A ZipHealth survey of 1,003 festival attendees from the US and UK found 19% reported sexual encounters at music events. The study examined participants who attended festivals within five years. Most encounters involved known partners: 53% with significant others, 16% with friends, and 16% with ex-partners, while 38% involved strangers. Nearly half of respondents (48%) expressed openness to festival flings, with men showing higher interest at 59% compared to 36% of women. Burning Man led festival hookup rates at 47%, followed by Download at 42% and Coachella at 34%. UK attendees reported 7% higher sexual activity than US counterparts. However, 37% avoided encounters due to STI concerns, and only 22% believed festivals “promoted healthy sexual behavior.” Despite risks, 13% claimed to fall in love at festivals, with 9% starting relationships from festival encounters. (Story URL)
One In Five Music Festivalgoers Report Having Sexual Encounters
Oct 1, 2025 | 8:01 PM