When Jude, an avid traveler and music lover from Vancouver Island mentioned on our Facebook page that she had had a fantastic time going to a music festival solo, I invited her to write about her experience and share her tips and advice for others who might want to do the same.
Most of us have been to see some of our favorite musicians perform live. But many of us have never attended a music festival solo. For some reason, it’s generally seen as a group activity, one that doesn’t naturally occur to us to do alone.
I’m here to tell you, it can be a fun, freeing, fantastic experience. I’ve done it and you can, too!
The last music festival I attended solo was almost literally in my own backyard. Most every year, Vancouver Island Musicfest is held so close by I can lounge on my deck and, when the wind is right, hear most of the music. Comfy but ultimately lacking. I’m a festival goer from way back and love the vibe. So, in 2022, when I heard that iconic Blues legend Taj Mahal would be performing, I figured it was time to leave my pandemic mindset at home and see him up close and in person. That weekend, I set out with a folding chair and some supplies – no alcohol or glass containers are allowed – and entered a three-day world of music, dance, and solo freedom.
It was far better than my backyard! I wandered the grounds from stage to stage, checking out the vast array of performers, kiosks, art, and the unique crowd of revelers. I saw long-lost friends and made brand new ones. I could go off by myself and sketch or write, do a couple of workshops on a whim, and discover some amazing musicians previously unknown to me. The great thing about being solo was that I could do what I wanted, leave a spot when I got restless, or remain if I was compelled. No pressure. No obligations.
That festival, like most others, attracted people from all over. On-site camping was available but sold out long before the festival began.
Being solo at a festival does take some advance planning. Some priorities need to be settled before you go.
What Kind of Experience Do You Want to Have?
As a solo traveler, this one is totally up to you. Do you want a big party or a mellow event? Are you comfortable in a packed crowd? Would you like a mixture of charged fun and relaxation? Are you there for the music, the people, the scene? All of the above?
Well-known festivals like long-running Lollapalooza, iconic Glastonbury, and celeb-studded Coachella can be high profile, multi-stage extravaganzas that attract hundreds of thousands of people. But you can also find small and magical venues, with one or two stages.
I found a great site, Music Festival Wizard, that lists hundreds of festivals around the world. You can search a variety of options and find the ones that specifically interest you. As a mature music lover who appreciates a wide range of styles, it makes it easy for me to find the venues I like best.
And it’s not all Burning Man, though I’ve heard that this incredible and rugged camping-only event, going since 1986, is billed as an everyone welcome, temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. And a celebration of building and burning!
Choose your musical passion and you will likely find a festival to go with it. There are classical music festivals near and far with loyal followings. Worldwide, music festivals offer a rich montage of unique experiences.
And don’t let age hold you back! People of all ages and music tastes come together for the festival experience. Every event I’ve been to has had a unique spirit that united all those attending it regardless of age or background.
Mostly, it’s all about the music. Find out if all the styles featured are for you.
Immerse yourself in the unique culture of each Festival. Each is its own Happening, and the best experiences are often the ones you didn’t plan for.
I find smaller festivals better when I am solo. I am more likely to see the same people more than once in a more intimate atmosphere and find a more personal niche. Festivals that attract a diverse crowd from all over tend to be friendlier, as people are more interested in making connections and sharing good times.
Many festivals also offer a wide variety of workshops, from meditation, massage, yoga, mask making, body-painting, dance, and crafting to artist-hosted music jams. It’s a great way to enrich your experience when you attend a music festival solo.
Music festivals happen all over the world. You can find incredibly rich festival scenes from South America to Poland, in Thailand, Germany, and on the Isle of Wight. With a bit of research, you can find amazing venues and experience the local culture. Choose a festival to go to, and make it part of your extended journey!
Tickets and Passes
Multi-day festivals often have one-day tickets if you just want to see specific artists or shows. My advice is to stay for as much of the event as you can, especially if you’ve traveled a ways to get there. Taking a quick look at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (on my bucket list!), I find so much to see and do that I know I would regret only doing one day.
