Top 10 Festival Rookie Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Festival season is calling. The beats are bumping, your outfit is fire, and you’re ready to rage from sundown to sunrise. But before you dive face-first into a weekend of glitter, beats, and chaos, let’s make sure you’re not making the rookie mistakes that could kill the vibe—or worse, send you packing early.

At Still Kicking, we’ve seen it all. We’ve danced until sunrise and nursed the kind of hangovers that make you question every life choice. Learn from our poor decisions so you can skip the crash and stay in the game.

1. Not Drinking Enough Water

Let’s start with the obvious: you need water. Not sips here and there. We’re talking constant hydration. Dancing in the sun, sweating through your outfit, and sipping booze all day is a recipe for dehydration—and a one-way ticket to the medic tent.

Make water your best friend. Keep a refillable bottle on you at all times and consider hydration enhancers (ahem—hi, Still Kicking). You’d be surprised how quickly you can go from dancing queen to dizzy mess if you slack on H2O.

2. Wearing the Wrong Shoes

We get it. You want to look good for the ‘Gram. But your cute platform sandals? They’ll betray you by Hour 3. Blisters, foot pain, and busted ankles don’t look cute in photos.

Go for function over fashion. Broken-in sneakers, supportive boots, or comfy trail shoes are your ride-or-die. Pro tip: bring blister pads just in case. No one wants to limp through their favorite set.

3. Skipping Sunscreen

“It’s cloudy, I’ll be fine.” Famous last words. UV rays don’t care about clouds. We’ve seen people look like lobsters after just one day. And yes, sunburns still suck even when you’re rolling face.

Pack a high-SPF, sweat-resistant sunscreen and reapply often. Bonus: a bucket hat and some stylish shades not only protect you, they make you look like a seasoned pro.

4. Overdoing It on Day One

You’re excited. You’re hyped. You pop everything in your fanny pack and throw caution to the wind. By sunrise, you’re a sunburned, dehydrated, emotionally-wrecked shell of yourself—and it’s only Friday.

Festivals are marathons, not sprints. Ease into the party. Leave something in the tank for tomorrow (and the day after). The best sets often happen on Day 3—don’t burn out before the magic hits.

5. Forgetting Ear Protection

Rookie mistake with long-term consequences: no earplugs. Those bass drops can hit harder than your ex’s breakup text. Extended exposure to loud music can cause permanent hearing damage.

Invest in quality reusable earplugs. They preserve the sound quality while protecting your ears. Your future self will thank you when you’re still vibing to music in your 70s.

6. Bringing the Wrong Bag

Oversized backpack? You’ll hate carrying it. Tiny crossbody? You can’t fit anything. The wrong bag will either weigh you down or leave you scrambling for essentials.

Opt for a compact, water-resistant fanny pack or hydration backpack. Enough room for your essentials—ID, water, wipes, a few stick packs of Still Kicking—but not so bulky it ruins your flow. Bonus points if it has a secret stash pocket.

7. Not Having a Meeting Spot

Your phone is dead, your friends are MIA, and you’re trying to spot someone in a sea of sequins and shirtless dudes. It’s a nightmare—and it happens way more than you’d think.

Always designate a meeting spot before you split up. Ideally something weird and easy to find (“the guy wearing a tutu by the taco truck” is oddly reliable). This simple plan can save you from hours of solo wandering.

8. Neglecting Sleep

You think you’ll sleep “whenever.” That works for about one day—until the comedown hits and you’re delirious. Skipping sleep tanks your immune system, your mood, and your ability to enjoy the actual music.

Even short naps help. Bring earplugs, an eye mask, or noise-canceling headphones for power naps. Set boundaries: one sunrise set is magical, three in a row is a health hazard.

9. Winging the Schedule

There’s nothing wrong with spontaneity, but if you don’t know who’s playing when, you’ll miss sets you’ve been dying to see. Or worse—get stuck at a bad one while your favorite artist is just one stage over.

Download the app, take a screenshot of the schedule, or make a loose plan. Highlight your must-sees and leave some gaps for surprise discoveries. Just don’t leave it entirely to chance.

10. Not Bringing Recovery Supplies

You WILL feel it the next morning. Your body will beg for mercy. Rookie mistake? Not packing recovery essentials. We’re talking electrolytes, pain relievers, face wipes, extra socks, and something with caffeine.

Prep your post-party kit like a legend. Keep some Still Kicking next to your sleeping bag, ready to go. Trust us—nothing beats the feeling of bouncing back faster than anyone else in your crew.

Final Thoughts

Festivals are beautiful chaos. They’re where you find your people, lose your voice, and make memories that last way longer than your wristband tan. But they also come with pitfalls—especially for first-timers.

Avoid these rookie mistakes, pack smart, and hydrate like your life depends on it (because sometimes it kinda does). Then go dance your face off. You’ve earned it.