Raving is a live music experience unlike any other and actively changes the way people approach festivals. Characterized by after-hours schedules, experimental music production, and immersive visuals, raves are a unique world of their own. Each event offers different experiences, based on atmosphere, lineup, venue regulations, and much more. But generally, there’s a collection of items that are useful to bring with you. Whether you’re raving for the first time or deep in your raving journey, consider this packing guide for your next show.
For The Curious Newcomer
At every EDM festival, at least one person is experiencing the magic for the first time. Knowing how to approach it all can be daunting. What do you bring? What’s a necessity and what’s a luxury? What you may not know is that some of your bare necessities are already in your own home.
Pants with interior or zippered pockets are best to prevent theft if you’re trying to pack lightly. A wallet for valuables and a pair of sunglasses are a good, simple place to start. Raving is a highly stimulating experience, featuring audiovisual production ranging from jaw-dropping lasers to complex on-screen visuals. This means sunglasses are helpful even at night. They protect your eyes, can prevent headaches, and can even help you step back to recoup. Plus, wearing sunglasses inside is a good sign of “in my own world, check back later.”
When it comes to water, purchasing a hydration pack isn’t necessary right out of the gate. However, hydration is necessary in such a high-energy environment. Most venues allow factory-sealed disposable water bottles or empty reusable bottles for filling. Always check venue guidelines to ensure you are following the rules.
As far as protecting your hearing goes, it’s more important than you might assume. It’s more likely someone will offer you earplugs than judge you for choosing to wear them. Some people need to hear this, and that’s okay! Plenty of venues offer free or cheap disposable earplugs for convenience. But it doesn’t hurt to invest in a nicer, reusable pair down the line. Hearing loss prevention is the name of the game, and Moon Lvnding has earplugs for sale in our online store and at our on-site merch booths.
A pashmina, scarf, bandana, or neck gaiter (known as buffs on the hit TV show Survivor) are essential comfort tools at festivals; they’re definitely a rave community favorite. Not only are pashminas a fashion statement, but they also serve a functional purpose depending on circumstances. In dry climates, outdoor shows may kick up heavy dust, leading to inhalation and potentially serious health problems over time. Pashminas are a perfect face covering to prevent this between all the dancing and trekking to stages. When wet, they provide long-term heat relief and can even be grounding during periods of overstimulation.
For The Consistent Festivalgoer
If festivals are becoming a hobby for you, it’s definitely time to add some naloxone to your rave stash. Naloxone, brand-named Narcan, is a life-saving overdose reversal medicine. Usually given nasally, it reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and is harmless if an overdose is not present. This means if you suspect an overdose, it’s better to administer naloxone than not. Regardless of what your group’s activities include, you never want to be caught without Narcan.
It’s important to note that even after administering naloxone, it’s imperative that the individual still seek medical attention. Organizations like DanceSafe, End Overdose, and Beyond Dope often have tables at festivals or in the campsites and offer free Narcan with training, alongside other harm reduction tools, resources, and demonstrations.
If you’re looking for the full raver experience, there are a few more items to consider beyond necessity. At this point, you may want to consider a bag. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to be merchandise, and it doesn’t even need to be new. Concerned about making it into a venue because of bag specifications? There’s nothing safer than a clear bag for security!
Once you upgrade to a bag, it greatly expands what you can bring with you. Your typical small backpack is perfect for carrying these rave favs. A fan, motorized or foldable, comes in handy for keeping yourself and others cool. Portable chargers are an important lifeline for keeping in touch with your crew and ensuring you’re reachable. Hand sanitizer or wipes come in handy for myriad health and cleanliness reasons. Outdoor restrooms run out of soap and water, dust can be a sensory nightmare, and you can drop your belongings in anything at a rave.
Lastly, some kind of nasal inhaler can be a real lifesaver. Not only does it clear your airways with essential oils or menthol, but it can provide a grounding effect too. The best part is it’s less than five dollars and found in many stores’ pharmacy or travel sections. Some ravers tend to favor the brand Boom Boom, which is a little pricier. Boom Boom carries an array of flavors and is decently accessible, found at most local rave shops and at your friendly Moon Lvnding merch booth!
For The Seasoned Raver
If you feel you’ve maxed out your rave pack essentials, chances are there are still a few items you may be missing from your rave stash. These last few things won’t make or break your rave experience, but it doesn’t hurt to be equipped in case.
While body wipes can do a fine job of keeping you fresh, deodorant keeps you smelling that way. This is especially important if you’re someone who likes to go deep in the crowd. Some ravers might dance less, stick toward the edges, and generally sweat less due to lower activity levels. Always apply deodorant before the function, but make sure to bring extra if you’re a party animal. It’s the PLURR thing to do!
Eyedrops take up hardly any space in your bag and come in clutch for dusty venues. Although they’re not helpful for every single show, if you find yourself needing them, you’ll be thankful they’re there. This also applies to chapstick, eyelash glue, and feminine hygiene products. Just be careful to check the rules for the venue or festival, because some of these items may need to be factory sealed to be brought into the rave.
Every friend group has the “photo friend” who loves to capture the moment. If that’s you, what are you even doing without a digital camera? Digital cameras are making a comeback, and they perfectly recreate the 2000s rave party aesthetic. You may already have one without realizing it, but cheap ones with the same effect are easy to hunt down. If you prefer modern-day technology, a portable selfie light is the perfect secret weapon to document your outfit and experience after the sun goes down.
Finally, if you’ve been raving for a long time, why not pick up a flow art to master? Over the years, flow toys have grown in range to include dozens of different mediums. The pixel whip, hoops, flowstars, poi balls, and light gloves are the most common to see, but anything can go. That’s the beauty of it – the art form is your own. If you feel tempted but timid, remember you felt that way about raving at some point, too. Finding your flow takes time, but it’s one step deeper into the immersive world of raving.
Festivals and raves are live music experiences that require more preparation than you would think. But at the end of the day, the experience is yours. Not everything on this list is necessary for every show, or even any show – depending on the raver. This gives you an idea for new additions, swap options, and just general advice for crushing rave roadblocks. Above all, the most important thing to bring with you to every single show is PLURR: Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, and Responsibility. Safe raving!
