Going to a music festival solo is considered the pinnacle of solo travel confidence – but for many, it's their worst nightmare. Who would you dance with? Would it be the same without a gang of mates to camp with? Festivals are one of my favourite things in the world – they're such a great way of bringing like-minded souls together for a few days of pure, childlike fun and frivolity. So naturally, when I'm in the UK, I love to take my camper van to music festivals with friends. But when I travel solo, I don't always have a group to go to a music event with. Does that mean I should miss out on these incredible experiences? No way!
The truth is, in today's society, we are constantly surrounded by people and of us never spend any time on our own. But how are we supposed to know who we really are when we're constantly defined by the people we surround ourselves with? Music festivals are one of the few places that offer total escapism to be genuinely ourselves and meet likeminded souls. So it actually would be the perfect place to dive into solo life and make new connections along the way. I had never been to a music festival solo until I was backpacking in Central America, I had always met with friends along the way. But I actually planned to go to Envision Festival in Costa Rica entirely alone to really push myself outside my comfort zone and try something new.
Planning a music festival solo? Here's where you'll find:
- Is it Worth Going to a Music Festival Alone?
- Is 25 Too Old for Music Festivals?
- 10 Reasons to go to a Music Festival Solo
- Tips And Tricks For Enjoying A Music Festival Solo
- How to Choose a Solo Music Festival
- Is it Safe for a Woman to go to a Music Festival Solo
- Tips for Staying Safe When Solo at a Music Festival
- Booking Solo Festival and Gig Tickets
- How Do I Make Friends at a Music Festival Solo?
Is it Worth Going to a Music Festival Alone?
Going to a music festival solo can be a really enriching and life-changing experience that boosts your confidence. Whether you choose to attend a music festival alone in your own country, or while travelling solo, it can be an amazing way to meet other festival-goers and form friendships for life. I met lots of other travellers at Envision Festival in Costa Rica and ended up travelling around Costa Rica with them for the next few weeks. While it may feel daunting to attend a festival alone for the first time, it could be a great way to fall in love with your own company and pursue your passions (regardless of whether you have someone to go with you.)
Is 25 Too Old for Music Festivals?
For anyone who is questioning whether age 25, or even age 30, is too old for music festivals – no it isn't! As I write this, I'm 34 and still going strong at music festivals both with friends and solo. Music festivals are a place for escapism and fun that are suitable for any age – since when can you get too old to play?! One thing I will say is that as you get older, the type of music festivals you choose to attend may change depending on your interests and the age group that attend. I've definitely shifted my choice of music festivals from the more hardcore raves to the weekend camping bands and fancy dress fun that I love so much. If you feel too old for music festivals, try a different festivals! There's plenty to suit all music tastes and age groups so keep trying new ones until you find the one for you!
10 Reasons to go to a Music Festival Solo
1. Don't miss out because no-one can come with you
My number one reason and the reason why I decided to travel solo. Life is too short to miss out on experiences simply because we are waiting for someone to join us. Whether it's a music festival solo, a dream trip, a new home or a new job – we shouldn't have to wait. If you're waiting for the trip to leave the group chat, you could be waiting a long time simply because you're scared to do it alone.
2. It's not as lonely as you think
Being alone doesn't mean being lonely – there's a big difference. I spent 4 days at a music festival solo on another continent where I didn't speak the language and yet I didn't feel lonely once and made friends for life. One thing I've found as a solo traveller, being alone actually makes it much easier to connect with strangers and to make new friends.
3. Meet new people and like-minded souls
A festival is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded souls from around the world and to connect with people. Take the opportunity like I did and you'll make countless friends for life. I ended up travelling across the country with a group of friends I met at the festival.
4. Experience the festival YOUR way
Going to a festival with a group of mates can be lots of fun, but it can also mean having to constantly compromise on which stage you dance at, which acts you see and a LOT of waiting around at the toilets. But why compromise? You've paid a lot of money to be there. Going solo means you get to experience the festival exactly the way you want.
>> Don't forget to shop my festival wardrobe
5. Be free to move between groups of friends
The beauty of going to an event solo is that you have no ties to the people you meet. While it can be lovely to meet groups and hang out with them, it can also be nice to go off and do your own thing. So why not take advantage of this and flit between the various groups of friends you meet – join some at a stage when you want to dance, or head for food or yoga with others whenever you fancy. It can be a great way to experience a festival.
6. Be the person you really are
So many of us spend all of our time surrounded by people – friends, family, partners. It can be difficult to really be yourself, or to truly know yourself. Taking time on your own is an important part of life and getting to know yourself. A festival is the perfect place to really be yourself. To experiment with the person you want to be. Whether that's musically, spiritually, mentally or in any other capacity.
7. Try something new
Festivals are jam-packed full of experiences, talks, theatre, arts and creativity – it's a perfect time to explore this side of yourself when going to a music festival solo. Step outside your comfort zone by attending an activity, a talk or trying a new experience without any distractions.
