Ravers Speak Out: The 10 Worst Festival Behaviors

A rave is more than just a party. It’s a community built on a shared vibe. At the heart of this community is a simple idea: ¹  PLUR, which stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. This code of conduct, first vocalized by DJ Frankie Bones in the 90s after a fight broke out at his show, is what makes raves feel like a safe space for self-expression.  

But as the scene gets bigger, some behaviors test this code. The most common pet peeves at festivals are almost always actions that go against PLUR. They happen when personal enjoyment comes at the expense of the group. This guide breaks down the top 10 vibe killers, according to the community, and offers better, PLUR-friendly alternatives.

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1. Shoving Through the Crowd

This is the classic offense: using shoulders and elbows to force a path through a dense crowd instead of words. Community feedback is clear. One person on Reddit states the obvious rule: “be mindful of others’ personal space as no one likes being pushed and shoved”. Shoving is an act of aggression in a space dedicated to ² Peace. It’s a violation of Respect and instantly pulls people out of the moment.  ³

The PLUR Alternative:

• Use your words. A simple “excuse me” or “sorry” works wonders.  
• Dance through the crowd. Moving with the music feels like participation, not an intrusion.  
• A gentle tap on the shoulder is also effective if it’s too loud.  

2. Excessive Phone Use and Filming

This is the person experiencing the whole show through a screen. They hold their phone high, often with the brightness maxed out and the flash on. This also includes filming other ravers without permission. The community strongly advises against this, with one user saying, “don’t film people… unless you get their explicit consent“. For some, being filmed can have real-world consequences. Raves are supposed to be a place to let loose without being recorded.  

The PLUR Alternative:

• Be present. Take a few short clips for the memory, then put your phone away.  
• Be discreet. If you record, turn your screen brightness down and never use the flash.  
• Ask for permission before filming or taking photos of other people.  

3. Loud Conversations During a Set

Some groups treat the dance floor like their personal living room, having loud conversations over the music. This forces everyone nearby to listen to their chat instead of the DJ. As one festival-goer put it, “The dance floor is not for conversations” ⁴. Another user was more direct: “Bring your yapping to the back“. Talking loudly is disrespectful to the artist and everyone who came for the music, breaking the sense of Unity.  

The PLUR Alternative:

• Move your conversation. Take any long chats to the bar, a chill-out zone, or the edge of the crowd.  
• Keep it brief. Quick, excited comments about the music are part of the fun. Full conversations are not.  

4. Fan Clacking

This is the loud, sharp “clack” made by snapping a folding fan open and shut, often without any rhythm. The sound is intensely disliked. One person called it a “dagger to my ear drums” while another said, “fan clackers ruin raving in my opinion”. ⁵ The fan is a tool of PLUR when used to cool down fellow dancers. Clacking turns a tool of care into a source of annoying, selfish noise.  

The PLUR Alternative:

• Fan, don’t clack. Use your fan to cool yourself and the people dancing around you. It’s a classic act of kindness in the scene.  

5. Aggressive Group “Trains”

This is when a large group of people hold hands or shoulders and plow through the crowd as one unit. This is a major pet peeve for many. One Redditor said, “if you have a group of 10-20 people and you’re trying to push you’re way to the front, you’re being dicks” ⁶. These trains are disruptive and show a lack of respect for everyone else’s space. They put the group’s convenience above the entire crowd’s experience.  

The PLUR Alternative:

• Find appropriate space. If you have a large group, stick to the sides or back where there’s more room.  
• Split up. Move through the crowd in smaller groups of two or three.
• Use a totem. A totem is a visual marker that helps your group find each other without forming a human chain.  

6. Lack of Spatial Awareness

This is the person who dances with wild, flailing movements, constantly hitting those around them without apologizing. As one user put it, “Lacking spatial awareness is a HUGE issue”. In a crowded space, accidents happen, but a quick “‘I’m so sorry’ goes a looonnnnggg way” ⁷. Your freedom to dance ends where another person’s body begins. Failing to acknowledge when you bump into someone is seen as a major sign of disrespect.  

