Culture - What To Bring To A Rave?

[D-termine]

So I'm a first timer on the rave scene, going to EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) in LA. It will unfortunately be a massive, 30-50k people. It has me a bit leery as I can at times be quite the misanthrope. Poor drug use etiquette, morons and children using mind altering chemicals irritate the shit out of me. It will be all ages, full of Orange County kids. Imagine the kids from the show Laguna Beach filling the place. Yeah...

Sorry, I needed to get that out, my girl friend can't see why I might have reservations about this. Anyhow, my mental state aside (which I have certainly give its due importance to), what would be nice to bring with? I'm thinking a few light sticks, my ancillary supplements taped to the nads, a fanny pack (yes and it will be heavily decorated), a bandana, Vicks, Water and what else? I plan on making a list soon, but what do you guys love to bring? Do you dress up? Spray your hair? Wear heavy or light make up? I just hate to be unprepared when altered, it drives me that special kind of insane.

SWIM will also be indulging in the near mandatory MDMA, as well as perhaps some K if it finds its way into SWIMs nostrils. Anyhow, I'm down for any stories or suggestions, thnx

Reputation Comments on this post:

enjoy yourself, EDC is great!

[RaverHippie]

pre-assigned meetup points are necessary if you hope to stay in any sort of organized group of friends. Especially later on when most people will be inside instead of partaking of the carnival rides. Be wary that most people at this rave, won't be ravers. They will be all the normal douchebags and other sorts looking for a thrill and a fun time. That said, if you happen to run into someone that's cool and offers you an elastic bracelet made of plastic beads just accept it as a gift . As far as dress, be yourself. Dress in your most comfortable outfit, the one that expresses who you are. It doesn't need to be flashy or original to impress other people, there will be plenty of those types, just dress for yourself. Be sure to check prior for the normal things they won't allow in. Backpacks, water bottles, food are all common things that aren't allowed at larger parties because they don't want to have to search bags and they want you to pay for all food/beverages in house. Keep close to friends but don't be afraid to have fun with strangers.

That said my usual raving attire includes about 5lbs of plastic beaded bracelets and necklace (just an estimate), homemade clothes usually in a bright obnoxious tie-dyed pattern (self dyed) or in a UV reactive fabric. I always carry everything in my backpack that could be desired or needed by someone I care about (condoms, water, extra bracelets for trading, camera, candy, glowsticks, vicks inhalers, gum, pacifier, etc). The parties I go to there's not usually an intensive search or special security requirements (like no backpacks) so I never have to worry about not being allowed to bring the bag in but I'm no familiar with the security for the Massives. Given the people attending, I would assume it'll be tight and a pain in the ass (pun possibly intended if you catch my drift).

[aBakes]

It is not allowed to post that you are going to do or have done any illegal activity or that you have used any illegal drugs. Hypothetical stories or questions are allowed.
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taken from the the rules.

aBakes added 1 Minutes and 2 Seconds later...

ignore that post....stupid that you can't edit...

[D-termine]

Thnx for the response RH, you're always rather informative. I'm quite the lurker here, although I post frequently on a Bodybuilding board. How do you rate someones post here? The last year has brought the post quality way up and I think it would be nice if I got started building my own rep around these parts.

[RaverHippie]

unfortunately due to some posts in your past, some people thought poorly of the material in some of your posts, or you broke one of the many forum rules. This resulted in negative reputation (and a little red box underneath your post count in every one of your posts). One can view reputation remarks made by other members (with their anonymity protected) at the bottom of one's control panel (click the user CP link at the top left hand corner in the blue bar, then clink on the link showing control panel). Take heed of the reputation remarks in order to not repeat these mistakes.

In order to be able to rate people's posts one must be of silver member status. That requires getting positive reputation remarks up to 5 positive points. Then one will be able to give out reputation both positive and negative. One will be able to give out/take away a larger number of points when one has more reputation points (and little green boxes instead of your red box).

[radiometer]

great advice from raverhippie

It sounds like SWIY considers going out to a dance event and taking drugs to be a special event. Good on ya.

Might I suggest that, being in a great place like CA, SWIY might be able to find, with a little bit of work, a true underground scene where things are a lot more loose and comfortable for the entertainments SWIY has in mind?

They sure do exist here in the SF bay area, and I can't help but think that they still do down that way as well...

Massive events like you describe are a really hit or miss thing. Best of luck!

[D-termine]

A better scene would sure be appreciated, however the ways in which one might find them are a bit unforgiving. For SWIM rolling is infrequent compared to the use of other psychedelics and generally reserved for closer more intimate settings. That and SWIMs gf doesn't like to roll all that often anymore.

I can't wait for Love Fest this year, I have heard it is a beautiful event. My buddy goes to Sonoma State and went last year,nothing but rave reviews from him. I hear Reggae on the River is also bad ass, I'll be going up there as well this year.

As far as Rep Points go, its a bummer I got into this website when it had a much lower level of quality content, I didn't really take the rules too seriously. Hopefully some kind soul will bestow me with some positive points, I actually have taken quite the liking to this forum over the past year or so

[RaverHippie]

If you're serious about wanting to go to a real rave Look up the party "beyond the beat" on groovetickets.

This rave will blow EDC away in terms of energy and vibe for sure. And it's much less expensive and the DJ's in my opinion are much better. This party is in september so there's plenty of reason to wait. If I can find another one of similar quality I'll post it here. does SWIY prefer LA or SF area?

