This guide contains a collection of dos and don’ts to make sure you and everyone you’re raving with has a great time while clubbing. Although it’s based on the Berlin club culture, I’d be happy to see this applied everywhere where people are enjoying music together — be it at a club, festival or concert anywhere in the world.
I’ve spent a significant amount of my lifetime on the dance floor, because that’s simply one of the things in life that gives me the most joy. I was lucky enough to get introduced to the Berlin nightlife, festivals and Burns by great friends and experienced ravers, but often enough I meet people who didn’t get a chance for such an introduction. And although I don’t think that too much of advice is needed for yourself to have fun while clubbing in Berlin, I feel like there certainly are some things to keep in mind in order to make sure your fellow ravers are also having a great time.
So basically this is me wanting others to behave the way I consider appropriate, just so that I can keep on enjoying my time raving as much as possible. But that sounds terribly egocentric, so let’s not put it that way…
Figuring out where to go and how to dress can be challenging. There are quite a few guides available for selecting the right club or what to wear to blend in, but let me quickly add some points: The vibe you’ll experience will greatly vary between different clubs — and even between different events at the same club — so try out as much as you can. You’ll eventually find the scene you’ll enjoy the most. And while you generally should adhere to dress codes (e.g. no streetwear), don’t overthink it. The most important thing is that you’re being comfortable. Feel free to express yourself, your fellow ravers won’t judge. The people that do are not the people whose opinion you should care about. Avoid dressing a certain way just because others are doing it, go with your own style.
Although you should pack as light as possible, make sure to bring essentials that you or others may need. You’ll need cash in most clubs unfortunately, and ATMs in or at clubs often come with deposit fees. Don’t underestimate the importance of ear plugs, preventing hearing damage is reasonable in general and in some locations the sound can be unpleasantly loud. Bringing chewing gum, a lighter (even if you don’t smoke) or tampon and pain killer (even if you’re not going to need it) are easy ways to earn some karma points.
If you’re planning to do drugs: Do proper research about the substances that you consider consuming and also check how they interact with each other. The TripSit wiki is a great resource for that. Don’t try out stuff for the first time in a club you’ve never been to before or without people you trust and don’t push your limits. Remember that set and setting are key for psychedelic experiences. If possible, purchase what you need outside of the club, prepare it for consumption and label it properly. Club toilets are not a great place for doing that! Read about safer use guidelines.
If you’re not planning to do drugs: Awesome, chances are you’ll get into ecstasy just by focusing on the music and visual effects anyway! However, I would still recommend reading up on the effects of common party drugs, since quite a few people around you will be high. It will help you understand why people are behaving in certain ways, and empathy is key for having a great time together.
Most people will be joining the queue between 12 am and 3 am and it can stay crowded until the early morning. I personally never understood that and feel it’s much more comfortable to avoid arriving at the prime time.
Perks of arriving early: You get to skip the super long queues and are less likely to be rejected. I get that, for many people, queueing is part of the experience and I’ve met a fair share of my friends randomly while waiting in line. However, I’d rather spend that time chatting in a chill-out area inside, or dancing on the not yet crowded dance floor. Some clubs also have a reduced entry fee or cheaper drinks before midnight.
Alternatively, arriving in the morning can also be great (given you selected a club that isn’t closing): You’ll also avoid the entry queue, and the people that are still there or arriving with you are the really motivated ones. If you got some sleep during the night before, this will also be easier on your sleep schedule for the next day. Unfortunate timing can have you queuing for the coat check together with people that want to leave though.
Whenever you arrive, please don’t skip the queue unless you know someone who’s already in line. Some people make a sport out of it, but it’s simply annoying for everyone else.
Just like at the entry queue, please don’t push to the front. Know what you want to order before being asked. Have money prepared and don’t start looking for cash after your drinks are ready. Give a tip if everything was alright. Leave the bar counter after you paid. Same applies to the coat check.
Chances are that you’ll spend more time queuing for a bathroom stall than for drinks at the bar. And that’s mainly because they’re being used for taking drugs without needing to worry about the security.
If you’re in need for a place to consume stuff, first check if there are other options. Many clubs provide some conveniently separated small areas, these are there for this exact purpose (not to be confused with dark rooms meant for sexual encounters). The club staff won’t disrupt you there. If only bathrooms are available, make sure to minimise the time you spend in the stall and share it with other people that just need it for the same reason.
If you’re actually in need to relieve yourself with some urgency, it’s not unlikely that people will let you take their place in line if you ask nicely. Look out for groups of people that seam like they’ll not use the toilet for its intended purpose. Remember to check if there’s toilet paper in your stall before you need it, since there often is none.
Let loose and dance like no-one is watching. And smile while you’re at it. Having fun is contagious, your motivation will lift the mood of everyone around you. Similarly, if you’re not currently feeling it, don’t stand still right in front of the DJ looking like you’re forced to be there. Maybe go explore the other areas or grab a drink instead.
Dancing is so much more fun if you’re seeing how others are enjoying the music too. The dance floor is not the place to have smalltalk at, or to call the friend you’re supposed to be with, or to check your connection for the way home. Focus on the music and allow others to do the same.
The single most annoying thing for many ravers are other people using their phones (occasionally challenged by rude wasted people). A few clubs will require you to leave your phone at the coat check, most will cover your cameras. And that’s for a reason. Capturing the experience you’re having using a phone camera will likely be underwhelming and it’s degrading the experience that others are having. If you need to message someone, don’t do so in the middle of the dance floor. Your screen will be blinding and distracting for people around you. You and others will have the best time if you manage to not use your phone at all.
This should go without saying, but just be nice. Respect the personal space of others. If you bump into someone, say sorry. If you spill someones drink, go get a new one. If you find something that someone else lost, return it at the bar or coat check. If you see someone that could use help, offer some or go get the awareness team. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Try finding joy in others having a great time with you, e.g. by doing a random act of kindness to a stranger. Offering water to someone who looks like they might be dehydrated is an always appreciated gesture. Imagine strangers just being friends of friends that you didn’t get introduced to yet. They might actually are!
For some more general guidelines that are worth being aware of, I’d recommend checking out:
If you’ve made it this far, I’m certain you’ll be a great rave companion.
See you on the dance floor!
