One should not go to a music festival without first taking the proper precautions. I went to Music Midtown with some expectations in mind, and while some of them were met, other things I didn’t see coming. I compiled a list of the things I learned at Music Midtown so that you, the reader, can have some idea of what to bring, what to expect, and how to prepare.
THERE ARE GOING TO BE A LOT OF PEOPLE
Like, a ton. Plan to feel claustrophobic about 99% of the time. People come from all over the bordering southern states. When I saw DNCE, I heard that there were a little over 100,000 people there.
THERE WILL BE A LOT OF DRINKING
I personally don’t drink at all, but there was a lot of drinking amongst the crowds. Being around a lot of people is stressful enough, but being around drunk people is a whole other level of frustrating.
ARRIVE EARLY ENOUGH TO FIND DECENT PARKING
I cannot stress this point enough. As previously mentioned, there are people from all over the southern United States coming to this festival, so plan ahead and arrive there early so you don’t have to walk three miles around Atlanta at night.
STAY HYDRATED
Bring lots of water with you and take advantage of the water stations set up around the venues. You don’t want to pass out when you’re seeing your favorite artist. It’s called Hotlanta for a reason; it gets hot and you’re going to sweat a LOT, so do yourself a favor and drink water.
BRING SUNSCREEN
Again, Atlanta’s heat is no joke. You may not notice it when you’re having fun, but I promise you that as soon as you get home and take a shower, the first hit of hot water on your sunburn will make you regret everything you’ve ever done in your life. Something as simple as sunscreen will prevent a lot of headache.
PEOPLE REALLY DO WEAR HEADDRESSES AND FLOWER CROWNS
I don’t know where this “tradition” started, and when I tried to do some research on why it became a thing I failed to find any information. I do know that wearing the Native American war bonnet can be very offensive, so I was surprised to actually see some people wear it. I also didn’t think I’d see many flower crowns, because I figured that was just for Coachella. Nope.
BRING A PORTABLE CHARGER
The last thing you want to do is have to worry about finding a phone to use while traveling in Atlanta. Also, as safe as I like to think the ATL can be, it definitely has its moments. You want to make sure you have a charged phone on you at all times in case of emergencies.
DON’T LOCK YOUR KEYS IN YOUR CAR
Long story. Check out my podcast for the hilariously tragic tale of when I locked my keys in my car in the middle of Atlanta.
BONUS: JOE JONAS IS MORE BEAUTIFUL IN PERSON
I promise. Look at the pictures and you’ll see.
