Birthday + Okeechobee Festival Recap (And Tips to Surviving a Camping Music Festival)
Hello, hello! Long time no speak.
I’ve been a bit off-the-radar because I’ve been celebrating my birthday with the people I love, and now that my 26th has come and gone I wanted to share a recap of my birthday festivities PLUS some amazing tips and tricks to surviving a camping music festival (especially if you haven’t attended one before, but would like to).
Let’s dive in—
Birthday celebrations in sunny Florida, and wild, wonderful West Virginia
My birthday celebrations kicked off with a brunch party in Philly, and heated up with the Florida sunshine ahead of Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival, which happens usually on mine and my friend Nina’s birthdays every year. This year, we packed up and headed out to Okee on March 3rd (Nina’s birthday!) and partied through until March 6th (my birthday!), and it was magical.
From Tame Impala’s amazing “Slow Rush” inspired set to GRiZ and Megan Thee Stallion’s wild, wild Saturday night shows (to CloZee playing ON my birthday, like whaaaat?!) everything was amazing. Camp was amazing (shoutout to our crew of 8 pals for setting up the most luxe and fun GA camp you’ve ever seen!), the festival was amazing and full of art, music, yoga and good vibes, and I can’t say thank you enough to every random, kind person who screamed “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” at me over the weekend when they saw my sash or stopped to have a chat with me. My heart is seriously so full.
Tips to surviving a camping music festival
This was my 10th or 11th camping festival, so I’m no stranger to it, but every time I learn a little more about being prepared and coming up with “hacks” to keep the experience as fun, functional, and relaxing as possible. My friend Nina is a certified camping festival pro, and here are some tips she and I always utilize when going into a major camping music festival (where you camp for 3-4 days at a time)—
ALWAYS stock up on jugs of water. For drinking, for “bathing” (if the shower lines are super long), and for anything else you’ll need. Just trust me— stay stocked up, and refill them at the water stations each morning.
ALWAYS bring a pop-up. Nina always brings pop-ups to cover our tents, as it gets hot in a tent in Florida beginning at 7 AM.
That said, ALWAYS pack for ANY weather. It may be hot during the day, but cold at night— bring shorts and your cute, festival fits, but bring hoodies, blankets, and other cozy things to keep warm. Also ALWAYS bring ponchos just in case— if it rains, you’ll be glad you did.
Bring LOTS of ice, dry ice if you can find it. Your cooler won’t last long without tons of ice, and dry ice is best. Keep your drinks and perishable items cold and in a shaded spot with lots and lots of ice— just trust me.
Bring as many non-perishable food items and BABY WIPES as you can fit in your luggage. TRUST ME. You’ll be glad you have snacks and a way to wipe some grime off of you after a long day of dancing in the heat— believe me.
All in all, I had the most amazing Okee and incredible birthday. Here’s to 26, being on the other side of my twenties officially, and to a great year ahead.
Cheers!
Xoxo, MM.