Image via Complex Original
Have you ever done a Google search and poked around at the world of raving sober? You're either going to find (small) organizations that are patting on the back those out there who love dance music but don't particularly drop pills to get their dance on, or you're going to see forums pondering why someone would even put the words "rave" and "sober" together. And we wonder why the media has a field day when a raver OD's. We can't expect the corporate factions to put a good face on the EDM scene, as they're just looking to put some good-faced bills in their pockets. And DAD is not going to tell anyone what they should or shouldn't be doing; we can only point you down a few paths and hope you make solid decisions with what you're putting your body through, and what you're throwing into your earholes.
After saying all of that, however, we do realize that there is a need to rave without drugs. Maybe you're a first-timer who wants to get a proper understanding of what goes down at a rave or festival. Maybe you're allergic to drugs. Maybe you're broke. Maybe you're straight-edge and love EDM. Whatever your maybe may be, there is definitely room to have a shitload of fun at a rave without the use of molly or any other substances... right? Here is a quick guide to some fun activities and diversions you can partake of without dropping a pill.
Practice your dance moves
When you're fucked the fuck up, looking good while dancing is an afterthought. You're trying to feeeel the music, so whatever awkward motions your body is making is what the drug is telling you to make. If you're trying to not look like you're being electrocuted and/or drowning on the dancefloor, it might make sense get your practice on. Raves are full of people going to enjoy themselves, but trust us when we tell you: if you look like some weird bird flailing on the dance floor, we will point and laugh. Find someone who you feel is moving in a manner which you'd like to emulate, and mirror their moves. Or at least take mental notes for at-home practice. And hell, just go out there and groove. This is DANCE music, people.
Hit on something with a pulse
If you're hitting on something cute and breathing at any event with live music then we can guarantee you're having a good time. It's basic birds and bees, my friends: surround yourself with beautiful people that you may or may not have the potential to have sex with and you're attitude on life will immediately skyrocket. And don't pull that whole "but I have a girlfriend" thing with me, Te'O. Everyone knows that catfish is 10,000 miles away and probably the size of a house.
Trade kandi
We might be harsh on kandi kids, but hell, they're just as big a part of rave culture as the DJ. If you're trying to live that PLUR lifestyle, you've probably BEEN a kandi kid at one point. And the easiest way to make friends at a rave is trading a kandi (bracelet) with a complete stranger. It involves touch, human interaction, and fun-loving rave adventure. Hell, you might meet your best friends with a shared embrace to trade beaded trinkets.
Two words: People watching
Raves and festivals can be full of tens of thousands of people, if you're lucky. On molly (or whatever your drug of choice is), they might look like one big mushy blob. Sober? You've got all kinds of curves, textures, shapes, and faces to explore...with your eyes (unless this is TomorrowLand, then you can find that Church and get your freak on). Go see some shit you never saw, like a girl who can properly come to a rave dressed in a mini-tutu and furry boots...with not much else on. Or that guy who has the best t-shirt on EVER. As long as you're not drooling, you should be good.
Trainspotting
No, this has nothing to do with heroin! A term stolen from the acts of train nerds who stand on platforms, trainspotters are those of us that will stand idle, watching a DJ's records (well, Serato), taking notes on tracks that they are playing. These days, with the invention of smartphones, you can actually record your favorite bits to mp4, in the hopes that some random YouTuber will click on this video and will ID these morsels for us. Sober minds will probably remember more than the random assortment of bleeps and bass that the drugged mind will pick up.
See that bar? Pretty sure there's beer behind it
As my dad said to me when he saw me drinking a Vodka soda at a Christmas party when I was roughly 17 - "Ya know, son, there's beer in the garage - you don't have to drink that." Right you are, pops, right you are. The same applies to rave drugs and the bug-eyed, lip-licking, sweat-covered, pre-pubescent manchild next to you: you don't have to "roll fucking face" to have a good time at a show, because God invented beer and beer is good. More importantly, that girl you were talking to earlier is disgusted by drugs an drug users and prefers a man that buys her a stiff drink and keeps his shit together when "omg omg omg omg" the beat drops. Keep that in mind next time you're leaving a show and the only hands rubbing all over your body are yours.
Eat some food
Maybe you can start a blog: the rave gourmet. Hitting every festival and expounding upon the best dishes available. You can have that one; we won't charge. We also won't answer any emails from those of you who might get sick on some mystery meat. But if raves are about new experiences, try to experience some new foods.
Give massages
Are you trying to be a massage therapist? Do you like to (appropriately) touch people you don't know? Massaging ravers might be your calling. Whether its giving some dancer with aching joints (the ones in their body, genius) a rubdown or someone that's rolling face, people like massages at raves. They even sell these massage gloves that might have shorty in the white top with the cute face seeking you out for your "magic fingers."
Explore
At huge festivals, there can be everything from amusement rides and art installations to random lectures and wooded areas. Raves also have vendors, food, and more vendors; why not go exploring, with the plan of learning five new things? You could learn more about the people throwing the party, or how to properly bead a necklace. Get your knowledge up; it can only help.