You have finally decided to attend your first solo event. It’s a big decision, congratulations! Immerse yourself fully in the solo experience and get ready to feel empowered. There are so many wonderful aspects to attending events solo. You become the master of your time, free to wander the event space and take care of your needs as you see fit. There’s no waiting for others to get ready; your time belongs to you, and the only bad mood to affect you is your own. You can be one with the music, the crowd, and the space. So many new friends and rave fam are on the horizon!
Solo events can seem daunting, and there are always new opportunities to make the most of your experience. We asked you via Instagram and Twitter to give us your best advice for attending events solo, and your responses were incredible! From safety tips, how to feel comfy in crowds, and how to not be a capital A Asshole, here’s the 411 on making your first solo experience unforgettable.
Here’s what you need to know about going solo:
Safety
Keeping yourself safe and comfortable is, of course, the top priority for flying solo. Keeping your essentials and music festival must-haves (Naxolone included) within reach at all times is number one. Learn your harm reduction basics to keep yourselves and your new friends safe and happy. If you’re camping, chances are that most of these essentials are already packed in your arsenal. If you’re traveling to and from the festival/event grounds, bring a small backpack into the event (clear backpacks help you easily get through security and find things), or stash these items in your car. Air tags are also super useful! Consider leaving one in your bag or attached to your phone or other must-haves.
In my personal experience, going solo as a woman adds the need for an extra layer of protection besides the essentials. I will always share my location with friends and family to let them know when I arrive and leave. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the festival, like where the water, medics, and event staff will be posted. Once in the venue, flowing and chatting with new people, I don’t let them know I’m there solo until I’m confident I won’t be targeted. Listen to your gut. If something seems off and you need to leave the situation, go for it. If not, there are most likely venue staff and others ready to help out!
To go along with my advice, here are some awesome tips and words of encouragement from you guys on staying safe while solo:
Get there early and try to engage with or at least smile at the people around you. Once the venue fills up, you’ll have an easier time navigating through the crowd bc people will recognize you as close vicinity fam.
You’re never truly solo in this community! A smile is one of the best things you can bring anywhere you go, but absolutely always carry naloxone to be ready to help someone in need. I always hope it’s not needed, but I’m ready if it is!
Wear earplugs! Not only does it protect your ears, but it could protect your peace by not hearing random conversations interrupting your music listen experience.
Making new friends, getting comfy
One of my favorite aspects of going solo is the people-watching. At the very least, you’ll see interesting and wonky outfits, be given fun trinkets, and hear wild stories. But, sometimes, those wonky people become festie friends that you can meet up with at future festivals! Bringing trinkets to share, like sprouts and stickers, is one way to greet new friends. Open a conversation with a compliment or have a dance in the crowd; you never know who you might meet. And don’t forget to treat those you meet with respect!
Here is some advice from you, our audience, to you, our audience, on the topic of solo event friendships:
Having something to give to people as icebreakers, like little trinkets, is a great way to make new friends.
Volunteer for a shift! It’s a great way to meet others doing the same thing!
Your neighbors are your new friends!!!! If you don’t have that mindset, then 👋
Lastly, bring a bunch of those tiny plastic babies with you for good measure. You want the ones that come in an assortment of colors and are caked up for some reason.
Self love and empowerment
The empowerment that comes from sending your first solo event is game-changing. It is a completely different experience than going with friends or a partner. All your time belongs to you, and you get to go and do whatever you want! You have the space and time to connect with yourself. Also, you might make special connections with people you wouldn’t have met if you had gone with friends. You’re forced out of your comfort zone, but you have the chance to make your experience truly meaningful.
Your natural vibe will pull in people like YOU, and you will connect with new people and make friends in no time! Don’t be afraid to enjoy sets and wonder alone! I had a blast beep-boppin’ around and just taking it all in the first night!
Keeping a journal and writing from time to time about the interactions or observations you have can create new perspectives and widen your view. Plus, it is the best listener of all!
Bring some trinkets or a toy as a way to interact with the people around you! It’s a bonus if you don’t make friends- you still have fun with your trinkets.
Remember, it’s about you & the music. There is no way to get lost because YOU are what you’re trying to find. If at any moment you are swept up by anxiety…
Return to the music. Return to the dance.
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