For MADD By Charlie Hosek
You’ve got your wristband. Your hydration pack. Your crew. It’s festival season, and safety may not be the first thing on your mind. But whether you’re headed to a sold-out stadium show or dancing barefoot at Electric Forest, knowing how to stay safe can make the difference between a night to remember and one you’d rather forget.
From rideshares to water breaks, these concert safety tips from MADD are here to help you keep the vibe high and the risks low. No buzzkills, just real ways to look out for yourself and your friends.
Here’s how to have fun and stay safe at festivals and concerts this summer, with MADD’s top safety tips!
1. Plan Your Ride Before You Party
We’ve all been there: your phone’s at 3%, your ride bailed, and now you’re standing in a field with no signal, trying to figure out how to get home safe after a festival. Let’s avoid that.
Whether you’re planning to drink, catch a late set, or just know you’ll be exhausted after the headliner, sort out your ride ahead of time. Talk to your crew. Choose a designated driver, schedule a rideshare, or map out your public transit options before you even leave the house.
Bonus move? Set a check-in time with whoever’s driving or picking you up. That way, you’re not scrambling later when it’s loud, dark, and chaotic. Festival safety starts before the gates even open.
2. Watch Your Drink
It’s a total buzzkill topic—but one we actually need to talk about. Drink spiking happens more than people think, and all it takes is setting your cup down for a second.
Here’s the deal: Don’t accept drinks from strangers unless they’re sealed or made in front of you. And if you walk away from your drink—even just to dance or run to the bathroom—toss it and grab a new one.
Want to level up? TikTok has some solid drink safety hacks, from scrunchie-style cup covers to glow-in-the-dark lids. Whatever works for you, just make sure you stay in control of what you’re sipping.
3. Hydrate and Rest
You can’t vibe if you’re dehydrated and passed out in the grass by 4 p.m.—trust. Long days, loud music, and summer heat can sneak up on you fast.
Pro tip: alternate water with whatever else you’re drinking, and don’t sleep on snacks. Even just a granola bar or some fruit can help you stay upright and dancing.
Take breaks when you need to. Find a shaded spot. Check in with your body. A little rest now = energy for the headliner later. Add this to your mental concert survival guide, and you’re good to go.
4. Stick with Friends
Honestly, it’s way too easy to get lost in the crowd at festivals or concerts—especially when your phone dies or the service is straight-up garbage. So, before you even get there, pick a meet-up spot and screenshot the map. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Also, sharing your location with the squad or having one sober friend on lookout can save major stress.
We all know that one friend who just dips mid-set and vanishes—don’t be that person. If someone’s had too much or looks like they’re struggling, stick with them and get help from the event staff if you need to. Watching out for each other isn’t just chill, it’s straight-up necessary.
5. Trust Your Instinct
If something feels sketchy, it probably is. You don’t owe anyone a reason to dip—just bounce. Trust your gut. There’s always that one moment at events that gives you a weird vibe—listen to it and act.
If you ever feel uneasy or need help, don’t hesitate to find security tents, medic stations, or flag down event staff. They’re there for exactly that reason.
Festivals and concerts are all about good vibes and having fun, and keeping safety top of mind means everyone can enjoy the day without any regrets.
Bottom Line:
Live it up this summer — but don’t forget the basics that keep the vibes good and your people safe. MADD’s tips help you party smart so your best nights stay unforgettable for all the right reasons.
