Are you a solo traveller attending a music festival and wondering how to meet like-minded people? The best way to find solo travellers at music festivals is to arrive early, utilise social media and festival-specific apps, participate in group activities, and volunteer to connect with others. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the best strategies to find new friends and fellow solo adventurers while enjoying the music and the festival vibe.
If you’re into solo travel, don’t miss our tips on travelling alone in Kenya and meeting people while exploring Austria—both packed with real experience and easy-to-follow advice.
Why Music Festivals are Great for Solo Travelers
Music festivals are the perfect playground for solo travellers. The energy is electric, and the crowds are diverse, filled with people from all walks of life. Festivals naturally foster a sense of community, making it easy to meet new people and connect over shared interests—especially when you’re on your own.
Many festivals have built-in solo traveller communities. Whether you’re attending a large-scale event like Coachella or a more intimate gathering like Glastonbury, these festivals draw thousands of people, many of whom are also venturing solo. Plus, events like Burning Man and Tomorrowland have unique, solo-friendly vibes that encourage inclusivity and open interaction.
Preparing to Connect with Other Solo Travelers
Before you even arrive at the festival, you can take steps to increase your chances of meeting fellow solo travellers.
1. Do Your Research:
- Find out if the festival you’re attending has dedicated solo traveller events or meetups. Some more prominent festivals have areas specifically for solo attendees or post-event online groups where you can connect.
- Join Social Media Groups: Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Instagram hashtags are great for finding others going solo to the same festival.
2. Choose the Right Festival:
- Some festivals have a culture that’s more open to solo travellers. For example, festivals like Shambhala in Canada and Sziget Festival in Hungary are known for attracting a lot of solo adventurers who embrace the communal, free-spirited atmosphere.
- Look for festivals that offer group activities or workshops, which are great places to meet others without the pressure of small talk.
3. Packing Tips for Solo Travelers:
- Bring things that encourage social interaction, such as a group-friendly portable game or a striking outfit. Festivals often provide chances for impromptu socialising, so a fun accessory or a unique style can make it easier for others to approach you.
Using Apps and Online Communities to Meet Fellow Solo Travelers
The digital age makes meeting people before the event even more accessible. Here’s how you can use apps and online communities to connect with other solo festival-goers:
1. Social Media & Forums:
- Search for Facebook groups dedicated to your specific festival. These are treasure troves of information, and you’ll often find posts from solo travellers looking to meet up.
- Reddit also has many festival-specific threads and subreddits (like r/Festival), where you can find solo travellers or ask about meetup opportunities.
2. Festival Apps & Travel Apps:
- Many large festivals now have apps that feature attendee interaction. You can see who else is going and use the app to join discussions and meetups.
- Apps like Bumble BFF or Tandem are also great for connecting with fellow travellers. Meetup is another fantastic app for discovering local meetups and events, some of which may happen before or during the festival.
Arriving Early & Joining Festival Groups
One of the best ways to meet other solo travellers is to arrive early at the festival. Many festivals offer pre-festival meetups, parties, or group camping options, where solo travellers can gather and bond over shared excitement.
1. Pre-Festival Meetups:
- Some festivals hold official or unofficial meetups before the event kicks off. These are excellent opportunities to get to know other solo travellers in a more relaxed setting.
- Arriving early also gives you the chance to explore solo and get familiar with the layout of the festival, which is a great icebreaker when meeting others.
2. Join Community Spaces or Solo Traveler Areas:
- Many festivals have designated zones for solo travellers or communal spaces where you can meet people quickly. These can range from campgrounds to shared lounges.
- Some festivals even offer solo travel “family” spaces where people with similar interests gather to camp or hang out.
Tips for Finding and Connecting with Other Solo Travelers
When you’re at the festival, there are countless ways to meet others and strike up conversations naturally.
1. Participate in Group Activities:
- Many festivals offer workshops, yoga sessions, and arts and crafts activities. These events are ideal for meeting others in a more laid-back setting.
- Don’t hesitate to join group parades, drumming circles, or spontaneous art installations. These activities often attract solo travellers looking to connect.
2. Hang Out in Popular Areas:
- The food court, drink stands, and merch booths are always full of people. These lines are the perfect spots to make new friends.
- Look for places with a high flow of people, like campgrounds or the main stages, where solo travellers are more likely to be.
3. Volunteer for the Festival:
- Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet others while also giving back to the event. Many festivals offer discounted or free tickets to volunteers, and you’ll get to interact with a lot of different people during your shifts.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers at Music Festivals
While it’s exciting to meet new people, it’s essential to stay safe while doing so. Here are some practical safety tips for solo festival-goers:
1. Have a Plan:
- Set a meeting point with any new friends, in case you get separated. Festivals can get crowded, and it’s easy to lose track of people.
- Always share your itinerary with a friend or family member before you head off to the festival.
2. Trust Your Instincts:
- While festivals are generally safe, always trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to leave the situation or seek help from a staff member.
3. Keep Your Belongings Safe:
- Solo travellers are more vulnerable to theft. Keep your valuables secured, and consider using anti-theft backpacks or lockable pouches.
Staying in Touch with New Friends
After the festival, the connections you made don’t have to end there. Social media is an excellent tool for staying in touch with the people you meet. Create a group chat with your new festival friends, share photos, and plan future meetups or other festivals to attend together.
Conclusion
Music festivals are an incredible opportunity for solo travellers to connect, discover new music, and meet people from all over the world. By arriving early, using social media, and participating in group activities, you’ll quickly find fellow solo adventurers and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re there for the music, the people, or the adventure, embracing your solo journey will undoubtedly lead to new friendships and unique experiences.