It’s a good idea to plan and book early. Venues that offer early-bird pricing can save you a bundle. Also, I’ve discovered how early the especially popular ones sell out. Thailand’s popular Wonderfruit Festival, for example, attracts up to 25,000 people and has a ticket cap to protect its distinct spirit.
Make sure to research where to stay and book ahead as far in advance as you can. Prices and styles of on and off-site accommodation vary widely.
Connect with groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, or other platforms that are centered on the event to get great tips on places to stay, sharing accomodation and making connections with people, rides, food, etc. Our Solo Travel Society on Facebook is a great place to ask a question or offer advice if you have a specific event in mind.
A great way to go solo to a music festival is to volunteer! You will get a break on the ticket price, meet and work together with new people, help other festival-goers, and get a unique insider’s experience.
Getting to the Music Festival Solo
It’s not just about how to get to the city or town, but how to get to the festival grounds. Some venues are way out of town, on a farm, in a field, or with no internet or cell service. Mapping out your route ahead of time can keep you from getting stranded or worse.
Do you want to drive or be driven? If you stay in a hotel there may be a free shuttle to the Festival. Some sites will advertise this ahead. Find out if a bus or Uber goes there, and what kind of parking is available if you are driving. Also, take into account the time it takes to get to your destination – you do not want to miss shows because you are stuck on the bus or racing on foot from the drop-off spot. Another important point is knowing if you can leave the Festival grounds and come back later.
Where to Stay
Do you want to camp or enjoy a hotel? Multi-day events will usually have camping available on site. Again, comfort and quality can vary. If you bring your vehicle, find out if you can sleep in it (if you choose to) or if you have to park it in a separate spot.
The kind of camping you do can also differ greatly. In some cases “camping” might be in the parking lot with few amenities. That could be your style if you are not planning to sleep much, but I don’t really recommend it. As a solo traveler you want to feel secure and have a place to escape to when you want to recharge.
Shambhala (“Canada’s premier electronic music festival”), in a spectacular and remote mountain setting, offers everything from basic camping – bring your own tent and supplies, to RV sites, high-end glamping and even a luxury Yurt with Queen beds. If you choose to camp at a festival, find out what gear you need to bring, if any – some events have it all on hand.
Check whether the ticket cost includes lodging or food. Some places allow you to bring food but not alcohol. You may be expected to rely on onsite food trucks or kiosks. Can you make a fire and cook your own meals? Are there washrooms, showers, and laundry onsite? Wi-Fi or cell service?
When you travel solo, find out if your accommodation includes a single supplement fee added to the cost of your stay. Some bookings will only give you a double occupancy price whether or not you are alone.
Staying Safe at a Music Festival Solo
Safety is always an issue, especially when traveling solo. Our site is brimming with safety tips for the solo traveler. Please see a comprehensive post on this here.
It’s always good to connect with others, even if you do not hang out with them. It’s reassuring to know someone even slightly, in case you find yourself needing a hand, or vice versa.
Review the layout of the grounds in as much detail as you can. Phones are not always reliable. I often keep a map with me, so I know where the exits are and where to find security and medical aid tents. It’s also helpful to know where to charge your phone, if an ATM is available, and where the washrooms are located.
Always carry emergency supplies, water, and snacks. Above all, stay alert to your surroundings.
Keep your valuables secure. Festivals often have a lock-up area so you don’t need to haul everything around.
Bring comfortable footwear and layer up clothing. It’s great to have rain gear that rolls up into a small pouch. Travel light. Take only what you need with you.
There are often a lot of unidentified substances circulating at festivals. As a solo traveler you have to be extra aware. Don’t take candy from strangers, or even new friends.
If you are feeling unwell, reach out to the medical team or ask someone for assistance. There are usually volunteers around with clearly marked badges or other identifying gear. Even the most alert travelers can find themselves in a situation beyond their control. Know where and when to get help.
Trust your intuition – don’t be talked into something if you are unsure. Be flexible and expect the unexpected. Above all, stay positive and have fun. You are in charge of your experience, so throw yourself into it and have the time of your life!
