Why tripping at a festival can be so special
A psychedelic trip opens the door to a different experience of reality. At a festival, where the sensory stimuli are already abundant anyway - music, light, dance, people, nature - this often comes in extra strong. It can feel as if you become one with the rhythm, the colors seem more intense, the music literally touches you, and the contact with others is surprisingly deep and sincere.
For many people, it is an experience of connection: with themselves, with others, with the moment. And let's face it, dancing in the grass under the stars with an open heart and a wide smile is simply unforgettable.
But ... that same intensity can also be (too) overwhelming if you are not properly prepared. Therefore, first things first: the risks.
Tripping at a festival is no guarantee of a great experience. Factors such as fatigue, overstimulation, wrong dosage, bad company or a chaotic environment can lead to anxiety, confusion or even panic.
Some risks:
Bad trip: feelings of anxiety, paranoia, sadness or disorientation.
Overstimulation: loud music, crowds and flashes of light can become too much.
Dehydration or overheating: especially when dancing in the sun or in hot halls.
Loss of orientation: getting lost, not knowing where your tent is, or where your friends are.
Irresponsible behavior: impulsive decisions, such as jumping into the water, getting lost or overstepping boundaries.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it - but it does mean that you should prepare well.
1. Know your drug
Whether you are taking 1P-LSD, truffles, AL-LAD or any other psychedelic or drug: know what you are taking. Read up on its effects, duration and dosage. Some substances work subtly, others can be quite intense - especially at a festival.
👉 Microvibes tip: prefer to start with a low dose if you don't know the drug well. You can always supplement later (if responsibly and with enough interval between doses).
2. Trip with the right people
The people around you can make or break your trip. Go with friends you trust, who respect your limits and who will stand by you when things take a turn for the worse. Ideally, there should be someone in the group who stays sober and keeps an eye on things: a so-called trip sitter.
3. Choose the right time
Wait until you are well rested, have eaten enough and are well hydrated. Don't start right after you arrive or while setting up your tent. Make sure you are comfortable in the area and have everything taken care of (know how to find a toilet, enough water, sunburn, etc.).
4. Create a safe base of operations
Provide a place to rest: your own tent, a blanket in the shade, a quiet spot on the property. That will be your safe haven when you need to take a break.
👉 Pro tip: Put a recognizable flag or light on your tent. Tripping in a sea of a hundred tents, finding yours can be a challenge.
5. Eat and drink enough!
During a trip, you often feel less need to eat or drink - but your body desperately needs it. Drink plenty of water and occasionally eat a light snack (fruit, nuts, energy bar).
6. Be prepared for emotions
Psychedelics can open up deep layers of your consciousness. This can be wonderful - but also confronting. Try to breathe through the emotion, reminding yourself that it is temporary. "Let go, trust, accept."
7. Provide an aftercare moment
Don't plan a long trip or heavy obligations the day after. Allow yourself time to land, feel after and integrate. If necessary, write down your experience or talk about it with a friend.
1. Combining drugs
Alcohol + psychedelics = often not a good idea. It numbs you, takes you out of the experience and increases the chances of nausea, impulsive behavior or blackouts. Other combinations (such as MDMA and LSD = "candy flipping") are also risky if you have no experience.
2. Overdosing
"A little more to be sure" is rarely a good idea. Start light, feel how it falls, and respect the effects of the drug. Dosing high at a festival, especially if it's crowded, significantly increases the chances of a bad trip.
3. Tripping alone without a plan
It may sound like freedom, but tripping alone in unfamiliar territory is not for beginners. If you do find yourself alone, inform someone from your location and make sure you stay accessible (power bank, phone charged).
4. Ignoring your body
Heat, hunger, thirst, fatigue - these are all signals you should take seriously, even (especially!) during a trip. Your body is your vehicle, take care of it.
✅ Means + proper dosage
✅ Trusted friends/trip sitter
✅ Plenty of water + snacks
✅ Phone charged + power bank
✅ Sunglasses + sun protection
✅ Comfortable clothes + blanket
✅ Knowing where first aid is
✅ Plan B for when things get too intense
Tripping at a festival can be magical - if you do it with awareness and respect. Think of it as an inner journey at an outdoor festival. You open a door to new layers of experience, creativity and connection. But that works best if you also take good care of yourself, know your limits and respect your surroundings.
So: feel the music, breathe the air, dance with the stars and be guided by your heart - but keep both feet on the ground.
Happy tripping and enjoy the summer!
- Team Microvibes