By Amber, Supplements Buyer & Live Music Enthusiast
Every year in late May, crowds descend upon the Harvard Coliseum for one of the biggest outdoor music festivals in New England. Sure, Boston Calling may not have the celebrity clout of Coachella or the cool-kid reputation of Bonnaroo, but you have to admit there's something kind of awesome about finally having a music fest of our very own. Whether you're a newbie to the world of Boston Calling or a frequent fest-goer, here's some important things to consider when hitting the field.
Sunscreen is your best friend. Even if you're darker-skinned, staying vigilant with your sun protection is important. To avoid getting your sunscreen confiscated by security, opt for a small non-aerosol tube, like this one from Babo. And don't forget your eyes. I always bring a pair of sunglasses with me to outdoor shows (usually cheap ones, that way I'm not too bummed out if I lose them).
Stay hydrated! Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. (Boston Calling lets you bring in your own empty water bottle to refill at their Hydration Stations.) Adding some prepackaged electrolyte powders (like these from Superieur) to your water can help you replace the minerals you lose through sweating.
Protect your hearing. Music festivals can get loud. A couple of years ago I caught Nine Inch Nails' incredible Boston Calling set -- from my apartment balcony a mile away. A pair of heavy-duty earplugs can protect you from total decibel decimation.
A rather candid bit of advice from my own experience being a frequent concert attendee: If you're a festival-goer who menstruates, a menstrual cup like this one from VIV will save you the trouble of lugging around handfuls of tampons. (And you won't have to figure out where to dispose of your trash afterwards, either!) Menstrual cups are a simple switch that will make your fest-going experience so much easier.
Other important things to remember: Wear comfortable shoes -- especially if you're going to be dancing a lot. (And as cute as your new Doc Martens are, now is probably not the best time to wear them for the first time.) Carry a Sharpie so you can write down your contact information in case of an emergency -- or in case you spot that incredible bassist whose autograph you want.
A bandanna is also a good thing to keep around -- it can tie your hair back, keep sweat out of your eyes, or even serve as a clean ground cover in a pinch. Figure out public transit beforehand, especially if you're coming in from afar. Try to be respectful of the locals, as Boston Calling takes place in a mostly residential area of the city. And above all else, be kind to each other and to your bodies.
Are you checking out any of the acts at Boston Calling this year? (The CN Team is especially stoked for locals Paper Lady!)