Don't go without water
This is a given for any activity in Denver – well, life in general. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. The combination of heat, altitude, physical activity, drugs and alcohol can dehydrate you and lead you straight to the medical tent. Be kind to your body.
Don't forget the sunscreen
We can thank the rave gods that the forecast is actually showing highs below 90 degrees; nonetheless, the asphalt surroundings will inevitably cook you alive. In Colorado, we're closer to the sun, so fight it off with a layer of sunscreen so you aren't a lobster on the second day of the festival.
Don't bring glowsticks or a GoPro
This one isn't our rule, but the festival's FAQ page states that no professional recording equipment is allowed, including GoPros. Glowsticks are not allowed, either. We know it's a bummer, but better to be aware of it now than to take these things with you and clog up security lines while you debate the best place to keep your GoPro safe.
Don't forget to charge your phone
Your battery can be zapped before you realize it. You're taking photos of you playing music at a friend's pre-game or snapchatting your outfits while you're getting ready. A couple of strategic phone calls and an Uber ride to Mile High Stadium, and you're at 56 percent before you take your first picture at Global. Consider keeping your phone on low-battery mode once you head to the festival, or bring a supplemental charging battery.
Don't leave once you've entered
Global Dance Festival is adamant that there will be no re-entry to the festival. Once you're in, you're in. Organizers have assured us that there will be plenty of shade and areas with ample seating and water to give you a break from the thumping music and the sun.
Don't sleep on the openers!
You've already paid hundreds of dollars for your ticket, so make the most of it! The lineup is filled with some fantastic openers who have potential to be future headliners. So don't just check out the marquee names. Many of the supporting acts also travel through Denver later on in the year; you never know which artist might be your new favorite and worth catching a few months down the road.
Read on for more things not to do at Global Dance Festival.
Don't hug the rail at Excision and Datsik without expecting to head-bang
Excision b2b with Datsik will likely be the most face-melting sets of the summer. Both acts are bass music and American dubstep pioneers. Getting up close to catch these two will be a challenge. But if you're willing to press ahead, be courteous to those who are enjoying the music in their own expressive ways.
Don't take all of your drugs at once
Rookie mistakes cost games. Don't ruin it for yourself by using drugs without a good strategy. For anything you haven't tried before, take half (or less) of a normal dose; you can always take more later. You can't take less once you've had too much. Be safe and smart when it comes to your substances.
Don't lose your friends
Easier said than done. Phone service can sometimes disappear with large concentrations of people. And if your phone's dead, things can get much more difficult. It's easiest to go in groups to the bathroom or the bar. Also, if you're planning to split up, use physical meeting points and designated times to catch each other later. The likelihood that you can run to the bathroom or grab a beer and then find your friends in the crowd is slim to none.
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Photo by Michael Roberts
Global Dance Festival moving to Mile High Stadium allows the organizers to bring in carnival rides and a Ferris wheel. Most of us will be partaking in fun-enhancing drugs and alcohol. So use your instincts and good judgment before hopping on a ride. Just ate nachos or haven't eaten all day? The Tilt-a-Whirl may not be the best idea, as your lunch on your shirt does not equal a great rave accessory.
Global Dance Festival, July 21-22, Sports Authority Field at Mile High, $179, 720-258-3333.
