When the main festival is all done for the night, where does the crowd go if they want to keep the rave going? Real ravers know the main event starts at the afters. Whether you’re a nightclub afters girly or like to join the renegade raves in secret locations, dancing till the sun rises (and even after) is not built for the weak.
Here’s some of our tips to survive the high energy of the afters!
Our Ultimate Tips To Survive the Afters
Bring the Essentials
Part of the beauty of the afters is its DIY, community-driven feel, often held within the heart of the city. Which can also mean the event is thrown in a giant warehouse with no A/C with limited portapotties. To make sure you have the best time, we recommend bringing an extra bag of essentials so you can feel the most comfortable while you’re at the event.
Our number one item we recommend is earplugs - these are a must if you want to enjoy the massive sound system and still keep your hearing in your later years! We also recommend a large hand fan, so you can cool yourself down - and others - in the middle of the crowd (props if it has a cool design). In tandem with this, make sure to drink twice as much water to beat the heat. The unsung hero of these events is extra baby wipes and tissues, because 99% of the time the portable toilets WILL run out, and your future self will thank you for bringing extra!
Noise Shield Hi-Fidelity Earplugs
Check the Venue Policies
Club afters and warehouse afters tend to differ in rules and policies, so it’s always smart to read ahead before making the trek. Some afters require you to RSVP beforehand, or even buy a ticket. Often these events sell out, so make sure you and your squad are on top of it, especially if your favorite DJ gets announced as a secret guest!
Official club afterparties can be a little more strict with their rules, especially if they offer cool perks like tables. Unofficial afters tend to have a more laidback dress code and bag policy, but are harder to find info about. Some events also have differing age limits, varying between 18+ to 21+. Raver pro tip: sign up for different event’s text newsletter to get the hot details on every events before they are announced to the public! Following events on social media and joining raver groups like Radiate are also great resources in search of the perfect afterparty.
Bring A Trusted Friend
Regardless of where you choose to rave out the rest of your night, it’s always important to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. As magical as they are, sometimes the afters events can be thrown in sketchy parts of town with confusing directions. If you’re new to the festival scene, it’s recommended to bring a trusted friend to these events so you can keep the energy up around someone who is looking out for you!
For the best night ever, securing your arrival and departure plan will put you more at ease when the time comes. Knowing the right directions ahead of time can prepare you and your squad even if you are all riding the post-festival high, and having an escape plan with rideshares or DDs secured comes in handy when everyone’s focused on dancing their heart away.
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