Summertime is laden with Instagrams of Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and Coachella. This weekend, I will be losing my festival virginity by getting jiggy to tunes of Lollapalooza. First times are important and require proper research and preparation. So whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned vet, here are a couple tips from my renowned festival consultants – Megan Beanson and Golleen Gollins.

1. The Outfit

Depending on your personality type, you may be able to waltz over to your closet the morning-of and pick “The Outfit” with no difficulty. If you’re like most people though, you’ll need some time to prepare. Choose your angle – will you hop on Brandy Melville’s website and follow the latest trends to a T or will you whip together something unique and equally festival appropriate? The good news here is that pretty much anything goes at a festival. From seasoned vet herself Megan: “Comfort comes first!” and Golleen: “That includes shoes.” I advise you to heed their warnings.

2. Type of Bag and What to Put Inside of It

If you’re outdoorsy and already own a Camelback, these are a great option. Definitely a pricier investment, they are reliable and conveniently give you easy access to water. Just, “don’t rely on a purse to hold all your stuff when your jumping around in a crowd of +1,000 people” says Megan. As far as what goes in the bag,

Glitter
Sunscreen
Money (cash)
Phone
Sunglasses
A map/ schedule
Maybe a protein bar

With these tools in your arsenal, you are sure to last the length of the festival. Don’t forget to put anything important such as your phone and your cash into a plastic baggy in case of rain. And don’t forget…

3. WATER. "Hydration is Happiness"

At any festival there should be huge water stations where you can fill up your Camelback or water bottle for free. Stop by before and after every show you go to. Even if stopping by the portapotty after water bottle number seven seems like a hassle, there is nothing more important in this environment than hydration.

4. Friends and Staying Found

You’re more than likely going with a crew. This crew is super important to your experience and you don’t want to get lost for an extended period of time. You probably won’t have cell service with that many people in one place, so have a meeting point and be prepared to bob and weave through the crowd. That being said, take advantage of the fact that you’re in a concentrated crowd of people that are all excited to be there and just waiting for the person to next to them to say hello. This is your opportunity to become friends with that guy in the funny Hawaiian shirt or the girl handing out glow sticks.

Your first festival can be intimidating, but if you remember that it’s a marathon and not a sprint and that it’ll all flash by in the blink of an eye, you will have a marvelous time with some pretty baller memories to show for it. With all the tips and suggestions that surround festivals, remember that there really are no rules to this thing. Keep your mind open to anything and remember that you’re there to enjoy!