Tips For Staying Cool At Summer Festivals

There’s nothing like dancing in the sun to your favorite DJ—until the heat turns your glitter into glue and your energy into mush. Whether you're deep in the crowd or vibing by the water station, staying cool at a summer festival is non-negotiable. Here’s how to rave smart and beat the heat:

1. Hydration > Vibes

You can’t dance if you’re passed out. Drink water. Then drink more. Electrolyte packets, coconut water, and hydration multipliers are your besties. Bonus: They fit perfectly in a hydration pack.

2. Hydration Packs Are Hot Girl Core

Hydration packs or water bottles and a backpack—whatever you’ve got, wear it. Hands-free hydration is peak efficiency, and the added storage means more space for snacks, fans, and glitter.

3. Shade Is Sacred

Seek it. Make it. Love it. Bring a parasol, a foldable fan, or even a UV umbrella. At camping festivals, set up shade tarps or reflective blankets over your tent to create your own heat sanctuary.

4. Plan Your Fits (Functionally)

Sheer mesh, light cotton, breathable synthetics—this is your time to shine and sweat less. Bonus points for outfits that can double as UV protection. Avoid dark colors unless you're aiming for lava-core.

5. Cooling Towels & Fans = Lifesavers

Those $5 Amazon cooling towels? Game-changer. Soak one, snap it, throw it on your neck. Pair it with a handheld fan or even a mini spray fan for instant bliss.

6. Know When to Chill

You don’t need to be at every set. Take breaks. Rest under misting stations or hang by the medical tents—they’re often the coolest areas and totally welcoming if you need to cool off.

7. Eat Light, Eat Right

Heavy foods can drag you down. Go for fruits (watermelon = elite), wraps, and other cooling, energizing snacks. Some fests even have frozen fruit or smoothie vendors. Chase them.

8. Don't Sleep in a Sauna

If you're camping, ventilate that tent. Crack the windows, open all flaps, or invest in a battery-powered fan. Sleeping bags in summer? Skip ‘em. Go for breathable sheets or just a sarong.

9. Watch Your Crew

If someone’s acting off—dizzy, nauseous, confused—they might be overheated or dehydrated. Raver rule #1: Look out for each other. When in doubt, get help.

10. Glow Without the Burn

Use sunscreen (SPF 30+), and reapply like it’s part of your set schedule. Shiny burns are not the glow-up you want. Lip balm with SPF too, please!

Summer festivals are all about expression, connection, and pure sweaty joy. But none of that hits if you’re battling heatstroke. Stay hydrated, listen to your body, and don’t forget to take your rave family with you into the shade.

Catch you under the sun—but not under the weather. 🌞✨🪩