Fest with Success - Roaming with Red

Going to festivals is something that many people enjoy. For some, it’s in their genetic makeup. Whether it’s a food festival, a music festival, or a holiday festival, they are enjoyed by the thousands. While I wouldn’t call myself an avid fester anymore (I am a lot pickier about which festivals I attend), I do enjoy them and am lucky enough to live in a city where festivals are in abundance. With that being said, it’s important to get some pro tips on how to fest with success. I have compiled a list of things that make attending a festival more pleasant and appealing. Let’s take a look.

1. Sunscreen

I feel like I shouldn’t have to preach this in this day in age, but I’m going to. The older I get, the more I realize how important applying sunscreen is. I’ve been burnt to a crisp during one single outing and it’s the worst. You pay for it for days, possibly weeks. Get yourself some spray-on sunscreen and put it in your car (if you’re driving to the fest) or your bag if you have some room. You will be glad you did. And spray your head!

Hat from Meyer the Hatter

2. A Hat

Yes, I just mentioned spraying your head, but also spray your hat. The hat is a fantastic way to make you look fest-chic and block that pesky sun. Recently I have become more of a hat-wearer, and I like it for the most part. I’m not a huge fan of sweating on my head, but it’s better than the alternative. I know a nice shower is awaiting me on the other end of that hat wear. My favorite hat shop in New Orleans is Meyer the Hatter. If you're in NOLA, do check it out.

Not at a fest, but with my OneQuince little purse!

3.Small Bag/Purse

This makes sense. You need your keys, your chapstick, your hand sanitizer, and whatever other items that I don’t want to know about. I love my neoprene bag from OneQuince. It’s so small and light, and it keeps me from adding extra nonsense that I do not need for a festival. Leave the deck of cards at home. You don’t want to tote that crap around. Remember: fest with success, not with stress!

I Prefer Tennis Shoes at Festivals

4. Non-Flip Flop Shoes

Please, for the love of cheese and rice, do not wear flip flops. Your feet get warm, I get it, but there are tons of shoes out there that are just fine and they are more secure than a flip flop. I have actually blown out a flip flop (like the Jimmy Buffet song) and it ain’t fun. Walking barefoot down one of the busiest streets in New Orleans because I “had” to wear my blasted Havaianas is not how I want to end my day. I love those sandals, but more for around the house than attending a festival. There’s a time and a place, friends. Festivals are not that time, nor that place.

One of My Favorite Breezy Dresses by Madewell

5. Light and Breezy Clothing

Wear clothing made of cotton or linen. Break it out for the warmer months, feel good, and keep your body out of the polyester. You’re going to come away smelling anyway, but those fake materials make it so much worse. A nice cotton dress or linen shirt will do you just right, and your armpits will thank you for it. If you’re with others they will, too, I love a nice light dress with pockets, myself. Natural fibers only, friends.

Relaxing on our Monkey Mat

6. Water-resistant Mat or a Chair

My go-to is called a Monkey Mat, but in doing research I see that they are no longer in business. Doing some research for a comparable product, the one linked looks similar. The best part is how small it folds up and it's easy to tote anywhere. I have loved my Monkey Mat so much, and now I hope it never rips or wears out. These little mats can be life-savers when you're out and want to pop a squat to rest. It's a lot easier than hauling a folding chair, I can tell you that.

Wearing My Goodr Sunglasses from Phina

7. Cheaper Sunglasses

While I love nice sunglasses like anyone, I do not like toting them to festivals. There are too many chances to be disappointed with the turnout when you take nice or expensive things to a fest. So many times I’ve heard people leaving their nice sunglasses or having them get stepped on. Like the open toe shoes, leave those Guccis at home. There are so many options nowadays to get cute, inexpensive sunglasses. I love my new ones, and they come in all kinds of fun colors.

Don't Fest without the Prep!

To fest with success is no amateur’s game. It takes preparation and thoughtfulness as to what you are doing and where you are heading. These are just a few of my items that I have found help me enjoy an outdoor festival more. I don’t have to worry about much past these items, aside from food or drink, that is. Hopefully this list helped you, and hopefully we’ll see you at one of our many festivals. Happy festival season, my friends!