The PLUR Alternative:

• Be aware of your dance bubble. If you like to make big movements, find an open space.  
• Apologize immediately if you bump into someone. It diffuses tension and shows respect.  
• If you have long hair, consider tying it up to avoid whipping people.  

7. Creepy Behavior and Unwanted Advances

This is the most serious offense. It includes non-consensual touching, groping, and persistent harassment. One person’s directive is blunt: “Don’t grind up against me… I am not at this party to get laid”. This behavior is a direct violation of the entire PLUR ethos. It destroys the feeling of a safe space that is essential to the rave experience.  

The PLUR Alternative:

• Consent is mandatory. Always get clear and enthusiastic consent before any physical contact. The absence of “no” is not a “yes”.  
• Respect boundaries. If someone seems uncomfortable, back off immediately.  
• Be an ally. If you see someone being harassed, check on them. Ask “Are you okay?” or get security. Your help can make a huge difference.  

8. Becoming a Burden from Overindulgence

This is about the person who over-consumes and becomes a problem for their friends or medics. This forces others to stop their night to take care of you. As one guide notes, it is “unfair to their experience to have to spend the rest of the event tending to you because you couldn’t take care of yourself”. This is a failure of personal Responsibility, which is sometimes added to make the acronym PLURR.  ⁸

The PLUR Alternative:

• Know your limits and pace yourself. Festivals are a marathon, not a sprint.  
• Stay hydrated with water and make sure to eat.  
• Use a buddy system. Look out for your friends, and let them look out for you.  

9. The Unfriendly and Cold Attendee

This is the person who acts unfriendly, judgmental, or gives you a dirty look for a simple smile or compliment. This behavior is jarring in a place that’s supposed to be welcoming. One user shared their frustration: “It kills me when I say hi to someone or give them kandi/stickers and they just blankly stare at you like you insulted them…”. This attitude rejects the principles of Love and Unity that hold the community together.  

The PLUR Alternative:

• Be open. A simple smile or a “thank you” is all it takes to keep the good vibes flowing.  
• Engage with the culture. If someone offers you kandi, accept it. If you like an outfit, say so.  

10. Leaving Trash Everywhere

This is the simple act of dropping empty bottles, wrappers, and other trash on the ground. The community feels strongly about this. One person said, ⁹ “trash kills the vibe fast”. Another noted it’s “disrespectful to other people who come in to use the space to dance to be surrounded by your filth”. This behavior violates the “Leave No Trace” principle and shows a lack of respect for the venue, the staff, and fellow attendees.  

The PLUR Alternative:

• Find a trash can. Organizers provide them for a reason.  
• Leave the space cleaner than you found it. This is the golden rule.  
• If you see trash, pick it up. It’s a small act that helps everyone.  

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It’s All About Responsibility

All of these pet peeves come from the same place: a lack of awareness that a festival is a shared space. A great rave is something everyone creates together. This is where the fifth element, Responsibility, comes in, turning PLUR into PLURR.  

Responsibility is the active choice to uphold the values of the community. It means being responsible for your actions, your space, and your impact on others. Good rave etiquette isn’t about following strict rules. It’s about a shared commitment to protecting the vibe so everyone can have an amazing and safe experience.

1. https://www.strikemagazines.com/blog-2-1/plur-understanding-the-rave-about-edm ↩︎
2. https://www.reddit.com/r/aves/comments/11v5fv8/dos_donts_rave_etiquette/ ↩︎
3. https://stagehoppers.com/things-not-to-do-at-a-rave/ ↩︎
4. https://www.dallasobserver.com/opinion/ten-rules-of-the-rave-a-guide-to-underground-dance-party-etiquette-7053757/ ↩︎
5. https://www.reddit.com/r/aves/comments/oqruzh/please_stop_clacking_your_fans/ ↩︎
6. https://www.reddit.com/r/electricdaisycarnival/comments/uwe3rr/rave_trains_lets_be_realistic/ ↩︎
7. https://www.reddit.com/r/aves/comments/11v5fv8/dos_donts_rave_etiquette/ ↩︎
8. https://www.ravejungle.com/2017/03/25/problems-only-ravers-will-understand/ ↩︎
9. https://www.reddit.com/r/LightningInABottle/comments/1kw7rsk/trash/ ↩︎