The music festival you've been waiting all year for is finally here. The ticket came in the mail, but you still have a lot to do before the day arises. Here is your step-by-step guide to getting ready for your upcoming music festival.

1. Schedule

You have to make sure you're making the best of your time at the festival. Prioritize your favorite musicians and throw in some time to check out new acts, or swing by the food vendors. Your first trip to a music festival is guaranteed to be overwhelming. One good way to avoid that is to plan, plan, and plan some more. While going with the flow may make sense in theory, the reality of the big event is not so easily strategized. Having a set guideline will help you make sense of the day and leave you feeling relieved.

2. Water and snacks

The day will wear on, and the bright sun will take it's toll. Make sure you bring food and plenty of water to stay hydrated. The last thing you want is your day to be cut short because you passed out or didn't eat enough. Whether it be your own snacks and water or some delicious food from local vendors, make sure you're stocked up on sustenance.

3. Record, but Enjoy

Sure looking back on the day via Snapchats and Instagram posts is fun, but remember to enjoy the moment. Seeing your favorite band live is a rare occurrence and it should be savored in person. All your friends on social media will appreciate you for the lack of posts, and you can live in the moment. A lot is going on at these festivals, and if you're glued to your phone there is a lot you can miss.

4. Invest in a Portable Charger

Spending a day out in a field or a park downtown means using maps, texting your friends and possibly utilizing apps to record or share videos. This means battery wasted and that is the last thing you want. A portable charger is great for preserving battery life and making sure that you stay on top of the day. The chargers aren't much of an investment and depending on how much you're willing to shell out, can last a while.

5. Stick with the group

In addition to planning, it can get pretty crowded. Making sure you hang onto your friends is crucial for your enjoyment of the shows. Spending time with your friends and keeping with the group makes it easier to stay safe at the show and keep your head among the crowd.

After these tips, get your outfit ready, find your flower crown and don't forget the sunscreen. Music festivals are tons of fun but also a place where dangerous situations can arise. Make sure you enjoy the time running free, but follow these tips to stay safe.