Music festival season is upon us! It’s my favorite time of year (yes, it’s better than Christmas) because as someone who loves music, a bunch of bands in one place playing music to thousands of people is my utopia. If I die in a mass of sweaty bodies listening to Mr. Brightside, then at least I will die happy. But with all of these different festivals, it can get pretty confusing as to what to pick, where to go, who has the best lineup, etc. So here is a list of what I think are the top five festivals for this summer, and some tips and tricks to help you when you go to a music festival.

What to Know Beforehand:

1. It’s going to be hot.

You’re going to need sunscreen and lots of it. You’re also going to need water and lots of it. Pack accordingly. I know that at a festival, everybody wants to have a good time. There’s lots of drugs and lots of alcohol. And while that’s all fine and dandy (if that’s the kind of thing that appeals to you), make sure you balance it with some water. No one’s having fun if you’re passed out in the pit.

2. Be Patient

If you’re one of those people who hate heat and crowds then don’t go to a festival. If you’re going to moan and complain the entire time, then don’t go to a festival. Don’t go. Nobody wants to hear you complaining. (This is also goes for other concerts too. If you hate the pit, get out of the pit.) Chances are, you’re not going to have a good seat when you’re seeing a show. That’s okay. Just enjoy the music. Everybody is there to have a good time, don’t be the person to ruin it.

3. BRING BABY WIPES

Yes. Please. You won’t regret it. It’s hot and disgusting and thousands of people using porta potties in one day and you’re eating food and you’ve been sweating for six hours now. You’re going to need baby wipes, okay? Just please trust me on this. Bring baby wipes.

4. Have a map

Know that some of these festivals are huge. Acres and acres. You’re going to need a map. It’s also good to have one so you and your friends have a designated meeting spot in case you get separated. There’s gonna be a lot of people, you have to keep each other safe. So going along with this, always have an eye out for everyone you’re with, have a designated meeting spot, and also make sure you have everyone’s number.

So there’s your very basic star up list of things for your first music festival. This doesn’t cover even half of what you’re going to need to be prepared, but as long as you have some common sense, you’re going to be fine. Now, onto some of the music festivals happening this summer:

1. Bonnaroo

Bonnaroo was my first music festival, so it holds a special lace in my heart. Bonnaroo is located in Manchester, Tennessee and is celebrating its 15th year anniversary this year. Bonnaroo generally hosts about 80,000 people. With over 700 acres of farm, and more than 10 stages of entertainment, nobody gets bored at Bonnaroo. It’s not just a music festival, it’s an arts festival also. It hosts bands, comedians and even a film festival.

2. Bunbury

Bunbury is hosted in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio. Unlike Bonnaroo, there is no campsite offered. Visitors must look elsewhere to camp, or stay in a hotel. Bunbury is one of the smaller festivals, and isn’t a festival I had heard of until last year. (And is also the festival I am trying to go to this summer.) They’ve had big acts the past couple years including Twenty One Pilots, Walk the Moon, and the Black Keys.

3. Hangout Fest

In the Gulf Shores of Alabama, Hang Out Fest kind of exploded. It’s a music festival on the beach. Life cannot get much better. The festival offers many different attractions, a hammock beach, a fair like atmosphere with carnival rides, and even a wedding chapel if the mood strikes. Hang Out Fest is going to be held in May this year, and while there is also no camping on the beach, the festival offers an array of packages where one can book their hotel and shuttle service and also get their tickets.

4. The Governor’s Ball

NYC! Randall’s Island Park is home to the Governor’s Ball music festival, and this year Kanye West is going to be there. So, you know it’s big. The festival is over the course of three days, and offers much more than the big name headliners. There’s also art and games to enjoy when there’s no band you want to see playing. The only thing about the Governor’s Ball is that you’re only admitted in once a day, so make sure you have seen everything you want to see before going back to your room for the night! You don’t want to miss out on any of the fun!

5. Firefly

Firefly is my dream music festival. It’s beautiful and has been on my bucket list for years. It’s in Dover, Delaware and has one of the best lineups this summer. (Mumford and Sons are going to be there! Mumford and Sons!) And like many other music festivals, there’s not just music to be excited about. They have their own version of a silent disco in the woods! (Outside silent disco? Sign me up.) There’s also a hammock campground for those who want to take a break from it all. Like Bonnaroo, this festival offers onsite camping, and that should totally be taken advantage of.

Each of these festivals also offer loads of different food options, and each seem to have onsite drinking tents, of drinking is your thing.

While those are only a few of the different festivals going on this summer (notice how I left out Coachella? That’s because Coachella sucks. You will never convince me otherwise.), I hope this helped you get an idea as to where you want to go this summer. Even though the lineup may seem like the most important part of choosing your music festival, you should also consider: location, ticket price, and time. Unless you’re a millionare, chances are you’re not going to be able to afford tickets, a plane ride, and a hotel room to Lollapalooza (Chicago, and Paul McCartney is headlining!). Just be sensible about it. Chances are, you’re going to have an amazing time no matter where you go. Remember that you’re there to see some good bands, and be with good people.