A How-To Guide to Sober(curious) Music Festival Fun
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Creating sustainable success in the music industry
Music festivals represent energy, vibrant music, pulsating muffled beats in the distance, no words needed about the undeniable connection to the people next to you in the crowd, and a sense of carefree unfuckwithable hedonism. For those who choose to live a sober(curious) lifestyle, whether you’re a DJ, musician or a fan, the prospect of attending a festival surrounded by alcohol and drugs can feel daunting. And yet, it is absolutely possible to have an elated festival experience without drinking (too much). Here are a few tips and things to reflect on in order to navigate festival season with a clear head and a full heart so you can have a festival experience you will actually remember fully.
Why Choose Sober Fun?
The reasons for choosing sobriety are personal. Maybe you're in recovery, choose to prioritize your (mental) health, or simply want a different kind of festival experience. Regardless of your reasons, embracing a sober(curious) festival adventure opens a world of unexpected benefits.
Here’s a brief overview of the most common benefits of sober fun:
Sharper Focus: Experience the music truly! Without the fog of inebriation, you'll fully appreciate the intricacies of performances and connect more deeply with the music.
Enhanced Memory: Remember those epic sets? Whether you’re the one delivering them or enjoying them along with the crowd. Sobriety allows you to form clear memories of the festival, making it an experience you can truly cherish long after that last track has faded.
Elevated Energy Levels: Probably the most obvious one, ditch the hangovers! Stay energized throughout the festival by avoiding substances that can leave you feeling drained. Even if you are someone who doesn’t seem to suffer from severe hangovers physically or mentally, your body still has to work really hard to get rid of all of that poison. Because in the end, that’s what it is and even just one night of heavy using has immediate and long-term effects on your brain.
Better Decision-Making Skills: Even though alcohol and other drugs, or more so the ritual of doing it together, can act as a bonding agent. Alcohol can sometimes hinder genuine interactions. Sober, you're free to engage in meaningful conversations and without impaired cognition, are better able to make sound decisions for both yourself and those around you. This is especially important for more vulnerable groups like women so they can enjoy a safe festival experience without harassment or worse.
A Sense of Accomplishment: Facing the potential social pressures of a festival environment while staying true to your commitment to the lifestyle of your choosing is a personal victory worth celebrating. Not conforming to certain social norms and behaviours just because they’ve been so normalised takes courage, grit and character.
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11 Tips for a Sober(curious) and Unforgettable Festival Experience
How to go into your sober(curious) festival experience prepared:
1. Get Support: Let your friends know you're going sober or want to be more mindful about your alcohol or other drug intake, and see if anyone wants to try it with you. You might want to have this conversation early on so that your friends can ease into the idea. Because it can come as a shock to some of them. Especially if this is the first time you plan on doing this. Alternatively, connect with online sobriety communities and look for groups attending the same festival. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who understand and normalise your choice can make all the difference.
2. Plan and Prioritize: Research the lineup and schedule sets and performances you're most excited about so you can hype yourself up with the prospect of seeing those live. Plan your festival itinerary in advance, factoring in travel time and rest breaks. Knowing what you want to see and do will help you stay focused and avoid aimless wandering. Boredom and fatigue are common traps that many seek relief from in alcohol or other drugs.
3. Prepare Your Senses: Festivals can be a sensory overload in the best or worst way possible. Depending on what you’re capable of taking in. So prepare your senses. If you’re neurodivergent, you might want to take your noisecancelling earbuds with you in case you need to tune out for a minute. If you’re a bit of a foodie, explore your food options beforehand so you can look forward to savouring deliciousness, and refuel in time to immerse yourself back in the energy of the crowd.
4. Pack Smart: Hydration is key! Bring a reusable water bottle (if allowed) and refill it frequently. Sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a portable phone charger are also essential. Consider packing healthy snacks to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
5. Fuel Your Body Right: Festival food can be tempting, but prioritize healthy choices. Pack fruits, nuts, and protein bars to keep your energy levels steady. Indulge in festival food in moderation, opting for fresh ingredients and avoiding greasy options. And perhaps plan for when you’ll take a break for meals so you can avoid the dreadful long lines in front of the food truck of your choice. This way you’ll avoid getting tempted to grab that quick kebab - not that there’s anything wrong with that though 😏.
Who am I?
Certified holistic (night)life coach & consultant championing electronic music wellness since 2015. I regularly speak and deliver workshops on the topic of wellness and mental wellbeing at music conferences and deliver trainings on safeguarding mental health, women’s safety and antisexism in nightlife.
I’ve been sober since 1/1/2021. In about 2 weeks from now I’m heading to a festival I haven’t been to since I was a binge-drinking, joint-smoking, pre-cocaine-using teenager. And I’m going with one of my closest friends who used to be my biggest drinking buddy. I am a little nervous about the experience, but I am prepared and excited!
6. Embrace "No": You might encounter people pressuring you to drink or use drugs. People who sober shame albeit unintentionally. Be firm and unapologetically decline, asserting your decision with confidence. Remember, it's your body, your choice, and no justification is needed. Think about it, when you say YES, do you go into a lengthy explanation as to why? I think not. So NO is a full sentence. Don’t forget that.
7. Find Alternative Activities: Festivals often offer more than just music! Explore art installations, go get oxygen-ed up, or wander through vendor booths. Take breaks in calmer areas to recharge or visit the festival's relaxation zones if available.
8. Practice Mindfulness: Being present in the moment is key to a fulfilling festival experience. Engage in mindful practices like deep breathing or meditative states to stay grounded and manage any anxiety you might feel. The most accessible way to manage anxiety at a festival is by naming 5 things you see, hear, and smell. Say them out loud. Take your time. And know that this too shall pass. If all else fails, just go home or to your tent.
9. Celebrate the Music: Let the music be your guide! Dance without inhibition, sing along at the top of your lungs, and lose yourself in the sound. Embrace the positive energy and revel in the shared experience of music with fellow music lovers. You know, that unspoken connection, that nod, that passing of the blunt - which you’ll politely decline of course 😜.
10. Reward Yourself: Pat yourself on the back for choosing a healthy and empowering festival experience. Celebrate your commitment to sobriety and treat yourself to something special after the festival as a well-deserved reward.
11. Go For A Test Run: Before heading to the festival you can consider trying out an open air party close to home just to see how you like it and what triggers you. This way you can go into your sober(curious) festival experience prepared.
Just remember: You don't need substances to have an incredible time at a music festival. By prioritizing your well-being, planning strategically, and remaining open to the unknown each festival has to offer, you can create a truly memorable and enriching sober(curious) experience. So, put on your dirtiest dancing sneakers, grab your labradoodle puppies umbrella, and get ready to experience the music festival like never before. More importantly, have fun, you got this!
Note: if you or someone you know struggles with substances, please know that help is available and you’re not alone in this!
What are your experiences with going to a festival sober? Comment below!
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