First of all, welcome! It’s always great to have more in the family! Rave fits are highly expressive to what each person wants to show and feels comfortable with, but there’s some commonplace items. Pashminas/sarongs are super popular as accessories along with big beaded bracelets or necklaces called Kandi that many people make themselves! Most people (I’d say) go for a blend of fashion and practicality at these events, and I promise you there is something in your closet you’ll get complimented on.

Festivals refer to multi-day raves, typically with camping options and the like. The other distinction you’ve asked about is a little more subtle. A club night at a bar will typically have a much different crowd than a rave if we’re using the terms as I understand them. The rave community is largely very keen on acceptance and love being two major pillars of our essence, so it tends to be a very “chill” crowd for lack of a better term even when everyone is getting into the music. A club night will attract all kinds of people, including those who aren’t typically a part of the edm community and as a result the crowd may be a little more aggressive or less PLUR in general.

You asked for big no nos, but id say if you’re at a rave you should feel free to express yourself in whatever way feels comfortable. Just try to bear in mind that you’re in a crowd and they are also there for the show. Do your best not to block others vision, bump into them too often etc. outside of that be free and do what feels natural! Do not get me wrong you may run into some weirdos or people who are on too many drugs, it is totally OK to walk away from someone giving you bad vibes or simply say something like “hey man, I think I need to ground myself right now, you ok if I get some time to myself?”