It’s festival season! With summer well underway, you’re likely to hit a variety of irresistible summer shows like Essence Festival, Afropunk Fest, and Lollapalooza, among others. Many summer music festivals, featuring a nonstop lineup of bands and entertainers, often go late into the night. Raging under the blistering sun all day can take its toll on the body, putting you at increased risk for dehydration and heat stroke.
In anticipation of festival-goers everywhere turning up in the name of good music, food and friends, we’ve compiled a list of seven ways to stay cool as you act a fool!
1. Dress appropriately
While some festivals can be as much about fashion as music, they shouldn't be a catwalk. When shopping for festival attire, keep color and fit in mind. Steer away from black, polyester or heavy denim. Light-colored clothing in organic fabrics are breathable and reflect sunlight. Flowy cuts and textured gear will also increase airflow to your skin, keeping you cool all day long.
Tip: If you're headed to a beach festival or plan on getting wet, consider swapping out your day-to-day undergarments for a bathing suit top and bottom.
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2. Pack light
Think campsite, not the Four Seasons. Considering you’ll be lugging your items around with you, the lighter you pack, the more comfortable you’ll be. Small items like cooling fans, hats, tank tops, a swimsuit, a small blanket, cute sunnies, and a reusable water bottle are all lightweight, useful options.
3. You are what you eat
Eating heavily can raise your body temperature and even dehydrate you. Eat smaller meals but more often. Try snacks like nuts and fruit to give you energy and keep you replenished.
4. Stay hydrated
Chances are if you’re partying hard, you’re going to be drinking throughout the day and night. Keeping your fluids up with water isn’t only important for flushing you out, but it will prevent heat stroke and help keep your body temp down.
Tip: Keep your food and drinks cooler for longer periods of time by freezing them ahead of time. Cartons of juice, bottled water, boxes of wine, and fruit are awesome options!
RELATED: 9 Ways to Protect Your Heart and Brain From the Summer Heat
5. Give in to your sweet tooth
Nothing cools you down on a hot summer day like an ice cream cone or strawberry lemonade icee. Plan to hit the ATM ahead of time, as it’s likely most food vendors will be too busy to swipe your stripe.
6. Bring a tent
Frequent summer music festival-goers almost always bring a tent or day shelter to the concert venue. To ensure you nab an epic view of the main stage, arrive early to get it set. Having a tent not only gives you the opportunity to tuck away for some shade when the sun gets to be too much, but it also provides storage space for say a backpack, cooler or concert swag.
7. Top it off
A good hat can often mean the difference between a comfortable day spent jamming to your favorite tunes and a scorched face and neck. Considering you can top it off with a variety of sizes and styles, including snapbacks, fedoras, and visors, there’s a little something for just about everyone.
Don't forget the sunscreen, too!
