A Guide to Attending Music Festivals while Chronically Ill
A Guide to Attending Music Festivals while Chronically Ill
Practical tips for comfort and accessibility, so you can get dancing!
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions.
Let’s also remember that we are still in a global pandemic, and attending events with large groups of people (even if they’re outside) comes with risks. Many disabled and chronically ill people do not have the privilege to feign ignorance when it comes to the dangers of attending crowded gatherings. I still decided to write this piece because it’s the information I wish I had access to many years ago.
I danced in the rain for two days straight to incredible artists: MUNA, Julien Baker, Ethel Cain, and many others. The weekend ended with one of my favorite artists of all time: Janelle Monáe. The staff let me and my friends go down to the floor for the set, and I was having the time of my LIFE.
Janelle brought audience members on stage to dance, and they were all incredible. Afterward, my friend complimented one of them. This person screamed, “I’M DISABLED AND I COULDN’T WALK A YEAR AGO, AND NOW I JUST DANCED ON STAGE WITH JANELLE MONÁE!” and then danced away. As they turned around, I noticed their clear backpack. It included Buoy (hydration drops, which many people with Postural Orthastatic Syndrome–POTS– use), Liquid IV, and a large water bottle. I immediately recognized they likely had POTS and felt even more thrilled for them. The disabled joy was palpable.
Disability can be so isolating and lonely. There were times when I was at my sickest when I worried I’d never be able to go to a concert again. There were other times in my life when I would show up without medication or food and ended up feeling terrible and wasn’t able to enjoy my time to the fullest extent. While it requires a bit more preparation, there are ways to make your time at music festivals a lot more comfortable.
Tip for Going to Festivals
Rest up in the days leading up to the festival – Festivals can be hard on the body. You’re outside all day, often going from sitting to standing, and the days are long. If possible, take the days leading up to the festival to rest. For me, this meant not making any evening plans after work.
Look up the accessibility rules of the venue – Many venues will have an "Accessibility" section on their website, which usually includes information on seating, elevators, and rules for bringing medication. The most important information for me, is how to bring medication into the venue. The past two venues I’ve been to require medications to be in their original bottles with your name on them, and they couldn’t be expired. This was frustrating given how many PRN (as-needed) medications I carry, but I made it work. At the last concert, they didn’t even check the bottles.
Pack what you need– Everyone’s needs are going to be different. For me, because of POTS, I have difficulty with temperature regulation. Now that it’s fall, I experience both getting too hot and too cold. I make sure to bring a handheld fan, instant ice packs, and hand warmers.
Have food allergies? Pack your own food– As someone with celiac it is incredibly difficult for me to find food at venues. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses must allow people to "fully participate and benefit from the goods" they offer. This means festivals must allow individuals with allergies or disabilities to bring their own food (no one can be expected to "fully participate" in a 10-hour festival without eating). Some venues may have size limits on what you can bring in, or requirements for food to be in clear containers. If the website doesn’t provide enough information on their food policies, I’ll call or email ahead for clearance to bring my own food. If I don’t get an answer, I bring a doctor’s note explaining why I need to bring my own food.
Look at set times and adjust your schedule accordingly – It’s okay to miss a set or two. Sometimes taking it easy in the morning allows you to have more fun for the rest of the day. Or, taking a break mid-day during a set to rest can set you up for a good rest of the da
Bring accommodating friends– There’s nothing worse than people who make you feel guilty or ashamed for needing accommodations. Make sure to have supportive friends with you who are willing to adapt to your needs and check in with you along the way.