How to have sex at a festival – your questions answered

Sex in the bedroom: A classic choice. Sex outside the home? Risky but not impossible! You've probably heard plenty stories of steamy car windows and sand in places you wouldn’t expect.

But what about doing it at a festival? Sounds in-tents, right...?

Jokes aside, lots of people have sex at festivals, but not without mishaps! That’s why we gave our community a backstage pass to ask sex expert Christine Rafe their most pressing festival sex questions, from “How to keep it under the radar?” to “How to feel less dirty?”

You’ll find all of Christine’s fantastic advice here. Plus, you’ll discover an exclusive Lovehoney bundle that'll fit perfectly in your backpack and add an extra buzz to your erotic afters.

Let’s face it, getting naughty in your tent right next to the dunny doesn’t sound very sexy. You're spending several days without a warm bed, a hot shower, or a secure Wi-Fi connection (welp).

Plus, with the bright lights and hundreds of people walking around at all times of the day, it can be hard to feel comfortable and ready to get intimate.

Thankfully our sex expert Christine Rafe is on hand to keep you reassured.

Some members of our community enjoy the semi-publicity of sex at festivals. But how do you enjoy sex in a tent if you’re nervous about being noticed?

“Privacy is key, but there’s a few ways you could make this work,” says Christine. It all starts with where you pitch your tent: “Choose a more secluded spot away from high traffic areas, or in an area with natural barriers like trees.”

She also recommends sneaking away during performances you’re not interested in, when other festival goers are more likely to be at the main stages rather than on the campsite.

We can all be a bit loud during sex sometimes. It’s completely normal and it’s bound to happen when you’re in a small space that doesn’t leave you with a lot of wiggle room. But, if you want to be discreet while you or your partner goes deep, there are plenty of options to explore...

What’s the best way to keep it quiet while having sex in a tent?

"Go for positions that minimise noise, such as slow sex,” Christine advises. “Spooning or non-penetrative sex keeps movements minimal, so there are fewer chances of people hearing you pumping away!”

If full on penetrative sex sounds too rustle-y, grab a sex toy like the Lovehoney Silencer, a whisper-quiet, waterproof sex toy. This handy travel companion will add satisfying vibrations to your play, without announcing it to the whole campsite. (You can find it in our Festival Essentials kit!)

Otherwise, try out different positions depending on the space you’ve got.

If you’re in a small tent: “Seated Cowgirl is vertically compact while Missionary is horizontally compact, if you’re in more of a swag.”

If you’re in a fairly big tent: “Anything can work as long as you’ve got some good padding with a mattress or blankets underneath you, especially for kneeling positions like Doggy Style.”

“Playing into the element of secrecy and taboo means it can actually be very arousing to actively stay silent, with breathing and whispers only!” Christine remarks. You can also muffle sounds “by playing your own music or by placing hands or pillows over your mouth (with consent, of course).”

After a long day of dancing, your feet are sore from walking and your throat is hoarse from singing along to your favourite artist. You’re winding down in your tent with your lover and they’re starting to look at you with bedroom eyes... except there’s no bedroom nearby!

What happens next?

How do you make it hot, spontaneous, and fun while surrounded by mud and drunken neighbours?

“It’s about embracing the fun and being spontaneous,” Christine laughs. “Also, acknowledging that there’ll be lots of external distractions so you might find it more difficult to stay present.”

She recommends finding a private moment, even if it’s just a quick escape. “Turn the energy into something playful – flirt, tease, and keep it light,” says Christine. The rowdy neighbours and mud don’t need to be your focus: “It’s about the two of you, feeling connected and finding that spark in the unexpected.”

Keep it carefree and just go for it! “Novelty and variety are a big part of what maintains sexual satisfaction in the long term, so embrace the chaos and use it as a way to try something new together,” Christine advises. “If nothing else, it’ll be a funny story and a way to be grateful for fewer distractions in your non-festival sex life!”

How can you avoid “killing the vibe” when you’re both feeling a little gross from dancing all day?

It’s natural to feel less than fresh after a day of dancing. “Using wipes and a wet towel can make you feel instantly cleaner,” says Christine. “As with any sexual experience, if we can re-orient our focus to pleasure, what we are enjoying and what we want, then we’re less likely to pay attention to our sticky skin and muddy knees. Give yourself permission to use feeling ‘dirty’ to being dirty – sweat can be really sexy!”

What’s the best way to stay cool and avoid that hot, sticky, feeling that’s inevitable in a tent – especially when getting steamy?

“Ventilation is key,” says Christine. Your tent might not have windows, but it should have a ventilation flap somewhere near the top. Open it up for airflow.

“Battery-operated fans are a must-have for keeping the air moving inside,” says Christine. “Staying hydrated also helps prevent that sticky feeling.” You’re drinking alcohol, dancing, and spending a lot of time in the sun. You’ll naturally feel better if you’re taking regular swigs from a refillable water bottle.

What’s the best way to clean up when showers and toilets aren't readily available?

Hygiene is often top of the list when it comes to anxiety around having sex outside the bedroom. With running water in limited supply, keeping your stuff clean can be tricky.

Pack some wipes and hand sanitisers for quick clean-ups between acts. “You can also bring a small, portable shower, such as a solar shower or a pressurised water bag, to rinse off,” says Christine. “Keeping a spare set of clothes and a towel handy is a good idea too.”

