Every "emo" high schooler knows about Warped Tour. It is one of the most popular alternative tours. If you identified of "emo" or alternative in high school, or even if you still do; you either went to Warped or wanted to. While in high school I never had the opportunity to go to Warped; I didn't have a car or a job so I had no way to get there and no money to get a ticket.
The tables have turned this year: I'm going to Vans Warped Tour 2017! (And the repressed 13 yr/o emo inside of me could no be any happier.) So many bands that I used to listen to, and occasionally still do, are going to be there and I absolutely can not wait for the date to come!
Of course, with any concert or festival there are some things that are necessary for survival. Here are some tips and tricks I've pick up from friends, and strangers, over time on how to survive Warped Tour.
1. DON'T WEAR BLACK
I know. Emo aesthetic is black, black, and more black. BAD IDEA for Warped. You're going to be in the hot sun, with little shade, and a lot of people around.
2. Stick to lightweight clothing
Grab a light weight tank top or maybe some loose shorts. If you prefer skin-tight clothing, go for fabric that it light colored and not super thick. That way you won't attract as much sun.
3. Bring something to carry your personal belongings in (wallet, keys, etc.) but make sure it's big enough for merch
So, you're going to see some of you favorite bands but have no intention of buying merch? A likely story. Whether you plan on it or not, you are more than likely leaving that venue with some band merch in your hands. It's best to have a drawstring bag with you. That way you can store merch there, and not have to worry about setting it down somewhere.
4. WEAR SUNSCREEN
I feel like this should be a no-brainer, but for some reason, there is always one stupid person who doesn't wear sunscreen to the show. You're outside. All day. In the blazing sun with no shade. PROTECT YOUR SKIN GOSH DANGIT. DO YOU WANT TO BE A LOBSTER?!
5. Do your best to go with at least one other person, and stay with them
Buddy system is important. Try to grab someone who wants to see the same bands as you, or at least is easy to compromise with. Also, do your best to stay with them the whole time. You do not want to be getting lost at Warped.
6. Drink. Water. You. Dehydrated. Emo.
Seriously. Nothing is more important than this (maybe sunscreen). Water is extremely important to surviving Warped Tour (or ANY festival). You need to stay hydrated. It's hot, you're sweating bullets; if you don't stay hydrated you will pass out. It can be difficult to enjoy a show if you're being rushed to the ER.
7. Be careful in the mosh pit
If you're like me and enjoy the thrill of moshing: remember your size. I am a very* small person, and wouldn't fare well in a very hard pit. You have to be the judge of your situation a figure out if it is safe for you or not.
*Don't call me short.
8. Try not to record EVERYTHING
I know. We live in a digital age where we have to record everything. I understand taking a snap or two.. or 10, but recording the ENTIRE festival is a bit much. You end up watching through your screen, instead of enjoying the moment in person. Personally, the longest thing you should record is your favorite song from that one band you're still obsessed with for some reason (*cough* Falling in Reverse *cough* *cough*).
9. BRING EARPLUGS
If you have any intention of keeping your hearing the majority of your life, seeing a band in the front row or just extremely cautions: bring ear plugs. It is going to be LOUD. If your hearing is something you worried about, bring em. Even if you didn't end up using them at least you had them for a just in case.
10. Don't be afraid to be yourself
Cliche, right? But it's true. So many times people will want to dance or get crazy with their favorite band or their favorite song, but they are so worried about what the people around them will think that they don't. STOP THAT. Have fun! You paid for this show so ENJOY IT.
