5 Ways To Make The Most Of Christian Festivals

Every year many of us pick up a tent, pack a backpack, and head out into the great outdoors for a weekend of music, mildly questionable food choices and (sometimes) mud at our favourite festivals. But whether you’re a regular attendee or a nervous newcomer, heading to a Christian festival can be a wonderful, welcoming place to meet like-minded people. It could even be the perfect spot for a first date! With so much to do at a festival, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. But if you’re prepared, you’ll be able to tailor the experience to one that’s perfect for you. Here are our suggestions for making the best of your time.

To find a great Christian Festival, look online or check if your church or faith community have any plans. Some churches make group trips to big organised events, giving you a readymade group to base yourself with. But, if you find yourself setting out alone, don’t worry! Christian festivals are perfect for meeting new people.

Find a faith-filled community

Imagine this: a weekend surrounded by like-minded people, all there to celebrate, learn, and grow in their faith. Christian festivals aren’t just about the music (though the music is usually amazing!). They’re a place to come together to explore your beliefs, share experiences, and have those deep, meaningful conversations that sometimes get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Pick up a festival guide and take in some talks, look for the prayer or communion tent, and see if there’s anything unexpected happening, such as performing arts events. There might even be some Christian comedy looking at the funny side of faith. Christian festivals are the ideal place to step our of your comfort zone and check out something new to you.

Meet new friends (and old ones!)

Lots of people go to festivals with their friends, but don’t forget that there will be many opportunities to forge new friendships while you’re there! The same is true for those attending alone: solo festival-goers are welcomed, and while you might arrive alone you’ll probably leave with a host of new pals and connections.

If you’re not sure how to strike up a conversation with someone new, try offering to volunteer at the festival: you’ll find you have a whole new family of fellow volunteers on arrival! Look out for other ways to help people, too: assisting with putting up tents, giving directions or sharing a shady spot can get you talking. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find that special someone while debating theology over a cup of fair-trade coffee or dancing to your favourite worship band. The relaxed atmosphere at festivals makes it easy to strike up a conversation.

Don’t lose track of the line-up

From inspiring speakers to talented musicians, the line-up at Christian festivals is always wide-ranging, with something for everyone. You’ll get the chance to hear from thought leaders and change-makers, participate in workshops, and listen to some of the best live music around.
There’s usually a great mix of genres, so whether you’re into gospel, rock, folk, or something off the beaten track, you’re sure to find something that gets your toes tapping.

Make sure to check out the line-up in advance so you can secure a good spot for the performances that most excite you. You’ll be in a crowd of people who love the same thing, so get talking to your neighbours!

You might also find events put on just for single people. Christian Connection has done meet ups at Greenbelt festival for years – in fact, that’s how we first came to exist!

Take a break when you need one

You don’t have to stay ‘plugged in’ for the whole event. Christian festivals are also about nourishment — spiritually, mentally, and emotionally – and sometimes what nourishes you might be taking a walk to explore the nearby area, or finding a quiet spot to settle down with a book.

Don’t be afraid to look for some alone time among the crowds. Christian festivals can offer a chance to unplug from the everyday grind and immerse yourself in something truly special. It’s a time to reflect, renew, and recharge in a beautiful setting, surrounded by people who share your values and passions.

Feed your body and your soul

We couldn’t talk about festivals without mentioning the food that’s often on offer! We’re a world away from the soggy burgers of years past – usually… Most Christian festivals now offer a global buffet of incredible treats to try. Make sure to explore all the options early on so you don’t miss out on something special. And if you find something great, having a smart recommendation is a fantastic conversation starter when you meet new friends.

And yes, there are usually lines for the most popular food stands, but think of a queue as another place to get chatting to someone new. Remember, if you go with an open mind and a smile you can make friends anywhere.

Whether it’s singing along to your favourite song under the stars, having a life-changing conversation, or just enjoying the simple joy of being in the moment, the experiences you’ll have at a Christian festival will stay with you long after it ends. We hope these tips will help you make the most of every moment.