The Challenges of Summer Festival Heat
Summer festivals bring masses of fans outdoors for great music and art – but they also bring extreme heat to stages. Sunlight beating down on a stage can turn dark surfaces into griddles. At outdoor events like Warped Tour stops in Arizona, temperatures have hit 46°C (115°F), making stages dangerously hot (www.altpress.com). In one instance, veteran guitarist Carlos Santana even collapsed from heat exhaustion mid-show (www.foxweather.com). In July 2023, rapper 50 Cent postponed an outdoor Phoenix concert because temperatures hit a record 47°C (117°F) (apnews.com) – a wise decision to put safety first. These situations underscore a crucial lesson: festival producers must proactively manage stage conditions to keep performers safe and comfortable in the heat.
Heat-related illness and equipment failures can derail a performance. The combination of high ambient temperature, direct sun, and heavy stage lighting can push on-stage temperatures well above the air temperature. Dark stage floors, metal railings, and gear left baking in the sun can cause burns or malfunctions. Artist comfort is a safety issue – a performer struggling with heat stress can’t deliver their best show, and in worst cases might need medical attention. With climate trends making heatwaves more common, it’s more important than ever for festival teams worldwide to “heat-proof” their stages.
Cover Dark Decks and Shield Metal Surfaces
One of the simplest yet most effective steps is to cover or treat dark stage decks so they absorb less heat. Most stage tops are black for glare reduction, but black materials soak up sunlight and can reach surface temperatures above 60°C on a hot day. Festival organisers have found creative solutions to prevent scorching decks:
– Light-Coloured Coverings: Placing light-coloured or reflective material over the stage floor during soundchecks and downtime can keep it cooler. Some events use white tarps or reflective canvas to cover the performance area until showtime. For example, crews at desert festivals in Nevada have draped white sheets over black stage panels when the stage isn’t in use, significantly reducing heat buildup.
– Heat-Resistant Paint or Coating: If you have your own stage structures, consider using heat-reflective paint on surfaces. A light grey or specially formulated paint can reduce heat absorption without causing distracting reflections.
– Shade Structures: Utilize your stage’s canopy and add side scrims or backdrops to block direct sun. At large festivals like Coachella in California, stages have extensive roofing and side panels – not just for lighting rigs, but to create shade that protects performers from the desert sun. Even smaller events can rig shade cloth on the sun-facing side of a stage to cut down on direct rays. The goal is to keep the deck in shadow as much as possible during peak sun hours.
– Shield Metal Surfaces: Remember that metal ramps, stairs, barricades, and trusses can get dangerously hot to touch. Cover these with heat-resistant cloth or gaffer tape as needed. As a safety measure, some crews lay down carpet on metal steps and put black cloth over any steel surfaces exposed to sun. This prevents artists and crew from burning their hands or slipping on hot, glossy metal. For instance, the production team at Big Day Out (an Australian summer festival) would wrap stage handrails with canvas on sweltering days to protect anyone using them.
Provide Fans, Chilled Towels, and Cooled Green Rooms
Active cooling measures make a world of difference for artist comfort. High-powered fans should be a staple on and around the stage. Placing a couple of industrial fans at the wings can circulate air onto the performers – a lifesaver in stagnant, muggy heat. Some festivals, like Lollapalooza in Chicago, have even used misting fans near the stage to cool the air (taking care to keep water away from electrical gear). Good airflow not only cools the artists’ skin but also disperses some heat from lights and equipment.
Front-of-house engineers often set up large fans directed at the stage, and many artists request “blower” fans on stage in their riders. Accommodating these requests is wise – a fan blowing from stage edge toward an artist can prevent overheating under intense stage lighting. Drummers especially benefit from fans, since they’re exerting themselves behind a kit often in direct sun.
Another proven comfort hack is providing chilled towels and ice on-site. Many veteran festival producers stock coolers full of ice water or ice packs and cotton towels. Before an act goes on, stagehands or runners can place a few small towels in ice water. After a scorching set, a performer can drape a chilled towel on their neck or wrists to quickly bring down body temperature. Festivals in humid tropical climates, like those in Singapore and Indonesia, swear by this trick to help artists recover after performing. In fact, it’s common in Japanese summer festivals for staff to offer iced oshibori (wet hand towels) to performers post-set as a quick cool-down.
