended up at the afters where the local DJs completely stole the show. Being deeply rooted in music, moments like that always remind me why these spaces matter so much.

Camping added a whole other layer to the experience. Waking up to the sound of music drifting in the distance, sharing meals with friends by the tents, and having a spot to come back to between sets made the weekend feel like its own little world. It is not always the most comfortable way to spend a few days, but there is something about it that pulls you deeper into the festival energy.

As incredible as festivals are, they can also be overwhelming if you are not prepared. Between the heat, the massive crowds, and the unpredictability of the environment, safety has to be part of the plan. Taking care of yourself and your crew does not take away from the fun. It makes it possible to enjoy everything to the fullest.

Hydration is the first and most important thing. Dehydration is the main reason so many people end up missing sets or lying in medical tents. Keep a refillable water bottle or a hydration pack and sip steadily throughout the day. Adding electrolytes helps keep your body balanced when you are sweating for hours. Pair that with real food or snacks so you are fueled for the long nights ahead.

Taking care of your body goes beyond just water and food. Sunscreen is essential and reapplying it will save you from spending the rest of the weekend in pain. Wear light, breathable clothes during the day and bring layers for when the temperature drops at night. And never skip earplugs. Festivals are loud and protecting your hearing now means you can keep enjoying music for years without permanent ringing in your ears.

Harm reduction is another huge part of festival safety. Substances are not regulated and fentanyl is showing up in places people do not expect. Test strips are quick, cheap, and could save a life. If you are going to use, test everything first. Narcan is just as important. It reverses opioid overdoses and is free through many pharmacies and harm reduction groups. Carrying it does not mean you are planning for the worst. It means you care enough to be ready if something happens.

Having a crew game plan is another simple way to avoid problems. Phones die, service drops, and people wander. Before you step into the festival grounds, agree on a meet-up spot. Choose something easy to remember like an art installation or water station. If anyone gets separated, you will already know where to find each other.

Festivals are long and pacing yourself is the key to making it through. You do not need to chase every single set to have a good time. Take breaks, grab food, and sit in the shade when you need it. Saving your energy makes the music hit even harder when the big moments finally arrive.

The best part of festivals will always be the community. At Elements, I watched strangers turn into friends and the headliners bring everyone together. That same energy applies to safety too. If you see someone struggling, check on them. Offer water, ask if they are okay, or help them find medical staff. Small actions like that can change the course of someone’s night.

And most importantly, trust yourself. If something feels wrong, whether it is a crowd surge, a sketchy situation, or just a vibe, listen to your instincts. The best memories come from feeling safe and free, not from forcing yourself into something that does not feel right.

Festivals are about joy, music, and connection. Elements reminded me of all of that. Staying safe does not get in the way of the experience. It is what makes it possible. Drink water, eat enough, test what you take, carry Narcan, and look out for your crew and the people around you. Camping ties into that too—it becomes the place where you reset, recharge, and come back ready for more. When we all do that, festivals become what they are meant to be: unforgettable.