Raving 101: Do’s and Don’ts For Newbies and Veterans Alike!

[textblock style=”3″]Don’t: Put off buying your tickets. The EDM scene is becoming more and more robust and it sucks to be the one trying to scramble to get a ticket after a show sells out. In this day and age ticket prices often go up the closer you get to the event, and in the worst case scenario scalpers charge insane amounts to prey on your desperation when you decide you do want to go. Don’t put off buying your tickets.[/textblock]

[textblock style=”2″]Do: Be prepared to purchase your ticket and other festival essentials! If you know a big show will be announced soon, start saving up so you don’t get caught scrambling when tickets go on sale. If you’re on the fence about going to a show, buy a ticket anyway. It’s pretty much guaranteed you can sell it to a last-minute, scrambling raver in need come showtime if you decide not to go. In the spirit of PLUR, we strongly suggest keeping your resale price fair. If you’re incredibly generous, you could make their day by gifting them the ticket.[/textblock]

USC Events does a great job of putting out maps of their events, typically the week of the event. This is an example of what they put out for Paradiso 2013, expect something similar for this year.

[textblock style=”3″]Don’t: Plan out every second of the festival before you get there. Don’t be afraid to listen or venture and see somebody you haven’t seen or heard of before. Don’t assume everything will happen exactly the way you expect it to. Don’t forget the buddy system![/textblock]

[textblock style=”2″]Do: Be aware of who is playing, listen to their sets in advance so you have a feel for what they sound like. For festivals, get familiar with the map and set times, plan meeting spots and times with your friends before you split up. Many big events will publish a festival map in advance; learn it, love it. As silly as it sounds, bringing walkie talkies will make life exponentially easier. More likely than not cell phone reception will be jammed with tons of people trying to use their phones and you’ll be the cool kinds who actually find their friends because you planned your communication strategy ahead.  Besides, walkie talkies allow you to relive the childhood fantasy of having all of your friends on walkie. Have a spot where if you get separated, you know someone from the group will circle back and find you. Find other helpful festival packing tips here.[/textblock]