Cooled green rooms or backstage areas are essential, especially at all-day summer events. If your festival budget allows, prioritise air conditioning or at least powerful fans in the artist dressing rooms or trailers. Large festivals routinely provide air-conditioned trailers or tents for headliners – at Glastonbury in the UK, for example, even though the climate is milder, headliner compounds often include AC or cooling systems when a heatwave strikes. At smaller festivals or outdoor stages without permanent rooms, create a cooling retreat: a pop-up tent with shade, chairs, and a portable AC unit or misting fan can serve as a green room. Stock it with cold water, sports drinks (for electrolytes), and maybe a bowl of ice and towels. Artists stepping off a hot stage should have a place to immediately cool down their core temperature and rehydrate.
Don’t forget basic hospitality touches that go a long way in heat: provide plenty of cold bottled water (or chilled refillable canteens to align with sustainability goals) and perhaps electrolyte packets or sports drinks. Hydration is a key part of comfort – many festivals, such as Bonnaroo in Tennessee, assign stagehands to bring water to performers mid-set so they don’t overheat. A well-hydrated artist will cope far better with high temperatures.
Shift Soundchecks and Schedules to Avoid Peak Heat
Timing is another powerful tool to combat heat. Mid-afternoon (around 2–4 PM) is often the hottest period of the day – and standing on a sunlit stage at that hour can be brutal. Savvy festival organisers adjust schedules to minimise artists’ exposure during peak heat:
– Early or Late Soundchecks: Whenever possible, schedule soundchecks for early morning or early evening rather than the middle of the day. For example, a festival in Mexico moved its soundchecks to 8 AM when facing a forecast of 38°C (100°F) by afternoon. This meant artists could rehearse in relative coolness and avoid expending energy under a noon sun.
– Staggered Stage Use: If your event has multiple stages, consider not running all of them in the absolute hottest hour. You might stagger set times so that one stage takes a short break during the most intense sun, allowing artists and crew on that stage a respite. For example, the famous Benicàssim Festival in Spain intentionally runs its major sets from late afternoon through the night, essentially pausing during the hottest daytime hours so artists and fans can avoid the brutal midday sun.
– Headline After Dark: Schedule your most heat-sensitive acts (such as legacy bands with older members, or performers known for heavy costumes) into evening slots if at all possible. At the very least, try not to put particularly physically demanding performances under the 3 PM blazing sun. For instance, Slipknot – famous for performing in masks and jumpsuits – are typically scheduled at night at summer metal festivals, not just for dramatic effect but for safety; their crew knows those outfits could cause heat collapse under midday sun. Use similar judgement for any act with strenuous stage antics or elaborate attire.
– Flexible Timing for Safety: Build a little flexibility into your schedule in case extreme heat necessitates delays or extra breaks. If an artist or crew member is showing signs of heat exhaustion, be prepared to pause the show briefly so they can cool off, or slightly shorten non-critical parts of the program. It’s better to have a quick 5-minute unscheduled intermission for water and cooling than to push through and risk a medical emergency on stage.
Communication is vital here. Make sure artists know in advance if soundcheck times are shifted due to heat, and explain that it’s for their benefit. Most will appreciate the consideration. Likewise, keep your stage managers and crews informed about the “heat game plan” – whether that means extra rotating fan breaks or knowing that the schedule could adjust if thermometers soar. By planning ahead for the heat, you’re treating your artists and staff like the valued partners they are, which will be remembered positively.
Encourage Heat-Smart Attire and Footwear
Artists are known for their unique fashion, but as a festival organiser you can gently encourage heat-smart attire to reduce risk. One critical point is footwear: no one should be barefoot on a sun-baked stage. The dark stage surface and metal fixtures can literally cause burns on skin. There have been cases of singers getting blisters from dancing barefoot on hot festival stages. Include a note in the artist advance or welcome packet about stage conditions – for instance: “Stage floor can get extremely hot in direct sun; we recommend closed shoes during daytime sets.” Many performers will heed the warning, or at least they’ll know to expect the heat if they usually perform barefoot and can lay down a rug on stage as a barrier.
