SOTA Music Festival

The SOTA Music festival is held on WA Day every year, and hosts some of the states best musical talent. Music festivals are suer fun, but I know I can get quite anxious beforehand.

Here are my best tips for enjoying musical festivals without getting too overwhelmed.

1. Do your homework

Make yourself aware of the festival map. SOTA is a relatively small festival compared to some others, so finding an exit isn't difficult. There is a big main gate for entry and exit that is right at the front of the festival, and at the exit there should me a map of all the food trucks, and most importantly the stage.

SOTA is just one part of the WA Day celebrations, so here is a map of how to get to the festival, including where to park and get dropped off/picked up.

2. Take a break

Like I mentioned before, SOTA is just one part of the WA Day celebrations. There are rides and shows and so much more to see and do. All that plus loud, bright live music can easily get overwhelming.

Always remember that it's ok to take a break. The WA Day celebrations and SOTA are located on the river at Burswood Park, so there are plenty of quiet spots to sit and take a breath while overlooking the beautiful Swan River.

Be sure to take a moment to prepare yourself for the big day ahead but also take a break when you need one and don't over-work your body. You want to have the best day ever, but pushing yourself too far will not make that possible.

Try and find cool spots to hang out with your friends that are nice and quiet. This way, you can still calm down and take a break without having to miss out on fun with your friends.

3. Be with a group of people that you trust.

Being with friends that understand your needs is the best thing in the world. These friends should be accepting of your needs and not get irritated when you rock up with headphones or need to take a few breaks.

Festivals get crowded and its never fun getting lost, so make sure you always know where your friends are, and have a designated meeting point if you seperate.

Being with friends can make the whole day so much more fun, but it can also keep you safe. If you get overstimulated or need to leave, having friends there will help you calm down, and also help you regulate your emotions.

Also, the SOTA festival is free for everyone, but it is licensed so if you are under 18 you will need a parent or guardian who is of legal age.

4. Headphones are always a life saver

I love my noice cancelling headphones. I take them in my bag everywhere I go, and even wear them out to dinner.

You should never be ashamed of wearing your headphones out, especially at music festivals. Even neuro-typicals wear headphones to concerts because it gets too loud. I recon some people might even be jealous that they didn't think to wear noice-cancelling headphones.

Wearing headphones all day can get uncomfortable, and not all parts of the festival are loud and noisy, so remember to bring a bag to put your headphones in. Not only is a bag good for headphones, but it also means you can bring a drink, your fave snacks and a jumper if it gets cold.

5. Bring ID just in case

SOTA is licensed so you may be asked for ID upon entry. Even if it's just a school smartrider, it's worth bringing it just in case.

Having ID is also good incase you get lost or need help. Personally I have a 'Attention, I'm Autistic' card that I got from Autism Spectrum Australia. The card includes my name, contact details and also my emergency contact details, but also tells people that I have autism, and lists some behaviours I might show when I am distressed. I have this card on me all the time in case of emergency, so if I find myself in a situation I can walk up to a police officer, show them my card and they will find me help. I also take this card to events like a football game, so if it gets too overwhelming I just show my friends the card and they take me for a break.

6. HAVE FUN!!!! SOTA is such a fun music festival, and they have the best artists the state has to offer. They also have great food trucks and free rides. Just enjoy yourself and live in the moment!!!