08/04/2026
🚨Edge of the World Music Festival is this weekend August 7-9!
HERE’s WAYS TO BE SAFER in spaces not 100% safe‼️
We go into these events feeling like we can let down our walls completely, but this is naive, we are still responsible for ourselves and each other. There will be people with poor intentions in these spaces, it is impossible to w**d out every single person.
What we can do to keep ourselves safe:
1. Make sure your friends and family know where you're going and if you're going to be on substances
- I know it can feel strange to be transparent with your loved ones about substance use but it goes a long way in keeping you safe
2. Do not go with unvetted strangers.
-This is how people go missing or end up in desperate situations where they have no ride home.
- If they are unvetted, we do not know if they are driving under the influence, generally unwell, have a vehicle that is safe to get you from one place to another, if they have substances that can get YOU in trouble for being in the vehicle with them, or if they are even going to take you to that location.
3. If you are going with friends, make sure they are REAL friends.
- I have seen so many stories of people being abandoned by their friends at festivals with no way home; again, that puts us in a desperate situation where we may take to rides from strangers, hitchhike, or generally rely on people we might not be able to trust.
-Make sure the friends you are going with know you so if something goes wrong they know what's normal behaviour and what raises red flags.
-Have some sober friends!! (I am a sober person at these events if you want a sober friend to check in with) What will save you in crisis or potentially dangerous situations is having some people around you who are sober and aware of whats happening around them.
-Regular check ins with your friends between sets in person.
4. Be familiar with the event space you are going to.
- read the map, learn it well.
- Where is medical, where is sanctuary, bathrooms, meet up spots.
- Get a basic understanding of the surrounding area, rivers, highways, towns.
- Is this a fire prone area? Is it prone to cold nights and extreme heat? Is there flooding? Are you prepared for these things.
5. Keep your phone charged and maybe share your location with a trusted friend if you have the tendency to wander off.
6. When I say be responsible with your substance use this is what I mean
-Test it always.
- Dont be taking multiple substances at a time
- Don't mix uppers and downers
-Take a break sometimes. Some events are 4 days long; do we really need to be obliterated every single day?
-Avoid using during extreme heat
- yes stay hydrated
- don't use alone or alone with people you aren't familiar with
- use within a reasonable limit. When people who are responsible with substance use or are sober see people going overboard we don't think you're cool, we arent judging you either, but we do get worried about whether or not you'll be okay. Lets avoid having to go to medical but go if you need to.
- If you are using TAKE A REST DAY BEFORE DRIVING. If you aren't rested and you have had chemicals in your brain all weekend you are a risk to not just yourself but your passangers and everyone else on the road
7. If you came with someone and you don't drive have a vetted back up incase something happens and that person is not able to take you home.
8. Stay hydrated, stay cool, eat well, be aware of your bodily needs.
How to keep each other safe:
1. Being the sober and prepared friend is an excellent way to keep other safe.
-You're aware and able to look out for others around you.
2. Report dangerous behavior to security.
- Report hate speech. A really easy way to tell if someone is dangerous is by the way they speak about women, lgbtq, bipoc individuals
- If you see harassment, assault, or someone who just isn't hearing a no when no is clearly stated call the helpline for your festival immediately or take note of the space its happening in and the people involved and immediately report to security. Other peoples safety IS everyone's business in these spaces.
3. If someone seems like they have taken too much, take them to medical immediately or stay with them where they are if they are unable to move and call for help.
4. If you are the kind of person who gets angry and rude when you drink/take substances it might be best not to consume in these environments .
-Also if you are unable to respect others boundaries while you are under the influence, maybe don't be under the influence. Being intoxicated does NOT excuse weird sh*tty or non-consensual behavior.
-Just because you are under the influence and feeling touchy doesn't mean everyone wants to be touched by you. Please ask for consent and if someone doesn't say yes then take it as a no.
5. If you are taking substances respect your sober friends by not offering them substances.
6. When you're friends wander off try your best to inquire about where they are going and when you will see them again.
7. If someone is being unsafe towards you try to report to security if you feel safe enough to.
8. Taking a first aid course can help you to better understand how to help people in a crisis and recognize when someone needs help!
9. If you brought your friend to an event take them home, be reliable. If your friendship with them has a lot of tension or is unstable maybe help them arrange a ride with another trusted person.
10. SAY EXCUSE ME! Crowd crush is so real. I was almost tossed to the ground this week in a large crowd. Use your manners and sometimes we can't always be at the front of the stage for our favorite artist and thats okay. Respect other peoples space. If you want to thrash dance maybe move farther back to more open areas of the dance floor and don't ruin other peoples time by smashing into them and pushing them over.
(Shared with gratitude from Shambhala music festival. A lot of thought and direction offered! Haawa)
I am sure there are MANY other ways to keep ourselves and other safe at events. Please feel free to comment more below.