As for attire, advise artists to dress for the weather while maintaining their style. Lightweight, breathable fabrics and light colours reflect heat better than heavy, dark costumes. In Australia’s summer festival circuit, artists often swap their usual black leather or denim for lighter outfits – you’ll see rock bands at Splendour in the Grass wearing sleeveless tees or shorts instead of heavy jackets when the temperature spikes above 35°C. It’s worth mentioning success stories: when pop star Taylor Swift played an open-air show in 40°C heat in Rio de Janeiro, her team adjusted her wardrobe slightly to ensure she stayed cool and hydrated, and she still delivered a high-energy set (this was paired with numerous fan misters and water breaks on stage).
If an artist’s image involves costuming that doesn’t mesh with heat (like a mascot suit, helmet, or thick makeup), have a direct conversation via their tour manager. Work out solutions such as using cooling gel packs under costumes or scheduling extra short breaks during the set for them to rehydrate. Some bands have used cooling vests (the kind with ice packs) under their outfits during especially hot festival shows. While you cannot force a dress code on artists, sharing these tips and offering support (like providing the cooling vest, shade, or extra fans) demonstrates professionalism and care.
Take Care of Crew and Equipment Too
While the artists are front and centre, remember that a comfortable stage environment benefits everyone on site. Crew members working under the sun need protection and breaks as well – a staggeringly hot stage deck can hurt a guitar tech or camera operator just as much as a singer. Provide crew with gloves for handling hot equipment (many stagehands carry thin work gloves to grip hot cables or metal cases) and encourage hats and sun-protective clothing for those working long hours in sunlight. Rotate crew duties if possible during peak sun, so no one is stuck for hours on an oven-like platform.
Keep an eye on instruments and electronics, as they are sensitive to extreme heat. Guitar pedals, laptops for DJ sets, and other gear can overheat or malfunction if left in direct sun. Encourage performers to keep instruments in shade until needed – for example, drumsticks can get surprisingly hot if left on an unshaded riser. You might set up a simple guitar stand under an umbrella at the side of the stage, or use reflective covers on amps and keyboards until showtime. These small steps protect the tools that artists need to perform their best.
In terms of risk management, have a plan ready in case heat does cause an incident. Station a medic or first aid responder near the stage during the hottest sets; if an artist shows dizziness or extreme fatigue, they can intervene quickly. As a producer, you should empower your stage manager to call an unscheduled pause if an artist is in distress. It’s also wise to discuss with artist teams beforehand about signals or protocols – for example, if a performer is feeling overheated, they should know they can signal side-stage for assistance or an extra long intro from the band while they take a drink. By normalizing these precautions, you avoid turning heat issues into emergencies.
Key Takeaways
- Keep Stages Shaded and Cool: Whenever possible, cover dark stage decks and use shade (roofing, sidewalls, tarps) to prevent surfaces from turning into frying pans. Cover or tape off any metal parts that the sun hits to avoid burns.
- Invest in Cooling Measures: Place fans blowing toward performers, and supply chilled towels, ice, and ample cold water. Ensure backstage and green room areas are cooled with AC or fans so artists can recover quickly after their set.
- Plan Around the Heat: Avoid scheduling soundchecks or physically demanding performances during peak afternoon heat. Shift activities to cooler morning or evening periods, and be ready to adjust set times if extreme heat threatens health and safety.
- Advise on Attire and Footwear: Warn artists about hot stage conditions and encourage them to wear appropriate shoes and breathable outfits. Preventing direct contact with scorching surfaces (no bare feet!) and reducing heavy clothing can save artists from injuries and heat exhaustion.
- Protect Your People and Gear: Heat management isn’t just for performers – look after your crew with gloves, shade, and breaks, and shield instruments and electronics from the sun. Have medical support on standby and clear protocols so any heat-related issues are caught early and handled safely.
- Prioritize Artist Comfort: A comfortable artist can perform at their best. Taking heat seriously – by providing hospitality and flexibility – shows professionalism and builds trust. Happy, healthy artists lead to better shows and a stronger reputation for your festival.
25th August 2025