With the nice weather starting to come around, so do the outdoor music festivals. There are different ones for different types of genres of music, such as Country Fest or Coachella, but my favorite by far is Vans Warped Tour. Founded in 1995 by Kevin Lymnan, Warped Tour started off as an alternative music festival. Since it's establishment in 1995, Warped Tour has branched out in including all different types of genres of music in the festival, ranging from pop-punk, metal-core, and even rap.
Going to an all-day music festival can be stressful at times, so I've made a list of the five most important tips to remember as you're gearing up for the big day.
Tip 1: Make a list of the bands you want to see, and sort of plan out which bands you might want to meet. Most bands usually do meet and greets or small signings throughout the day. If you're taking someone who has never really listened to a band you're planning on seeing, I suggest making a list of songs for them to listen to so they can get familiar with the artist.
Tip 2: Stay hydrated! Start drinking water the day before the concert if possible. It might not seem like such an important tip, but it really is. There's nothing worse than getting ready to go see your favorite band but passing out from dehydration before they come on stage, and having to go to the medical tent. I've been to plenty of Warped Tours, and I've seen numerous people passing out or getting sick from the heat. No fun.
Tip 3: Make sure to bring money. All of the bands on the tour set up their own tents throughout the venue, where they'll have their own merchandise. They can have items ranging from t-shirts, CDs, to sunglasses. Last year, I actually bought a $5 pair of sunglasses from the Set It Off merchandise tent and I still use them to this day.
Tip 4: Make a meeting place with the person you went with, in case you get separated. There's honestly nothing scarier than being separated from your ride home, and your phone being on 1% battery. Yes, it's happened to me. I was terrified. Usually in the middle of the the venue, there's a giant inflatable wall that has the schedule for the bands on it, called the "Warped Wall". It can be seen from all over the venue, so it's a good meeting spot.
Tip 5: Yeah, this is going to be really cliche, but have fun! Don't be afraid of people judging you for liking a certain band, or crying during a certain song, because everyone is there for the same reason: to enjoy the music.If you like to crowdsurf, do it! If you like to go in the mosh pits, have at it! Warped Tour is a unique place, where everyone can be themselves free of judgement. It is truly a place where I feel comfortable every summer, and I can't wait to see what this year has in store.
