5 Tips For Raving On A Budget This Festival Season

With economic instability on the rise, many people are feeling the squeeze in their wallets this year. Cutting back on expenses like festival tickets may become an unfortunate necessity, but that doesn’t mean the good times have to end, especially when times are already stressful. With a little thinking outside the box, ravers can make the most of their budget without sacrificing the joys of raving. These five steps will get you started.

1. Prioritize niche and local festivals

While the eyes of the world are on sold-out mainstream festivals, scores of small, independent, and niche festivals emerge every year. Not only do independent festivals often cost hundreds of dollars less than large-scale, corporate-sponsored festivals, they also offer unique cultural experiences, intimacy, and exceptional creative acts you won’t easily find anywhere else—all without the crowds or corporate price tags.

2. Skip the afters

We love the afters, but when trying to stick to a budget, swapping club shows for more DIY experiences can save a lot of money. When traveling out of town for a festival, networking with locals is a great way to find off-the-beaten-path events where the party can go on for cheap or even for free—just make sure to factor in transportation logistics and safety where necessary.

3. Elevate your prep game

Food and drink costs quickly add up at festivals, so investing in meal prepping and DIY beverages can save hundreds of dollars. Opt for cooking meals when possible, or prep meals and snacks to go instead of purchasing food on site. Pregame responsibly, or skip the booze altogether as a bonus win for body and wallet!

4. Consider volunteering

Volunteering at festivals is a tried-and-true way to participate in the festival experience while saving money. It’s also a great opportunity to give back to the communities that make the magic possible while getting a unique look behind the scenes. While benefits vary from festival to festival, most multi-day events offer volunteer programs in exchange for admission, and often hand out other unique perks to participants.

5. Reuse, reuse, and recycle fashion

Styling outfits is a joyous part of the festival experience, but buying new clothes every festival season can be highly wasteful for both your wallet and the environment. Participating in clothing exchanges or investing some creative energy into restyling outfits you already own are more mindful approaches to looking sharp on the dancefloor.

Featured image courtesy: Insomniac Events.