Festival Safety
Festivals can be amazing spaces to experience music and art, express yourself, and make new connections. If you’re heading to a festival, concert, or rave this summer—or all of the above!—now is a great time to plan the experience you want to have and the community you want to help create. We've put together some tips and safety resources to help make your festival experience the best of all!
Making a plan for a festival you're attending, whether it's your first time or you're a festival pro, can help you set the tone for your whole experience. Enjoy the process of planning what to wear (thrifting is a whole vibe!) and how you'll decorate your camp site (fairy lights, check!), but also set aside time and intention to plan for your physical, emotional, and social needs.
Physical Needs
- Share your location with a trusted friend.
- Pick a meeting spot!
- Get to know the map (locate the medical/first aid tent, bathrooms, and your camp space).
- Be aware of your body! Set timers every once in a while to consciously check in with how you are feeling and see what you may need in that moment.
- Remember to pack your basic needs: water, snacks, sunscreen, comfortable clothes.
- Pace yourself and rest between days.
- Protect your ears with ear plugs.
Emotional Needs
- Be intentional with what you are looking to gain out of your festival experience.
- Establish boundaries beforehand around such things as dancing, touch, intimacy, and substances.
- Weird vibe? Trust your gut. Events are supposed to be celebration of art and expression, so if something feels off, leave the situation and alert the event staff.
Social Needs
- Go with trusted people you feel safe and comfortable with.
- Let people do their thing. If you are bringing substances or offering someone a drink, offer in a mindful way that doesn't include force or coercion.
- Find your fun! Not everyone one is on something. Explore what feels good to you!
Festivals are a multi-sensory experience. For some, that experience involves alcohol and other drugs. Not everyone uses substances at festivals, but if your festival plan includes alcohol or other drugs, read on for harm reduction strategies that can help you aim for #allgoodvibes.
For confidential and non-judgmental support for Western students who want to talk about issues regarding alcohol or other substances, please visit the Counseling and Wellness Center's Substance Abuse Prevention page or call 360-650-3164 to schedule an appointment.
Harm Reduction Tips
Below are some strategies to reduce harm if you choose to use alcohol or other drugs. Keep in mind that festivals might not be the best environment for using a substance for the first time.
Alcohol
- Alternate alcohol with water or soft drinks.
- Pace your drinks to one per hour and choose drinks with a lower ABV (alcohol by volume).
- Eat before and during drinking.
- Pour your own drinks and don't leave your drinks unattended.
- Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know.
- Have a sober, designated driver.
Drugs
- Don't accept drugs from someone you don't know or trust.
- Start with a low dose and go slow.
- Don't mix drugs (including alcohol).
- Use with trusted friends in a safe environment, especially if it’s your first time.
- Don't be afraid to seek help, and be honest about what you've taken.
- Have a sober, designated driver.
Take Action in a Medical Emergency
An alcohol or drug overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Know the Signs
- Disoriented
- Passed out
- Unresponsive
- Vomiting excessively
- Irregular breathing
- Bluish/cold/clammy
Call 911
The WA State Medical Amnesty Law protects you and the person who needs help from being cited, so call 911 and save a life! Most states have Medical Amnesty Laws—check the Medical Amnesty Initiative website to find out if the state you're traveling to is one of them.
Stay and Help
Place the person in the recovery position by rolling them on their side. Stay with them until help arrives.
Naloxone Saves Lives
Naloxone (brand name: Narcan) is a quick way to reverse an overdose from opioids such as fentanyl, heroine, morphine, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and codeine. And, if the person needing help is not experiencing an opioid overdose, administering naloxone will not hurt them.
Order Free Naloxone
You can order Narcan and other substance harm reduction supplies for free by visiting our health supplies page.
How to Administer Naloxone
Watch the YouTube video below to learn how to administer Narcan in case of emergency.
Within festival settings, we all play a part in creating a culture of respect and consent. One way to do this is by being aware of how our behavior, sometimes unintentionally, can make others feel and looking out for one another!
Below are a few ideas for contributing to a festival experience that is positive, safe, and supportive for everyone:
Be a kind face in the crowd
If someone around you is being objectified or looks uncomfortable, ask if they are okay.
Be aware of crowd crush
Be aware of crowd crush (when a crowd of people become dangerously overcrowded) and stand near the outside to be able to exit if needed.
Support a sense of safety
Be aware of your presence when walking behind people at night. Leave a bit of distance to respect others space and sense of safety.
Say "excuse me"
Say "excuse me" when moving through a crowd instead of pushing or putting your hands on people.
Ask first!
Questions like "Are you comfortable with hugs?" or "Would scratching your back feel good for you?" allow others to speak their needs instead of assuming someone wants touch.
Don't take it personally
It can be fun to make friends with people at festivals but if someone isn’t friendly back, don’t take it personally. Not everyone feels comfortable right away in new connections.
Ask if it's okay
If you are moving into a small space that’s already occupied ask if it's okay if to sit/stand there.
Check in
Have an open line of communication during interactions, such as dancing or hooking up. Consent is constant checking in and ensuring everyone involved is enthusiastic and excited about what's happening.
Reach out for support
Every person deserves to be safe in their relationships and sexual interactions, and to be treated with love, dignity, and respect. If you have experienced relationship (domestic, dating, intimate partner) violence or abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and/or sexual harassment, know that you are not alone and help is available. Visit our Survivor Advocacy Services web page for a list of support resources available 24/7.