How to Stay Safe in Festival Crowds

Having a good time at a festival starts with a plan. By doing a little research ahead of time, you can relax and focus on the fun when you arrive.

• Research the venue: Check online maps (and save a screenshot to your phone) to help you easily locate entrances, exits, designated meeting points, security, and first aid stations.
• Create a separation plan: In busy areas, cell service can become overloaded, which means your calls or texts may not go through. If you’re going with friends, pick a designated meeting spot ahead of time in case you get separated.
• Agree on a Buddy System Ahead of Time: There’s safety in numbers when you’re in a crowd. Ensure that everyone in your group has a buddy, so trips to the bathroom or concession stand are made in pairs and no one ends up alone.

Festivals and large gatherings can be prime targets for pickpockets. Here’s how to keep your belongings safe:

• Travel light: Bring only the essentials, such as an ID, cash/card, and your phone.
  
• Use secure bags: Opt for crossbody bags or money belts that keep valuables close. Backpacks make you a target for pickpockets. Pacsafe’s Anti-Theft Waist Pack is a good choice, as it features locking zippers that are tough for pickpockets to access.
  
• Go cashless when possible: Many festivals now accept digital payments, reducing the need to carry cash.

• Hydrate often: Heat and long hours of standing can sneak up on you. Bring a refillable water bottle if the venue allows.
  
• Wear the right gear: Comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, and sunscreen will keep you comfortable all day.
  
• Take breaks: Step out of the crowd to rest, eat, and cool down.
  
• Use earplugs: Loud shows are fun, but can be damaging to your hearing. Pack a pair of high-fidelity earplugs that allow you to hear all the sounds without causing damage.
  
• Keep Your Drink Covered: Drink spiking is unfortunately a real risk at crowded events. Keep your drink covered and within your line of sight at all times, and don’t accept drinks or food from people you don’t trust.
  
• Don’t Drink Too Much: It’s important to keep your wits about you in a crowd—pace your drinks so you don’t get overly intoxicated.

These simple steps will help you stay connected during a long day at a festival.

• Keep your phone charged: Portable chargers are lifesavers at festivals.
  
• Use location-sharing apps: Real-time updates help you quickly find friends.
  
• Know emergency contacts: Save the festival hotline or local emergency number in your phone for quick access.

If you’ve ever been to a massive festival, sporting event, rally, or concert, you know the energy of a large crowd is part of the excitement. Most of the time, these large gatherings go smoothly without serious issues. The danger comes when the crowd grows larger than the space can handle or when poor crowd control turns movement into chaos. When thousands of people push in the same direction at once, collisions and dangerous pile-ups can occur. This type of situation is often called a crowd crush, crowd surge, or stampede. Here’s how to avoid getting caught up in one:

• Stay aware of your surroundings: Keep scanning the crowd and avoid getting stuck in areas that feel too packed or where movement is difficult. Go with the flow, then move out: If the crowd starts to push hard in one direction (like towards the front of the stage), don’t fight against it. Instead, move with the crowd while working your way diagonally toward the edges until you find space.
  
• Know the warning signs: If you notice heavy pushing, panicked shouting, or people struggling to move or breathe, get out of the area as quickly and calmly as possible.
  
• Protect yourself: If you’re trapped in a crowd crush, do anything you can to remain upright and stay on your feet. Fold your arms in front of you in a boxing stance to keep enough space around your ribs and lungs so you can breathe. Don’t panic, and try to keep your breathing steady.
  
• Avoid standing near barriers: Victims of a crowd crush can be pinned against walls or other obstacles, making it crucial to maintain a safe distance.
  
• Watch for warning signs: If you see pushing, hear shouting, or feel unsafe, leave the area before it escalates.