THUMP's Movement Detroit Survival Guide

"Detroit, where the weak are killed and eaten." So read a t-shirt popular in the 80s and 90s around the metro Detroit area. Another one from the time read "I'm so bad, I vacation in Detroit." Everyone knows Detroit is a tough town. That's always been part of the city's appeal.

This weekend marks the city's 15th annual techno festival, Movement. That means tens of thousands of dance music fans will descend upon downtown from all over the country and the world, many for the first time. How can you stay safe in in the tough urban environment when still cutting loose and having a blast? Just follow THUMP's simple Movement Survival tips.

Camera Courtesy

Detroit and it's people are an amazing sight, one that you'll want to capture on camera. And while you can snap away at the impressive, if often abandoned, architecture all you like, be polite when pointing your lens at the city's residents. Most locals are cool with having their photo taken, just ask first.

Weather Warning

Early summer in the Midwest means storms that blow in from seemingly nowhere, douse the earth with a torrent of water, then vanish just as quickly. You're almost guaranteed that one will pass through during Movement. Last year people danced right through the rain, but back in 2001, a hail storm brought the whole weekend to an unceremonious stop two hours early. Just pack a poncho, ok?

Taxi Trials

Detroit has virtually no public transit, and the city's cabs are stretched way beyond capacity on Movement weekend. So don't expect to just snag one outside of Hart Plaza. And if you end up at some far-off, late-night after party, don't be the last one dancing, only to discover you have no way to get back to where you're staying.

Designate A Driver

DUH! And that doesn't just mean the guy who does less Molly than everyone else in the vehicle.

Hedge Your Hearing

This doesn't just go for Movement, since loud music is universal. But Detroiters are really, really into their sound systems. If you plan on spending all day raving at the Underground Stage, you should really wear ear plugs.

Stay Away From Sweetwater Tavern

The wings there are just terrible. OK, actually, do go there. Just don't tell anyone else because the wings are great and we don't want to have to wait longer for a table, ok?