4 Tips To Stay Safer at Shows, Concerts, Raves, & Festivals

Whether you’re dancing your heart out to your favorite DJ or belting every lyric to your favorite song, RAINN wants to help everyone stay safer at shows.

The vast majority of concert-goers are wonderful people who just want to have a great time, but we have to acknowledge the facts:

Pick a Meetup Point

Keeping your trusted friends close is a great way to ensure your safety, but it’s surprisingly easy to get separated from your group in a huge concert crowd. And when hundreds of thousands of people are packed into festival grounds, your texts and calls may not go through.

Choose a specific meeting place and time to reconnect with your friends if you get separated. Plan mini meetups throughout the day so you’ll never be stuck alone in the crowd for hours on end.

Safeguard Your Drinks

Unfortunately, perpetrators often seek out individuals who may be impaired by alcohol or other substances. To celebrate safer, never accept a drink from someone you don’t know or trust, and don’t leave your drink unattended.

If you choose to partake in recreational substances of any kind, make a habit of checking in on yourself and your friends. Is everyone staying hydrated? Is anyone becoming ill? Is a stranger lurking nearby who makes you feel unsafe?

If you suspect you or a friend has been drugged, get to a safe place and obtain medical treatment as soon as possible.

Bring Back the Buddy System

Remember the “buddy system” from elementary school? It’s an easy way to help you and your crew identify and avoid potential danger.

Whether you’re going to the restroom or dancing your way to a different stage, take someone with you. Together, you can more safely navigate unfamiliar surroundings and manage interactions with unfamiliar people.

Scope Out Your Surroundings

Where are the exits? The medical tents? The security stations? Know where to go for help and how to exit quickly, if necessary.

You are never obligated to remain in an environment where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and proactively identifying your “escape plan” can help you enjoy the festival without worrying, “What if?”

Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Know This: You are Never Alone

If you ever experience sexual assault, it’s not your fault.

If someone assaults you while you’re impaired by alcohol or other drugs, it’s not your fault.

If someone assaults you while you are alone, it’s not your fault.

If someone assaults you after you withdraw consent, it’s not your fault.

Sexual assault is always only the fault of the perpetrator. You, the survivor, deserve to be heard, helped, and supported.