EDITORIAL: Tips for Your First Rave

(Image: theverge.com)

(Image: theverge.com)

Tips For Your First Rave

Understandably, the first time trying out something can be overwhelming. It is common to have hesitations, accompanied by thoughts such as what if it all goes wrong or what if it falls below your expectations? This applies to numerous things like attending school for the first time, moving to a new place, or starting a new job.  

With this in mind, one of the most nerve-wracking experiences is going to a rave and going solo. This is why we have provided some useful tips for a memorable rave experience.

Purchase your tickets early in advance

You can't expect to go to your first rave without getting your tickets first. Experienced ravers will always be on the lookout for ticket sales. You'll often find that the tickets will sell fast and hard once a rave event is announced. Thus, you need to act fast to avoid missing out on the tickets and, consequently, your first rave event. If you've finally decided that you want to attend a rave, you need to keep an eye out for posters and online announcements. After you've decided on a particular event, you need to grab your ticket as soon as they go on sale. It is also wise to ensure that you have enough savings to purchase your ticket once they go on sale since, in some cases, using a credit card or online payment can slow things a bit. The point here is that going to your first rave should by no means be a last-minute decision. 

Familiarize yourself with the venue

Rave events are typically held in large venues, be it some open grounds or a large dome of a concert hall. This is because they allow ravers to freely move about while taking in the musical performances. It is, therefore, important to know what the venue holds within before the actual rave. By doing this, you will be aware of where everything is when you need them. It is helpful to know where the food stalls are, the first aid station, the comfort rooms, and merchandise booths. While most of these areas will be located strategically and properly-labeled to make it much easier to find them, once you are in the rave, the large groups of people jumping around may cause you to lose that sense of direction and not be able to see the labels well. Thus, it helps to know where things are from the start. 

Dress comfortably

Failing to dress appropriately is one of the worst mistakes committed by first-time ravers. When attending an event, there is always the instinct to dress in a particular type of way. Fun, glowing and flashing accessories are a must, find your favorite light up necklace. However, when it comes to raves, the key is to go for fewer layers of clothing. This obviously doesn't mean that you dress indecently since you don't want to come out as offensive or inappropriate in any way. Go for something that allows your body to breathe easily. The last things you need are turtlenecks and sweaters since raves are sweat factories. Throngs of people pressed together and moving in the same way can be quite suffocating. What's more, the activities will keep you constantly sweating. Thus, it is in your best interest to dress as comfortably as you can. 

Carry enough food and water

While some rave venues will allow you to come with your own food and water, others will have some very inventive hydration packs. It is imperative that you have sufficient water with you since, as earlier discussed, raves will make you sweat...heavily. In case the venue allows you to carry your own food, you need to take full advantage of that. For starters, this will allow you to save money since you won't be tempted to buy food and drinks from the booths. These items can be quite expensive inside the venues. It will also help you to avoid the long queues at the tha food stores, something that is commonly witnessed in crowded events. If you are planning on dressing lightly and carry your own food, it is completely fine. You just need to pack it in light containers that you can easily stack together once you are done eating. Wear some cool fanny pack, and you will be as lightly packed as possible. 

Remember to carry a change of clothes.

While it is essential that you wear light clothing during the rave, it is equally important that you carry a change of outfit. The last thing you want is to be drenched in sweat for extended periods, not to mention how unhygienic it is. This is something that you definitely don't want to stay with you for several hours, especially considering that it isn't your sweat alone clinging to your body. Contingency is another reason to bring a change of clothes. Raves are highly prone to mishaps involving spilled sauces and drinks. But when you have a spare shirt, you will be much more prepared for such accidents. In case you aren't one to carry many items with you, you can consider getting a fashion fanny pack that can carry extra weight. With it belted in around your waist with a spare shirt in it, you will have nothing to worry about. Look up places to get fanny packs for some awesome ideas.

Make friends...

Raves are obviously a great place for socializing. Such events allow people to gather because of common interests or preferences in terms of music. You can't be antisocial in rave events. Keeping to yourself isn't a smart move, particularly considering that you want to be more expressive during the rave. Besides, by meeting and engaging with new people, you will be able to expand your network beyond the rave. Considering that some raves are attended by professionals in their fields, establishing contacts with them can bring about many opportunities. When attending your first rave and any other after that, you need to keep your timidity at bay. Try smiling, making small talks, answering questions, and being more open. Go out and let your inner you shine. Besides, you can never tell how lasting connections can be established from rave events.

...And have fun

This is the best tip for people looking to rave for the first time. Take a look around, enjoy it all, and just free yourself. Raves have a reputation for allowing people to express their emotions. Don't allow prejudices and social notions to hinder you while going out on raves. Go have fun and let your wild and let your wild spirit run free. Keep in mind that you are going to a rave and not a business meeting, so no need for formalities. Taking a look around, you will actually see ravers in these venues who have their eyes closed, just enjoying everything going on around.

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