[D-termine]

SWIM and his cohort would definitely prefer the LA area, The Bay is a bit of a drive from the infamous OC. Ill take a look at Beyond the Beat, it seems anything scavenged from the great interweb is always a bit cooler

[whiteponyraveman]

SWIM raved since MM '06. A "Massive" as your first rave could be an awesome way to start your rave journey. SWIM went to EDC last year and it was extremely amazing. SWIM is sure that you'll enjoy it this here. Anyways to answer your question, they're picky like crazy about what you can bring. It can even depend on which one of the multiple lines you are in to get into the event, as some security guards are cooler than others. So dont bring in anything that has been opened, for obvious reasons. Thats why pens, gum packages, Vicks, bandana, etc have been completely banned at Massives from my knowledge. People lost to lose all of their stuff under the influence of MDMA too, so its not a good idea to bring in anything valuable. Some people dont even bring a phone because they know they'll lose it. Bring lights, fully charged phone in case you get separated with your friends, hopefully its not a super expensive phone just in case you lose it, and a camera if youre willing to carrying it around all night and make sure you have it on you at all times, which Id hate to do.

So plan to wrap all the stuff you want to bring like gum, Vicks, and your supplements and crotch it. Taping it to the nads is unnecessary, as that will call for the porty potty visit which will take FOREVER since everyone rushes to use them. And thats where ppl get busted too [think about it].

And yes the scene has significantly changed, there are A LOT more younger ppl than even just a year ago. Sad. I suggest no make up, hairspray and all that, sweating doesnt go along with unnecessary products.

[tinyboi619]

SWIM is going to EDC but doesnt know what to wear. SWIM has never been to a rave before. Are regular blue jeans with a black t-shirt ok? How about hats?

[purplehaze]

I'm curious why everyone says to bring a Vicks inhaler to a rave, whats the deal?

[Nargyle]

Originally Posted by purplehaze

I'm curious why everyone says to bring a Vicks inhaler to a rave, whats the deal?

SWIY should try smelling one while rolling, or blowing air through it at gf's face and viceversa, it feels amazing

[RaverHippie]

Originally Posted by purplehaze

I'm curious why everyone says to bring a Vicks inhaler to a rave, whats the deal?

MDMA is known to produce a variety of changes to how things feel. Menthol, the main ingredient in vicks, stimulates the cold receptors in skin without there actually being cold present so the combination of feeling cooled off in addition to the weird feeling of a user's skin being on overdrive, typically prove that playing around with vick's inhalers to be fun.

Originally Posted by tinyboi619

SWIM is going to EDC but doesnt know what to wear. SWIM has never been to a rave before. Are regular blue jeans with a black t-shirt ok? How about hats?

Originally Posted by RaverHippie

As far as dress, be yourself. Dress in your most comfortable outfit, the one that expresses who you are. It doesn't need to be flashy or original to impress other people, there will be plenty of those types, just dress for yourself.

Taken from insomniac's website for the party of things not allowed in

"Guidelines:

• NO Sitting on designated dance floor areas!
• NO Video Cameras (still cameras are OK)
• NO Weapons (includes pocket knives and pepper spray)
• NO Glass
• NO Illegal substances
• NO Pets
• NO Balloons
• NO Open packs of cigarettes
• NO Markers
• NO Spray Paint
• NO Pacifiers
• NO Dust Masks
• NO Outside Food or Beverages
• NO Fireworks
• NO Stickers, flyers, or posters"

[tinyboi619]

Yea but what do people usually wear to raves? Give me a few examples of rave outfits so I can get an idea.

[whiteponyraveman]

Its a free for all. Attendants wear anything they want.

Instead of explaining myself, go to these sites for rave pictures with attendants.

www.mypurejoy.com
www.tiggerlovesyou.com
www.whaddupnow.com
www.insomniacevents.com

[heineken2]

all depend of what type of rave you go, you don't take the same shit at a happy rave then a psy rave lol

[RaverHippie]

I wear the same stuff no matter where I go, though sometimes I feel out of place in DnB weeklies wearing kandi and bright tie-dyed clothes lol. I just enjoy the freedom and a lot of people actually admire people wearing what they take pride in and it starts a lot of fun conversations.

[D-termine]

Thnx to everyone who posted, this is turning out to be a very good thread for SWIM. As far as getting "busted" as WhitePony said, what does security look like? Can't you smoke cigs? Do they arrest people? Are there cops or undercovers?

[RaverHippie]

Definitely both as far as cops + undercover, just be discreet. Smoking is fine AFAIK. Arrests can be made if people are idiots with their habits.

[cheffyB]

bring a spare pair of socks. stinky raver foot.

[samsa]

Above all, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. I tend to wear multiple pairs of socks

swim has never had a problem bringing items inside a rave, but he plans to bring plenty no-no's into EDC and can only crotch so much. what are some other techniques swimmers use?

[RaverHippie]

I'm not one for exposing my secrets on the internet. I can only say, creativity can get you far.

[cheffyB]

swim used to make his own crotch pocket outta a warm-up jacket pocket. make sure it has a zipper (so nothing falls out). just cut the pocket out, use saftey pins to secure to undies and swiy is set to stash. swim has been searched multiple times by police as well as event security with no infractions.

[D-termine]

SWIM is bringing around 10ml of GBL, hopefully there will be a small glass vial or the like available. Also lots of Magnesium and Vit C. Can't think of what else. Are glow sticks allowed?