“Even using a water bottle with a nozzle for a makeshift rinse will help you feel fresher,” she adds. “And, for those with a vulva, make sure you pee after penetrative sex so you can minimise the chances of a UTI – that would not be fun at a festival.”

But, if you’re not keen on the clean-up after penetrative sex, think about what you can do together that’s a bit less full-body messy. For example, you could just touch each other using your hands or quiet sex toys.

What about after? Lovehoney’s Fresh Sex Toy Wipes are perfect to have on hand for quick and easy toy cleaning – and they can be resealed to last you the whole weekend.

Packing light? The last thing you need to worry about is lugging around a heavy backpack, so pack clothes that are versatile enough to be worn multiple times.

You’ll need a good pair of shoes that aren’t going to cut up your feet after one hour of wear, and plenty of sunscreen to keep your skin protected from the sun. Bringing sex essentials like condoms and lube with you is a must, but is there anything else you might need to make your festivities even better?

Our community says lube, condoms and wipes are their top essentials for sex at festivals – is there anything else you would add?

“Yes! Make sure the lube is water-based if you’re using condoms,” Christine recommends. “A flashlight will be your saviour, and make sure your tent has waterproof flooring so as to avoid wet mud.”

Portable hand sanitiser is a must if you’re going to let anyone touch you; “Just be sure to give it a few minutes to fully soak in and dry, as sanitiser contains alcohol which can sting and irritate.” Ouch.

Whether you’re sleeping with a long-term partner or someone new, being safe during sex is extremely important. As much as they can be a pain to wear and putting one on can sometimes ruin the mood, condoms are one of the best ways to stay protected from pregnancies and STIs.

There are plenty of options out there that aren’t boring either. Lifestyles latex condoms come in a playful mix of colours, flavours, and textures, so you will always be prepared for whatever party awaits you in the tent.

Combining condoms with Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant provides smooth, long-lasting pleasure, plus it comes in a travel-friendly 100ml pump bottle that you can keep right next to your sleeping bag whenever you need it. Both condoms and lube are included in our Festival Sex Essentials bundle, as you’ll see below.

Are there any dual-purpose items that are useful both for camping and enhancing your sexual activities?

“Pillows or cushions can make positions more comfortable, and also serve as supportive sleeping gear,” says Christine. “A blanket or throw works well for comfort and to create a more intimate atmosphere.”

And, as she mentioned before, battery-operated fans can cool you down while you’re getting intimate – as well as your tent when you’re trying to sleep.

You could even enhance your sexy tent time with an inflatable sex pillow... OK sure, it’s not exactly a festival essential, but it can double as comfortable camping equipment!

Being outside your usual environment and surrounded by a lot of gorgeous people makes exploring your sexuality extra exciting at a festival. But you do need to stay safe.

That means advocating for yourself, sticking with people that you trust, and making sure that the sex you’re having is consensual. Not only that; “Using protection like condoms (or dental dams for oral sex) can reduce the risk of STIs,” says Christine.

How do you stay safe when having sex with strangers?

“Consent is the foundation of any sexual activity,” Christine reminds us. That means both you and your sexual partner should feel safe to communicate your boundaries and desires.

“If you’re heading back to your tent with someone you don’t know well, let your friends know where you’re going and with who, and make a plan to check in with them or meet up again shortly,” she recommends.

What if you’re feeling pressure to have sex with someone? Or you said ‘yes’ at first, but then you change your mind? “Express clearly that you’re not interested in starting or continuing,” says Christine. “If anything feels off, or you feel in any way unsafe, stop immediately and find a trusted friend or festival security.”

Can you get the morning-after pill at a festival?

Ideally, you’ll have condoms with you, but what if the condom breaks – or you just got caught up in the moment and don’t use one?

Some festivals have health services or first-aid tents where you may be able to access the morning-after pill. However, it's not always guaranteed.

“It's always a good idea to bring your own supply of emergency contraception if you're sexually active and concerned [about pregnancy],” says Christine. “Condoms are essential for preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs, so always have a few on hand. It's better to be prepared and plan ahead for peace of mind during your time at the festival.”

You’re on holiday and surrounded by happy people, all vibing out to the music you love. Who knows what might happen? Sex at festivals can be super hot and spontaneous. But there are a few travel-sized items that will make the experience even more sexy and safe.

Our Festival Essentials kit is inspired by our lovely community’s questions and sex expert Christine Rafe’s answers. Here's what's included:

• Lovehoney Silencer Whisper Quiet Classic Vibrator 7 Inch. Enjoy deep internal and external stimulation with this ultra quiet yet powerful vibrator.
• Lovehoney Fresh Biodegradable Sex Toy Wipes (25 Pack). Freshen up in no time at all – handy for travelling with toys.
• Lifestyles Party Mix Latex Condoms (10 Pack). Stay safe and party with a playful mix of colours, flavours, and textures.
• Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant 100ml. One of our all-time best-sellers, this long-lasting lube will keep sex smooth and sensual.

Complete with a waterproof and whisper-quiet vibrator, sex toy wipes, condoms, and water-based lube, this handy bundle will keep you covered for all your festival sexcapades.

Ready to explore? There are plenty more sex essentials across the Lovehoney site, so you can stock up before festival season is over. Get fast delivery with discreet packaging – and quality you can depend on.