Festivals are magical... they bring people together around music, culture and community. But a great festival experience doesn’t just happen by accident, it’s shaped by how we all show up. Being mindful of yourself and those around you helps everyone have a better, safer, more respectful time.

Take Care of Yourself First

Even the most exciting weekend can become uncomfortable fast if you overlook basic self-care. These aren’t “rules”... they’re common-sense tips that keep you well and ready to enjoy the event:

⭐ Stay Hydrated

  • Drink water regularly, especially in hot weather. Heat exhaustion is real, and it can take you out of the experience quickly.

  • If the festival provides free water stations, use them!

⭐ Rest When You Need To

  • Festivals are long. Stamina matters.

  • Find a shaded or designated rest area and give your body a break, even 10 minutes helps.

⭐ Use Designated Quiet / Chill Zones

  • Many larger events now have calm, low-stimulus areas.

  • If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break from noise, crowds, and stimulation.

⭐ Eat Regularly

  • Don’t skip meals because you’re “in the moment.”

  • Proper fuel helps you avoid dizziness, low blood sugar and fatigue. 

People sitting and watching a band at a music festival

Basic Social Etiquette - Let Everyone Enjoy The Festival

A festival is a space shared with thousands of other people. Simple courtesy goes a long way.

Be Respectful

  • No rude or aggressive behaviour. Don't be that person.

  • Respect personal space... people came to enjoy, not to be crowded.

Be Aware of Others Around You

  • If you’re standing in a crowd, avoid blocking lines of sight.

  • If you’re tall or have backpacks, be mindful of shorter participants behind you.

No Pushing, Shoving or Rough Behaviour

  • Physical space matters! Especially in mosh pits or crowded areas.

Don’t Throw Things at the Stage or Into the Crowd

  • Throwing objects can injure performers or other festival-goers and it's just disrespectful to the artists. 

Observe Crowd Flow

  • Move with the flow, don’t stand in narrow passageways or block entry/exit points.

Be Mindful Of Photos/Videos

  • It’s fine to capture memories, just be aware of people in your shot and respect privacy. And don't forget to put your phone away at times and just enjoy the moment.

Leave No Trace

  • Use bins for rubbish and recyclables. It's often volunteers who are walking around cleaning up, so do the right thing.

  • Festivals are temporary spaces, help keep them clean. No-one likes sitting watching the last band of the night in amongst piles of cans.

Mess left at a music festival at the end of the day


Festival Safety Checklist

Before you head in, tick these off:

  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing & sturdy footwear (blisters at a festival suck!)

  • Sunscreen + hat 

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Power bank for your phone

  • Plan a meetup spot with friends (in case you separate)

  • Know the festival’s emergency / medical tent location

  • Cash/cards ready for food and merch

Festival crowd lining up for water at a re-fillable water station


Major Australian Festivals 

Here’s a starter list of key events in Australia.

🇦🇺 New South Wales (NSW)

🇦🇺 Queensland (QLD)

🇦🇺 Victoria (VIC)

🇦🇺 South Australia (SA)

🇦🇺 Other Notable Australian Festival Regions

These events span multiple states or are seasonally significant:

Big Pineapple Festival

Wrap-Up: Why Festival Etiquette Matters

Festivals are communal spaces where individuals gather to celebrate music, art and shared culture. Everyone’s experience improves when we act with respect, awareness, and care... for ourselves and for others.

Whether you’re heading to your first festival or your fiftieth, these guidelines help ensure a safe, fun and enriching time. Rock On!


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