Whether you’re a festival veteran or you are going to your first one, it is important to be more than prepared. Here are some tips to get you through the long, fun day.

Drink a lot of water before you go

It important to stay hydrated, and that is before you even get to the festival grounds. Drink a lot of water for a few days before the actual festival to be prepared.

Only bring the essentials

Theft can happen. Also, you will be out all day and don’t want to be carrying a heavy load. Only bring what you need for the day

• Sealed water bottles, but also a refillable water bottle, preferably one you wear on the wrist.
• Bring a packable raincoat or poncho
• Wetwipes and hand sanitizer-The porta potties will run out of toilet paper and hand sanitizer before the end of the night. Avoid these awkward moments by bring your own backup.
• Phone charger-Your battery dies quicker because it is going to be constantly searching for services in the crowded area. Have a portable charger that can at least charge your phone once.
• ID, $20 cash and Debit/Credit Card-Some things are cash only, but you don’t want too much that you lose something you can’t replace.

When buying merchandise, opt for the sweatshirt

You probably aren’t going to wear a t-shirt again; the sizing is weird and sometimes logos don’t integrate well into your wardrobe. You can wear a sweatshirt during the cool night sets, and you’re most likely to wear a sweatshirt to lounge around or keep cozy for quite some time after the festival.

Have paper schedule or screenshot on phone

While most festivals have an app, it will be hard to check during the festival do the the bad service. Screenshot the schedule and have it as your phone background, or carry around the paper schedule

For a big show, head over early

For huge acts, some people will be camping near the stage all day. Head over 30 minutes before for a good view

For the best view, side of stage or back of the crowd are the best places

A lot of people will be front and center, but the side of the stage will be less crowded and you could be relatively close to the stage. Another great view is in the back. You can see the whole stage, the screen and it is less crowded.

Do you have any tips to have a successful festival experience?