8. Grow your confidence
Going to a music festival solo can be scary – but it's an amazing way to boost your confidence as a solo traveller. If you're scared to try, why not book a solo festival just for the day near your home? I've booked solo tickets to a yoga festival in the UK before and loved spending the day with other yogis. If you're feeling more confident, you could book a festival ticket for your next trip abroad, or start smaller and get gig tickets!
9. Work at a festival
Another great way to do it is to score a free festival ticket by working at the event. I know loads of people who do this regularly and will work as performers, stage builders, pot washers, bar staff and even masseuses. It means getting a free or discounted ticket in exchange for a few hours work each day. It also means you have a ready-made crew of friends on the staff.
10. Because it could be the start of something incredible
One thing I really love about going to a music festival, is the potential. You meet so many incredible people, experience things that really open your mind to new ways of thinking and living. It's such a welcoming and inviting space for creativity and developing ideas. Over the years, music festivals have brought me together with wonderful humans who have genuinely changed the way I see the world. One conversation could change your life. You never know what you could be missing out on.
Tips And Tricks For Enjoying A Music Festival Solo
How to Choose a Solo Music Festival
It can be difficult to know where to start with choosing a music festival to attend solo. There are so many worldwide – so my best advice is to start by deciding whether you want to start smaller and attend a music festival in the UK, Europe or on another continent. I've attended festivals in Thailand, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Australia, Croatia, Czech and France among others. If you are planning to do a festival in the UK, perhaps start by looking at festivals close to where you live, or focus on festivals that have the music line-up that you love. Or if you have a particular passion for yoga, country music or classic cars – look for a festival that indulges your passions – this will be a great way to meet like-minded people.
>> Don't forget to shop my festival wardrobe
If you're planning to attend a music festival solo while travelling – you'll either need to plan your trip around a music festival's dates, or look for events in a destination and line up the dates with your travels. Fun fact, I actually had my ticket for Envision Festival in Costa Rica months before I booked my flights to Central America! Make sure you plan ahead as music festivals will often have limited ticket sales and you don't want to miss out (you may also be able to get last-minute tickets for music festivals if you are in town and prefer to travel spontaneously!)
READ: Six epic festivals to squeeze into your travels
Is it Safe for a Woman to go to a Music Festival Solo
Yes, it is safe for a woman to attend a music festival solo. I have attended many music festivals solo worldwide, or with friends I had only just met. It is a different experience, and as a woman, you will naturally have to be aware of your surroundings and any increase in risks. My best advice for women travelling alone is always to trust your gut and be in a state where you can look after yourself. Festivals are prime sites for people to drink too much or take substances. I will never say to not have fun, but my rule is to never get so out of control that I can't look after myself and get myself home safe.
>>READ: How to Safely Solo Travel as a Woman – a Solo Travel Expert
Tips for Staying Safe When Solo at a Music Festival:
- Make sure you watch your drinks and don't accept drinks that are open/could have been spiked
- If anything makes you feel uncomfortable – report to security (they're there for a reason!)
- Ask for Angela – lots of festivals use this system in the UK
- Make sure you're drinking plenty of water/eating enough
- If camping, put your tent near to groups and make friends with them so they watch out for you
- If you start to feel unwell or need help – go to the Welfare Tent for support.
Booking Solo Festival & Gig Tickets
If you're planning to go to a music festival solo, or fancy a solo gig, there are a few things to consider. If you're planning a festival or gig abroad – you'll want to make sure you have travel insurance just in case anything doesn't go to plan, if you get sick or injured. I really rate World Nomads travel insurance for solo travellers. They're a company which offers insurance designed by travellers, for travellers, and it's perfect for one-off trips or multi-destination trips. I particularly love their new features such as Air Doctor and SmartDelay which gives you access to on the ground medical care and prescriptions, and airport lounges if you face travel delays. Don't forget to get yourself an eSIM if you're attending a music festival abroad, it's a good way to stay connected with family and friends and to get the festival app! Get a Holafly eSIM (my go-to) and you can get 5% off using the code ABSOLUTELYLUCY.
You can shop for festival and gig tickets online here – or visit the specific festival website to get your tickets. If you're looking for resale tickets – click here to save money on tickets for music festivals and gigs.
How Do I Make Friends at a Music Festival Solo?
It's easier than you think to make friends when riding solo at a music festival – being alone pushes you to engage with strangers and start conversations. If you're nervous about attending a music event alone, let me reassure you. First of all, pick an event that you are passionate about – whether that is for the music, the destination or perhaps even a hobby such as yoga. There are festivals and events for every type of person, but you'll naturally feel more confident at an event full of like-minded people.
Here's 3 ways to make friends at a festival:
- Camp at the festival / stay in a hostel nearby and talk to your neighbours/ dorm buddies!
- Look for Facebook groups or social media groups for the event / travel and ask if anyone is going solo and wants to meet!
- Smile and don't be afraid to make the first move to break the ice
Still feeling nervous? Check out this article on How to Prepare for First Time Solo Travel
