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 less than 99 days!

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Can’t wait for Firefly

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Things to know Before you go to Firefly!

It’s that time of year again, June is coming to an end, and summer is in full effect. This can only mean one thing, Firefly is around the corner! If you’re a music enthusiast like me, you’ve been anticipating this moment the second last summer’s Firefly festival ended. Whether you’re a first-timer, or a regular resident of the Woodland’s the excitement of Firefly is always intense, and will most likely exceed your expectations. Before it’s time to load the van full of Firefly goodies, there are some important things to know, to ensure you have an amazing time!

First things first CAMPING!! Many people attending Firefly have never properly camped out before (exhibit A), so it may be confusing to know what to expect. 

Don’t panic! It will be hot and sweaty, and your tent will feel more like a sauna than a home. Embrace it! Music festivals are one of the few times you can sweat it out in a tent, un-showered, squished in a tent with five people, and not be weird. As long as you pack the camping essentials, it will be a great experience.

Things to Pack:

The tent (duh)… also pack a tarp or two. Last year’s festival started right after a storm, making the grounds soaking wet… It later rained in the middle of the festival. Tarps for under and over your tent will allow you to keep dry. Make sure your tent is fully equipped with all the parts to set it up, and not too small!

Food: I always find it extremely helpful to pack lots of snacks and a cooler. If you buy ice before the festival begins, and keep replacing it, you’ll be able to store cold water bottles! Bring a lot of reusable EMPTY water bottles into the festival. It’ll be hot and the festival is better enjoyed when you’re not sick! Free water bottle refill stations are located throughout the festival, get there early and fill a lot of bottles up at once. This will help you stay hydrated, and not miss any artists. If you plan on drinking alcohol, make sure you also drink water as well. IT IS HOT OUT! If you want to drink and have a great time in that way, be smart about it!

Clothes: Keep it light, as the sun will be out and you’ll want less weighing you down. Also consider bandanas, hats, lots of hair ties, and sunglasses! Bandanas are great to cover your mouth and nose if it’s a dry year in the Woodlands. This stops all the dirt from getting in your face! The rest of the gear will keep the sun off your head and face.

SUNSCREEN!! If you’re someone who loves tanning, Firefly is perfect. I applied sunscreen every few hours and still found myself either completely tanned, or very badly sunburned to the point of being ill. It sucks feeling sick from the sun, while your friends are having a great time listening to their favorite artists. Bring the sunscreen, reapply, and you’ll not only have a great time but prevent yourself from major illnesses in the future (skin cancer is the #1 cancer seen in young people) 

Firefly is meant to listen to great music and hangout with cool people. If you’re going with a group make sure you don’t focus on keeping everyone together at all times. Even though this may seem like the best thing to do, Firefly should be a personal experience! No one should feel forced to listen to bands they don’t like, or go to attractions they don’t care about. Keep an open mind and go with the flow! Obviously make sure you check out your favorite artists, but having a plan at all times is stressful! Explore, check out the small vendors, chill out in a hammock (my favorite way to relax), if you’re able to, go to the Dogfish Head Brewery (it has AC and great beer!). If you’re splitting up from your group establish a meeting point for the end of the night. Don’t worry about your phones. It’s cool to take pictures and record your favorite song, but try to be in the moment! Firefly is great experience that cannot be captured by your cell phone! Lastly, make new friends! People come from around the world to enjoy their favorite artists. Don’t be afraid to branch out, and make new friends.

Finally, the most important thing, music! After all, that is what Firefly is all about. Even though the fancy headliners may seem like the best acts of the festival, take a chance exploring artists on the smaller stages. Firefly is a great way to explore your musical tastes, and fall in love with new artists you’ve never heard of before. Of course the headliners will put on a great show, (Mumford! Florence! Kings of Leon!), but the smaller acts are what makes festivals so special. Plus the crowds will be a lot smaller, and the show will feel a lot more personal. Also take the time to check out the DJ sets every night! It feels like a crazy party at the end of an amazing day.

Firefly is a great experience, no matter how you chose to spend it. Hopefully these pointers will be helpful in planning your time at the festival. See you at the Woodland, Happy Firefly!

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