What do you do at a rave? Full Guide


If you ask yourself that question, it is usually because either you have never been, and you are just being curious, or because you are an easily self-conscious type of person.

What people do or why they go varies from person to person and from rave to rave, but what they do is a combination of dancing, socializing, enjoying music, and making friends.

Find below a more detailed view of what is happening once you get inside!

What do people do at raves?

They dance

Dancing is a huge part of going to a rave.

Whether people are engaging in more traditional dance moves, trying out custom moves, or just letting loose and moving randomly to the music, dancing is always at the center of the raving experience.

By the way, if you are wondering what type of dance you could do, here is a great video that covers a bunch of them.

There is something undeniably intoxicating about being surrounded by hundreds, maybe even thousands, of other people all expressing themselves through music and expressively moving their bodies.

In those moments, you can feel yourself lose all sense of time and space as you get lost in the euphoria of the moment.

Whether you’re dancing solo or sharing a dance with someone else, there is always something special about simply enjoying the moment and letting go through movements.

It is a unique opportunity for them to dance how they want as much as they want, free of any styles or rules.

They enjoy the music and the performance

Raving is also about the music and the performance. The people who go to raves are there to live the music and feel the sound.

They want to experience their favorite artist live, or they are curious and interested to discover new performers and new songs, even new genres sometimes.

One of the best parts of raving is being surrounded by people who love the music as much as you do.

There is nothing like being in a room full of people who are all feeling the same thing. It’s a feeling of community and unity that is unmatched anywhere else.

Raving is about the music, but it’s also about the people. It’s a place where you can be yourself and feel accepted for who you are.

So people who rave are here to enjoy live music and the performance before their own naked eyes.

They stick around with friends

Raving is about much more than simply listening to music and getting pumped up.

For many people, it is also a time to connect with friends and bonding through shared experiences.

Whether it’s discussing the latest trends in electronic music, sharing your excitement over a particularly awesome song, or just those silly inside jokes that only you and your friends understand. Raving provides plenty of opportunities for bonding with those closest to you.

In fact, some might even argue that this aspect of bonding is one of the most important aspects of attending raves. After all, these experiences are rare and fleeting, and they provide a unique opportunity to strengthen friendships while having fun together.

So people are there to make some unforgettable memories and connect with friends.

They make friends

Raving is also about connecting to others through music and dance.

While it can be a deeply personal experience or a friendship moment, it is also an opportunity to meet new people and deepen your relationships with others in the rave community.

Whether you are discovering new sounds or dancing wildly on the dance floor, raving is a way to connect with others in a unique and engaging way.

As anyone who has been to a rave knows, the rave community is one of the most open and welcoming out there. Whether you are coming from a different state or just trying out raving for the first time, you will be warmly welcomed into this friendly and supportive community.

With so many people from all backgrounds coming together at raves, it is one of the easiest places to meet new people and discover new connections.

Whether you are making friends on the dance floor or trading stories over glowsticks, raving is all about engaging with other like-minded souls and building meaningful relationships in unexpected ways.

They go to raves and experience the incredible joy that comes from connecting with others through music and movement!

They move around the different rooms (if the rave is big)

If you do partake in big raves, people like to want to move around to different rooms and styles of music.

It’s always good to know the schedule or the rave, so you don’t miss your favorite artist, but at the same time, people like to wander around and discover new artists and songs.

Let yourself be surprised by the moment and enjoy all the different styles and performances that are happening all around you.

Who knows, you may find your new favorite song or artist in an unexpected place.

People go ahead and explore, knowing that there’s always something new to be discovered during the event.

They partake in glow performance

Uniquely, raves manage to engage people and make them participate in the show. If you have never been to a rave, it is quite a spectacle to see how ready people are to bring the show to another level.

People bring anything that glows, like neon clothing, neon body paint, and glow sticks to be part of the luminous performance.

It is a special moment when the crowd is actually taking part in the show, the crowd becomes the show.

You see people glowing everywhere and shining lights everywhere at the rhythm of the beat. Quite amazing to witness.

Note: this glowy experience does not apply to all raves though, but for the ones that does we really recommend trying it at least once. A great way to see people unite in light and connected through music!

Some get high

Raves are one of the most misunderstood events in our culture today.

People often assume that raves are all about getting high, but this is just a small part of what they are. Raves are actually about community, acceptance, self-expression, and freedom.

For many people, raves are a safe haven where they can be themselves without judgment.

Rave culture is built on the principle of inclusion, and everyone is welcome so obviously even for people getting high XD.

Raves are amazing places where people can come together and feel the love.

The music is incredible, and the people are so friendly and welcoming.

So yes, some people might get high at raves, but that’s not what it’s all about.

Raves are about the music, the dancing, the community, and the positive vibes.

Are you anxious? Here is what you can do!

It is pretty normal to feel nervous, anxious or overwhelmed going to a rave. For some it will be pure excitement, for others, it will be anxiety and for some, it will be both.

Your brain is telling you the same thing over and over, how will be the place, how will be the people there, will I feel at ease, am I going to be safe, is this for me, etc…?

