How to: Attend a music festival

Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Warped Tour, Coachella – you name it, music festivals are becoming a growing phenomenon across the globe.

Between meeting hundreds – even thousands – of new people, hearing different tastes of unique talent and spending long days basking in the sun, there is always something to take away from these festivals.

Before attending, however, one must be prepared. A musical festival isn’t a typical concert, it is much more than that.

Music festivals require patience, perseverance and a lot of sunscreen. These outdoor summer festivals can get long during the scorching heat wave that comes mid-June to early August. Here are some tips that will help you get through the festival.

1.  Always pack sunscreen in your bag before heading out the door – trust me. You’ll regret it when you’re unable to move your lobster red shoulders the next day.

2.  With over dozens, often even hundreds, of different set times and artists, just accept that you won’t be seeing every band there. It’s impossible. Prioritize a list of your favorite bands to see beforehand, so you can make the most of your time and ticket.

3.  Arrive to the act early, at least the last 10 minutes of the band playing prior, that way you’ll get a good view for the upcoming set. When the previous set ends, bodies will be flowing out, which is the perfect opportunity to get up close to your favorite band.

4.  It’s inevitable with all the bodies that you’ll lose your friends. Wear or carry something that makes you stand out from others and create a meeting spot to go if you get lost. The more specific, the better.

5.  Stay hydrated and pack snacks. It’s easy to get distracted and forget to drink water, let alone eat. However, staying hydrated and nourishing your body is extremely important when under the hot summer sun.