On Sep. 20 and 21, Goldenvoice hosted Portola Music Festival on Pier 80 where festival goers danced, showed off their outfits and connected with one another. Headliner LCD Soundsystem electrified the festival with their hypnotic visual effects and dance-punk tunes. Christina Aguilera had the audience captivated with her hard-hitting dance moves and iconic hits.
Attendee Julie Hausman, who was sporting a holographic bra and denim micro shorts, said, “Portola is the best ever. I feel like they really curate the music. It is like they are five years ahead of other festivals where you will have an artist play Portola and then Outside Lands will have them years later.” This year’s lineup included artists from indie pop duo Magdalena Bay to DJs Peggy Gou and Mau P.
Portola provides a unique musical experience with a waterfront view and stages inside of warehouses. The festival specializes in EDM music making it a typical rave, or “an event featuring DJs and producers performing extended sets in an immersive environment.” At raves, ravers wear eclectic outfits, fun hairstyles and “kandi,” or brightly colored bracelets made of plastic beads, spelling out words, representing the “PLUR” (peace, love, unity and respect) of rave culture. But of course, when one goes to a rave, the No. 1 item to bring is a “rave kit.”
Participants showcased what essentials they keep in their bags, or rave kits, that allow them to be safe while partying. The most important essential highlighted in rave kits was Narcan, provided by End Overdose. “Every festival I get stuff from End Overdose. End Overdose is a great non-profit company that gives you two packs of Narcan every time. Narcan is the most important part of my rave kit. It could literally be weed, and it could have fentanyl in it. You never know,” Kane Wallz said, who carried some in a fanny pack. End Overdose is committed to ending drug-related overdose deaths through education about prevention and response resources.
The rave kit doesn’t just include the items one will need while partying, but begins with preparations in the week leading up to the event. “In the weeks before a rave, I take a lot of vitamins to stay healthy. Vitamins D3, all the amino acids, spirulina and grape seed extract are what I find works the best,” Wallz said.
Taking care of the body was an important part of maintaining longevity throughout the festival. “Water bottles are essential, you have to stay hydrated. Sunscreen, you have got to protect your skin. A protein bar just in case too,” raver Luna Morales said as she dug through her clear, bedazzled backpack. For the day of the festival, Hausman said “have a good hearty salad the day of, lots of water, bring chapstick, gum and mints and something to share with people like the little sprouts you can clip onto your clothing or hats.” Walking around the festival, many participants were sporting their little sprouts (plant clips), indicating that they were a first-time raver, and passing them out in the crowds in between sets. “Sharing something gets people around you, like on the dance floor, going and keeps the vibes right,” Hausman said.
Planning an amazing outfit is a large part of rave and festival culture, with one guest showing off their kit of back-up outfit changes. “I have pearls because you never know when you need pearls. I also have stilettos, also a jacket for when it gets really cold. I have a wig in case you need a wig and a sequined dress,” Morales said, who was decked out in sequins, neon and a lace veil. Bee Salgado had similar essentials. “I always bring water and my debit card, oh and obviously a killer fit. [I] literally have never left my house without these things when I’m going out to party,” Salgado said, as he showed off his Miista boots.
Portola participants were able to have a safer experience because of End Overdose’s efforts to educate ravers on recovery responses and provide them with Narcan and fentanyl test strips. In 2024, End Overdose reached 3.4 million people and distributed 241,257 Narcan doses at over 1,000 events. The non-profit plays a critical role in connecting ravers with essential resources to include in their rave kits.
An estimated 45,000 people attended Portola this year, with record blue skies and a remarkable lineup. Ravers were supported by their essentials during the event so they could focus on dancing under the disco balls and laser lights. Rave kit in hand, Portola attendees stayed safe, hydrated and fashionable while making new friends and lasting memories.
To learn more about drug overdose prevention visit endoverdose.net or @end.overdose on Instagram.
