At the start of 2024, I made a promise to myself that this would be the year I’d step out of my comfort zone and try a bunch of new things. We all say it, right? “This year, I’ll be more adventurous,” and “This year, I’ll say yes to new experiences.” But how often do we actually follow through?
Well, this time I took myself seriously. I didn’t know exactly what I’d be trying, but I told myself I’d be open to whatever came my way, and apparently, what came my way was a rave.
Yes, you read that right: a rave.
As in, lots of neon lights, thumping bass, people in costumes, and dancing until 2 AM — basically everything I’d never imagined myself doing on a Sunday night (yes, a Sunday night!).
If you know me, you know EDM (electronic dance music) is about as far from my usual playlists as it gets. I’m into a lot of different music: pop, rap, hip-hop, R&B, even country music (shoutout to Morgan Wallen). But EDM? Not exactly my first choice (or my second, or third).
So, how did I end up there? Exactly 3 months ago, on June 30, my friends convinced me to go to my first rave with them. It was Piknic Électronik in Montreal, at the Jean-Drapeau Park, and the lineup featured artists like Dopamyne, Digital Polyglot, DJ Karaba, Poirier, MR. TOURÉ, and techno sensation Sara Landry. I didn’t know what to expect, but I went in with an open mind.
Here’s what I found out.
1. Prepare for a light show
I knew raves were all about flashy visuals, but I wasn’t prepared for just how mesmerizing the lights could be. At Piknic Électronik, the light show was pretty manageable: think colourful lasers and neon here and there, nothing too wild. But I’ve heard that sometimes, especially at bigger raves, the visuals can get really intense. If you’re sensitive to flashing lights or have epilepsy, you might wanna be cautious. But at this event, the fun lights definitely added to the whole experience!
2. Water is your best friend
With all the dancing, sweating, and the sheer number of people packed into the space (and I mean a lot of people), it’s easy to forget to drink water. At Piknic Électronik, they actually let you bring your own refillable bottle, and they’ve got water fountains all around (a complete lifesaver. Especially during summer festivals, where the sun is scorching down on you in those wide-open fields, staying hydrated is super important. So keep that bottle close. Your future rave-self will thank you!
3. The closer you get to the stage, the weirder the outfits
You know how some people go all out dressing up for concerts? Think Taylor Swift fans with all their fun outfits. Well, it turns out raves have their own version of that too. Only the closer you get to the stage, I swear the wilder (or the more creative and, let’s be honest, the more out there) it gets. I saw all sorts of interesting outfits that night: superhero costumes, furry cat suits, and ensembles that looked like they were made from every colour of the rainbow. There were sparkles and glitter everywhere, with people embracing the chance to be as extra as possible. I definitely didn’t get the memo, but I loved soaking in the vibrant energy of it all!
4. It’s not just a giant concert
If you find yourself getting dragged to a rave by your friends (kinda like I did) and end up not vibing with the music, don’t sweat it! Raves like Piknic Électronik often have a ton of other fun activities to enjoy. At Piknic Électronik, you can shoot some hoops, play some volleyball, or even get a free temporary tattoo and some face gems to add a little flair to your look. And if you need a little power nap, there are cozy hammocks waiting for you to relax in. So even if EDM isn’t really your thing, you’ll still find plenty to keep you entertained!
5. There’s plenty of food (and plenty of booze)
At Piknic Électronik, you won’t go hungry. There are lots of food trucks from a bunch of delicious local restaurants. I had a poutine, and a plate of Haitian pork griot and tostones, which were all so good! There’s also a massive selection of alcohol flowing, and they’re served in these gigantic buckets filled with your favourite drinks (definitely a heads-up for the lightweights out there!). Plus, I got to take home my (lilac coloured!) bucket as a souvenir, which now holds my markers on my desk. Just a little downside: the food and drinks can be a bit on the pricey side.
6. You don’t need to find a babysitter
Sure some of the outfits were wild, but I was most surprised to see a bunch of kids (yes, children!) at Piknic Électronik! While many raves have strict age restrictions, this smaller, local event welcomed families and even had activities specifically for kids. So if you’re a parent who wants to enjoy the music without having to worry about finding a babysitter, Piknic Électronik’s play corners are both fun and educational for all our future rave-goers!
7. Ravers have secret handshakes (and this thing called kandi but it’s not edible)
The sense of community at raves is real. It turns out there’s a whole raver culture I had no idea about. I learned that people make these beaded bracelets called kandi (yes, that’s “candy” but with a “k” and an “i”) and then exchange them through these fun, elaborate handshakes called PLUR (peace, love, unity and respect). Raves are all about spreading good vibes, and I loved watching everyone connect in such a unique way. Oh, and I got my very first kandi!
So that was my first rave. Not too bad! While I wasn’t a huge fan of the techno music, I had a really great time with my friends (And loved getting temporary tattoos. Seriously, so fun!).
Oh, and guess what? I’m heading to another rave in November! I don’t wanna reveal too much just yet, but let’s just say he’s this super talented DJ and record producer behind some great remixes from artists like Kid Cudi, Natanael Cano, and BTS (yes, the BTS)!
It seems like stepping out of my comfort zone is leading to more unexpected adventures, and I’m looking forward to what’s next!
The Lilac Blog 
One thought on “I Went Raving as a Non-Raver and Here’s What I Found Out”