Raves were my thing- couldn’t think of anything worse than being with people chewing their faces off talking shit to me
If somebody offered me a 140mg pill I’d struggle to say no, I used to be into them that much I had a marquis tester and was a reviewer on pillreports.com
I’m planning on going to some festivals this year. But I will be four years alcohol free (and more years drug free) by then.
I starred going back out there properly after lockdown last year so was pretty comfortable in my sobriety. I did go to a few parties in my first couple of years but nothing too intense. Then there was lockdown, ha.
For me the important thing is having music I LOVE. Being in a big bassy room is basically my idea of a spiritual experience. And dancing is my happy place.
Seeing loads of people chewing their faces off can be a massive buzz kill. Makes me feel really gross about how I must have used to look like. And sometimes actually quite concerned for people.
Also I don’t have the same staying power. But I enjoy it for as long as I enjoy it and then leave.
Like others have said, just cos you’ve spent the money, doesn’t mean you have to go. It’s absolutely a choice. You will save up the money again in no time being sober. There will 100% be more parties if you’re not ready this time.
Only you can decide if its really what you want to do right now. Or if going is basically setting yourself up to have an excuse for a relapse.
You guys have given me so much good advice, even if it is not necessarily what I want to hear. It gives me not only a lot to think about but so many good questions to ask if myself. Instead of being sure that I “had” to go I’m now considering just taking the L. I’ve been to raves sober before but it was just a choice for the night and not necessarily because I was trying to change my life. I’ll come back to this thread at some point to see how this all pans out. Thank you guys truly 
I see you got some really great advice. I just wanted to say.
My husband wants to go to Vegas this year for a MMA fight and just to see the sights. I told him I can’t go. I don’t trust myself at this point to go to a place full of drinking and not drink. I suggested he take his best friend from back home and he completely understood. I think he will have a better time with his BF anyway.
I just wanted to let you know you aren’t alone in choices like this 
I had 8 years sober and after year 3 i used to go to pubs and bars all the time, i must stress that this was with very close friends/family that didnt drink the way i did and sometimes only had one or none whilst out in my company, i would not stay out late and for me the environment in which i chose to go in and the people i chose to go with made it a safe bubble for me. And also it was nice to be able to be designated driver and make sure everyone got home safe
But may i also stress after 8 years i thought i could have just 1 and within a few weeks i was back to like i drank before i ever gave up.
Please be careful and make sure you have a supportive bubble (i am not talking about covid-19 bubbles)
Where if temptation pops up the people in your bubble care and understand it may be time for you to leave and do something else together.
If you check out a group called The Wharf Rats they will be able to hook you up with safe sober dancing space if they are at that event. Look for yellow balloons and a table with people hanging out. Their motto is “You don’t need dope to dance.” I love seeing shows sober! It’s a whole new level! Have fun and have an exit plan and use it, if shit gets squirrely.
Also it is a few months off, so no need to decide yet. Unless your attendance affects your friend… Then a conversation about to see what they think might be helpful?
Also, you could look at this a different way. If you do go, that will still be a choice for that night. Regardless of your general plans for sobriety and life. That’s the whole point of one day at a time right? Not getting lost in the future, taking each day as it comes etc 
Who wouldn’t love a group called The Wharf Rats!! Great share JackStraw (Another name I love!)
That is so cool!
Heck yeah! We sure miss Jerry.
Raves and the jam band scenes are a lot alike. Most scenes now have sober places. For Phish it’s The Phellowship, Wide Spread Panic is The Gateway…etc. Wharf Rats were the OGs though. Music is so powerful. Start a sober crew to roll with. Power in numbers…
That’s for sure. Jerry was one of a kind.
Sorry to derail off a bit…
Did I ever mention I worked in the building where Phish had their headquarters for years? And lived in the same town as Mike? Used to see him jogging. And we always saw the guys at the restaurant downstairs…and of course when they sat in at shows in town (Burlington VT). Fun times.
Back to the original post…let us know what you decide to do @nastymrskitty (great name!). 
My peeps have already given all the good advice. Coming from someone who would go to festivals all summer every summer, I am now only considering going this year because I’m 3+ years sober. I’m comfortable enough where I am that I can put myself in that situation. The only only thing you should be focusing on right now is your sobriety. Protect it with all you got. Life will continue whether or not you go to that rave-I think you know the right move.
How’d it go? Was wondering about it earlier today.
The rave isn’t until May
Woops!
Lol, I shall return