Whether it is because it was your idea or some friends are dragging you along, you might get those thoughts.

Whatever the case, here are our best tips to handle anxiety before and during the rave.

How to prepare for your first rave and what to expect

We have a full guide dedicated to the people going to their first rave that covers a ton of tips including more anxiety tips, if you are interested here is the article.

How to reduce anxiety at raves

Raves can be an incredible and fun experience, but they can also be anxiety triggers.

If you are someone who suffers from anxiety, there are some things you can do to reduce your anxiety at raves.

First, tell your mind that what you are feeling is excitement and not anxiety. This is a positive mindset shift that can help reduce your anxiety. It does work, try it.

Second, stay out of the crowd at the back of the stages. This is often where the most energy is concentrated and can be overwhelming for people with anxiety.

This is why you will be better staying at the back.

Third, know your triggers and reduce them as much as possible. If you are triggered by loud noise, wear earplugs. If you are triggered by bright lights, wear sunglasses. If you are triggered by physical contact, stay in areas where there is more space. If you are triggered by people watching you, wear a mask that covers your face…

Fourth, arrive early, so you can get a good lay of the land.

Knowing where the medical tents, water stations, and bathrooms are will help you feel more comfortable and in control.

Also, spot an area that is quiet and calm at the venue where you could go if you don’t feel secure.

Finally, remember that this feeling will pass. The anxious feelings you are experiencing at a rave will diminish over time as you get more comfortable.

Tips if you’re feeling overwhelmed during the rave

First off, it is important to remember that some type of anxiety often fades once you step inside the venue and start engaging with the vibrant music and energy of the crowd.

Most people feel this tension from the moment they buy their ticket to being in line and finally having that first step into the venue.

Once they are there, their anxiety is gone and only excitement is present.

Second, one of the best things to do if you are feeling overwhelmed during the rave is to go with a trusted friend who understands what you are going through.

Being surrounded by supportive and understanding people can help alleviate stress and make you feel more confident in yourself.

Third, if you are overwhelmed during the event, warn your friend and go with him or her to the quiet place you have spotted earlier to breathe and calm down at your own pace.

Tips for staying safe at raves

There are many tips for staying safe at a rave that can help to ensure that you have an enjoyable and worry-free experience.

The first thing to keep in mind is to stay hydrated. Raves often involve lots of dancing and other activities that can leave you feeling hot and dehydrated.

To prevent dehydration, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the night, and avoid highly caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can make things worse.

Another important tip is to remember to pace yourself. Raves typically last for several hours or even all night long, so it’s essential not to overdo it during the first few hours of your journey.

This means taking breaks when needed and pacing yourself so that you don’t end up tired or exhausted halfway through the event.

To protect yourself from potential hazards like rough surfaces or crowded areas, it’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes with good support and move around carefully in order to avoid slipping or tripping over other people at the rave.

Finally, be sure to always keep a close eye on your belongings and never accept drinks or drugs from strangers – even if they seem harmless.

With these simple tips in mind, you can enjoy a safe and fun night out at your next event.

How to find the right rave for you

Raves can be an incredibly fun and social event to go to.

However, if you are prone to anxiety, there are a few key things you should look for before attending a rave to make sure it will be the right fit for you. 

First, there are small raves and large raves, indoor raves and outdoor raves – find the one that feels the most comfortable for you.

Second, it is important to know that not all raves are the same. The music, the crowd, and the overall atmosphere can vary greatly from one event to the next.

Do some research ahead of time and try to find out as much as you can about the specific rave you are considering attending. This will help you get a better sense of what to expect and whether or not it is likely to trigger your anxiety. 

It is also important to remember that raves can be very crowded and loud. If large crowds make you anxious, then a rave is probably not the right environment for you.

The same goes for if loud noises tend to trigger your anxiety. Raves can also be quite hectic and chaotic, so if that sounds like too much for you, then again, maybe reconsider attending. 

Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule and ultimately only you know what feels safe and comfortable.

The benefits of raving and anxiety

There are a ton of benefits when it comes to raving, if you would like to know what are those, here is a link to an article we wrote about “why people rave”.

And more than that, believe it or not, it also does help with your anxiety.

Many people have found that raving does help with their anxiety as they are welcomed by an amazing welcoming crowd, and it also helps get used to a large group of people.

What actually happens is that they feel anxious going there and once on site they feel how united and kind people can be, and they forget about themselves.

They actually let go and let their mind and body get lost in the rhythm and the aesthetic of it all.

Overall, raving has been shown to have many benefits for people with anxiety, including improving self-esteem and social skills, helping them relax and feel more comfortable in large crowds, and increasing feelings of connection and belonging.

Quick note: we trust you on whether you should go to a rave or not, if you know your anxiety is too severe we do not recommend going. What is sure is that you have to go slowly and with good friends that will not be disappointed if you have to go back home earlier than expected. Know yourself and do not try too hard.

That being said we really know people that say it was indeed beneficial for their anxiety to go to raves, just know yourself, trust yourself and go slow, very slow if necessary.

We hope you have enjoyed our article, and we wish you a great next event!

Rave safe!

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